Role-Playing Games (RPGs) have been a staple of the video game industry since its earliest days. With their emphasis on immersive storylines, character development, and player choice, RPGs have captivated millions of players and have established themselves as one of the most beloved and enduring game genres of all time.
With so many great RPGs to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow down the list to just 10. However, based on their popularity, critical acclaim, and lasting impact on the genre, the following games are widely regarded as some of the best RPGs of all time:
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is an open-world action role-playing video game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and released in 2011. Set in the world of Tamriel, players take on the role of a Dragonborn, a hero with the power to absorb and use the power of dragons, on a quest to defeat Alduin, a dragon prophesized to destroy the world.
The game features a massive, immersive world filled with quests, dungeons, and cities to explore. Players can customize their character’s skills and abilities, and choose their own path through the game’s story. The combat system blends melee, ranged, and magic options, and the game’s vast open world allows for endless hours of exploration and adventure.
Skyrim has received critical acclaim for its immersive world, engaging storyline, and flexible character customization options. It has become a classic in the RPG genre and has spawned numerous expansions and re-releases.
Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII is a role-playing video game developed and published by Square (now Square Enix) and released in 1997. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time and is considered a classic in the RPG genre. The game takes place in a futuristic world where the planet’s life force, known as the Lifestream, is being drained by the evil Shinra Corporation for use as energy. The player takes on the role of Cloud Strife, a former member of the Shinra Corporation’s elite military force, who joins a group of rebels to fight against Shinra and uncover the truth about his own past.
The game features a rich and complex story, memorable characters, and turn-based combat system with unique mechanics such as the “Limit Break” system, which allows characters to perform powerful special attacks. The game also features a diverse range of environments to explore, from the bustling city of Midgar to the forests and caves of the wilderness.
Final Fantasy VII has been praised for its innovative storytelling, memorable characters, and impact on the RPG genre. The game’s popularity has led to numerous spin-offs, merchandise, and remakes, solidifying its place as one of the most iconic and beloved RPGs of all time.
Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 2 is a science fiction action role-playing video game developed by BioWare and released in 2010. It is the second game in the Mass Effect series and takes place several years after the events of the first game. The player takes on the role of Commander Shepard, a legendary hero tasked with recruiting a team of the galaxy’s most powerful and talented individuals to stop the Collectors, a mysterious and dangerous race, from abducting entire human colonies.
The game features a rich and complex storyline, as well as a branching dialogue system that allows players to make choices that impact the story’s outcome. The combat system is fast-paced and features a variety of weapons and biotic powers. The player can also develop relationships with their team members, unlocking new story elements and abilities.
Mass Effect 2 has received widespread critical acclaim for its engaging storyline, memorable characters, and solid gameplay. It is considered one of the best RPGs of all time and has helped establish BioWare as one of the leading developers in the genre. The game’s success has led to numerous sequels and spin-offs, further solidifying its place in video game history.
World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft (WoW) is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment and released in 2004. Set in the high-fantasy world of Azeroth, the game allows players to create their own characters and embark on a journey through a vast and diverse virtual world filled with quests, dungeons, and PvP combat.
WoW is known for its rich and detailed world-building, intricate lore, and deep character customization. Players can choose from a variety of races and classes, each with their own unique skills and abilities. The game also features a vast and immersive world filled with hundreds of quests, dungeons, and raids that players can complete with friends or on their own.
WoW has become one of the most successful and influential MMORPGs of all time, with millions of players worldwide. The game’s longevity and continued popularity is due to its constantly evolving content, including new expansions and updates, as well as its active and dedicated community. WoW is widely regarded as a landmark in the MMORPG genre and has won numerous awards for its innovative gameplay and world-building.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an action role-playing game developed and published by CD Projekt Red, released in 2015. It is the third and final installment in the Witcher trilogy and is set in a vast and open world filled with danger and adventure. The game follows the story of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter known as a witcher, as he sets out on a journey to find his adopted daughter, Ciri, and stop the mysterious Wild Hunt from capturing her.
The Witcher 3 features a complex and mature storyline filled with political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and personal relationships. The player can make choices that impact the outcome of the story, and the world is filled with a large number of side quests and activities to explore. The combat system is fast-paced and challenging, combining magic, swordsmanship, and stealth.
The Witcher 3 has been widely acclaimed for its immersive world, rich storytelling, and engaging gameplay. It has won numerous awards and accolades, including Game of the Year, and is considered one of the best RPGs of all time. The success of The Witcher 3 has established CD Projekt Red as one of the leading developers in the gaming industry, and the game has a dedicated and passionate fanbase.
Chrono Trigger
Chrono Trigger is a classic Japanese role-playing game (RPG) developed by Square (now Square Enix) and released in 1995 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. The game follows the journey of a young hero named Crono as he travels through time to stop an evil entity known as Lavos from destroying the world.
Chrono Trigger features an innovative time-traveling mechanic that allows players to explore different eras, including the prehistoric age, the middle ages, and the post-apocalyptic future. The game has a unique and memorable cast of characters, each with their own motivations and personalities, that the player can recruit to their party. The combat system is turn-based and utilizes a combination of magic, technology, and special abilities called “Techs”.
