re: First video game that blew your mind

Everquest 2 for me.

I thought it was just another RPG but it looked cool on the box label, except for "must be online" stuff.

Started it up and Holy Smokes! What's with mobs being linked? And these multiple difficulties with up and down arrows ... and they call out for other mobs in listening range to come too!

The crafting system was bonkers back then too within 30 days of release. All the multi disciplines required just to make a simple knife ... is it a temper or a wash now? The smith made the blank, but a woodworker makes the handle needing a tailor to make the leather. Oh, it's the alchemist makes the temper/wash.

But rounding the top of the hill in Thundering Steppes and seeing the Epic Elemental soap bubble mob