Summary
RPGs have always been about gripping storytelling first and foremost, gameplay and mechanics second. And when it comes to pickingthe greatest ones ever made, it’s all subjective. Everyone has strong opinions about their favorite games, which are usually shaped by the titles they played during their formative years.
That said, more than a few household names often overshadow the underappreciated and underrated gems. That’s why mixing popular favorites with lesser-known titles is impertinent to get a better sense of what RPGs are really about. That said, series likeFinal Fantasyhave more than enough entries to take over the conversation. Highlighting just one from each leaves space for others that deserve the spotlight, too. The sheer depth of the genre makes it nearly impossible to include every fan favorite. But still, a nicely curated and thoughtful selection of games can easily highlight the range and richness that define the best of the best.
Xenoblade Chroniclesis one of the most criminally underrated RPGs, and it’s got one of the grandest stories ever. The narrative highlights the themes of the consequences of unchecked ambition and defying one’s destiny. There is a lot of emotional complexity with many jaw-dropping revelations and plot twists that will surprise players.
The conflict between Hums, the humans, and the Mechon, the machine-folk, is a highly nuanced one with layers of very philosophical complexities. Usually, in RPGs with massive open worlds, the stories often get sidetracked, but that’s not the case withXenoblade Chronicles.The exploration and narrative gel together brilliantly and keep the flow going smoothly.
Those who want an RPG with a grand story doused in a steampunk aesthetic will love whatFinal Fantasy 6has to offer. Yes, it’s not as popular asFinal Fantasy 7, but it’s actually superior— shots fired! The game’s story depicts a powerfultale of dealing with despair and finding one’s resolve in the face of insurmountable odds. Even the plot-centric side-characters, Espers, have a memorable role in the grand scheme of things, which consists of them willingly sacrificing themselves to help the protagonists in the rebellion against Kefka.
Speaking of Kefka, the clownish jester was unsettling enough on the surface, but once he makes his power move, it hits like a tectonic shift. There’s something so very surreal about watching everyone come together to face just how overwhelming he becomes.
What’s greater than having a definitive and clear-cut plot? Well, according toDark Souls,it’s through head-canon development via community discussions and theorizing. Byinterpreting item descriptionsand dialogue, many have come up with wild connections and mental gymnastics that aren’t technically spelled out directly, but aren’t exactly far-fetched either. This game doesn’t hold the player’s hand, and is vague by design, yet it manages to weave a tale that’s so profound few other RPGs can match its creative genius.
Dark Soulsdoesn’t bind the story in one direction, and is open to how players see things from their perspective. Is the chosen undead really special? Do their actions even matter? It’s a whole rabbit hole to dive into.
WhilePersona 5is the most popular Atlus game,Persona 3 Reloadis arguably the studio’s strongest work yet. Yes, the mainlineShin Megami Tenseigames deserve their recognition — and they will — but this one’s all aboutPersona. So, what does the remake of the beloved third entry give fans that others don’t? The answer is a terrifying atmosphere and intrigue that makes players feel invested.
The dark hour and the constant reminder of the inevitable fate awaiting the protagonist create an almost horror game vibe. As players ascend the different levels of Tartarus, the ominous threat of “The Fall” builds up in the background. The bonds between SEES members and how they come to care for each other just make the ending have so much more emotional impact.
Suikoden 2may be part of a niche Konami franchise,but it’s often regarded as one of the most emotionally resonant RPGsof its era. At its core, the plotline revolves around two best friends who go on a journey that’s fated to turn them into enemies. Both of them are fighting for their own versions of liberation, but are forced into conflict because of their circumstances. It’s a classic case of things not being what they seem, but executed flawlessly.
The gameplay is fantastically intertwined with the storytelling, such that many of the unit characters' deaths can impact the narrative greatly. The ending will also greatly vary depending on the critical choices made by the players, along with a few time-sensitive character quests and dialogue. Everything culminates in one of the most satisfying finales in video game history.
CD Projekt Red has made it into the big leagues of RPGs, withThe Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. This game is replay value exemplified,with its branching narrativethat still amazes players even after all these years. It shines the brightest during its quests, where choices live in moral gray areas rather than being clear-cut good or evil.
For those who still do not know, the story basically follows Geralt as he searches for his adoptive daughter while being hunted by a powerful otherworldly force known as the Wild Hunt. Despite being the final chapter in Geralt’s journey, the game is surprisingly welcoming to newcomers. It’s a rare case where rich source material — in this case, the novels — is translated into a game with care, depth, and actual emotional payoff.
The lateAkira Toriyama’s impact on gaming is just as memorable as his work in anime, thanks in large part toChrono Trigger. This game encompasses a gripping story of defying fate and the unshakable bonds between comrades in arms. Crono, the protagonist, is an ordinary young boy who traverses the time stream to stop a mammoth world-ending calamity. As a result, he ends up traveling through six distinct eras where he recruits different allies that help him with his goal.
What’s great aboutChrono Triggeris that it’s a story as much about Crono’s companions as it is about him. Everyone’s got a stake and a fleshed-out character backstory. The multiple endings, depending on certain critical choices, add even more depth to the story. The music is otherworldly, too.
BioWare has put out some great RPGs.Mass Effect 2, Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic,and evenJade Empireare all amazing games, no doubt, butDragon Age: Originsstands out as one of its most defining works. It captures the essence of dark fantasy in a way few games manage. The world of Thedas, specifically, Ferelden, is threatened by the blight of monstrous creatures, the Darkspawn. To thwart their arrival, the players, as one of the last Grey Wardens, must recruit an army.
Dragon Age: Originsgives players a lot of agency. It builds its entire narrative around choice, conflict, and the consequences of both. Every group has some sort of problem going on within. Mages and Templars are at odds over control and freedom. The Dalish Elves are caught in a struggle with werewolves while trying to preserve their legacy. In Orzammar, Dwarven nobles are locked in a power struggle after the king’s death. And that’s quite literally just the tip of the iceberg. The way these internal conflicts are resolved to gather allies shapes the final outcome of the game.
