Summary
- Old RPGs had consequences for character choices, modern ones focus on flexibility.
- Classes matter more in older titles but still hold significance in some new games.
- Immersive RPG experiences allow deep customization and impactful gameplay decisions.
Role-playing games have always been about character progression and deep immersion in the worlds carefully crafted by the developers. In some of the older RPGs, going down a certain path with a character carried much more weight than it does nowadays. Respeccing and easily created jack-of-all-trades builds allow gamers to be much more careless with their choices.
Classes and guild allegiances in RPGs used to matter a lot more in older games than they do now, but that doesn't mean that all modern titles discard their importance. Whether it's a 20-year-old cult classic or a modern AAA blockbuster, video games where class systems are fleshed out and have more impact on storylines and gameplay usually have a higher replay value than their more straightforward counterparts.
Updated on June 16th, 2024 by Ritwik Mitra: Role-playing games are a blast to play, with this genre pervading mainstream gaming and making its presence known across major releases that seemingly all employ minor aspects of RPG progression to help players feel a sense of achievement and progression as they explore these game worlds. While most RPGs feature enough deep mechanics to satiate players, certain games allow players to pursue particular builds or classes, which often creates even deeper immersion. Thankfully, there are RPGs with job systems or variants of the same where a player's class or build decision feels meaningful.
24 Final Fantasy 12
Metascore: 92
Final Fantasy 12
It was clear that Square Enix was inspired by their work on the MMO front with Final Fantasy 11, given how much the combat system of the twelfth mainline Final Fantasy game was tweaked to fit into a template that fans of MMORPGs were familiar with at the time. This real-time with pause combat made from a fresh change of pace from the turn-based shenanigans of previous games, coupled with a Job System that was cranked up to 11 in the Zodiac Age.
Players can mix and match different jobs to mess around with different license boards and equip their characters with a suite of abilities. While there are min-maxing strategies players can pursue here, players shouldn't feel too pressured into selecting the best jobs for their playable characters and just take it easy as they explore the rich world of Final Fantasy 12.
23 Octopath Traveler
Metascore: 83
Octopath Traveler
- Released
- July 13, 2018
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Octopath Traveler is a great JRPG that harkens back to the golden age of the genre where players essentially control eight main characters, each with unique narratives of their own. Sure, the story can feel disjointed as a result, but players will forgive this once they experience the amazing gameplay for themselves.
Each character has a job of their own that can be combined with other roles to let players employ a suite of different strategies through the varying party combinations. Each job has a unique set of abilities that can synergize with the innate abilities of other characters, making for some wild moments in combat that are as engaging as they awe-inspiring
22 Dragon's Dogma 2
Metascore: 86
Dragon's Dogma 2
- Released
- March 22, 2024
- Developer(s)
- Capcom
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
It's a shame that the controversies surrounding Dragon's Dogma 2's release dominated the conversation surrounding this game, since the core gameplay of this title is something that fans of the original will feel right at home with. There are a myriad of classes that players can choose from, with each role sporting a bunch of unique abilities that are a blast to mess around with.
The fact that using a character who focuses on magic is somehow just as action-packed as controlling a melee-focused character is genuinely amazing, and the game does a great job of making combat fun and exciting, no matter what builds players pursue. Sure, the overarching issues of Dragon's Dogma 2, ranging from its technical issues to its microtransaction controversies, can take away some of the joy that players experience during this journey, but it only takes a few combat scenarios for them to get into the swing of the game.
21 Divinity: Original Sin
Metascore: 88 (Divinity: Original Sin Enhanced Edition)
Divinity: Original Sin
- Released
- June 30, 2014
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Years before Larian Studios blew everyone's minds with Baldur's Gate 3, they were hard at work making modern CRPGs that broke new ground even then. To this day, the sheer level of interactivity in Divinity: Original Sin's world still blows most people's minds, finding elements of an immersive sim in both this title and its sequel. The addition of seamless co-op also goes a long way in making this title engaging.
