The best role -playing games (RPG and MMORPG) of all time

The Witcher is a series of RPGs that started in 2007. Inspired by the writings of Andrzej Sapkowski, the three titles of the franchise content us the tribulations of Geralt de Riv, a witchor. In the world of The Witcher, The witches officiate as monster hunters, and benefit from magic changes in order to be able to triumph over these formidable enemies. In the first episode, Geralt who has become amnesiac must investigate the assassination of the vast majority of witches, while the second episode puts our hero with the political disorders that shake the kingdom of Temeria.

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The best role -playing games (RPG and MMORPG) of all time

Whether solo or multiplayer, the RPG is a genre that fascinates many players. Here is our presentation of the greatest titles of the genre.

THE Rpg, It is above all a kind of video game in which you can experience an exciting adventure, and very often in a unique world, filled with mysterious places and creatures. Find our selection of the greatest titles in the genres Rpg And Mmorpg, Whether they are pioneering role -playing games in their gameplay or essential MMORPGs for a whole generation of passionate players.

• Read also: the 30 best fps (games and franchises) of all time

Baldur’s Gate

Baldur’s Gate (1998), Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn (2000), Baldur’s Gate III (2023)

Emblematic RPG of the end of the 20th century, Baldur’s Gate And Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of AMN have made the reputation of bioware in the world of RPGs. The missions were astounding and instead of focusing on text or statistics, the creators put the adventure in the foreground. The second opus surpassed the first to become one of the biggest references of the genre. The characters are realistic and the game presents a hybrid gameplay based on real time and “active pause”. Mostly in real time, it allows you to break at any time via the space key, in order to plan the next actions. The series is often considered to be the best adaptation of the rules of the role -playing game on the table.

Developed by the Belgian studio Larian Studios, Baldur’s Gate III resumes the torch of the saga, twenty years after its last episode. The universe of the game is entirely in 3D, and the dialogues are all doubled and animated in kinematics. The title was released in early access on October 6, 2020, and will officially be released on August 3, 2023. It is actually the fruit of a long gestation, after a first project aborted by Bioware in the wake of the second episode, then a second by the obsidian studio in 2008 (Neverwinter Nights 2, Pillars of Eternity, Star Wars: Kotor, Tyranny…).

Bioshock

Bioshock (2007), Bioshock 2 (2010), Bioshock Infinite (2013), Bioshock: The Collection (2016), Bioshock 4 (2023-2024 ?))

Generally more perceived as a First Person Shooter (FPS) that a role -playing game, the franchise Bioshock is halfway between the two genres. It is in a way the synthesis of purely RPG elements and others much more linked to the shooting world. This is no surprise since his main instigators worked on franchises Ultima Underworld and more System Shock Before embarking on Bioshock. Released in 2007, the first opus caused a sensation with criticism and players. His universe was certainly relatively closed, but the freedom of action granted to the player was impressive. To spoil nothing, the game was a pure aesthetic wonder, sublimated by a Level Design outstanding.

• Read also: Bioshock recreation in the Unreal Engine 5

Barely improved, the continuation – Bioshock 2 – had disappointed even if the result was very serious. On the other hand, with Infinite Bioshock And the return to business of Ken Levine, we were able to discover a title may be even more turned towards the FPS, but also with an identity and capable of approaching resolutely adult themes. Bioshock 4, the continuation announced in 2019, should be released soon with a probable arrival in 2024.

Dark Souls

Dark Souls (2011), Dark Souls II (2014), Dark Souls III (2016)

Dark Souls is one of the major references in the world of horror RPG. He was compared to a Zelda for adults and without princess to save. We get closer to the movies Saw Where should be avoided the traps of a disturbed genius. It stands out from traditional RPGs since he does not ask to browse long distances to look for objects or accomplish missions. He remains nevertheless faithful to the genre and gameplay intense, even if it means putting history in the background. The fights are intense and the game revolves around the update of weapons and armor. The level of difficulty is quite high. The game is now available in a remastered version. Dark Souls II Using this recipe, but it increases the difficulty, perfects the atmosphere and offers excellent graphics.