Chrono Trigger is widely regarded as one of the greatest RPGs of all time and has been re-released on several platforms, including the Nintendo DS and mobile devices. The game has a dedicated fanbase and continues to inspire new generations of gamers with its innovative mechanics, captivating story, and memorable characters. Chrono Trigger is a true classic of the RPG genre and is considered a must-play for fans of the genre.
Persona 5
Persona 5 is a Japanese role-playing game (RPG) developed by Atlus and released in 2016. It is the fifth main installment in the Persona series, which is a spin-off of the Megami Tensei franchise. The game is set in modern-day Tokyo and follows the story of a high school student who is falsely accused of a crime and joins a group of rebels known as the Phantom Thieves of Hearts. The Phantom Thieves use their supernatural abilities to enter the subconscious minds of corrupt individuals and steal their “treasures,” changing their hearts and altering the real world.
Persona 5 is a fusion of social simulation and traditional RPG mechanics. The player balances their time between attending school, building relationships with other characters, and exploring dungeons known as Palaces. The combat system features turn-based battles and the ability to summon Personas, powerful beings that represent the player’s inner psyche.
Persona 5 is highly regarded for its stylish presentation, engaging storyline, and complex characters. The game’s soundtrack and character designs are particularly noteworthy, with a jazz-inspired soundtrack that perfectly captures the game’s cool, rebellious spirit. The game has won numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Game of the Year awards, and is considered one of the best RPGs of recent years. Persona 5 has a dedicated and passionate fanbase, and its success has led to the development of spin-off games, anime adaptations, and merchandise.
Diablo II
Diablo II is an action role-playing game developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment. It was released in 2000 for PC and later for Mac. The game is set in the dark fantasy world of Sanctuary and follows the player’s character as they battle against the forces of hell to save humanity.
Diablo II is a hack-and-slash game that features fast-paced, visceral combat. The player chooses from one of five character classes, each with unique abilities and skills, and progresses through the game by defeating enemies and completing quests. The game features randomized levels, ensuring that each playthrough offers new challenges and rewards.
Diablo II also includes a robust online multiplayer mode, allowing players to join together to battle against the forces of hell. The game’s loot system is a major draw, with players constantly acquiring new weapons, armor, and other items that can be used to improve their character’s abilities.
Diablo II received critical acclaim upon its release, and is considered one of the best action-RPGs of all time. The game has a dedicated fanbase and continues to be popular among players, with many still playing the game over 20 years after its initial release. Diablo II set the standard for action-RPGs and is often cited as an influence on later games in the genre.
Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn
Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn is a classic isometric role-playing game developed by BioWare and published by Interplay Entertainment. It was released in 2000 for PC and later for Mac. The game is set in the medieval fantasy world of the Forgotten Realms and is a sequel to the original Baldur’s Gate game.
In Baldur’s Gate II, players control a party of characters as they explore the city of Athkatla and its surrounding regions. The game features a rich, branching narrative that is driven by player choices and features multiple endings. The player’s character, along with their companions, can interact with non-player characters, engage in battles, and complete quests.
The gameplay of Baldur’s Gate II is a mix of real-time combat and turn-based strategy. The player’s characters have unique abilities and skills, and can be improved by gaining experience points and leveling up. The game also features a deep character creation system, allowing players to tailor their characters to their playstyle.
Baldur’s Gate II was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and is widely considered one of the best role-playing games of all time. The game’s immersive world, well-written characters, and deep narrative have made it a classic of the genre, and it continues to have a dedicated fanbase even today. Baldur’s Gate II is widely regarded as one of the best RPGs of the “golden age” of the genre, and is still remembered as a classic of the genre.
Fallout: New Vegas
Fallout: New Vegas is an action role-playing game developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Bethesda Softworks. It was released in 2010 for PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3. The game is set in the post-apocalyptic wasteland of the Mojave Desert, in the year 2281, and is the fourth main game in the Fallout series.
In Fallout: New Vegas, players take on the role of the “Courier,” a delivery person who is on a mission to deliver a package to the city of New Vegas. Along the way, the player is attacked and left for dead, and must navigate the dangerous wasteland and its many factions to uncover the truth behind the package and their attack.
The gameplay of Fallout: New Vegas is a mix of first-person shooting and real-time combat, and features a deep role-playing system that allows players to create their own unique character with various attributes and skills. The player can also make choices and decisions that affect the outcome of the game, and interact with the game’s many non-player characters, complete quests, and explore the vast wasteland.
Fallout: New Vegas was well-received upon its release, and is considered one of the best entries in the Fallout series. The game’s rich world, immersive story, and deep role-playing system have made it a classic of the genre, and it continues to have a dedicated fanbase even today. Fallout: New Vegas is widely regarded as one of the best post-apocalyptic RPGs of all time, and is remembered as a classic of the genre.
Conclusion
These 10 RPGs represent some of the best the genre has to offer, and they’re sure to provide hours of entertainment for fans of the genre. Whether you’re a fan of classic RPGs, open-world adventures, or sci-fi epics, there’s something for everyone on this list. So grab your controller and get ready to embark on some of the greatest RPG adventures of all time!
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