The Drunken Lizard Pub

http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4 ... php?page=1

Another article discussing influential rpg video games (10 western computer ones and 10 japanese console ones). This one focuses on design elements that make them different, and their heritage to D&D. Interesting read.

I do reccomend Shiren the Wanderer as a great pick up and play roguelike for ds. I play it on the bus all the time. It is much more user-friendly than nethack, although I still can't beat it.

Pretty much the only game I would add would be Phantasie III, solely for the fact that it is one of two games I have ever played that your characters could lose limbs or their head in combat. I originally planned to replicate that effect, but it doesn't work as well with an isometric system, REALLY doesn't work well with a single-character mode, and requires making a heck-load of sprites if the characters are represented with anything other than portraits.