• Read also: A 13 GB mod brings lots of content to Dark Souls 3: class, weapons, armor, boss…

With Dark Souls 3, From Software gives us the epic conclusion of the adventure started in 2009 with Demon’s Souls. Direct continuation of the previous one, this new episode once again plunges us into the twilight universe of the license where we will have. Side gameplay, The studio has not revolutionized the formula established over the episodes and the players will have to prepare, once again, to live an experience of gaming that does not forgive, and where each error is paid at a high price. If you are a lover of hardcore games, this title should not disappoint you.

Deus ex

Deus Ex (2000), Deus ex: Invisible War (2003), Deus Ex: Human Revolution (2011), Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (2016)

The recipe for success of Deus ex is well known today. A futuristic and open world, a complex story revolving around conspiracies, and many open ends have propelled this title towards glory. There is not a path to follow or a way to take, but multiple choices to make that influence history. THE gameplay very varied revolves around transhumanist optimizations made available to the protagonist. The graphics were average and the animations a little too rigid. When it came out, the game was full of sometimes blocking bugs, but its countless qualities made a reference of the genre.

• Read also: a mod attempts the upscale by artificial intelligence for the legendary deus ex

Reference which unfortunately was forced to compose with a second opus – Invisible war – sloppy. Fans of the first hour had to wait almost ten years so that a suite worthy of the name will reach them. With Human Revolution Then MANKIND DIVIDED, The developers offer two preludes in the first episode of the franchise. We embody Adam Jensen, augmented human, and work as a secret agent specializing in infiltration operations. Following the events of Human Revolution, the increased are massively rejected by the population who treats them in parias. Bathed in a climate of fear and violence, MANKIND DIVIDED Pushes the nail openly dealing with racism and oppression. A new opus has been in preparation since 2022, but no release date has currently been announced.

Diablo

Diablo (1996), Diablo II (2000), Diablo III (2012), Diablo III: Reaper of Souls (2014), Diablo IV (2023)

The story has remained simple, but the game has become the greatest reference in Hack & Slash. As you meet demons, your role is to kill them with ever more important violence and energy. Diablo quickly became a kind of drug thanks to a gameplay extremely well put together skillfully mixing in real time combat and evolution of the character. The second opus, Diablo II, Surpassed the first (and for some the third) thanks to longer campaigns and very different protagonists influencing history and play. He also generated a community around the barter of objects found in the game.

• Read also: Diablo II Resurreted confronts Diablo II

Diablo III remains faithful to what made the success of the previous titles and even brings improvements in terms of experience management. Its connections problems remain the black spot of its launch … Logically resolved over time and the release of multiple updates to enrich the content again and again.

Diablo IV, The latest installment in the saga, released on June 6, 2023 on PC, PS5 and PS4 and Xbox Series and Xbox One., And his first season was announced for July 20. The game can be played solo or in a group (up to 4 players) and uses a shared world system where groups can meet and engage in PVE and PvP activities.

Diablo IV (Xbox One/Series X)

Dragon Age

Dragon Age: Origins (2009), Dragon Age II (2011), Dragon Age: Inquisition (2014), Dragon Age: Dreadwolf (2024 ?))

The Games series Dragon Age is a reference, but only the first opus deserves a place in this ranking, in our opinion. The game offers multiple scenarios and remains interesting, even after 50 hours. He manages to propose a modern interface while retaining the fundamentals of many references, thus making an eye to the veterans who called for a kind of return to the sources. The game also requires a significant level of personal investment due to the many aspects to be managed and monitoring, which is not always made easy due to an impractical interface on consoles versions.

Thanks to the success of the first opus, two suites have therefore emerged. They are unfortunately far from the level of quality ofOrigins and suffer from an ill -assumed action orientation. But Bioware actively works on a fourth part, Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, After trying several projects, including oriented Mmorpg. But with the failure ofAnthem and on the contrary the successes of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen order and of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, The publisher has changed itself and focuses again on the project around a solo campaign. Its release date is not yet known, but it will be necessary to wait at least until 2024.

Dragon Quest

Dragon Quest (1986), Dragon Quest II (1987), Dragon Quest III (1988), Dragon Quest IV (1989), Dragon Quest V (1992), Dragon Quest VI (1995), Dragon Quest VII (2000), Dragon Quest VIII (2004), Dragon Quest IX (2009), Dragon Quest X (2012), Dragon Quest XI (2017), Dragon Quest XII (?))

