So, I'm looking to play one of those old school style first person RPGs like Wizardy, Might and Magic etc. Currently the only one of that type that I own is Legend of Grimrock, but I want to play something a bit older first so I can better appreciate the advancements of the genre over time. I'm kinda weird like that sometimes, always want to play the original before the sequel and such.


Now, difficulty is not really a problem. I have plenty of experience with RPGs on both the Western and Japanese front, new and old alike. Typically I prefer a good story and exploration over combat focused gameplay. But of course I can appreciate a good combat system when I see one. Also a big thing for me is a visually impressive setting. I'm not talking about graphical quality here. But the layout of the levels, the size of them, the art style, the variety of settings, and a suitable "alive" feeling world (And I'm a sucker for pre-rendered backgrounds).

Now, some games I have my eye on are might and Magic 7 8 and 9, Wizardy 8, Lands of Lore 1 + 2, and the Ishar Compilation. Feel free to suggest a game I didn't mention here if you think you know of something that better fits my tastes than any of those, I very well could have missed something. Otherwise, which of those 6 potential purchases do you think is the best deal for me?

Wizardry 8!!!

It gets boring but I'd go for NWN. The settings are both big and beautiful. Actually I'd go NWN2 but you said you prefer to go in order.

OOPS you said first person, sorry!
Well then Morrowind hands down, unfortunately it isn't here.

Wiz 8 is the only one on your list I have played, that's a pretty good game, I played LoL 3 back in the day and liked it, but I tried it recently and found the controls cumbersome.

I vote for Lands of Lore 1+2 or Anvil of Dawn.

Eye Of The Beholder series, if you can find them.

I can offer a link for those if the OP wants to try them.

Don't let M&M6 get away from you.

M&M2 is an old favorite of mine, too.

Legend of Grimrock is very different than those games. Different types of puzzles, different combat, different just about everything. And all are really good.

I would recommend another one: Warriors of the Eternal Sun for Sega Genesis. That's a great game with a combo feel of Grimrock and TB RPG in the overworld.

Grimrock descends pretty directly from Dungeon Master, which is an excellent (superior, I'd say) game. There is at least one solid remake of Dungeon Master available. It is excellent for puzzle solving and tricky maps, but the setting does not vary much visually. I'd guess that the two Ultima Underworlds fit your living world craving a bit better. If they prove too old for you, try Arx Fatalis. I really fell into Arx, as I found the setting utterly convincing. It was a pleasure to explore. It is heavily marred by the very clumsy and unfinished 25%, but it is still well worth a visit!

Ultima Underworld 1+2, both here on gog.

Skyrim? :) It will certainly be on sale in the winter.

I know you want something different, but you really can't go wrong with M&M6, IMO.

Finding boxed copies of collections containing the three Eye of the Beholder games is neither hard nor expensive. Expect to pay somewhere in the region of $10-20 for such a thing (depending on what other games you get). Might & Magic 4-5 are also worth playing, and in my opinion actually better than the later entires. 9 can safely be skipped.
Also, if you want something story driven, make sure to give Ultima 7 a try. It has an amazing setting and a good story, with good writing. Ultima Underworld 1 & 2 are also worth your time. Ishar did not really suck me in (only played the first one though). You should also try all the Infinity engine games, Fallout 1-2, System Shock 2, Anachronox, Vampire The Masquerade: Redemption (it has its flaws, but it also does a lot of things right, and if you are familiar with the setting, you'll appreciate it even more), Silver (not really a CRPG, but it has beautiful pre-rendered backgrounds!) & Realms of Arkania 1-3 (I found 3 to be the best).

Personally I had a lot of fun with Stonekeep years ago, not played it since I've had it on GOG though
And for an Elder Scrolls that's dungeon based rather than open world-ey I'll mention Battlespire!