Summary
- Yes, Your Grace offers a simple yet immersive kingdom management experience.
- Pillars of Eternity provides a straightforward approach to classic CRPG gameplay.
- Undertale charms players with its simplicity and engaging bullet hell combat.
When people think about RPGs, the first thing that comes to mind is often 100+ hour runtimes in massive worlds full of complex lore and high-stakes stories. This can make the genre daunting for newer players, who might find most games in this genre overwhelming.
Thankfully, there are several excellent role-playing games that players can enjoy without feeling like they need to invest a ton of time in the experience. To call these RPGs simple would be reductive, since they do a great job of ingratiating players to the core gameplay loop without bombarding them with a ton of information. Rather, they avoid overcomplicating the experience, letting players enjoy the stories and worlds they contain.
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Yes, Your Grace
Surprisingly Simple Despite Combining Numerous Genres
Yes, Your Grace
- Released
- March 6, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Drug Reference, Fantasy Violence, Sexual Content
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Life Simulation, Management
A beautiful indie game with a simple, charming story that combines elements from numerous genres, Yes, Your Grace is an emotional tale about the struggles to run a small kingdom and keep people happy. King Eryk is a character players will sympathize with as he tries to be both a good ruler and a family man.
Managing the treasury, army, and the people's expectations is easier said than done, but it's not overwhelming in the slightest. With little to no effort, players can unlock the best ending in the game and ensure that their kingdom survives the trials and tribulations that await them.
Pillars Of Eternity
A Homage To Classic CRPGs That Isn't Too Overwhelming
Pillars of Eternity
- Released
- March 26, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
For a game that aims to bring back the golden age of CRPGs, it's refreshing to see that Pillars of Eternity does this without overwhelming players. It helps that combat is nowhere near as complicated as players would assume, especially since most other titles in the genre alienate players with tactical combat systems where a single mistake can be deadly.
The Dyrwood is a charming place to explore, the threat of the Hollowborn crisis is easy to understand, and the gods in this world are riveting without being too complex. It eases players into the game and never lets up as players amass a party of heroes, become the ruler of Caed Nua, and embark on an adventure of the ages to end the Hollowborn crisis once and for all.
Jade Empire
A Straightforward, Underrated Wuxia Action RPG
Jade Empire
- Released
- April 12, 2005
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
BioWare has several great games fans can enjoy, and it's a shame that Jade Empire didn't enjoy the success it deserved. The wuxia elements of this game help it stand out as a unique title where players use multiple forms of martial arts in combat to beat down their foes in style.
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The story is simple enough, with players striving to avenge their fallen master, only for a plot twist to flip the script on its head. The simple real-time action and the game's inherent charm ensure that players won't be too overwhelmed with what is one of the easier BioWare games for casual players to get into.
Tyranny
A Complex Exploration Of Evil That Doesn't Overwhelm Players
Tyranny
- Released
- November 10, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
Tyranny could have been one of the greatest CRPGs ever made if it had managed to stick the landing. However, that should take nothing away from a mesmerizing journey that lets players pursue evil playthroughs without feeling like they're punished.
The factions and companions of this game are riveting without overwhelming players. Making slow yet steady progress in this title is a blast as players are immersed in this ravaged world. Players decide to rebel against the Overlord that the protagonist has been working for, leaving a trail of death and destruction in their wake.
Omori
The Horror Gets Under Players' Skins, But The RPG Mechanics Are Simple
OMORI
- Released
- December 25, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
Considering how deep and mature the game's themes are, it helps that Omori's gameplay is simple enough to keep players engaged without boring them. Once players grasp how emotions work within the game, they can manipulate these feelings to obliterate the game's enemies and bosses.
It helps that the story is riveting, and the game is charming enough for players to get immersed in this beautiful adventure in no time. As long as players keep the content warnings in mind, Omori is a surprisingly easy game to get into for fans of unique RPGs.
Undertale
The Game Revels In Simplicity And Makes Up For It With Unlimited Charm
Undertale
- Released
- September 15, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ for Everyone 10+: Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling, Use of Tobacco
- Genre(s)
- RPG
The poster child of charming indie games, Undertale's impact on the industry can't be stated enough. Fans fell in love with the game's presentation as they were introduced to the Underground, a realm of monsters who are friendlier than they have any right to be.
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The bullet hell combat is easy to understand, and the game's hilarious moments ensure that players will love the wild ride. Getting the Pacifist ending isn't that hard for casual players to attain, although the Genocide Route is where players will be truly overwhelmed by the game's incredible challenge.
Deus Ex
Players Are Left To Their Own Devices
Deus Ex
- Released
- June 23, 2000
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, FPS, Stealth
For a game that seems complex at first glance, it's impressive how Deus Ex engrosses players without overwhelming them. Stealth and combat work hand in hand as players find alternate routes to reach one location and enjoy a story full of conspiracies that have become commonplace in today's discussions.
As long as players invest in their skills from time to time and don't frequently engage in shootouts, Deus Ex won't be a huge challenge. It's not necessary to have a perfect playthrough, and players don't have to be too hard on themselves because of how malleable and accommodating Deus Ex's gameplay loop is.
Chrono Trigger
Amazingly Easygoing For Such A Revolutionary JRPG
Chrono Trigger
- Released
- March 11, 1995
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Chrono Trigger deserves the label of being the greatest JRPG ever made. The fact that it manages to adhere to the genre's tropes without overwhelming players is a genuine miracle.
The story is straightforward, combat is simple yet entertaining, and the game's companions are so lovable that players will be thoroughly invested in this title in no time. For such a legendary bastion of the JRPG genre, it's incredible that Chrono Trigger doesn't overwhelm players, even with the inclusion of time travel in the story.
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