Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur's Gate 3 is currently my number one most favorite game of all time. BG3 truly took the world by surprise when relatively small studio Larian released one of the most in-depth RPGs ever created in 2023. BG3 truly redefines the RPG genre. Its rich, immersive storytelling, coupled with unparalleled character depth and dynamic decision-making, creates an experience like no other. I can't overstate how genuinely in-depth this game is. On top of all of these accolades, Baldur's Gate 3 is modeled off of the tabletop game Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) making the game easy for any beginner to pick up and play without any gaming experience. If you have not tried the game yet I would highly recommend it!
Cyberpunk 2077
Another groundbreaking RPG is Cyberpunk 2077. Unfortunately hindered by its rocky launch on older generation consoles, Cyberpunk 2077 ended up being one of the best designed video games in history. One of the amazing features of Cyberpunk 2077 alongside its in-depth storytelling and decision making, is the fact that many of the unique characters in the game were live-captured; Giving every character it's own unique personality and style (such as the character played by Keanu Reeves), along with being played in first-person this feature set really creates a deeply immersive environment. Cyberpunk 2077 is played mostly in a first-person shooter style that is really well done and does not become repetitive. In 2023 the DLC Phantom Liberty released, further expanding on the storyline of the base game and setting standards for the industry once again. Phantom Liberty introduced a character played by star Idris Elba and became one of the most intense storylines I have ever experienced. If you have not tried this game before or have dismissed it in the past due to its launch controversy, I would highly recommend checking it out.
The Elders Scrolls Online
Branching out from the ever-popular Elder Scrolls franchise, The Elder Scrolls Online released in 2014 in the model of an MMORPG in traditional Elder-Scrolls style. Since then Elder Scrolls has added yearly content updates expanding on one of the most massive ingame worlds ever made. With hundreds of NPCs all fully voice acted to a high quality standard, The Elder Scrolls Online is truly one of the best value games on the market with the base price of 20 dollars. Not to mention that the game goes on sale regularly for as low as 5 dollars with no subscription requirement. I've heard alot of "I loved Skyrim but could not get into ESO" I would urge you to give ESO a second chance. The game can be played in first or third person, by yourself or with a group of friends with essentially endless content to explore in ways of PvE, PvP, Storylines and more. I've always said all things considered, ESO is the best well-rounded game on the market.
World Of Warcraft
I'm not sure I could make a top 5 list without mentioning World Of Warcraft, released originally in 2004 World Of Warcraft has become the successful MMORPG ever made. World Of Warcraft requires a subscription to play, but is able to provide a stream of content in exchange. WoW defined the original MMORPG gameplay experience that many games still emulate to this day. It makes my top 5 list because I will always have fond memories of WoW.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
If you are an RPG lover like myself, you know it would be almost criminal if I did not mention Witcher 3. In many ways Witcher 3 paved the way for the success of modern CMRPGs (Choices-Matter Roleplaying Games), with it's branching choices that you really feel the impact of throughout the story. The game was such a critical success that it was followed up later by a popular TV series The Witcher on Netflix. I found myself drawn to the story so much that I continued to want to find out what happens next, something that I still struggle to find in RPGs today.
Thank you for reading! I know that there are many more incredible games that very well could have made the list. Feel free to let me know your thoughts below!
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