Dragon Quest V is undoubtedly the first title of the series to have had an important place on the international scene thanks to its port on Nintendo DS which was marketed outside Japan in 2009. He resumed the same protagonist of the series which started with Dragon Quest first of the name, also baptized Dragon Warrior in the USA. It is possible to recruit the monsters that we meet as you adventure. The series is a kind of homecoming with a story well put forward and characters that we quickly learn to love. The game also brought a new camera system.

• Read also: Video: The very beautiful Dragon Quest XI recommends a vega 56

Dragon Quest VIII is nevertheless the most impressive title in the series. He is the first opus to bring a world in 3D, his soundtrack is superb and the story is fascinating. Her gameplay takes up the basics of the series and offers a simple and very engaging game. A twelfth episode, subtitled The Flames of Fate, was revealed for the 35th anniversary of the series. According to Yuji Horii, the emblematic creator of the series, it should bring a darker tone to history.

Dungeon Master

Dungeon Master (1987), Chaos Strikes Back (1989)

Dungeon Master is one of the largest references of the genre. He is one of those titles that shaped the RPGs that followed. The 3D graphics impressive for the time, the addictive sound effects that were unusual in the RPGs in the late 80s and the fascinating history created an essential game. He was also one of the first to offer a gameplay In a successful real time, which meant that it was necessary to constantly pay attention to everything that was moving to survive. Details really gave the impression of being in a dungeon. He knew, two years after the release of the original game, a kind of suite / extension, baptized Chaos Strikes Back and whose main innovation is in absolutely more linear levels making the task of the cartographer player particularly complex.

Elden Ring

Developed by Fromsoftware and taking advantage of the patronage of the legendary Hidetaka Miyazaki to the realization and George R. R. Martin in Co-Scenario, Elden Ring is this announced bomb, reinventing the genre of open-wallds and action-RPG games with the tempered difficulty. Like the series of Dark Souls of which he inherits naturally, he deploys a universe of Dark Fantasy in the kingdom of the Entrere, now in the hands of half-gods corrupted by the shards of the Elden Circle Destroyed. Fortresses, vast plains devastated by the ballists and the giants, catacombs where demons or villages are swarming by monsters: the epic is as phenomenal as promised, with a huge territory to be covered and dozens of quests to be accomplished with a infinite diversity.

Where Elden Ring marks a real turning point in video games, it is in the rewriting of all the principles of the open-world. Very early on, you can cross infinite landscapes on foot or back, around the world tree, with an extraordinary diversity of decorations and challenges. No matter the destination, this is the journey that counts: over your discoveries, you will lead your character more to magic or the fights to the melee, dexterity or intelligence, with an equally spectacular bestiary and a real sense of verticality in the Game Design. An already cult title when it was released until 2022, with great worldwide success from its launch.

The Elder Scrolls

The Elder Scrolls: Arena (1994), Daggerfall (1996), Morrowind (2002), Oblivion (2006), Skyrim (2011), The Elder Scrolls VI (2028 ?)), The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited (2014)

We no longer present The Elder Scrolls. Arena is the first game in this long series that marked the genre. The creators were fans of role -playing on paper, which is felt when you venture into Tamriel. The title Arena (Arena, in French) comes from the fact that the game contained combat arenas which ultimately disappeared as the creators gave a more important place to the RPG aspect of the title. The beginnings of the game were very difficult. Bethesda was a small company at the time, Arena had missed the holiday season and the Racoleur packaging put off the distributors. Word-to-watch was nevertheless due to their reluctance and the title has gained popularity. The many suites have only growed this popularity.

• Read also: A pack adds 132 new creatures and 35 zones in Skyrim

Daggerfall still refers to the extent of the world today available to the player. Morrow was a graphic and technical revolution. Despite multiple bugs, oblivion Innovated significantly with its NPJ dialogue and intelligence system. Finally, Skyrim constitutes in a way the culmination of the franchise by taking up all the qualities of its predecessors and by pushing the concept even further. A Special Edition was also released in 2016 in order to renew the technical aspect of the game a little, thanks in particular to the transition to an architecture in 64-bit allowing to cross a graphic cap, then a version in virtual reality for PS4 the following year, before a Anniversary Edition which compiles many extensions and mods for the ten years of the episode.

Announced in 2018, the sixth episode is expected by millions of fans, but it might not come out before 2028.

The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited is the Mmorpg license. The title was released in 2014 and still has more than 200,000 active players today and almost 5 million each month. He takes up the universe and the many quests of the saga in a massively multiplayer adventure, unlike other episodes which are solo games.

