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Finding a good RPG game today can be quite difficult. Don’t get me wrong, whether you’re looking for a mediaeval game like Kingdom Come: Deliverance, something more fantasy-esque like Baldur’s Gate 3 or even something totally different like Cyberpunk: 2077, there’s ample options. But that’s kind of the problem- there’s just too much choice. In these kind of cases, I like to go back to basics with some classic, must-play games. These are games that are all more than 10 years old, who have stood the test of time, and- most importantly- are easily accessible, whether you’re a laptop user on Steam or on their respective console stores. So here are 3 classic RPG games that you absolutely have to try.
While many will be familiar with the sequel, Red Dead Redemption 2, that absolutely dominated the gaming industry upon its release in 2018, the original Red Dead Redemption is equally a masterpiece worth playing. Set in the waning days of the Wild West, it follows the story of John Marston as he aids the fledgling FBI in their effort to round up the last remnants of his former gang.
From a storytelling perspective, Red Dead Redemption is inevitably overshadowed by the immense success of its successor, but nonetheless still maintains a really solid standard. The game is filled with a sense of distinct loss, as the protagonist finds himself in a world he is no longer welcome, yet a sense of duty as he tried to make right a lifetime of wrongdoing- in many ways providing a clear thematic bond between the original game and its prequel. The central story is amazing and tragic, thanks to the exceptional performances of Rob Wiethoff, Benjamin Byron Davis and Ross Heagan, who lend an emotional depth to a really well written script.
The gameplay of Red Dead Redemption is equally impressive, with a large map stretching from the urban centre of Blackwater all the way out to Mexico. That said, the map is careful not to be too big so that travelling around on horseback doesn’t take up too much time, and the road is filled with random encounters to keep you occupied as you traverse the game’s world. The combat feels very balanced, keeping you on your toes and creating a clear sense of progression as John goes from revolvers of the old days of the Wild West to semi-automatic shotguns and pistols to provide a sense of reward as the story evolves.
Red Dead Redemption has recently undergone a stellar port to PC, and is definitely worth a purchase for the discerning gamer. This package on Steam also comes with the game’s DLC, Undead Nightmare, which is well-documented to be one of the best DLCs in gaming history!
Fallout: New Vegas is recognised, and rightful so, as one of the best RPGs of all time. Despite being now 14 years old, having been released in 2010, it has remained a mainstay in the genre, and thus while its graphics may now be a bit dated, it is nonetheless still revered by the community.
A masterclass in worldbuilding, Fallout: New Vegas weaves an intricate tapestry of social clashes, political intrigue and economic forces within the post-apocalyptic Las Vegas setting, as we see various forces vie for control of the electrical spoils of the Hoover Dam and the riches of New Vegas. New Vegas goes beyond other RPGs in its faction design, establishing no clear ‘good’ or ‘evil’ option, and introducing political and philosophical doctrines into dialogue to make the entire game so enthralling and engaging.
The gameplay is equally satisfying, with a variety of classes to go down in respect to weaponry- melee, explosives, energy weapons, etc- and customisable perks and traits to make each run of the game feel unique. Add to this a punishing yet rewarding combat system that forces the player to learn from past encounters rather than coddling them with enemies always on the players level and every combat encounter feels thoroughly unique.
With hundreds of sidequests and endless variants of the different endings to explore, Fallout: New Vegas truly is an lengthy and enjoyable experience. Pair this with the game’s additional content, which ties well into the main game’s themes and story while simultaneous introducing new weapons and mechanics to spice things up in the midst of a long game, and what you have is a game that you can sink endless hours into without feelings the slightest bit bored- I know I have!
Finally, we have The Elder Scrolls: the brainchild of Bethesda. To those familiar with the franchise, it might be controversial to pick Skyrim above Oblivion or Morrowind. However, for the average player not (yet?) enthralled within the labrythinian lore of the franchise, Skyrim is simply more approachable, and subsequently enjoyable.
The worldbuilding within Skyrim is absolutely unparalleled by any of Bethesda’s other titles. The map is intricately made with each different region having distinct geographies, economies and aestetics: from the Western realm of Solitude, with a bustling urban centre emerging from the city’s harbour, to the Southern fiefdom of Falkreath, a forested region dominated by Hunters, each area really feels unique and interesting. Moreover, with a variety of factions totally detached from the main story, and which each offer a unique story complimentary to your characters choices (e.g. The Dark Brotherhood / Thieves Guild for stealth-based characters, the College of Winterhold for magic-wielding players, etc. etc.) and ample side quests to explore, the game truly feels full with things to do, and rich with lore and history.
The gameplay of Skyrim is varied, and although the core gameplay loops of dungeon brawling and bandit beating can feel tiresome, the wide array of stories and areas to explore mentioned above keeps things spiced up. Additionally, with the wealth of different combat classes and subclass to explore, be it a stealth archer, a necromancer or anything inbetween, each run can feel distinct and each character is customisable for every little detail. With a variety of enemies that scale with the player’s difficulty and experience, each encounter isn’t too punishable, while simultaneously maintaining a sense of balance that keeps things enjoyable.
Skyrim is an absolute must-have, which paired with some DLCs that add new areas and factions to explore, interact with or even destroy, and a vibrant modding community to keep the game feeling fresh and new, this is a really strong entry in the world of RPGs, and definitely holds up to this day.
So there we have it. These 3 games can be either a great introduction into the world of RPGs, or alternatively just a refreshing break from some more modern releases that’s guaranteed to give you a good amount of hours of enjoyable playtime. More importantly, as older games, all of these are fairly affordable, meaning you can probably buy all three for the same price as a modern AAA RPG!
