If you're a fan of role-playing games (RPGs), you know how immersive and addictive they can be. From building your character to exploring vast worlds and engaging in epic battles, RPGs offer hours of entertainment and escapism. As a graphic designer, I'm always drawn to games with stunning visuals and creative design elements. Over the years, I've played my fair share of RPGs, and I've compiled a list of the best ones that every RPG fan should experience.
In this review, I'll share my thoughts on the top RPG games in terms of graphics, storytelling, character development, and overall gameplay. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the genre, there's something for everyone on this list. So, grab your controller or keyboard and get ready to embark on some unforgettable adventures.
1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
When it comes to RPGs with stunning graphics and an immersive storyline, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a masterpiece. Set in a vast open world, players take on the role of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter on a quest to find his adopted daughter. Along the way, players will encounter memorable characters, make difficult choices that impact the game's outcome, and engage in intense battles with beasts and other foes.
Graphics
The graphics in The Witcher 3 are breathtaking. The world is full of intricate details, from the lush forests and flowing rivers to the weathered buildings and realistic character models. The lighting and shadows are also impressive, adding to the game's immersive atmosphere.
Storytelling
The Witcher 3's storyline is one of its biggest strengths. The game is filled with complex characters and moral dilemmas that keep players engaged from start to finish. The choices players make throughout the game have real consequences, and the game's multiple endings provide plenty of replay value.
Gameplay
The Witcher 3's gameplay is a mix of action, exploration, and role-playing elements. Players can customize Geralt's abilities and equipment to suit their playstyle, and there are plenty of side quests and activities to keep players entertained for hours. The game's combat system is also intuitive and satisfying, with a variety of weapons and magic spells at the player's disposal.
2. Dragon Age: Origins
Dragon Age: Origins is a classic RPG that has stood the test of time. Set in a medieval fantasy world, players create their own character and embark on a quest to save the land from an evil force known as the Blight. Along the way, players will recruit companions, make choices that impact the game's outcome, and engage in strategic battles against enemies.
Graphics
While Dragon Age: Origins may not have the same level of graphical fidelity as newer games, its art style is still impressive. The game's world is full of vibrant colors and intricate details, and the character designs are memorable and unique.
Storytelling
Dragon Age: Origins' storytelling is its strongest aspect. The game's world is rich with lore and history, and the characters are well-developed and memorable. The choices players make throughout the game have real consequences, and the game's multiple endings provide plenty of replay value.
Gameplay
Dragon Age: Origins' gameplay is a mix of strategy and role-playing elements. Players can customize their character's abilities and equipment to suit their playstyle, and there are plenty of side quests and activities to keep players entertained for hours. The game's combat system is also strategic and satisfying, with players able to pause the action to issue commands to their party members.
3. Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 2 is a sci-fi RPG that takes place in a vast, open universe. Players take on the role of Commander Shepard, a human soldier on a mission to save the galaxy from an ancient race of machines known as the Reapers. Along the way, players will recruit a diverse cast of characters, make choices that impact the game's outcome, and engage in intense battles with enemies.
Graphics
Mass Effect 2's graphics are impressive, with a vast universe full of detailed planets, space stations, and alien races. The character designs are also memorable, with each companion having a unique appearance and personality.
Storytelling
Mass Effect 2's storytelling is top-notch, with a compelling storyline that keeps players engaged throughout the game. The characters are well-developed and memorable, and the choices players make throughout the game have real consequences. The game's multiple endings provide plenty of replay value, as players can make different choices to see how the story unfolds.
Gameplay
Mass Effect 2's gameplay is a mix of action and role-playing elements. Players can customize Commander Shepard's abilities and equipment to suit their playstyle, and there are plenty of side quests and activities to keep players entertained for hours. The game's combat system is also intuitive and satisfying, with a variety of weapons and powers at the player's disposal.
4. Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII is a classic RPG that has had a lasting impact on the genre. Set in a futuristic world, players take on the role of Cloud Strife, a mercenary on a mission to save the planet from an evil corporation. Along the way, players will recruit companions, engage in epic battles, and unravel a complex storyline.
Graphics
While Final Fantasy VII's graphics may seem dated by today's standards, they were groundbreaking at the time of the game's release. The world is full of intricate details, and the character designs are memorable and iconic.
Storytelling
Final Fantasy VII's storytelling is its biggest strength. The game's world is rich with lore and history, and the characters are well-developed and memorable. The game's complex storyline keeps players engaged throughout the game, and the game's multiple endings provide plenty of replay value.
Gameplay
Final Fantasy VII's gameplay is a mix of turn-based combat and role-playing elements. Players can customize their characters' abilities and equipment to suit their playstyle, and there are plenty of side quests and activities to keep players entertained for hours. The game's materia system, which allows players to customize their characters' abilities, is also a unique and satisfying feature.
5. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a massive open-world RPG that has become a modern classic. Set in a medieval fantasy world, players create their own character and embark on a quest to defeat an ancient dragon prophecy. Along the way, players will explore a vast world, complete side quests and activities, and engage in epic battles with dragons and other foes.
Graphics
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim's graphics are impressive, with a massive open world full of intricate details and stunning landscapes. The character designs are also memorable, with a wide variety of races and classes to choose from.
Storytelling
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim's storytelling is immersive and engaging. The game's world is rich with lore and history, and the characters are well-developed and memorable. The choices players make throughout the game have real consequences, and the game's multiple endings provide plenty of replay value.
Gameplay
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim's gameplay is a mix of action and role-playing elements. Players can customize their character's abilities and equipment to suit their playstyle, and there are plenty of side quests and activities to keep players entertained for hours. The game's combat system is also intuitive and satisfying, with a variety of weapons and spells at the player's disposal.
Overall, these five RPG games are some of the best in the genre and offer hours of entertainment and immersion. From stunning graphics to engaging storytelling and satisfying gameplay, these games are sure to satisfy any RPG fan. So, grab your controller or keyboard and get ready to embark on some unforgettable adventures.
| The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | Dragon Age: Origins | Mass Effect 2 | Final Fantasy VII | The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim |
| Stunning graphics | Rich storytelling | Compelling storyline | Memorable characters | Massive open world |
| Immersive atmosphere | Strategic gameplay | Moral dilemmas | Groundbreaking graphics | Engaging storytelling |
| Action, exploration, and role-playing elements | Customizable abilities and equipment | Intuitive combat system | Unique materia system | Customizable character abilities and equipment |