This is the game that got me hooked on RPGs. And to think... it came free with my subscription to Nintendo Power!
This was the first RPG I ever played. Although looking back on it, there was no character customization other than choosing your name, there were no race or class systems in play, there was no real variety in playing styles since armor/weapons/spells were all level based.
BUT this baby kept me playing on and on into the night. I was in middle school then, but during the summer I'd stay up all night playing and sleep all day. After I beat the game, I'd put it away only to find it a few months later and then I'd start from scratch.
I never played any of the sequels, and i have since moved on to MMORPGs and the like, but Dragon Warrior will always be my first.