DAVE

It's stumbling over quests and clearing the fog and question marks. That's why the Witcher 3 is my favorite of these games. I'd say Elden Ring, also, but I suck at Souls-like games and end up just frustrated. It has to feel organic, and not RNG related.

Not entirely sure what a tactical RPG is...

Final Fantasy Tactics, Tactics Ogre... Those standout.

If you want more RPG, the Pathfinder games from Owlcat (Kingmaker, Wrath of the Righteous) are very tactical. I don't consider BG3 to be tactical at all... Its just to easy for that, even on higher difficulties.

Warhammer 40k: Rogue Trader is a great compromise. Great RPG mechanics, very tactical gameplay.

I found the newer Ghost Recon games (Wildlands and Breakpoint) to be great this way. Always a new area to find, hideout to discover, convoy to jack, kill squad to take down... Amd of your board of that, go do an actual mission.

Metaphor was great but not better. Equally cool.

Valkyria is totally different. Not even the same category.

FFX was not better on any way. Summons are cool but not that cool.

Chrono Trigger was great. For sure. I don't really think better. It has strengths and weaknesses that balance out with those in E33.

Never played the Mario game.

I love them. I've played Kingmaker, Original Sin 1 and 2, Pillars of Eternity 1 and 2, the Mass Effect Trilogy, Baldur's Gate 1 and 2, Icewind Dale 1 and 2, Torment, Neverwinter 1 and 2, Wrath of the Righteous, Witcher 3, Arcanum, Lionheart... And am ready almost to start Baldur's Gate 3 after I finish Metaphor and Expedition 33. I usually run straight through and do a thorough playthrough, and come back later for a different set of choices or party members. This style of game, and games like Assassin's Creed, Outlaws, Jedi 1 and 2, etc. Are why I play games at all at 46.

Witcher 3, probably. I haven't played BG3 yet, but Wrath of the Righteous, Kingmaker, Pillars of Eternity, and Divinity: Original Sin 2 are probably my preferences, but W3 is objectively insanely good.

Between 2 and 4 hours, a few days a week. I play RPGs mostly. Currently working on Wrath of the Righteous and Pillars of Eternity. Is love to see more of this style of game on newer consoles.

Actually, Ghost Recon Wildlands and Breakpoint are both go to games for me to just jump in, run around a bit, kill some doods... And then jump out. The quick objectives in taking down a bad or outpost quickly makes it great for les intense sessions. I normally play more intensive, story driven games that require more time at a sitting, so these are a nice break.