There are a lot of video games out there and in this era of mobile and home-based gaming, the choices have never been more significant. So how do you cut through the noise and find the “Best of” for any chosen topic?
Well, we’re here to help celebrate and shine a spotlight on some of the latest, greatest, and unforgettable games through the years.
For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best video games, we’d like to highlight the best RPGs of all time. From Skyrim to Diablo, you have a lot of games to whet your appetite.
Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favorites, feel free to comment below!
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is considered one of the RPGs of all time and for many reasons. For instance, it offers players an expansive open world with incredible depth and detail. Skyrim is vast, diverse, and filled with countless quests, locations, and characters for you to meet. Players can explore Skyrim at their own pace, which is a huge plus in many’s eyes.
Whether you want to spend time interacting with NPCs or conquering difficult dungeons, is all up to you. Moreover, the game has incredible character customization features and a fabulous progression system. You have the chance to create the character of your wildest dreams and can tailor your character’s skills and playstyle by leveling up and investing in different parks.
In addition to having a story that tackles themes like honor and destiny, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim rightfully earned its place among other incredible RPGs.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a fantastic RPG with a gripping plot, complex cast, and fabulous gameplay. Its world is vast, richly detailed, and visually stunning. Whether you’re exploring the bustling city of Novigrad or navigating swamps of mystical environments, you’ll be constantly enamored by the level of polish that CD Projekt Red put into this game’s craft.
However, the game’s mature and nuanced storytelling shouldn’t go unnoticed. Its protagonist, Geralt of Rivia, is a morally grey and complex character who traverses a world filled with racial tensions, political depth, and personal vendettas. The storyline will draw players into a web of exciting missions, intriguing relationships, and unexpected twists.
Lastly, the game’s mechanics are delightful and fun to toy with. Players can customize Geralt’s abilities, weapons, and armor as they progress through the game. The game’s robust alchemy system is equally as good and the dynamic weather cycle adds more exciting aspects to the game too.
Overall, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is brimming with enough depth and content to keep you occupied.
Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 2 is considered to be the best entry in the Mass Effect series. This game’s set in a futuristic universe, where players step into the shoes of Commander Shepard. He must assemble a diverse team of talented individuals to combat a threat that could spell the end of humanity.
The narrative expertly weaves themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the players’ s consequences together. It all culminates in an emotionally charged and unforgettable journey that won’t disappoint you. However, Mass Effect 2’s gameplay is fun and innovative. The game presents players with exciting third-person shooter gameplay. All of Shepard’s team members have unique abilities, playstyles, and questlines that fans will adore.
In addition to having intricate skill trees and weapon customization options, Mass Effect 2 is a profound RPG everyone needs to play.
Fallout: New Vegas
Fallout: New Vegas is a fantastic entry in the Fallout series. It offers a rich world teeming with detail and offers players a plethora of choices. It takes place in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, where players navigate the treacherous Mojave Desert. In this area, you’ll encounter various factions, settlements, and strange, well-rounded characters.
Moreover, the game’s branching narratives allow players to align themselves with different factions. Each faction has a different set of goals, traits, and ideologies that set them apart from each other. The choices you make in the game will impact your character’s journey and each story’s overall arc significantly.
The gameplay itself is enjoyable and alluring. You’ll spend your time stumbling upon hidden treasure and engaging in thrilling combat encounters. The game’s first and third-person options allow players to experience its scenarios from different perspectives. This gives them more ways to craft a journey that’s different from others, making matters feel more personal.
On top of having a variety of weapons to choose from, Fallout: New Vegas is a fantastic game that boasts hours of entertainment.
Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn
Baldur’s Gate has been in the headlines (as of this writing). This is due to the third entry’s enormous amount of content and excellent development team who aimed to give its fanbase the time of their lives. Before the third game was released, many considered the second game to be equally entertaining to play.
This game has players embark on a journey filled with intrigue, epic quests, and unforgettable encounters. The game’s extensive dialogue allows players to engage in meaningful conversations with various NPCs, further immersing them in the world and providing opportunities for role-playing and character development.
