Summary
Considering how longrole-playing gameshave been around, and the staggering number of groundbreaking titles that have been released within the genre over the years, it’s understandable why a new RPG on the horizon would be so hyped up by fans. Of course, not every release will manage to meet fan expectations, and sometimes, it can take a few updates and adjustments for the game to be at its very best.
With that being said, though, there’s no better feeling than diving into a long and enthralling RPG that manages to fire on all cylinders, from the story to the characters, all the way to the in-depth gameplay loop. While these role-playing games listed below had a lot of hype building up to their release, they succeeded in being just as fun and enjoyable as many expected them to be, with many becoming some of the most beloved RPGs in history.
The firstMass Effectfelt like a game that kind of came out of nowhere, yet took the RPG scene by storm thanks to its incredible sci-fi setting, which was packed full of unique and interesting groups and characters. While it was clear the first game simply wanted to create the foundation of whatMass Effectwas as a universe, with the sequel, BioWare decided to go all-in with the world-building, allowing players to learn a lot more about each of the races and how they operate.
Additionally, the gameplay has also been greatly refined, giving players easier control over Shephard and his partners while also streamlining the ability system to make it a little more straightforward to use in combat. Witheach companion having a side missionthat can affect the ending of the game, it ensures the game never feels boring, keeping players' eyes glued to the screen from beginning to end.
WhileMorrowindintroduced many fans to theElder Scrollsseries, it wasOblivionthat really did a lot of the heavy lifting when it came to ushering the franchise into the mainstream. With its gigantic world and rich, lengthy story,Oblivionwas a game many RPG fans fell in love with when it released in 2006, so needless to say, fans were eagerly looking forward to whatBethesdawould be cooking up next, but nobody could have expected just how good Skyrim would really be.
It’s hard to emphasize just how groundbreaking Skyrim was seen as upon its release, but it still remains to be one of the most immersive and enjoyable RPGs out there.Skyrimoffers a staggering amount of player freedom, giving them the choice to create their own story by joining drastically different affiliations and leveling up a massive skill tree in any way they like. It also contains some downright jaw-dropping environments, and while the combat may feel a little janky by today’s standards, it’s still a huge step up from what came before.
ConsideringDragon’s Dogmaas a series had been dormant for more than a decade when the second game was announced, some fans were understandably a little suspicious whether Capcom still had it in them to create a worthy successor. Thankfully, the legendary developers proved they still have a knack for making RPGs when they want to, asDragon’s Dogma 2turned out to be everything a lot of fans wanted. The first game’s hallmark feature,the Pawn system, makes a grand return and is more flexible than ever, giving players the option to command their allies in all sorts of interesting and creative ways as they traverse the world.
Speaking of the world, Vermand and Battahl truly feel like natural and dynamic areas where literally anything can happen. Because the game can be quite difficult, players always need to prepare whenever they are traveling from A to B, which, when combined with the stunning graphics, keeps players engrossed in the experience from the moment they press start.
2020’sYakuza: Like a Dragonhonestly felt like a little bit of an experiment by developers RGG. This game ditched the classic beat-em-up of the earlyYakuzagames in favor of a turn-based system which works surprisingly well considering this was the first time the series at ever used it. The game was so well received that a direct sequel was announced not long after and was intended to beKiryu’sfinal game in the franchise before handing the baton over to Ichiban.
WhileInfinite Wealthserves as a very emotional and fitting end to Kiryu’s journey, it also does a fantastic job of building up the character of Ichiban, alongside introducing some very memorable newcomers to the series, too.Infinite Wealthalso contains some of the best turn-based combat in the entire genre, with players being able to physically move around each of their characters on the stage while also blocking attacks at the right time with a button press. Of course, being aYakuzagame means there is also a staggering amount of side content here to enjoy. All this is to say RGG really outdid themselves withInfinite Wealth, which most fans came to really enjoy.
It’s not uncommon to hear a lot of RPG fans say that it wasPersona 4that really put the series on the map, especially in the west. However, whilePersona 4was very well-received and got many people excited for the next entry, Atlas truly went all-out when craftingPersona 5, which built on everything that made the fourth game so special. While the tight and responsive turn-based game was back and better than ever,Persona 5is on a whole different level when it comes to its overall presentation.
Whether it’s the turn-based menus, the party screen, or even just simply a save option, everything in this game is dripping with style. This isn’t even mentioning the Phantom Thieves, a group of ragtag students from different walks of life who all come together for a common cause. Some may have doubted that Atlas could ever reach the heights or even exceed whatPersonahad already achieved with earlier entries, butPersona 5proved that these beloved developers are only getting started.
Remaking one of, if not the most fondly remembered, RPG ever made is no easy task. When Square Enix announced that they would be reviving the iconicFinal Fantasy 7back in 2015, saying that fans were hyped would be an understatement, as everyone wondered how on earth the developers could capture the aesthetic, charm, and overall importance of the original game in the modern era.
To achieve this, Square Enix decided to get a little creative. Not only was the game kept to the Midgar portion of the story, but the turn-based combat had been completely revamped, with players now being able to hack and slash their opponents in real time while slowing down the pace whenever they want to throw out a spell or item. Square also did a great job with the characters, who all feel very in line with their original iterations, but are also a lot more believable due tomodern-day graphicsand technology.
Admittedly,Cyberpunk 2077is an outlier compared to the other entries on this list, considering it didn’t reach fan expectations upon release. In fact, the game felt fundamentally broken when it first launched, though CD Projekt Red didn’t give up hope. After the second year of updates had been released,Cyberpunkwasn’t just in a working state, it had become the dream futuristic RPG that the developers and fans had always wanted.
There are not many RPGs out there that are as immersive asCyberpunk, with the fluid animations and first-person view making players feel as though they are really there in Night City for real every time they log into the game. The introduction ofmultiple skill treesalso allows players to create any kind of character they can think of, whether it be a lightning-fast katana-wielding assassin, an expert Net-runner who can hack enemies from afar, or even just a big old brute.Cyberpunk 2077may have gotten off to a rocky start, but it eventually met the high expectations that were set after CD Projekt Red put in some extra work.
While some claim thatClair Obscur: Expedition 33is a game that came out of nowhere, RPG fans have actually been following this game with a keen eye since it was announced at 2024’s Summer Game Fest. Simply put, the game itself looked too good to be true, with the stunning graphics and unique turn-based Soulslike hybrid gameplay coming across as very ambitious.
Still, RPG fans had hope that the game really would be as good as it was promised to be, and somehow, despite it all, Sandfall managed to put it off. While the game contains some of the best graphics ever seen in the industry, the core gameplay is truly one of a kind, with players being able to take their time when picking an attack, also planning out their parries and dodges in real-time to avoid taking damage. There’s also an incredibly interesting story here with a band of characters who will likely be remembered for many years to come. Pair this with the jaw-dropping variety of environments and music tracks, and it’s not hard to see why so many people have come to loveExpedition 33.
