The RPG genre is one of the most popular in gaming. In a time when online multiplayer games like Fortnite and Apex Legends are taking over the world, the RPG has its own special place. There is nothing like an escape from real life and immerse in a completely different reality. It's the closest thing to experiencing magic.
Over the years, there have been many RPGs that have pushed the boundaries and set new standards. Those are the ones that have put a mark and still praised as some of the best. We don't expect to see a genuine new entry in any of these series any time soon, but that doesn't mean we'll give up hope!
10 Breath of Fire
Breath of Fire hits home for 90s gamers. Capcom released the first game of the series in 1993, and it continued for two decades. It was a classic super Nintendo RPG. Every entry features a captivating original story, with the main cast of Ryu and Nina. The artwork looks original, the battle system is balanced and the unique soundtracks make up for a good game.
Capcom has sold over 3.2 million copies worldwide and claimed it to be their most successful RPG. Previous parts were a bit rough, but they kept getting better with subsequent games. The latest game in the series is Breath of Wild 6, releasing in 2016, but Capcom has no plans for a future game.
9 Deus Ex
Deus Ex is situated in a cyberpunk environment where a few powerful organizations control the world. Alex D, the protagonist, is an augmented cyborg on a mission to bring them down. Since technology is on the rise, Alex can hack into everything, making the world even more interactive, allowing for different ways to solve a mission.
The game essentially asks the player to choose between tactical stealth and all-out firepower. The story, combat, and environment are some of the best in RPG and cyberpunk genre. Deus Ex: Mankind Divided set new boundaries for the current games, and the studio needs to make a remake or a sequel to it.
8 Bloodborne
Bloodborne is a game hell-bent on not letting the player succeed. This PS4 exclusive, at first glance, may seem like a mere replica of Dark Souls, but, after more than a few deaths, this thought will be changed forever. It has its uniquely dark,, gothic, and bloody atmosphere, making players sink hundreds of hours into the game. The combat is fluid, satisfying, and engaging new bosses and enemies and learning their mechanics is always thrilling. Therefore, while grinding through, patience and courage are required.
The game released in 2015, and, since then, FromSoft has been busy with other projects, and it doesn't look like Bloodborne will be receiving a sequel any time soon.
7 The Gothic Series
The name Gothic has a legacy of eight games to its name. Gothic never got the fame it deserved because it released in an era when Morrowind had taken over. Gothic 1 & 2 gave players a fun, original, and a vast open-world to explore that was still a pretty rare commodity at the time. The third installment was a buggy mess on release, but, once it got patched, it also received the same amount of love. Every interaction with an NPC has some meaning and purpose behind it.
It was Gothic 4 that brought the series' demise. It had satisfactory graphics and animations, but it was missing the elements which defined the Gothic series. It seems like the developers took the bad reviews to the heart and are afraid to make a new game.
6 The Witcher
The Witcher 3 is often considered to be the best RPG of all time. Indeed, it is a great game. The lore is so deep that a TV show, three games, and seven books have been written on it—though to books actually proceeded the games.
Hours pass by while exploring its 136km² massive map. What makes it so addictive is the diverse combat system, which makes the player adopt a different strategy for every enemy. Even the sidequests are filled with great stories. Right now, CD PROJEKT is working on Cyberpunk 2077, but there are hopes of a new Witcher game after that.
5 Neverwinter Series
The Dungeons and Dragons-based Neverwinter series is a spiritual successor to Baldur's Gate. Its vast world is made up of breathtaking sceneries and lively towns. Fans love it for its good storyline and strategic combat. The characters are memorable, and the music is brilliant. It's a game everyone should play once. Most of its reviews are 9/10.
The series began and ended in the 2000s, but there is still a free to play MMORPG available in Neverwinter. It's seeing a surge in new players, though it takes a lot of grinding to get anywhere in this game unless players purchase the in-game stuff.
4 Chrono Trigger
Chrono trigger is from the 16-bit era when the most advanced game was Donkey Kong. The studio created a beautiful game and set a new standard for RPG. Chrono, the main character, looks a lot like modern Super Saiyan God, and credit for that goes to Akira Toriyama. It has a total of 14 endings based on player's decisions.
This game needs a remake with 3D graphics, an enhanced combat system, and CD-quality music. It'll surely blow up. Chrono Trigger is a classical masterpiece and a part of gaming history, and playing it today gives gamers a chance of time travel to the 90s.
3 Dark Souls
Dark Souls is not an easy game. Its land is roamed by dragons, giants, undead, and everything in between. It's usually impossible for new players to slay a boss without dying at least once, but, once players get a taste of victory, it's hard to go back. The story builds up as the player progress, and, piece by piece, it all comes together, though few elements are explicitly communicated to the player.
The combat can be customized to the player's taste, and the music pieces are exceptionally enchanting. Unfortunately, as with Bloodborne, the Dark Souls series seems to be on a lengthy hiatus.
2 World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft is no stranger to gamers; it's a part of the gaming culture. The graphics, music, and story are all impressive, but the best part is going on a quest with friends. Before Fortnite, WOW was the place where everyone hung out. Blizzard is always adding new expansions that keep it relevant.
WOW may be nostalgic for a lot, but it's time for a new game. However, given Blizzard's recent moves, we wouldn't expect anything as groundbreaking as a new entry in the series any time soon, if ever.
1 Planescape: Torment
Planescape Torment was another RPG classic released in 1999. The game delivers a well-written story, killer graphics, and an alluring environment. The immortal protagonist, known as The Nameless One, wakes up in a morgue and goes on a journey to learn about his role in the world, as he forgets everything when killed.
This game is more of a story than an RPG. It makes the players question whether what they did was right or wrong, and very few games are quite as thought-provoking. The music is calm and slow, which fits perfectly with the scenery. A spiritual successor, Torment: Tides of Numenera, was released in 2017, but we're still pining for a full-on sequel.