Text RPGs evolved from text adventures, and including some titles still played today, such as Nethack and the various [MUD-like things]?. Among the first computer was Akalabeth? (1978), which gave rise to the well-known Ultima series. RPGs appeared on consoles somewhat later, starting with the NES titles [Dragon Quest]? (1986) and Final Fantasy (1987). The latter, made by Square, is still one of the most prevalent titles today.
Fairly recently more and more multiplayer RPGs have appeared. For instance, Diablo features a system by which different players can enter the same world and cooperate against the enemies, trade equipment, or should they wish, kill one another. Massively multiplayer games, huge open-ended worlds with hundreds of interacting characters, have also appeared, pioneered by systems like [Ultima online]? and Everquest?.
Probably the most important title in recent years is Pokemon, a fairly simplistic game whose main innovation was the replacement of the party by creatures that can be captured, collected, and trained. Its success is unqualified, leading to a huge industry with many spin-off products, including other games, cartoons, and endless merchandise.
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