Role-playing games (RPGs) have come a long way since their tabletop origins. With the rise of digital technology, RPGs have evolved into immersive, visually stunning experiences that transport players to fantastical worlds filled with unforgettable characters and epic adventures. As a digital technology expert, I‘ve had the pleasure of witnessing firsthand how advances in hardware and software have pushed the boundaries of what‘s possible in the genre.
In this article, I‘ll be counting down the 7 absolute best RPGs of all time, with a focus on how their technical achievements and innovations have shaped the genre as we know it today. From groundbreaking graphics to complex systems and branching narratives, these games represent the pinnacle of RPG development.
7. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a masterclass in open-world design and storytelling. Developed by CD Projekt Red using their proprietary REDengine 3, the game features a vast, seamless world with minimal loading screens. The attention to detail is staggering, with dynamic weather systems, day/night cycles, and volumetric effects that bring the world to life.
But it‘s not just the graphics that make The Witcher 3 stand out. The game‘s dialogue system uses natural language processing to create more realistic conversations, with NPCs remembering your choices and reacting accordingly. And with over 100 hours of content, including multiple endings and expansive DLC, there‘s no shortage of ways to shape Geralt‘s story.
6. Chrono Trigger (1995)
Chrono Trigger may be over 25 years old, but it remains a shining example of JRPG excellence. Developed by a "Dream Team" of developers from Square and Enix, including Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii and Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama, Chrono Trigger introduced several innovations that would go on to become genre staples.
Chief among these is the Active Time Battle system, which combines turn-based and real-time elements for fast-paced, strategic combat. The game also features combo attacks that allow characters to team up for devastating special moves. And with multiple endings, New Game+ mode, and a relative lack of grinding, Chrono Trigger respects the player‘s time in a way that few RPGs do.
5. Final Fantasy VII (1997)
Final Fantasy VII is often credited with popularizing JRPGs in the West, and it‘s not hard to see why. The game‘s pre-rendered backgrounds and cinematic cutscenes were mind-blowing at the time, showcasing the power of the PlayStation hardware. But it‘s the game‘s story and characters that truly set it apart, with Cloud and Sephiroth becoming iconic figures in gaming history.
From a technical standpoint, Final Fantasy VII introduced several innovations that would become series mainstays. The Materia system allowed for deep customization of character abilities, while the Limit Break system added an element of strategy to combat. And with a sprawling world to explore and a twisting narrative that tackled weighty themes, Final Fantasy VII set a new standard for storytelling in RPGs.
4. Mass Effect 2 (2010)
Mass Effect 2 is a prime example of how iterative design can improve on an already great game. Building on the foundation of the first Mass Effect, the sequel streamlines many of the game‘s systems, from inventory management to planet scanning. The result is a more focused, action-packed experience that still retains the depth and choice-driven gameplay that made the original so compelling.
One of Mass Effect 2‘s most impressive technical feats is its branching dialogue system. Using a sophisticated mix of voice acting, facial animation, and player choice, the game creates the illusion of a living, breathing universe where your decisions have real consequences. And with an unforgettable cast of characters and a suicide mission finale that remains one of gaming‘s most thrilling sequences, Mass Effect 2 is a milestone in RPG storytelling.
3. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a game that needs no introduction. With its vast, handcrafted world, endless character customization options, and emergent gameplay systems, Skyrim set a new standard for open-world RPGs. But it‘s the game‘s technical achievements that truly set it apart.
Under the hood, Skyrim uses a complex AI system called Radiant AI to govern NPC behavior. This allows for more lifelike interactions and emergent gameplay moments, such as NPCs dynamically reacting to the player‘s actions. The game also features a robust physics engine that allows for realistic object interactions and ragdoll effects.
But perhaps Skyrim‘s greatest strength is its moddability. With a vibrant modding community and tools like the Creation Kit, players have created thousands of mods that add new quests, characters, items, and even entire landmasses to the game. This has given Skyrim a nearly infinite lifespan, with players still discovering new ways to play over a decade after its release.
2. Persona 5 Royal (2020)
Persona 5 Royal is a masterclass in stylish presentation and immersive storytelling. Building on the already excellent foundation of Persona 5, Royal adds new characters, storylines, and gameplay features that elevate the experience to new heights.
From a technical standpoint, Persona 5 Royal is a marvel. The game‘s UI and visual design are a perfect match for its themes of rebellion and self-expression, with bold colors, striking typography, and seamless transitions between gameplay and cutscenes. The game also features a deep social simulation system that allows players to form meaningful relationships with a cast of memorable characters.
But it‘s the game‘s dungeon-crawling and combat that truly shine. With a mix of turn-based battles, exploitable enemy weaknesses, and stylish finishing moves, Persona 5 Royal‘s combat is both strategically satisfying and visually stunning. And with multiple difficulty options and a wealth of post-game content, there‘s plenty of reason to keep coming back to Tokyo long after the credits roll.
1. Elden Ring (2022)
Elden Ring is a game that needs to be played to be believed. From Software‘s latest masterpiece takes the challenging combat and intricate world design of the Dark Souls series and transplants it into a sprawling open world full of secrets, dangers, and awe-inspiring vistas.
But what sets Elden Ring apart from other open-world games is how it integrates its various systems and mechanics into a cohesive whole. The game‘s world is designed in such a way that players are constantly making meaningful choices about where to go and what to do next. There‘s no quest log or objective marker holding your hand – instead, the game trusts the player to explore, experiment, and discover its secrets at their own pace.
This sense of player-driven discovery extends to Elden Ring‘s character progression and combat systems. With a staggering array of weapons, spells, and abilities to choose from, players are free to create their own playstyle and tackle the game‘s challenges in their own way. And with asynchronous multiplayer features like phantoms and bloodstains, there‘s a sense of community and collaboration even in the game‘s most punishing moments.
But perhaps the most impressive thing about Elden Ring is how it uses its technical prowess to create a sense of place and atmosphere. From the haunting vistas of Liurnia to the oppressive depths of the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds, every inch of the game‘s world feels hand-crafted and purposeful. And with a frame rate that rarely dips below 60fps on next-gen consoles, the game‘s technical performance is as impressive as its artistic vision.
The Legacy of RPGs
As a digital technology expert, I‘m constantly amazed by how far RPGs have come in the decades since their inception. What began as a niche genre has exploded into the mainstream, with RPG elements now found in everything from first-person shooters to sports games. And with new technologies like cloud gaming, virtual reality, and machine learning on the horizon, the future of RPGs looks brighter than ever.
But even as the genre continues to evolve, the core appeal of RPGs remains the same: the ability to inhabit another world, to become someone else, and to shape your own story. Whether you‘re a veteran of the genre or a newcomer looking to dip your toes in, these 7 games represent the very best that RPGs have to offer. So grab a controller, put on your adventuring hat, and prepare to lose yourself in some of the greatest stories ever told.
