In my opinion, MM6 is not nearly as outdated as Ultima Underworld. Besides, I can (almost) guarantee you that as soon as you start playing, you will be so absorbed by the game, that you will not notice the graphics. Seriously, they're not that bad.

But if you still want something more modern, try MM7-8.

Good luck!

The games in this genre are more different than they might seem at first look! I'm no expert, but I suppose Dungeon Master (not on GOG I think) is the game that is most like Legend of Grimrock (exploration of a single dungeon, real time party combat, puzzles but not much of a plot and no character interaction).

The Might & Magic games, at least from 4 or maybe 3 onwards, offer a lot of exploration both in nature and in cities. The battles are turn based. Probably a good introduction to the genre for many people as the player is immersed in a huge world instead of trapped inside a maze-like dungeon. Speaking of mazes, the game also has an auto map.

Ishar has real time combat but is not that difficult, at least not combat-wise. It does have some ways of making the game unwinnable that the player might fail to notice, though. A lot of time is spent exploring the great wide open nature and the pre-rendered backgrounds are really nice looking, even in EGA.

Betrayal at Krondor could be the most story focused game in the genre, if it counts (while exploring is in first person fights are in third person to allow tactical positioning of the party members).

Realms of Arkania also jump to third person in combat, at least the third game in the series does. These games are famous and infamous for their survival elements. I guess you'll either love or hate the games and that largely depends on what you think of hazards like freezing to death from improper clothing, succumbing to disease from mistreated wounds (or a flu caught from said improper clothing), etc, etc.

Wizardy 8 also counts as one of the great classics of the genre, but I've never played it. Seems to be a game of exploration where you can choose between real time and turn based combat (this is true for Might & Magic games from 6 onwards too, by the way).

Ultima Underworld and the Eldar Scrolls series are pioneers when it comes to single character first person RPG's, and they also pioneered scrolling, smooth movement rather than tile steps.

ooooooh try Stonekeep, Stonekeep, Stonekeep! my most favourite old dungeon game ever!

The easiest solution would be an official link to a GOG offer from Eye of the Beholder, don't you think too? :p

Play Dragon Age 2.

Then Play Planescape Torment

Then write a 5000 word essay on the decline of RPG's over the last 10-12 years

Okay, I think I've decided. Gonna get Lands of Lore 1 + 2, then gonna yolo dive in and buy the Might and Magic bundle, all the games from 1 to 9.

Hope nobody blames me though if I skip M&M 1 2 and 3. And maybe 4 and 5 also, lol.

if you could only get one game, betrayal at krondor would be my suggestion, if you enjoy epic fantasy. it's like playing a novel.

among those you suggested:

lands of lore 1 is most like grimrock, it has the same "combat mambo" type of gameplay like eye of the beholder, anvil of dawn etc. it is also the most "pretty" of the games you mentioned, with the classic westwood studios animation style.

skip lands of lore 2, it did not age well with the move to 3d and looks terrible today.

skip ishar, it was mediocre.

wiz 8 is a very good experience, well worth playing.

if you are considering the late might and magics, I'd say skip them and go for the middle ones instead (clouds + dark side) which are more fun and memorable.

Uh...when "all the enemies only move and attack when the player does" it's real time. Turn based is when the sides, or individual characters/units, have to wait their turn to move, IOW only one unit moves at a time.
So LoL and LoG are definitely real time.

If you wanna go waaay back, pick up the Bard's Tale compilation here on gOg. It includes the originals, the first of which I was playing on an Apple ][e back in '86 or '87. Go any farther back and you're talking stuff like Akalabeth.

I will say it again...Ultima Underworld 1 + 2... I mean what could you compared them to? System Shock? Arx Fatalis? Elder scroll -series? Deus Ex? ...alot of great games start to suddenly pop up.

Anyways, UO was well ahead its time and i still dont think there's a game that is clearly superior to it. Elder scrolls fans may argue ofcourse ;)

I would add Divine Divinity and Divinity 2 to the list.

If you enjoy games with tons of side quests then you have come to the right place. Both games can easily take 60 hours a piece or longer if you search every nook and cranny.

I'd get the M&M 1-6 bundle before buying 7-9. Then try out M&M 4 and M&M 6 and see which style is more fun to you. If you find something to like in M&M 6, you can get the sequels, too. It's kind of hard for others to say how you will like them, as it all comes down to personal preferences. Personally, I like the grid-based and colorful VGA style of 3-5 better than the free movement and early 3D graphics of 6+. As someone who's generally more interested in story and exploration than long tactical combats, I haven't played through any of them though, as I found them to be a real grind, especially M&M 6. Addicting, but a terrible time sink with too few rewards.

Seeing as its on sale (I've seen it cheaper though) at Gamersgate and with BG2 EE coming out next month, Baldurs Gate 1 Enhanced Edition would be a pretty cool buy, it features two new (very good) party characters as well.

http://www.gamersgate.com/DD-BGEE/baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition

Its one of the Beat the Average games in the latest Humble Bundle too now!
(AFAIK Bard's Tale always comes with the Apple ][ original trilogy, launched from in game)