Summary
- CRPGs offer isometric viewpoints and tactical combat with a focus on player commands.
- Games like Pillars of Eternity offer epic adventures and rich narratives for fans to enjoy.
- Titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Planescape: Torment stand out for their complex stories and writing.
Computer role-playing games (CRPGs) may seem like a confusing name for this subgenre, but players will understand what CRPGs refer to after checking out a few titles that fall under this bracket. Most of these games have isometric viewpoints and tactical combat, where players select commands instead of carrying out actions in real-time.
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These excellent RPGs are good from the start, but they continue to get better and better as players delve into their intricate worlds.
Of course, it would be impossible to talk about CRPGs without mentioning the amazing stories that fans can experience in these titles. Players will love exploring these narratives and seeing the various ways they can role-play as the character of their choice.
Pillars Of Eternity
Incredible Worldbuilding And A Detailed Story To Uncover
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
Obsidian Entertainment staged a comeback for the CRPG genre with the release of Pillars of Eternity. This title checked all the genre boxes when it came to letting players enjoy an epic adventure with numerous interesting and complex party members.
The narrative of Pillars of Eternity is great, which would've been a challenging endeavor given that this title was trying to establish an IP. The Dyrwood is a fascinating location to explore as players try to unravel the curse of the Hollowborn and figure out the secret that the gods are hiding, all while Thaos throws a wrench in their plans time and time again.
Tyranny
The Exploration Of Various Flavors Of Evil In This Game Is Incredible
Tyranny
- Released
- November 10, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
Tyranny is a game that could've been one of the best CRPGs ever made had it stuck the landing. However, that should take nothing away from a compelling journey where players control one of the evil tyrant Kyros' underlings who aid the overlord's quest to take over the world.
The best thing about Tyranny is its writing, allowing players to engage with various flavors of evil as they make progress in this riveting adventure. The fact that this game is set at the tail end of an invasion is great, making for a tantalizing environment that allows the game's rich plot to unfold organically.
Fallout 2
Established The Dark Humor Of The Series Along With Some Excellent Writing
Fallout 2
- Released
- October 29, 1998
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Strong Language
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Fallout 2 is one of the greatest role-playing games of all time. It was an important title for the series, integrating the iconic dark humor that Fallout games are known for today with the tactical combat seen in the series' debut entry.
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It also features one of the most riveting gaming antagonists of all time in the form of Frank Horrigan, a super mutant clad in power armor who's a blast to engage with. This character, along with many other powerful storytelling moments in Fallout 2, makes its narrative well worth experiencing for CRPG fans.
Dragon Age: Origins
A Legendary CRPG That Needs No Introduction
Dragon Age: Origins
- Released
- November 3, 2009
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Language, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Most people will be surprised to find that Dragon Age: Origins is a CRPG, but this should be clear after players check out how combat works. This game can technically be played in isometric view with a mouse, with players being encouraged to make the smartest moves in battles and use their abilities wisely.
It gives Dragon Age: Origins' combat a tactical flair that is missing in the sequels. It also helps that the unique Origin system, coupled with a compelling central conflict, ensures that players will have a blast playing this incredible CRPG.
Baldur's Gate 3
An Ambitious Story Featuring A Ridiculous Number Of Branching Paths
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
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Baldur's Gate 3 is one of the best CRPGs of all time, with its narrative being just one of its many elements that fans can't get enough of. Players control either a custom or pre-defined character who has been infected with an illithid parasite and must figure out a way to combat their infection.
The role-playing complexity of Baldur's Gate 3 is immense, and the writing ensures that the game's narrative will be riveting from start to end, regardless of any choices the player makes. While the immense scope of this title means that the story may not always showcase the greatest pacing, it's more than competent otherwise.
Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic
Boasts One Of The Most Iconic Twists In Gaming History
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
- Released
- July 15, 2003
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Knights of the Old Republic is hailed by many as one of the best Star Wars games ever made. It features a narrative so compelling that fans are still raving about its excellent central plot twist to this day.
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Players control an amnesiac Jedi who must relearn their abilities before eventually facing off against powerful foes. As the game progresses, based on the player's choices, they can either become a righteous Jedi or a powerful Sith who makes everyone bend the knee.
Planescape: Torment
The Philosophical Narrative Turned This Game Into A CRPG Classic
Planescape: Torment
- Released
- December 12, 1999
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Players who want to check out a CRPG with immaculate writing will love what Planescape: Torment brings to the table. The title is known for its philosophical writing, with the Nameless One slowly rediscovering his enemies as he interacts with people who seemingly remember him from his past.
The questions posed by this game are hard-hitting, and the mysteries surrounding the Nameless One are fun to uncover. All of this combines to let players enjoy a CRPG that has become legendary, mainly courtesy of its writing.
Disco Elysium
Boasts Incredible Storytelling In A Tantalizing World
Disco Elysium
- Released
- October 15, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
From the moment players assume control of a drunk, amnesiac cop, they know they're in for something special in Disco Elysium. Players conduct a murder investigation in Martinaise that takes them on a wild goose chase full of eccentric personalities to interact with and a wide variety of political beliefs to embrace, defame, or bastardize.
From cryptid hunts to karaoke and everything in between, Disco Elysium is full of small moments that make it extremely special. Despite the game lacking almost any form of combat, the writing is so strong that players will be captivated regardless.
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