Time to opine:
1)
Planescape Torment
The epitome of everything RPGs should be about. Plenty of stats to keep all but the most die-hard happy, but they're only a means to an end: shaping something unprecendented - an original fantasy setting (and an epic story).
2)
Panzer Dragoon Saga
(Freudian slip... I started writing Planescape Torment again here
)
Linear as any console RPG, but with beautiful graphics that have barely aged, audio that hasn't at all and recognisably human characters. It all comes together as something unprecedented - an original fantas... rats.
3)
Fallout 2
(to my shame I still haven't played the original)
When I picked up an intruiging looking, highly customisable post-apocalyptic RPG, I wasn't exactly expecting the second funniest game I've ever played (after Monkey Island, of course!). Not exactly a comedy, but some hilarious set pieces. And the generally ugly graphics come to life when (in non-European versions) you stick a frighteningly large minigun against a wee kiddy's torso and gleefully pull the trigger.
4)
System Shock 2
I originally played this in company, during the daytime, with the curtains open. My friend still only has to say 'rrrraaaghhhhkkiilllllllMEEEEEEEE' (you'd be surprised how often it comes up in conversation) to make me shriek and dive behind the curtains.
5)
Skies of Arcadia
Normally I have little time for console RPGs, and the gameplay in this isn't really groundbreaking. But the two most beautiful (family friendly) sights in this world are the Scottish Highlands and Arcadia. Particularly when mile-high robots rampage across its pretty little continents.
6)
Planet's Edge
A long, and relatively unusual 80s sci-fi RPG, with a plot unlike any I've seen. The earth suddenly disappears, and as humanity's first interstellar travellers, you have to find out how and why... while the Moonbase can still support what's left of humanity.
7)
Ultima Online
Are people deliberately avoiding MMOs? This is still the most gratifying one for me, anyway. An excess of PKs made life for even the most developed player demanding - and very interesting.
9)
Story of Thor
Another hybrid - a beat-em-up/adventure/RPG that predated Shenmue by several years, and didn't require you to stand in a carpark hitting the same button combination over and again. Bizarrely for such a visceral genre, it also had an involving story, with an unexpected twist in the tale.
10)
Anachronox
Some of the best persistent voice acting (as opposed to Planescape's equally brilliant clips) I've heard in a game. Dry, ironic, post-modern. Everything no RPG will ever be again.
Dishonourable mentions to:
1) Baldur's Gate II
What does everyone see in this? The characters have all the depth of a popcorn movie, without the sex appeal. The sprites (and backgrounds) are drab and mostly generic, the plot is 'character with unrealised destiny defeats powerful wizard and saves the world.' Combat is impossibly fiddly - your characters pose more danger to you than the enemy. And the jokes could've come from a box of Christmas crackers.
2) Shenmue
'I am a mighty warrior, who's just defeated 10 of your fellow henchmen, and I wish to progress beyond this door.
'I'm sorry.
'You can't go in.'
'I see...
'I'll go and beat up a carpark for 3 hours, then.'
