I don't get your problem with Morrowind. You do realize its not a turn-based combat system, right? It's action/RPG -- just a matter of swinging your sword (or casting your spells), bob and weave about, and keep going at it until you or the opponent is dead. Fable has a similar combat style, so you might struggle with that.

Either BG or KOTOR might be best to try. They have no reflex-skills required for combat, and allow you to pause at any time and dictate actions taken by your character. The combat animations are merely acting out the "dice rolls" by the computer, based on your chars stats and equipment. So as long as you direct your char to fight an enemy, you can sit back and watch. The skill in this game system is in how you develop your stats, equip your char, use spells. BG is actually quite tactical in how you deploy your party.

Yeah, Morrowind is kind of a hybrid of turn-based and physical combat. If your skill with a weapon is 50, when you swing that weapon you have about a 50% chance of hitting that enemy. As you build up your skill with a particular weapon type, you land higher percentages of hits. (I'm oversimplifying, since it's affected by your overall stats like agility and the enemy's stats as well.) It's not like a FPS where when you shoot a gun and if the enemy is lined up, the enemy gets hit every time.

What they were going for is a system that kept the turn-based die roll aspect of combat, but made it feel more action-oriented so you weren't just issuing a command and watching it play out.

I didn't understand that at first. I thought it was just bad collision detection or something, but the game really does a calculation as to whether you hit an enemy at all (not just how much damage is done).

Another one you might consider is Jade Empire, which is by Bioware, the maker of Knights of the Old Republic. It's an action-RPG set in sort of a legendary ancient China. It averaged around 9/10 ratings-wise (here's Video Game Talk's gushing review).

I was pretty excited to get Morrowind, but I just couldn't get into it. I tried a couple of times, one seriously, but it just seemed too aimless (speaking as someone whose list of favorite games includes Ultima VII) and the combat absolutely sucked. (I can't stand first-person combat, and the third-person mode was tacked on--poorly.)

I second the notion of trying out KOTOR. Its pretty easy to get into. And you can just focus on the main quest if the rest seems overwhelming. And if you don't like it, don't sweat it, not everyone likes every genre.

I'll second the vote for Fallout and also recommed its sequel, Fallout 2. Easy to learn and moderately challenging to play. Should be able to find copies of the first for around $10.

Have you ever tried reading the manuals?

try Kingdom Hearts II. If you cant figure THAT one out, you'll never figure out an RPG ....Its actually "too" beginner for me to play but does have some RPG eliments for sure

I think Diablo II is much easier than BG and a better game too.

The Kingdom Hearts games are a great recommendation, although they may not be hardcore RPG enough to fit what you're looking for. The Zelda games are an obvious choice, as well.

I'm not much of an RPG gamer, myself, but I'm going to try to get into the genre with Oblivion (I own it, but I've only played about four hours of it,) and Enchanted Arms.

Knights of the Old Republic (KotOR) is pretty good. I generally despise RPGs and it's one of the few (along with The Ocarina of Time) that I managed to play almost to the end.

My favorite series is still Elder Scrolls, having only played Morrowind and Oblivion. It's more of a sandbox-RPG. Sure, you are a chosen one that needs to save the land from certain disaster, but you can also do any number of things (be a vampire, an assassin, a hunter, a herbalist, a thief). After 5 minutes you can break off from the main storyline, never return, and still be satisfied. And until the very last stages of the game, you won't be encountering any difficult puzzles.

For the PC, if you can find it, there's an old Diablo-type game called Darkstone that I loved.

Well, so far I have taken the plunge with Diablo and Baldur's Gate.

So far, I am enjoying Diablo a touch more since it throws you right into the meat of the game. This also means dying a lot as I work out the game's system. Thank goodness for the save function.

Baldur's Gate is pretty but kind of slow starting. But I have a feeling it will ultimately be more rewarding.

Would try Kingdom Hearts but that would require plunking down money for yet another game system, so I'll pass for the moment. BTW, how does the GBA version hold up compared to the PS2 original?? Is it even worth considering?

