You will regret not trying these magnificent PC RPG specimens
There are so many good RPG games for PC out there. In fact, it's almost impossible to recommend a mere ten titles to try. So, instead of simply throwing out the most popular, public favorites or top rated ones, I'm choosing games that best represent a certain group. If you really want to cover your bases, this will give you a taste of each.
While reading this list, keep in mind that I chose the titles based on certain criteria:
- It's current enough that you can run it on most systems without hassle
- It's easy to pick up and get into
- It's a good example of a category
- This is not an MMO list
Legend of Grimrock
This one follows one of the oldest RPG formulas out there - tile-based movement and turn-based combat. You can think of it as a board game played on your PC. Though, unlike most titles in this sub-genre, Legend of Grimrock doesn't pause the action after each move, meaning it doesn't kill the flow as much as one would expect.
The view is first person, which actually serves this game's crowning feature - secrets! Legend of Grimrock does the secrets exceptionally well. There's hidden switches, floor panels, fake walls, traps and none of it is an obvious character skill challenge (such as it is in most D&D based RPGs). You have to notice the switches yourself, you have to find a way to get past a blade trap etc. Basically, this game made ordinary rocks a must-carry for me.
If you like this, you might also enjoy: any Might & Magic RPG (especially 6, 7 and 8), the Wizardry series, Legend of Grimrock 2
Diablo 2: Lord of Destruction
You must've at least heard about this game, if you haven't already played it. It's a must. I don't care what anyone says about any new attempts or previous attempts to copy it - this game is the king. In case you haven't really heard of it, let me tell you what it's about.
It's a hack and slash RPG, with a top down view, mountains of different monsters with even more mountains of varied treasure. This is all about making your character become as awesome as possible. There are 30 skills per character, each unique and fun in their own way. There is so much different gear, with different grades and qualities that I dare not go into it. The amount of playing hours it offers is ridiculous and it's very fast-paced to boot. You'll be clicking and killing a lot! It's not uncommon to see a group of 20 monsters collapse with a single blow of a skill-charged hammer attack.
Diablo 2 perfected this formula, especially with its expansion pack. There have been many attempts since to replicate it, but no game has managed to capture the charm, atmosphere, character diversity and originality, or the huge (yet meaningful) amount of item and monster variety. The one that comes closest would be the first Sacred game, which I could also wholly recommend to represent this category.
If you like this, you might also enjoy: Sacred, Sacred 2, Diablo, Torchlight, Torchlight 2, Titan Quest, Dungeon Siege
Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition
This is again, something many must have heard of. This is D&D brought to the PC through the infinity engine. Simple as that. Lots of story-telling, good lore, good NPCs and the basic D&D rules (AD&D in this case).
For a long time, these titles were lost to us modern PC owners. Finally, Overhaul Games came up with the idea to remake them and make them playable again, woo-hoo! This is why I recommend the Enhanced Edition, as it actually works on Windows 7 and beyond. It also gives some neat new additions that are love-or-hate.
If you like this, you might also enjoy: Baldur's Gate 2, Icewind Dale, Icewind Dale 2, Planescape Torment, Fallout, Shadowrun
Neverwinter Nights: Hordes of the Underdark
Again, it's D&D (3rd edition) on the PC...except not with the infinity engine. I have to be honest in saying that any D&D game outside the infinity engine just fails - except this one. This one is incredible. Bioware took extra care to make everything flow seamlessly and you really feel it. They also put great effort into the characters and the story of this one too. I found myself quickly attached to what was going on.
If you're getting this, grab the expansions because they really do make a huge difference.
If you like this, you might also enjoy: don't, just don't...
Divinity: Original Sin
This is a tactical RPG, with a great story, top down view, lots of lore, but it's not D&D based. I guess you could call this a general PC role-playing game. The original was good enough for people to fund a Kickstarter project and they knocked it out of the park! What really helps Divinity: Original Sin stand out from other PC RPGs is how all the spells, effects and environments interact. If you hit a puddle of water with fire, you'll get steam and if you hit poison with fire - boom! You can get really creative.
