My history with RPGs goes back to the late 70s/early 80s with tabletop games. Dungeons and Dragons, GURPS, Traveller, Aftermath! and similar games were a lot of fun in highschool/college. When computers started getting more common and popular, it made sense that RPGs would be some of the first games out. After all, they make good use of text (something computers are good at), math (the primary purpose of computers) and they don't necessarily require intense graphics (something early computers were completely terrible at).
The SSI Gold Box games, Eye of the Beholder, Pools of Radiance, Ultima, Wizardry, Might and Magic and other games helped me continue enjoying the hobby after my highschool/college groups went their separate ways after graduation. My first console RPG was the original Dragon Warrior on the NES, but the one that really grabbed me and sucked me in was Dragon Warrior 4. I've spoken my opinion about that game several times on this board, but it really was a revelation at the time. After that, I grabbed almost any RPG I could get my hands on, just to see what other amazing stories they had to tell.
Obviously not every game can be a masterpiece, but RPGs have proven over the years to be the most satisfying blend of gameplay and story for me. Every now and again, we're blessed with an RPG that is truly above and beyond all others. DQXI might not be that game for me, but that's only because it's had some truly amazing competition this generation.