By:MichaelSep 6, 2007 at 3:05 AMViews:11,695Comments:2Saved: 0
The first computer RPG made its debut in 1974. Since then, this genre has produced many titles such as The Elder Scrolls series, The Baldur's Gate series, Diablo 1 & 2, just to name a few. And some of these role-playing games have made a big impact not only for this genre but also for the gaming industry. The important elements that makes a great RPG includes character development, themes, navigation, quest structure, encounters and combat. So I present to you a list of the Best RPG Video Games across multi-platforms.
15. Jade Empire Jade Empire is an action RPG developed by the reputable developer Bioware known for creating some of the best games for this genre. The game is based in a mythical setting inspired by ancient China where the player progresses through an adventure based on traditional martial arts. Although the character selection isn't very appealing, there is one pretty cool character with dragon tattoos!
14. Dungeon Siege Dungeon Siege is a CRPG developed by Gas Powered Games. The lead designer of the game is by no other Chris Taylor (from Total Annihilation). The game is based in a fantasy world in the Kingdom of Ehb where you play as a humble farmer on quest to stop evil. The primary innovation Dungeon Siege had was creating the game from scratch with their in-house game engine. The game's engine provided a unique element which was the game content streaming, which completely eliminated the need for "level loading" or any delay during transitions. This was a first for a CRPG with a big world like in Dungeon Siege.
13. System Shock 2 System Shock 2 is a sci-fi horror themed hybrid game which incorporates many elements seen in CRPG and first-person shooters. The game takes place on a starship in the future. It is the successor of System Shock. This game is one of the few that takes the concept of combing RPG and FPS elements and making it work very well. SS2 has been regarded as one of the best games ever.
12. Final Fantasy The Final Fantasy series is developed by Square Enix with its first FF title in 1987. The games in this franchise have span across many platforms and produced several installments. To this date, there are 12 Final Fantasy titles, including a MMO version.
11. Fallout 1 & 2 Fallout is a CRPG developed by Black Isle Studios which is also known for creating some of the best games in this genre. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic setting in the 22nd century. The Fallout series have produced several spinoffs and one of them; Fallout 3, is being developed by Bethesda Softworks.
10. Zelda Zelda is a fantasy RPG developed by Nintendo which has produced several titles exclusively for the Nintendo platform. The gameplay consists of a mixture of action, adventure and puzzles. The Zelda series is known for its beautiful and inspiring settings, creative gameplay, interesting characters, original music, and high production values. It is also considered to be one of the most influential video game franchises ever. Currently, there are 14 Zelda titles.
9. Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines VTMB is a CRPG developed by Troika Games in 2004. Unfortunately the company became defunct shortly after the release of the game. VTMB is set in White Wolf's Vampire: the Masquerade universe. The game is notable for being the first to use Half-Life's 2 source engine. VTMB was actually a really good game and entertaining. It would've been a lot better without the numerous bugs and glitches.
8. Neverwinter Nights 1 & 2 Neverwinter Nights is a CRPG that is based on the 3rd edition Dungeons & Dragons and Forgotten Realms rules. NWN was developed by BioWare using the Aurora engine. The game is played in a third-perspective view. Several expansions have been made following NWN and a sequel; Neverwinter Nights 2 which was developed by Obsidian Entertainment using the Electron engine.
7. Fable Fable is a fantasy RPG for the Xbox. It was formally an exclusive Xbox title but an extended version of the game, Fable: The Lost Chapters, was released for Windows. The game was developed by Lionhead Studios and was will-received by critics for the quality of its gameplay and execution. After the success of Fable, a sequel is currently in the works; respectfully titled Fable 2.
6. Deus Ex Deus Ex is a cyberpunk themed first-person shooter/ CRPG hybrid developed by Ion Storm with Warren Spector as lead designer. The game is set in a dystopian world during the 2050s. You assume the role of JC Denton; an agent in UNATCO, who sets out to combat terrorist forces. Deus Ex is considered to be one of the best FPS/CRPG ever! The game received universal and industry acclaim and won several gaming awards. A sequel was made; Deus Ex: Invisible War which was released in 2003. A third sequel has been confirmed and that Eidos Montreal is planning on making Deus Ex 3.
5. Gothic The Gothic series is a CRPG by Piranha Bytes. The game is characterized by an open-ended world in which the hero must choose sides between opposing factions within the game, then slowly ties to a central plotline common to the entire game. The world is set in a fantasy theme where humans walk among dragons and orcs. Two sequels have been made since the first Gothic title: Gothic II and Gothic 3. The first two titles used the in-house game engine; Gothic Technology and Gothic 3 was developed by the Genome engine which supported pixel shader 3.0 and dynamic lighting. The Gothic series have received a well reception by the industry and gamers alike.
4. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 1 & 2 Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic is a RPG video game developed by BioWare and Obsidian Entertainment. The game uses the 3rd edition Dungeons & Dragons rules. KOTOR takes place 4,000 years before the events in the Star Wars movies. KOTOR 2 takes place five years after the events of Knights of the Old Republic, in a time when the Jedi have been nearly exterminated by the Sith. Both titles use the Odyssey engine. The Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic series have received many positive critical reception and won many gaming awards.
3. Diablo 1 & 2 The Diablo series is a popular dark fantasy themed hack and slash RPG developed by Blizzard. It is considered to be one of the best RPG video game that was ever made. Both titles received numerous positive reviews and awards. The influence of Diablo has been credited with creating point-and-click action RPGs.
2. Baldur's Gate 1 & 2 Baldur's Gate is a popular series of CRPGs that take place on the main continent from Dungeons & Dragons' Forgotten Realms setting. The game was developed by BioWare. It is regarded as one of the premier video game titles in the history of RPG genre. In 2001, Baldur's Gate III was announced but due to complications, the title was cancelled. But in 2004, news arise that the development of BG3 was in the works but no confirmation has been made.
1. The Elder Scrolls The Elder Scrolls is a very popular CRPG series developed by Bethesda Softworks which produced four titles and several expansions: The Elder Scrolls: Arena, The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. The Elder Scrolls maintains a unique, skill-based approach to character advancement. TES main series of games emphasizes different aspects of the gaming experience than most CRPGs such as focusing on aesthetic presentation and open-ended adventuring. The world of TES is known for its attention to detail, realism, and the long, complex lists of names, dates, and places. The Elder Scrolls series has maintain popular and critical success and has was won several gaming awards.