Keep an eye on your dialogue choices while playing, there are so many decisions that can permanently affect your character. This can be a huge plus on one hand, or a source of great frustration on the other. Either way, it's fun.
If you like this, you might also enjoy: Pillars of Eternity (very new, but seems great)
Mass Effect
I would call this "gaming meets cinema". I need to give huge props to the developers (Bioware again!) for their work on bringing it to life. More than half the time I felt like I was in a movie! I found myself wanting to speak to characters just so I could watch those facial animations more.
As far as story-telling goes, this game takes the cake. Apart from having a great plot with good pacing and lots of lore (that doesn't distract), it also has the kind of dramatic moments that one would only expect from quality cinema. It's surprising that this wasn't a book first.
If you like this, you might also enjoy: Mass Effect 2 and 3 (you'll want them for the story), The Witcher series (also great, but much slower, which may put some gamers off), Dragon Age: Origins, Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
D&D meets Star Wars. Need I say more? This is something you have to try. You have a team and you can customize each member, as well as build relationships with them individually. Some of them you'll hate and some you'll love. The weapons are also customizable (including your lightsabers!). It really lets you do what you want in the Star Wars universe.
For example, you are literally offered a choice between peacefully resolving an argument or mind-tricking people to chuck themselves into space. Of course, this does affect your alignment and this game gives it more than just stat changes. Not only will people treat you differently, but your appearance can also change. Man, that dark-side sure looks cool.
Finally, it has THE best plot twist in video game history! Not about to spoil it for you, though.
If you like this, you might also enjoy: Knights of the Old Republic 2 (not as great, but still a good game), any of the "cinema games" above (unless you're into it just because it's Star Wars)
Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
You may have heard of Oblivion, you may have heard of Skyrim, but if you played Morrowind, those two games will feel bland and watered-down. In comparison, Morrowind has a very serious tone. The world doesn't shine, it's not bright, the steel isn't polished and there are towns the sun never reaches.
The flow of the game is well executed too. It's an Elder Scrolls game, so the character improves in the skills he uses. Very natural growth and I love it like that. It also lets you pick a class that "suits you" by answering questions, a class from a list or even allows you to create your own class.
What really sets Morrwind apart though, is that it rewards risk. If you're good at sneaking, you can grab yourself a set of incredible gear that's far beyond your level at the very start of the game. However, it does take exploration, bravery and skill to actually manage. The game is packed with little details like this that reward the risk-taker.
If you like this, you might also enjoy: the Elder Scrolls series, Fallout 3, Fallout New Vegas
Costume Quest
Costume Quest is actually a westernized console-style, or JRPG style game. It's well known that this sub-genre has a wide collection of good RPG games. For PC users, they used to be a dream or something to pray for, but not anymore.
This is a fun little title with a kiddy-style story, simplistic gameplay, decent humor and with a great gimmick (Halloween costumes become real!). It's not the kind of game that will drain hours of your life or take you on an epic journey. Think of it as a carnival ride: it sucks you in, gives you a fun thrill and it's over pretty soon, yet you still want more.
If you like this, you might also enjoy: Costume Quest 2, Citizens of Earth (may require grinding), South Park: Stick of Truth (humor can be over-the-top for some)
Borderlands
Some would call it a shooter, but I say it's a cross between hack&slash RPG and FPS. It's a great idea, that could've gone wrong on so many levels. Except, it didn't. Gearbox Software knew what they were doing when they made it. You got your unique characters, you got your skills and mountains of weapon drops. All of which influence how powerful/weak your character is, yet still your aim matters (headshots really make a difference). They hit the nail on the head. Plus, the freaky, over-the-top comic book, post-apocalypse style really helps the game stand-out.
Keep in mind, it can get very tedious if played strictly single-player.
If you like this, you might also enjoy: Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, Deus Ex (though it's much more story driven with lots of stealth)
There really is no bigger and wider genre than RPG for PC. Over the years it has grown and spread so much that nearly every other genre borrows elements from it (kind of like rock music). Let's try a little game here: What would be your most original (yet effective) take on the RPG genre?
