Skyrim Is an Amazing RPG
Role-playing games (RPGs) are some of the most popular video games on the market. This category has exploded in the last few decades, thanks to iconic series like Skyrim and Chrono Trigger. Most of these games feature immersive worlds, memorable characters, and challenging missions. That said, they are not all created equal. Here are the 10 most immersive RPGs of all time and 10 that sucked.
1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
This entry in the popular series is considered by many to be the gold standard for immersive gameplay. It offers rich storytelling and morally complex characters. The world feels genuinely lived-in, and the branching quests will compel you to play uninterrupted for hours.
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2. Skyrim
This game delivers an immersive experience through its scale and atmosphere. Players get to traverse ancient ruins and snowy peaks, both of which have an air of mystery. Skyrim's open structure lets you focus on the main plot as much as you want as you carve your own narrative.
3. Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur's Gate 3 upgraded immersive gameplay through reactive systems and dialogue. This game ensures that every choice you make matters and influences the unfolding story.
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4. Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 2 makes the player's crew central to the plot. Every companion is essential, and the quests build the personal stakes. This is a cohesive sci-fi universe that draws you in with political tension and alien cultures. Not to mention, there are tons of spellbinding action.
5. Red Dead Redemption 2
This open-world western uses its RPG elements, like character development, dialogue, and survival mechanics, to create a deeper level of immersion. The extraordinary action, deliberate slow pacing, and nuanced writing make the world feel real.
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6. Fallout: New Vegas
It's easy to get immersed in the political complexity and narratives in this game, which many consider to be the most replayable RPG of all time. The humor makes it even more compelling, and the deep lore will keep you invested.
7. Planescape: Torment
This RPG is a cult classic. It delivers storytelling laced with philosophy and explores identity, regret, and a depth that eludes other games. Choices rely on conversation and thoughtful reflection, so playing it requires you to immerse yourself in your character.
8. Dragon Age: Origins
Origins is a classic fantasy RPG that pulls you into its thrilling story through tactical combat and how the characters' identities are shaped. A character's race, class, and background inform their dialogue, reactions, and relationships.
9. Chrono Trigger
This game has been around for a long time, but it remains one of the most immersive RPGs ever brought to market. Every era features unique music, culture, and stakes. Furthermore, the characters are all incredibly memorable.
10. Elden Ring
Elden Ring creates an impressive level of immersion through exploration and mystery. Your curiosity can be rewarded at every turn, as the game doesn't hold your hand. Instead, it trusts you to uncover the lore as you explore the world.
1. Fallout 76
Upon launch, Fallout 76 was harshly criticized for its technical failures and missing features. The lack of traditional NPCs made the world feel flat and vacant.
2. Anthem
This dynamic combat game promised a living world, but it really only offers repetitive missions and shallow progression. The story is also fragmented, making it difficult to get into.
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3. Mass Effect: Andromeda
This game isn't unplayable and does have some enjoyable elements, but it's far less immersive than previous entries in the series. The weak animation and awkward dialogue disappointed fans and delivered an empty experience.
4. Cyberpunk 2077 (Launch Version)
Although an improved version was eventually brought to market, Cyberpunk 2077 was launched in poor condition on consoles. The game was too simple, and the world wasn't very reactive. Later patches redeemed some of the game's flaws, but the launch version under-delivered by a wide margin.
5. Two Worlds
This RPG wanted to be an open-world fantasy competitor to popular games like Oblivion, but it's clunky with awkward dialogue and unimpressive visuals. The repetitive quests prevent it from being truly immersive, and only serve to make you want to stop playing and go outside for some fresh air.
6. Bound by Flame
This game offered an intriguing premise about demonic possession, yet it still disappointed due to its lack of immersive combat and characters.Its doesn't have the emotional depth to make the bigger moments feel significant.
7. Unlimited Saga
Square Enix took some fun, creative risks with this game, but the results were confusing and frustrating. The exploration system and rigid movements made it difficult to progress through the game. The worst part was that the combat relied on seemingly random factors, which made it unfair.
8. Risen 3: Titan Lords
Risen 3 wasn't a total disaster, but it suffered from bland storytelling and characters and an underwhelming world design. The was an attempt to mix pirate fun with fantastical elements, but it is incoherent and flat. The side quests are also boring, and the game lacks an overall sense of discovery.
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9. Arcania: Gothic 4
The Gothic series is beloved for its depth of storytelling and challenging yet rewarding gameplay. Unfortunately, Arcania took away so much of what has made the franchise so immersive. The storytelling is linear, and the combat is overly simplistic.
Onur Binay on Unsplash10. Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization
Hollow Realization's repetitive gameplay and uninteresting combat make it a dud. The story is too focused on fan service rather than compelling world-building. Even the large maps feel empty and pointless, and the enemy encounters are meaningless.
