The development of role-playing games has been wildly different on both sides of the globe. While JRPGs are enjoyable on their own, the allure of Western RPGs is hard to deny as well.
8 Best Western RPGs For Slow Exploration, Ranked
Western RPGs are excellent a giving players a deep and detailed world to explore at their own pace, with these games being some of the best examples.
Players love this genre and the developers who experiment with these tropes. This can occur by either bucking certain trends or combining role-playing elements with other genres to make for a surprisingly enjoyable combination.
8 Yes, Your Grace
A Story-Driven Kingdom Management RPG
Yes, Your Grace
- Released
- March 6, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Drug Reference, Fantasy Violence, Sexual Content
- Developer(s)
- Brave at Night
- Publisher(s)
- No More Robots
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Life Simulation, Management
Indie gaming has allowed players to enjoy some of the most unique and experimental games players can get their hands on, and Yes, Your Grace is no exception. Players control King Eryk, the ruler of the struggling kingdom of Davern who is thrust into unavoidable wars and compromising situations after a series of unfortunate events.
The combination of management elements with role-playing and a tantalizing story is a huge part of what makes Yes, Your Grace so special. Players must manage their resources and keep their subjects happy to deal with the many threats that come their way.
7 Planescape: Torment
Forsakes The Traditional Combat Loop To Focus On A Thought-Provoking Narrative Instead
Planescape: Torment
- Released
- December 12, 1999
WHERE TO PLAY
During a time when isometric RPGs featured some form of combat to keep fans interested, Planescape: Torment decided to buck this trend. While there are times when players can engage in combat, it's optional the Nameless One is just resurrected if he falls in battle.
Instead, the main focus of Planescape: Torment comes from its gripping writing where the amnesiac protagonist encounters people he supposedly met in the past and slowly pieces together his memories. As long as players don't mind a ton of reading, they'll love the rich and engaging storytelling of Planescape: Torment that goes places.
6 Darkest Dungeon
A Turn-Based Roguelike RPG With A Focus On Hardcore Gameplay And Gothic Horror
Darkest Dungeon
- Released
- January 19, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Alcohol Reference, Blood and Gore, Mild Language, Partial Nudity, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Red Hook Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Red Hook Studios
- Genre(s)
- RPG
A roguelike horror RPG with brutal turn-based combat that takes a while to get used to, Darkest Dungeon is not for the faint of heart. Players can't get greedy while exploring the dungeons in this game, since all it takes is one challenging battle to leave them in a world of hurt.
The Most Depressing RPG Worlds Ever Made
Hope is but a faraway dream in these bleak RPG worlds that have depressing yet fascinating worldbuilding, aesthetics, and lore.
Players need to form a well-rounded adventuring party, prioritizing characters with strong traits while sacrificing the ones who can't deal with the stress inflicted upon them in each dungeon. It's a challenging game that took many risks, with the vast majority of them paying off.
5 Sunless Skies
Players Take On The Role Of A Captain Roaming The Skies And Discovering Several Stories Along The Way
Sunless Skies
- Released
- January 31, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Blood, Language, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Failbetter Games
- Publisher(s)
- Failbetter Games
Players who want to check out an experimental indie RPG with a focus on storytelling and exploration will love Sunless Skies. It's a near-perfect sequel with everything from multiple compelling hubs to much-needed UI improvements that help the game's writing feel more impactful.
Fans of the Fallen London universe will love the risky changes this game brings to the formula. Instead of exploring the Unterzee, players take to the skies and engage in real-time battles that's a huge improvement over the weird hybrid combat system present in Sunless Sea.
4 Disco Elysium
A Detective RPG With Weird Stats And Incredible Writing
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
- Developer(s)
- ZA/UM
- Publisher(s)
- ZA/UM
- Genre(s)
- RPG
From the very moment players boot up Disco Elysium, they'll realize just how unique and experimental this game is. Instead of a valiant hero, players control a wild drunk with conflicting psyches and overbearing personalities who must fight his urges at times while trying to solve a murder case.
The game lacks any form of combat whatsoever and relies solely on skill checks. Unlike most other Western RPGs, Disco Elysium makes failures just as interesting as successes, ensuring that players will love choosing the wackiest options as the game's hilarious writing accommodates their decisions in unexpected and entertaining ways.
3 Weird West
An Eccentric Combination Of Numerous Genres That Lives Up To Its Moniker
Weird West
- Released
- March 31, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Violence
- Publisher(s)
- Devolver Digital
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
As the name may suggest, players will be in for a bizarre time if they check out Weird West. The game takes place in the Wild West with a dark fantasy twist.
The Most Beautiful RPG Worlds Ever Made
These RPG worlds are on another level when it comes to aesthetics, with breathtakingly beautiful vistas setting apart from the rest.
If this wasn't experimental enough as is, this title combines everything from action RPG gameplay to immersive sim elements, making for a wholly unique experience. As long as players can get past the title's immense jank, Weird West will be a perfect pick for players seeking out the most experimental isometric RPGs they can get their hands on.
2 Kenshi
Encourages Freeform Gameplay And Experimentation, Although The Learning Curve May Be Intense
Kenshi
- Released
- December 6, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- nr
- Engine
- OGRE
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Open-World, Survival
- Platform(s)
- PC
The mere fact that Kenshi has no main story and just chucks players into a foreign and hostile world with little to no explanation. Given how most Western RPGs feature tutorials and simple opening acts to get used to the game world they're a part of, Kenshi feels completely different in this regard.
The tough-as-nails tactical combat will make players think twice as they prioritize leveling up their skills and building up a squad of competent individuals. Every successful expedition feels like a mini-victory of sorts as players either stick to their morals or perform some truly heinous actions to become powerful figures in the world of Kenshi.
1 Pyre
Combines Elements Of A Sports Game And Role-playing Mechanics For A Delightful Combination
Pyre
- Released
- July 25, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E For Everyone: Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Tobacco Reference, Use of Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- Supergiant Games
- Publisher(s)
- Supergiant Games
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Supergiant Games has never shied away from experimentation in their games, but Pyre took this to a new level. The game combines the structure of a visual novel RPG with sports gameplay where players get accustomed to playing the many Rites they must win to reach the finals.
The gameplay loop features a heartbreaking twist where the player must choose which Exile can leave purgatory. This leads to players making tough decisions, since they may empathize with certain members of the team, but their skills in the Rites are so valuable that letting them go would neuter their team's strength.
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