2005-12-04 (updated 2013-10-06)
Elite was released in 1984, with excellent, smooth wireframe graphics. Basically, the player began as captain of a spaceship. A crappy spaceship. By working by fair means or foul, by trade, negotiation, or fighting, the player progressed up until his/her spaceship was 'Elite'. Perhaps the only game ever to have the perfect mix of action, RPG, combat and strategy.