Do You Remember These?
Classic RPGs are considered classic for a reason! Whether they reinvent a mechanic, have gripping emotional moments, or revitalize a longstanding series, here are 20 games that have retained their cult following through thick and thin.
1. Fallout 1
This post-apocalyptic roleplaying game merges an old-school wasteland with retro futurism. You start off as a human living buried in a vault, but must venture out in order to find a water chip to save your people. You get to explore a brand new world full of innovative culture, and must make meaningful choices that affect everyone.
2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Witcher 3 is so popular that it is still being played actively to this day. Developed by CD Projekt Red, this game has you play as a monster hunter named Geralt of Rivia who is out searching for his adopted daughter Ciri. To find her, you’ll have to slay beasts, make morally gray decisions, and try not to fall in love with the romanceables.
3. Baldur’s Gate 2
While Baldur’s Gate 3 is a recent game of the year and fan favorite, let’s not forget Baldur’s Gate II, which was developed in 2000 by BioWare. This story is set in the same Forgotten Realms and has you explore the lore behind being a child of Bhaal.
4. Persona 4
If you prefer RPGs with some Japanese influence, then Persona 4 is a stellar choice. Still popular to this day, this game developed by Atlus has you play as a high school student who gets interested in solving supernatural crime. There's plenty of dialogue and choices, as well as good old-fashioned dungeon crawling.
Shuichi Aizawa from New York, USA on Wikimedia
5. Earthbound
Developed by Ape Inc. and HAL Laboratory, Earthbound has been an inspiration for many developers. It’s considered a relatively modern-day RPG as you play as an alien-fighting boy named Ness. It’s quite charming, and isn’t afraid to use humor to tell meaningful stories.
6. Mass Effect
The original Mass Effect was developed by BioWare and was released in 2007. In this game, you play as Commander Shepard and are tasked with saving the galaxy by finding a mysterious technology. Full of choices and squad mates to remember, this game is considered a class act in storytelling.
Alex from Calgary, Canada on Wikimedia
7. Undertale
Undertale is a more recent RPG developed by Toby Fox and it quickly took the world by storm despite its simple graphics. The story is revolutionary, the mechanics subvert classic RPGs, and the musical score has led to orchestra performances. What’s not to love?
Toby Fox and/or Temmie Chang on Wikimedia
8. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
The Elder Scrolls III is still going strong to this day and was developed by Bethesda Game Studios. You play as a prophesized hero and must traverse a world full of unique politics and strange magic. What really makes this game stand out is the sheer amount of freedom at your fingertips.
9. Disco Elysium
Considered the best narrative game by many, in Disco Elysium you play as a detective with a fractured memory trying to solve a crime. With no combat, you’re entirely reliant on roleplaying and dialogue to unravel the absolutely brilliant narrative of the game.
10. Neverwinter Nights
Many old-school gamers compare Baldur’s Gate 3 to Neverwinter Nights and find that the recent game falls short of the freedom and complexity of this 2002 edition. Developed by BioWare, the game delved into the world of Dungeons and Dragons and let the players essentially do whatever they want while unraveling a political conspiracy.
11. Final Fantasy VII
Developed by what is currently known as Square Enix, Final Fantasy VII has you play as Cloud as he joins a group called Avalanche in order to combat Sephiroth and his Shinra Corp. What made this game so unique was its blend of stellar graphics and emotional moments that live on decades later.
12. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Many avid RPG players remember logging in hours every night in the Old Republic. As a prequel to the films, you play as a character uncovering your Jedi origin and are able to choose to delve into either the light or dark side.
13. Divinity: Original Sin 2
Made by Larian Studios, who made the currently famous Baldur’s Gate 3, you play as a sorcerer hunted by the Divine Order. The world is a total sandbox as you use your party to delve into deep combat and clever worldbuilding.
14. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines
Many fans are avidly awaiting the next installment of this game, but we have to give credit where it’s due to Troika Games. They created one of the most beloved vampire RPGs out there as players navigate LA supernatural politics and explore distinct vampire clans in this urban horror game.
15. Chrono Trigger
Released in 1995 by Square Enix, you play as a group of time-traveling heroes with a simple mission: save the world! There are multiple endings to achieve and a fun battle system that got more players hooked.
16. Icewind Dale
Icewind Dale is based on a Dungeons and Dragons module by the same name. In this game, you play in the frozen north and must traverse dungeons and unique settings in order to save a town from the clutches of something darker.
17. Dragon Quest V
This game launched in Japan for more than a decade before it got its western début. It was immediately adored by the western population as gamers followed their character from childhood to fatherhood in this emotional JRPG.
18. XCOM: Enemy Unknown
XCOM is still going strong, but this 2012 release is still considered one of the best. Best known for its tension-filled missions and sheer brutality, it is up to the players to defend Earth from an alien invasion.
19. Fire Emblem: Awakening
Fire Emblem is another series that has amassed quite the fan base, and Awakening certainly stands out for revitalizing the series. It also added the adored marriage and children mechanics, and adds a nice slice of life to the usual stopping-an-ancient-evil thing.
Andre Mari Coppola on Wikimedia
20. Alpha Protocol
If you prefer spy thrillers to the usual monsters and myths, then Alpha Protocol must hold a special place in your heart. Your choices shape the narrative as you unravel political conspiracies and pursue romantic options. It provides everything you need to make a spy story all of your own.
