The Bard's Tale 
It started way back in history, around 1984, when the first Bard's Tale was released. It was not a game I was familiar with at the time, but they made a sequel, and then a third installment. The third installment, Thief of Fate is the only one I'd ever heard of, but I'd never played it. However, given 15 years and a boatload of computer evolution and you have what looks to be a kick ass update on a classic. The Bard's Tale is coming out for PS2, PC, and XBOX sometime this fall. Complete with the "Snarkom" conversation system it lets the player choose the tone of the Bard's interactions between 'snarky' or 'nice'. Offend someone and you'll have to live with the consequences. It won best PS2 RPG at E3 this year and the lead character is voiced by Cary Elwes (aka Wesley from The Princess Bride and Robin Hood from Robin Hood: Men in Tights). Stay tuned as I find out more and look forward to a full review when it's released. Read an update at WorthPlaying.