The best thing about Divinity: Original Sin is how important of a role classes play in this masterful RPG experience. Players must be smart about the points they invest, to ensure that their character isn't limited by trying to multiclass too much. By investing points and putting a lot of thought into the builds of the two Source Hunters, players can decimate enemies with a suite of powerful techniques.
20 Tyranny
Metascore: 80
Tyranny
- Released
- November 10, 2016
- Developer(s)
- Obsidian Entertainment
- Platform(s)
- Linux, Microsoft Windows, macOS
It's a shame that Tyranny didn't achieve its full potential. A sudden ending was the only sour experience in an otherwise perfect CRPG. Tyranny's exploration of evil is unlike anything ever seen in an RPG before, making it well worth the price of admission.
Players can become outright warriors, dabble in magic, or combine both facets of the gameplay to make for a highly personalized style. While casting magic is more involved, sigils make spells fun to create, and mages level up at a faster rate. This shouldn't deter anyone from pursuing the build they like without any restrictions standing in the way.
19 Pillars Of Eternity
Metascore: 89
Pillars of Eternity
There was a time when Obsidian Entertainment was on the verge of bankruptcy, only for crowdfunding to save the day. Pillars of Eternity is one of the most successful Kickstarter projects around, letting players enjoy a new D&D campaign from the people behind Fallout: New Vegas.
The story of this title is engaging, even if players won't remember the antagonist or most of the side characters. Still, the great worldbuilding and fun set pieces more than make up for some weaknesses in the game's writing.
18 Octopath Traveler 2
Metascore: 85
Octopath Traveler 2
The first Octopath Traveler game was great, even if it had some issues of its own. The stories felt a bit disconnected, and party members didn't really interact naturally during the course of the game, which hurt immersion.
Not only did Octopath Traveler 2 fix these issues, but it also refined the gameplay to let players enjoy one of the best modern JRPGs of all time. Multiple characters could take the same second job, allowing for more robust combinations as players formed the best party around to deal with the many threats standing in their way.
17 Stranger Of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin
Metascore: 72
Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin
- Released
- March 18, 2022
- Developer(s)
- Team Ninja
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin is certainly one of the oddest games that fans can try out. It may not be polished in some aspects, but even its loudest critics will have to admit that the title is anything but boring.
One of the best parts of the game is unlocking numerous jobs to completely change Jack's movesets and the equipment he can wear in battle. Switching around jobs does a great job of keeping combat fresh and tactical, forcing players to adapt to certain situations instead of banging their heads against a brick wall over and over again.
16 Final Fantasy 3
Metascore: 79
Final Fantasy III
- Released
- April 27, 1990
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix, Tose
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo DS, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Wii U
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
Final Fantasy 3 was never released on Western shores until the 3D remake came out. Now, with the Pixel Remaster, players can enjoy the original experience with modern visuals and enhancements, letting fans enjoy a title that is one of the more forgotten entries in the Final Fantasy series.
The Best Action RPGs To Play If You Like Dark Souls
Dark Souls is one of the best video games of all time and has changed the gaming industry forever. Here are some other great action RPGs like it.
The job system in this game was a blast to engage with, and players loved mixing and matching jobs to deal with certain bosses and dungeons. While the idea of treating jobs like puzzles in some instances didn't really resonate with fans, Final Fantasy 3 is still a unique chapter in this legendary series that fans can appreciate, if not admire.
15 Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines
Metascore: 80
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines
- Released
- November 16, 2004
- Developer(s)
- Troika Games
- Platform(s)
- PC
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
It's a shame that Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines was released on the same day as Half-Life 2, pretty much dooming the game's sales for good. The fact that the game was pretty broken on launch didn't help things either. A slew of bugs and glitches bogged down the experience.
However, over time, Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines has accrued a reputation in the industry as one of the best-written RPGs in the genre. There are different kinds of vampires to choose from, and each class is wildly different in its own way. The Malkavian and Nosferatu vampire classes serve as great examples of how brilliant this game is. An entire playthrough can change based on the restrictions and unique eccentricities these classes possess.