Running

Everquest (1999), Everquest II (2004)

Running is one of the MMORPGs that has influenced the genre the most. He is today a pioneer and already offered most of the standards of the genre, four years before the release of World of Warcraft. The release of a suite, logically called Everquest II has made it possible to erase certain gaps, but it is above all the marketing of multiple modules and extensions which ensures a longevity rarely equaled. If he is today in the shadow of the Blizzard game and a few others, he still has a dynamic community that has also benefited from his passage in free-to-play in 2012 to celebrate the 13th anniversary of its launch. In addition to being a reference of the genre, it was at the center of the debates around addiction to video games and received the nickname of Evercrack given by certain psychologists. The suicide of one of the players ofRunning gave rise to the creation of the anonymous online players’ association.

EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

Eye of the Beholder (1991), Eye of the Beholder II: The Legend of Darkmoon (1991), Eye of the Beholder III: Assault On Myth Drannor (1993)

Long before the release of EYE OF THE BEHOLDER, Strategic Simultions Inc. was already a publisher known to role -playing fans. Developed by a promising young studio – Westwood Studios – EYE OF THE BEHOLDER was however an opportunity to completely overhaul the archaic game system of the publisher. If it is always based on the rules ofAdvanced Dungeons & Dragons, However, it is played in real time and resumes all the innovations brought by the excellent Dungeon Master, Four years earlier. More beautiful, richer, more successful than its reference, EYE OF THE BEHOLDER Don’t be long in getting noticed.

However, this is its direct suite – also released the same year – which allows the deductible to access the reference status. Eye of the Beholder II: The Legend of Darkmoon opens more adventure with remarkable exteriors and a much more complex scenario. Alas, the third opus – designed internally in SSI – is a disappointment. Westwood Studios left for its part to develop LANDS OF LORE.

Fable

Fable (2004), Fable 2 (2008), Fable 3 (2010), fable 4 (?))

With Fable, Peter Molyneux intended to revolutionize the world playing world by offering a very organic universe, which was to react almost in real time to the actions of the player. During development, M. Molyneux promised mountains and wonders, insisting on the freedom offered to the player and the possibility of changing the face of the world. The result was however quite far from these promises. The first Fable above all remained memories like the predecessor of Fable 2, f. Still far from the initial promises, he already leaves a very wide latitude to the player and drives the point home with a particularly engaging scenario, rich in twists and turns.

Last main episode before various more “family” variations, Fable 3 Modifies the formula a little in order to give more importance to the player’s choices while once again offering an extremely well -crafted adventure. Another interesting point to emphasize about this series: each game takes place in the same universe, Albion, is decades apart. It is therefore interesting to browse the world in order to discover its evolution. A new game Fable 4 was announced in 2020 and his first trailer released three years later, in June 2023. No release date has yet been indicated.

fallout

Fallout (1997), Fallout 2 (1998), Fallout 3 (2008), Fallout: New Vegas (2010), Fallout 4 (2015), Fallout 76 (2018), Fallout 5 (?))

Series fallout is a reference. Its apocalyptic world, its difficult environments and its stories with “adult” accents influenced the genre. Originally, fallout is a game at the isometric perspective, while the last episodes offer a first -person vision. He distinguishes himself from other games of gender by his post-apocalyptic science fiction influences as well as by his quirky style and his sense of humor. He is considered to be the “spiritual” follow -up of the Wasteland from Electronic Arts released in 1988.

• Read also: the disproportionate project Fallout London shows a big ¼ hour of gameplay

fallout And Fallout 2 have given shape to an intense RPG-Survie. Fallout 3 Mark a turning point in the history of the genre, because it allowed Westerners to take an advantage over the Japanese who have long had the monopoly on quality RPGs thanks to a successful open world and an exemplary history. After the Fallout: New Vegas D’Obsidian, it is Bethesda who takes over the orders of the franchise for this Fallout 4. Boston serves as a framework for the most famous post-apocalyptic role play that is. As always, this fallout gives pride of place to exploration and combat thanks to the Boy Pip and the Special System. A few new features have been implemented in this episode, such as the possibility of controlling a combat armor or building colonies likely to accommodate survivors of nuclear holocaust. Two developments carried out by fans are still underway on the game: Fallout 4 New Vegas and Fallout London. The following Fallout 5 is expected, but no concrete information concerning its development or its exit, which should not happen before that of The Elder Scrolls VI.

