Summary
- Tabletop RPGs inspired stunning RPG video games like Final Fantasy 7 with rich lore and characters.
- Evolution in animation and art led to visually impressive RPGs like Divinity: Original Sin 2 and Baldur's Gate 3.
- Games like Sea of Stars and Chrono Trigger continue the tradition of visually impressive turn-based RPGs.
Role-playing games with turn-based combat existed in tabletop form before they became video games. Many stunning adventures have been brought to life thanks to the evolution of these lore-rich and character-building games when they appeared on consoles and computers.
The evolution of motion capture animation and the resurgence of hand-painted games have given players some of the best-looking RPGs, not only in terms of setting, but also characters and other details, like spells, weapons, and gear. Not all of these gorgeous games are recent releases either; some of the most visually impressive games are also vintage classics.
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7 Final Fantasy 7
A Classic That's Still Gorgeous
Final Fantasy 7
- Released
- January 31, 1997
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Blood, Fantasy Violence, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Final Fantasy 7 was a legend even in its own time for the amazing visuals, compelling storyline, and lovable characters. The 2020 remake was equally well-received, and is the first in a trilogy of remastered games also focused on the events and heroes of FF7.
The previous games in this franchise weren't as visceral or realistic, and FF7 raised the bar for graphics and story considerably. Several of the featured characters have earned their places in video game history, and are recognized even by people who don't play the games. Cloud and Sephiroth are one of the most famous hero-and-villain dichotomies of all time, and both appear in other video games in the franchise.
6 Divinity: Original Sin 2
A Stunning Project From Larian Studios
Divinity: Original Sin 2
- Released
- September 14, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Language, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Welcome to the medieval fantasy world of Rivellon, where the Godwoken have to fight the Source to gain enough strength and experience to fight the Voidwoken. The plot includes all the magic, mayhem, gore, and intrigue of any RPG, plus it has the beautiful visuals of the setting along with the Void. On a more detailed level, the weapon and combat options also look great.
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Considering how expensive this game looks, it is always impressive to hear that it was crowdfunded to the tune of a mere 2 million dollars. In addition to how great it is visually, it's also considered to be one of history's greatest turn-based RPGs.
5 Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous
The Second In An Impressive Series From Owlcat
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous
- Released
- September 2, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Owlcat Games
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is the second in a series of games that takes place in yet another medieval fantasy world. The country of Mendev is plagued by a magical chasm known as the Worldwound, and only the protagonist can close it using their mythic powers.
The medieval depiction of lofty castles and country roads already looks great, but what's really stunning about WotR is the depiction of the various characters, especially the protagonist, according to the class they've chosen. Zombies, dragons, demons, and even a lich are some of the many forms the hero can take, and they each have a unique design.
4 Sea of Stars
A Brilliant Play Of Color And Light
Sea of Stars
- Released
- August 29, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language
- Developer(s)
- Sabotage
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Sea of Stars was launched fairly recently, but it uses the same kind of pixel graphics as the old-school console games from the 1990s. This is an intended part of the design. Pixel art with modern tweaking and color looks amazing, which was part of the intention of the designers.
One Year Ago, Sea of Stars Found Success by Modernizing JRPGs
Sabotage Studio's Sea of Stars was celebrated as an instant classic upon its release on August 29, 2023. Set in the same universe as the developer's 2018 hit, The Messenger, the game made a strong impact with its retro-inspired presentation and emotionally resonant narrative. It quickly garnered critical acclaim, ultimately winning Best Indie at The 2023 Game Awards.
The view is the familiar isometric setting that is used by most turn-based RPGs, and takes advantage of the view to use both vintage and modern visuals. The player controls a hero called a Solstice Warrior as they fight their way through the world by solving puzzles and fighting enemies.
3 Chrono Trigger
The Pinnacle Of Vintage Gameplay And Design
Chrono Trigger
- Released
- March 11, 1995
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Chrono Trigger might be the title that made turn-based video games a genre of their own in the mid-1990s. Modern games still use their unique style and appealing design as an inspiration for their own fantasy-based RPGs, with Sea of Stars being one of the most popular and recent examples.
The designers who created Chrono-Trigger are three of the most talented in the business, which explains its enduring success. Hironobu Sakaguchi is the creator of the Final Fantasy series, Akira Toriyama designed the Dragon Quest characters and wrote the Dragon Ball manga series, and Yuji Horii is the creator of the original Dragon Quest video games.
2 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
An Ethereal And Elegant Aesthetic
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Released
- April 24, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Sandfall Interactive
- Genre(s)
- Turn-Based RPG, JRPG, Fantasy
La Belle Époque was a time in French history when designers and artists flourished, and the setting of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is based on a dark fantasy version of this same environment. The production studio, Sandfall, intended to create a high-fidelity turn-based game and was inspired by JRPGs like Persona and Final Fantasy.
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The number in the title comes from the maximum age of the characters in this world. They can only live until 32, and are executed when they reach 33 in a mass sacrifice called the Grommage. This event is overseen by the big boss, a villain named the Paintress, who is also a type of artist.
1 Baldur's Gate 3
The Best Of Motion Capture And VA Talent
Baldur's Gate 3
- Released
- August 3, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Baldur's Gate 3 was released almost two years ago, and since then, the game's fanbase and popularity have remained consistent. Larian Studios, the same company behind Divinity: Original Sin 2, is also responsible for this masterpiece, and the gaming world is looking forward to what they do next.
The recent release of a patch that included new subclasses was just as well-received, and includes some new visuals to complement them. The settings and characters of BG3 look great already, and the addition of a few more creative attacks and spells makes it even better.
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