On top of giving players fun side quests, a narrative filled with twists and turns, and an excellent “real-time with pause” combat system, Baldur’s Gate II Shadows of Amn is worth playing.
Planetscape: Torment
Planetscape: Torment is a fabulous isometric RPG with a story that explores deep philosophical themes and challenges the RPG conventions established in older titles. The game’s protagonist, the Nameless One, is an immortal amnesiac searching for answers about his past. Through his eyes, players will immerse themselves in a world unlike any other, where beliefs shape reality.
One of the game’s core strengths lies in its thought-provoking storytelling. The game’s writing is well-crafted, filled with deep dialogue that’ll challenge players’ assumptions. The experience-based leveling system also provides unique gameplay mechanics, where learning lessons is more important than gaining traditional combat experience.
With its engaging characters and charming RPG elements, Planetscape: Torment is an RPG worth adding to your wishlist.
Divinity: Original Sin 2
Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a great RPG with vibrant characters, rich lore, and an immersive setting. The game’s open-world exploration encourages players to venture off the beaten path. Through this method, players will uncover hidden secrets and quests, offering them a sense of discovery and adventure.
Furthermore, Original Sin 2’s innovative combat system will keep players engaged. Its turn-based combat allows players to strategize, resulting in many joyous environmental and elemental interactions. Matters involving creating rain and electrifying water puzzles, make the battles feel more dynamic. The game’s branching storylines, emphasis on player choice, and complex characters add more depth and intrigue to Original Sin 2’s experience.
With that in mind, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a fantastic game that’s sure to keep you invested for years to come.
Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium is a fantastic RPG that immerses players in a meticulously crafted world filled with deep storytelling, complex characters, and innovative game mechanics. Players take on the role of a troubled detective who must unravel his city’s multiple mysteries. The game contains well-written scenarios that are heightened by the character’s dialogue and diverse ideologies.
It explores a range of themes from existentialism to addiction, making everything feel intellectually invigorating. The gameplay does away with common combat mechanics in favor of focusing more on skill checks and dialogue-driven interactions. Disco Elysium’s decision to opt for this formula allows players to experience different paths based on the character’s strengths and weaknesses.
With its rich character portraits and atmospheric soundtrack, Disco Elysium shines as a creative RPG project.
Deus Ex
Deus Ex takes place in a distant, dystopian future, and presents players with a complex web of conspiracy, political intrigue, and ethical dilemmas. One of the game’s standout features is its open-ended gameplay and player agency. The game empowers players with a wide selection of tools and abilities, allowing them to tailor their character to their preferred playstyle.
Whether you want to approach situations stealthfully or go in guns-blazing, the game adapts and offers alternate paths and outcomes accordingly. Its decision to give players this level of freedom helps Deus Ex feel more immersive and heightens its replayability. Moreover, the game tackles complex subjects like technology’s role in society to corrupt governments.
Coupled with its intricate and enjoyable skill system, Deus Ex is a stellar RPG that promises to meet players’ expectations.
Diablo (Series)
The Diablo series is revered as one of the best RPG series of all time due to multiple factors. For one, the gameplay is incredibly addicting and engaging. The hack-and-slash combat system, coupled with its deep character customization, makes playing through its games feel rewarding and heightens their replayability.
Furthermore, the game gives you different classes to choose from. Whether you want to control a powerful Barbarian or a cunning Assassin, each class offers a distinct set of skills and abilities for you to master.
The game’s fast-paced action, accompanied by satisfying loot drops and challenging boss fights, keeps players hooked and returning for more. Additionally, the game contains atmospheric world-building and immersive locales. From the dark dungeons of Diablo 1 to the sprawling environments in Diablo 2, each installment ups the ante with its level of detail.
On top of having fabulous multiplayer functionality, the Diablo series is worth delving into, especially if you’re an RPG enthusiast.
So, there we have it, our pick for the best RPGs through the years!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!
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