ARPG History

== early history of ARPGs. e.g. 1991 ==
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While 1991 falls a bit early for what we typically consider fully formed ARPGs (Action RPGs), there were definitely titles in the late 80s and early 90s that laid the groundwork for the genre. Here's a look at that early history:
Pre-1991 Influences:
* The Legend of Zelda (1986): This classic title offered a blend of exploration, action combat, and character progression, influencing countless games that followed.
Early ARPG contenders (around 1991):
* Ys I & II (1987/1988): These side-scrolling action RPGs with real-time combat helped pave the way for the genre's mechanics.
* The Secret of Mana (1991): Released in 1991, this game offered a unique action RPG experience with real-time combat and a dynamic party system. While some might argue it leans more towards action-adventure, it blurred the lines and had a significant impact.
Evolving the Genre (post-1991):
* Seiken Densetsu 3 (1995) (aka Trials of Mana in the West): This sequel to Secret of Mana further refined the action RPG formula with a class system and more complex combat.
* Diablo (1996): This isometric action RPG is considered a landmark title, popularizing the loot-based dungeon crawler subgenre of ARPGs.
While 1991 might not be the absolute starting point, it represents a crucial period where games like Secret of Mana were pushing the boundaries of RPGs by incorporating more action-oriented combat. These titles, along with their predecessors, laid the groundwork for the explosion of ARPGs that came later in the decade.1111 
----ARPG; Video Game History
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