Final Fantasy

Final Fantasy (1987), FFII (1988), FFIII (1990), FFIV (1991), FFV (1992), FFVI (1994), FFVII (1997), FFVIII (1999), FFIX (2000), FFX (2001) , FFXI (2002), FF X-2 (2003), FF Tactics Advance (2003), FFXII (2006), FF Type-0 (2011), FFXIV: A Realm Reborn (2013), FFXV (2016), FFXVI ( 2023)

Series Final Fantasy is undoubtedly the one that has the most influenced the world of RPGs, at least Japanese. The first opus saved square from bankruptcy and laid the basics of the franchise. Among the most interesting titles, Final Fantasy IV is one of the founding titles of the genre on console, Final Fantasy VI even of which the iOS port is interesting and Final Fantasy VII who brought a new more punk culture, breathtaking cinematographic scenes, a fascinating story and a gameplay update. Final Fantasy VIII will have marked the spirits with its romantic history and the invocation scenes worthy of the big screen. Final Fantasy X showed what the PS2 was able to do and its gameplay offered new optimizations bringing more flexible fights. The story was also fascinating and very different from Final Fantasy IX which was more childish, but just as successful, except on the Xbox 360 version.

• Read also: AI improves 240,000 textures from Final Fantasy XI

Final Fantasy X-2 had an original story and very well put together, Final Fantasy Tactics Advance showed what an excellent RPG on Gameboy was. As of Final Fantasy XII This is probably the best title in the lot while Final Fantasy Type-0 brings a new gameplay fast and original and that Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is the MMORPG whose fans of the series can be proud. Announced in 2006 as part of the project Fabula Nova Crystallis, The one we still called Final Fantasy versus XIII was delivered to players ten years later under the name of Final Fantasy XV. Highly anticipated, his arrival violently divided the community of players. On the one hand, we find those who strongly condemn each of the problems of the game, inherent in its complicated development and its multiple reboot suffered over the years. On the other, those who salute the qualities of the game and the pleasure he brought to them. The sixteenth episode of the saga, Final Fantasy XVI was released on PS5 on June 22, 2023, and its history continues to evolve on the lands of Valisthea, a continent bringing together six factions on the point of entering war because of a strange evil that eats away at the country. An outing on PC and Xbox Series is scheduled soon.

Fire Emblem

Fire Emblem: Ankoku Ryu to Hikari No Tsurugi (1990), Fe: Seisen No Keifu (1996), Fe: Fuin No Tsurugi (2002), Fe: Path of Radiance (2005), Fe: Awakening (2012), Fe Fates ( 2016), Fe Heroes (2017), Fe: Three Houses (2019), Fire Emblem hires (2023)

Created in 1990 on NES, Fire Emblem is often considered the oldest representative of what is called the Tactical RPG. This genre stands out for a tactical combat system that is close to the strategy game. We often control units and heroes in battles on more or less scale. Perfected over the years, the combat system of Fire Emblem is based on a principle named Weapon triangle which approaches the traditional stone-feuille-cisseaux, each unit being low against another unit and strong against a third.

Beyond this aspect of gameplay, series Fire Emblem Also deploys a gallery of colorful characters during epic and engaging adventures that sometimes deploy on several generations. The player is also encouraged to explore the relationships binding the characters between the battles in order to strengthen the cohesion of his troops and thus develop their potential. Long confined to Nintendo machines, the series recently made its first foray into mobile with Fire Emblem Heroes. A good way to set foot in the stirrup, and thus discover a large saga of the RPG, for free what is more … the last two titles Fire Emblem: Three Houses And Fire Emblem hires (2023) were both released on Nintendo Switch, and received an excellent critical welcome.

Mass Effect

Mass Effect (2007), Mass Effect 2 (2010), Mass Effect 3 (2012), Mass Effect Andromeda (2017), Mass Effect 5 (?))

Mass Effect Quickly became a cult series thanks to an abundant environment, filled with extraterrestrials with rich and varied culture. The title began the arrival of a new generation of RPG. Mass Effect 2 resumes the same principle and asks to save a humanity about to disappear. It offers a host of possibilities and a gameplay which puts more accent on the side Third Person Shooter from the Serie. Recipe also used on Mass Effect 3 who comes to close the first trilogy by completing the history of Commander Shepard. Strongly criticized when it came out due to unacceptable bugs with regard to the project budget, Mass Effect Andromeda gradually returned to public favors. This opus places the basics of a new series which takes place more than 600 years in the future of the first trilogy. A fifth component is currently in development, without release date.