And amazingly, I just have never had the inclination to play Zelda, though the kids do have a copy of Windwalker. Are they really worth the time, and if so, should I start with the first NES game or start somewhere else in the series?

Regarding KOTOR, I'll consider it but put it on the backburner for now. As it is, its hard being able to squeeze in time on the XBOX, as my kids are always on it. (My 9-year-old is currently obsessed with HL2.)

As for reading the manuals, since I'm cheap, I tend to buy a lot of games used, and most of the time this means no manuals enclosed. Hence, you have to work out the mechanics of the game yourself. I'd probably have made headway with Morrowind if it weren't for this.

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

Oh, one more thing.

Is it just me or does Diablo feel like a slightly more complicated Gauntlet?? Has that same hack and slash feel to it.

Kingdom Hearts : Chain of Memories is a great game, but you do have to have played the first game to appreciate it, IMO.

As for KOTOR, it's out for PC. Don't have to worry about the XBox.

In my opinion, Baldur's Gate 2 was much more interesting than the first one. Techically, I didn't finish either, but got much farther into BG2. BG1, I don't think I got out of the first chapter. It was too slow, and I kept dying.

I'm going to risk getting flamed, but don't even bother thinking about trying Kingdom Hearts. It's a cool looking game, that's probably fun to watch someone else play, but it's SO FRUSTRATING. The camera is constantly searching for the worst angle imaginable, and the combat is just plain wonky. I really really tried to like this, but I just couldn't. I don't understand why all the fanbois wet their pants over this game.

Look up the games on GameFAQs. Although they focus mainly on walkthroughs and cheat codes (more than what you may want), most FAQs start with the controls.

It's on the PC as well (and works quite well in that system).

Well, I think this statement explains much of your problem. You absolutely have to read the manuals for RPGs, since they can feature complicated game controls and character stats which are different from game to game.

final fantasy mystic quest snes
super mario rpg snes
crystalis nes - action type rpg

all are fairly easy and aime at beginners

oops double post sry

Not that he'll play it, but if you were going to recommend this it'd be better to recommend the Game Boy Color version. Has improvements (in terms of gameplay) from the original.

p.s. You can edit your posts and delete them if you double-post.

The Zeldas are all worth it, but I will go to my grave arguing the games are not RPGs. However, the original NES game did set me on the path to look into RPGs.

As others have suggested (I'm a late comer to the thread), action-RPGs are a good start. Diablo I and II or Dungeon Siege I and II on the PC, Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance I and II, Champions of Norrath, X-Men Legends I and II, Fable, etc., on the consoles.

While I would choose games such as Baldur's Gate I and II (PC), Neverwinter Nights, Planescape: Torment or Knights of the Old Republic over an action-RPG, these may not be good starter RPGs. These tend to be more dialogue heavy, rules based, etc.

Japanese style RPGs (Final Fantasies) are a mixed bag. Some people love them, some people hate them. I'm in between. I like some, not others, but hardly ever seek a new one out. My wife adores American-style, D&D RPGs, but hates Japanese style. I have a friend who loves both styles. So, you just need to try a few examples and see how it goes.

If you start with action-RPGs and find you enjoy the character customization, exploring a world/side quests and story, then move up to heavier fare.

The Zelda games are not RPGs, but have to be played anyway - at least try to play the Ocarina of Time, which is considered by some to be the best game ever period. Available on N64 and gamecube.

As for RPGs, definitely no dragon warrior (the first one is really no fun, and the last one (VIII) relies too much on levelling up - if that's not your thing, forget it).

Final Fantasy 1+2 for the GBA is a nice place to start (well, FF1 - I really don't like 2) but 4-6 and Chrono Trigger(originally on the SNES, available on PS1 and others) are all great. Secret of Mana (SNES). Phantasy Star II + IV for the Genesis...

You talked about getting stuck in FF VII(I think) somewhere... it sounded like you missed an exit to a different screen somewhere - you're obviously not in the habit of running around the perimeter, tapping X (or A) in case something's worth examining...