Thanks to Torchlight, fans of CRPGs can have a steampunk-fantasy experience with a similar complexity and diversity in gameplay as popular titles like Diablo. Moreover, with Torchlight 3 coming soon, players undoubtedly can't wait to step inside Novastraia to protect it against the forces of the Netherim. Be it as the gun-toting Sharpshooter or the robotic Forged, players can finally blast their way past opponents in this thrilling upcoming CRPG.
However, CRPG fans who can't wait for Torchlight 3 may in fact look to other titles to get their CRPG fix. In fact, some gamers might recommend going through some landmark titles before playing Torchlight 3. Here are some must-play CRPGs to appreciate Torchlight 3's full experience.
10 Neverwinter Nights
Fans of Dungeons & Dragons would have been familiar with the province of Neverwinter in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting. Thanks to Neverwinter Nights, players can finally have an immersive fantasy experience in as early as 2003. Thanks to the game's success, Neverwinter Nights shaped the way most isometric CRPGs appear today.
The game takes place in the province of Neverwinter, now besieged by a disease called the Wailing Death. And akin to D&D fashion, the game begins in a town that soon expands into a full-blown campaign that will have players save the land of Neverwinter. Aside from typical class selection and skill trees, Neverwinter Nights has a lot of custom content that can surely entertain gamers for hours.
9 Disco Elysium
Players who want a new atmosphere for a CRPG might appreciate Disco Elysium. In this isometric game, players take on the role of an amnesiac detective in the process of solving a murder. However, in the process, he soon pieces together his own past and uncovers what's actually happened to him. Unlike other CRPGs, Disco Elysium replaces combat with a 24-skill system that can help him explore the open world of Revachol City.
Fans of Elysium love the game for its unique watercolor aesthetic, as well as its fully-fleshed out world of Elyisum. In fact, it's said that designer Robert Kurvitz and his team fully fleshed out Elysium, to the point of having a 6,000-year history of events.
8 Wasteland 2
Fans of the Fallout series will recognize a similar post-apocalyptic vibe with Wasteland 2. In fact, its predecessor Wasteland served as the inspiration for the iconic Bethesda series. Similar to Fallout, Wasteland 2 takes place in an alternate history where a nuclear war between the Soviet Union and the United States devastated the world. However, in the case of Wasteland 2, players take on the role of Rangers out to uncover a murder mystery.
Like other isometric RPGs, Wasteland 2 has a cast of NPC companions that can accompany the main character. However, each NPC has its own agenda, opinion, motivations, and personalities alongside its main skillsets.
7 Pathfinder: Kingmaker
Fans of TTRPGs would recognize Pathfinder: Kingmaker as it's a game based on the Pathfinder RPG. Moreover, given its inspiration to classic RPGs such as Neverwinter Nights and Baldur's Gate, players would easily recognize Kingmaker's isometric gameplay system. However, unlike other CRPGs, Kingmaker puts a large emphasis on storytelling, with various choices determining a lot of things surrounding the player's overall playthrough.
The game itself is set in the Stolen Sands in Pathfinder's Golarion setting. Unlike other RPGs where players usually come in the form of adventurers, Kingmaker puts them in the position of a local lord. In turn, the game explores the player character's ascension to greater political heights - and the various allies and enemies they meet along the way.
6 Torment: Tides Of Numenera
Fans who want a more critical take on choice-driven games would appreciate Torment: Tides of Numenera. Gamers would recognize Numenera for its iconic visuals, featuring quite a unique world that combines science and fantasy. TTRPG fans would also recognize Numenera from the RPG of the same name. Moreover, Numenera serves as the spiritual successor for Planescape: Torment, yet another critically-acclaimed RPG.
Interestingly, Numenera introduces a Tides system that replaces the traditional alignment of most narrative RPGs. Game choices affect a player's set of Tides, all of which ties with certain concepts. Moreover, these Tides determine their Legacy, another trait that affects their character's abilities and traits.
5 Tyranny
Players looking for a unique CRPG experience might want to try Obsidian Entertainment's Tyranny. While other fantasy RPGs begin with a team of small-fry teaming up against the antagonist, Tyranny begins at a loss. In fact, Tyranny starts with the antagonist Overlord Kyros having won the proverbial final battle. As a result, players need to do everything in their power — pure tyranny included — to defeat the Overlord.
Like other modern CRPGs, Tyranny puts a heavy focus on the narrative choice to decide the fate of the game. However, unlike other narrative-driven games, Tyranny almost always forces players to choose between the lesser evil of their choices.
4 Shadowrun
Fans of TTRPGs would recognize the Shadowrun series of games, especially given its roots in the TTRPG of the same name. In Shadowrun, players embark on an adventure in an Earth once again reunited with magic. However, given society's advanced technology, magic got integrated into a more cyberpunk setting. Additionally, humans in Shadowrun have evolved into various sub-species resembling popular fantasy creatures such as elves and dwarves.
Similar to other titles of the genre, Shadowrun has a class system and a tactical gameplay approach that enables players to control a party of multiple members. However, perhaps unique to Shadowrun is its sci-fi/fantasy premise, where the stereotypical goblins are now replaced with gun-toting and spell-slinging gangs and corporate entities.
3 Diablo
Fans of Blizzard's acclaimed Diablo series know the game serves as a landmark title for the CRPG genre. As such, the series serves as a must-play for folks who plan on picking up Torchlight 3. Unlike the latter's cheerful premise, Diablo takes place in the world of Sanctuary as it's besieged by demonic forces. In Diablo and sequels Diablo 2 and Diablo 3, players take on the role of one of many classes as they fight demons and monsters in their journey.
Unlike other CRPGs, Diablo provides a signature Gothic atmosphere, impressive visuals, and detailed environments that fully immerses players. Moreover, its flexible class and skill system and a wide variety of customization options offer a lot of replayability for players and fans.
2 Pillars Of Eternity 2
Players looking for a more immersive experience might appreciate the Pillars of Eternity series. In this CRPG, players embark on an adventure in the land of Eora. As a Watcher, players can see the memories and the souls of other people. And in this direct sequel to Pillars of Eternity, players go to the Deadfire Archipelago as they race against four different factions eyeing for control.
Thanks to Obsidian Entertainment, POE2 serves as one of the most immersive CRPGs of the modern gaming scene. Its sheer character customization options remind players of the narrative versatility of Dungeons & Dragons and its many stories. Moreover, players can encounter colorful NPCs with interesting stories in the game.
1 Divinity: Original Sin 2
Folks from Larian Studios created one of gaming's best RPG experiences with their Divinity: Original Sin franchise. In particular, Divinity: Original Sin 2 stands as one of the most underrated yet critically-acclaimed games of its genre. At first glance, the game seems like a typical tactical RPG. However, it serves as one of the most flexible and diverse RPG experiences around.
The game takes place in Rivellon, where players (called Sourcerers) can tap into the very fabric of creation. They need to ascend to Godhood in order to save the realm from the Voidwoken. However, this straightforward premise has a game environment where almost all objects and environments can be tinkered with. Moreover, the world is teeming with NPCs with their own stories to tell, providing an otherwise stereotypical fantasy setting with a morally-grey and captivating story.