There is no single best RPG of all time, but several titles constantly rise to the top of the discussion, ranging from classic isometric games to modern action releases.
Chrono Trigger holds up exceptionally well even for adults playing it for the first time. Baldur's Gate 2 does everything right despite some clunkiness from its age, while Planescape: Torment is praised for having writing as good as a proper novel.
Modern games also make the list. Baldur's Gate 3 brings crazy production value and vast player choice. Cyberpunk 2077, especially with its expansion, offers impressive character decisions, build variety, and multiple endings. The Witcher 3 provides a choose-your-own-adventure feel with a highly detailed world.
Other standouts include Dragon Age: Origins for its story and companions, Morrowind for its deep lore and complex gameplay, and Fallout: New Vegas for its strong roleplaying elements.
While there's no single consensus for the best RPG of all time, many Users frequently mention Chrono Trigger, Baldur's Gate 2, Planescape: Torment, and Dragon Age: Origins as top contenders, often alongside newer titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077.
Critically Acclaimed RPGs
Chrono Trigger is often praised for its timeless quality. Many Users who played it as adults or replay it regularly still find it holds up exceptionally well. "I never played Chrono Trigger until I was an adult so I feel I can confidently say Chrono Trigger".
Baldur's Gate 2 is considered by some Users to have done everything right, with its only drawback being its age-related clunkiness. "BG2 just does everything right, with its only real weakness being its clunkiness due to its age".
Planescape: Torment is frequently highlighted for its exceptional writing and profound narrative. Users describe it as being as good as a novel and philosophical. "The one to beat is Planescape: Torment. It’s as good as a proper novel."
Modern Favorites
Baldur's Gate 3 is recognized for its high production value, vast content, and significant player choice. Many consider it a generational title in the RPG genre. "Baldurs Gate 3: The production value alone is crazy for an isometric rpg."
Cyberpunk 2077, especially with its Phantom Liberty expansion, is noted for its character decisions, build variety, and multiple endings, making it a strong contender for best all-around game for many. "Cyberpunk 2077 + PL isnt a pure RPG but it's maybe the best all around game of all time in my opinion and there's plenty of character decisions, builds and 8-9 endings".
The Witcher 3 is celebrated for its immersive narrative and detailed game world, providing a choose-your-own-adventure feel. "Witcher 3 is up there for me due to sheer fidelity of the narrative and the game world, it literally feels like walking into a story book, choose-your-own-adventure style."
Other Highly Recommended Titles
Dragon Age: Origins is consistently praised for its story, companions, lore, and world-building, with many considering it an immaculate gem. "The story, the music, the setting, the companions, the lore, the world-building, the RPG, the fantasy, everything about that gem is immaculate."
Morrowind stands out for its unique setting, deep lore, and complex gameplay, although its age can be a factor for some. "To me, it's Morrowind because it has an awesome story, really good side quests and factions, a very original setting and deep lore and the gameplay is complex and full-featured."
Fallout: New Vegas is valued for its deep narratives, strong roleplaying elements, interesting universe, and memorable companions. "Pillars Of Eternity, Dragon Age: Origins, Fallout: New Vegas, Mass Effect, Vampire Masquerade Bloodlines. They are similar in their deep narratives and strong roleplaying elements."
Do you prefer classic or modern RPG experiences?
Pros & cons
Pros
deep narratives and companion stories
vast player choice and multiple endings
immersive worlds with detailed lore
Cons
older titles can feel clunky
age can be a barrier for some players
FAQ
Does Chrono Trigger hold up for new players?
Yes. Many users who played it for the first time as adults find that it holds up exceptionally well and remains a timeless experience.
What are the drawbacks of Baldur's Gate 2?
The main drawback is its clunkiness due to its age, though users feel it otherwise does everything right.
Why is Planescape: Torment so highly regarded?
Users highlight its exceptional writing and philosophical narrative, comparing its quality to that of a proper novel.
Is Cyberpunk 2077 considered a pure RPG?
Users note it is not a pure RPG, but it stands out as an amazing all around game with plenty of character decisions, builds, and multiple endings.
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