• Read also: a 12 -minute video compares Mass Effect Legendary Edition with original opus

Might & Magic

Might & Magic Book One: The Secret of the Inner Sanctum (1986), M & M2: Gates to Another World (1988), M & M3: Isles of Terra (1991), M & M4: Clouds of Xeen (1992), M & M5: Darkside of Xeen ( 1993), M & M6: The Mandate of Heaven (1998), M & M7: For Blood and Honor (1999), M & M8: Day of the Destroyer (2000), M & M9 (2002), M & M10: Legacy (2014)

Series Might & Magic is often considered one of the founding stones of the genre, in the same way as Ultima Or Wizardry. The first opus, The Secret of the Inner Sanctum already brings together the essential characteristics of the franchise and in particular the impact of the genre / race / alignment of the characters on the gameplay and the surrounding world. Recently revived with the opus Legacy, The series now has ten episodes and we mainly retain two: the fifth and sixth that we could combine in order to form the exceptional Might & Magic: World of Xeen, A huge and completely crazy title with its two facets of the same world.

Neverwinter Nights

Neverwinter Nights (1991), NN (2002), NN: Kingmaker (2005), NN: Darkness over Daggerford (2006), NN2 (2006)

Produced in 1991 by AOL, Neverwinter Nights is often perceived as one of the first MMORPGs in the history of video games. His remake, released in 2002, uses the third edition of the rules of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). He was accompanied by the kit Aurora whose objective was to allow the creation of its own content in order to take in a way the role of master of the game: it was a small revolution. Its multiplayer mode accepting up to 96 players simultaneously contributed a lot to the success of the title, as well as its particularly rich history and its technical realization: excellent graphics and fascinating soundtracks. Today there remains one of the biggest titles in Bioware. Let us also retain extensions Neverwinter Nights: Kingmaker And Neverwinter Nights: Darkness Over Daggerford For their writing quality. Less revolutionary on the principle, the continuation – logically baptized Neverwinter Nights 2 – has largely taken advantage of the success of the first opus: it is based on the rules 3.5 d ’Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (Ad & D).

Persona

Revelations: Persona (1996), Persona 2: Innocent Sin (1999), P2: Eternal Punishment (2000), P3 (2006), P4 (2008), P5 (2016)

First simple spin off from the Serie Megami Tensei, franchise Persona took off in 1996 with Revelations: Persona. There was a question of following a group of students from the University of St. Hermelin High confronted with an invasion of demons. Very classic in its functioning and typical “Japanese RPG” fights, this opus allowed developers to conquer a fairly wide audience. Several episodes were then set up and various spin off have seen the day. Persona 3 is often perceived as one of the best opus: it is characterized in particular by the presence of a playable female character, something still rare in 2006, and the possibility of controlling all the characters during a fight. Latest opus, Persona 5 Perfect in a way a recipe that we have appreciated for over twenty years with dungeons to the small onions, demanding boss fights and more endearing characters than the other.

Phantasy Star

Phantasy Star (1987), PS2 (1989), PS3: Generations of Doom (1990), PS4: The End of the Millenium (1993), PS Online (2000), PS Universe (2006), PS Zero (2008), Ps Portable (2008), PS Portable 2 (2009), PS Online 2 (2012), PS Nova (2014)

Phantasy Star is a series that started in 1987 and is based on the alliance of magic and technology. The game takes place in the Algol solar system which brings together four planets, Palma (Le Monde Green), Motavia (Le Monde du Désert), Dezoris (Le Monde de la Ice) and Rykos which is visible once every thousand years. The first opus marked the genre with its high quality graphics and its writing quality. He also brought one of the first female protagonists of the genre. Phantasy Star II was one of the first 16-bit RPG on console. He was also the first to kill the main hero. Phantasy Star IV marks a homecoming after several developments in gameplay. Things have been simplified to make the game more accessible than the 2nd and 3rd opus. He also had a great influence on the massively multiplayer variations of the series, Phantasy Star Online And Phantasy Star Online 2. The latter is one of the few MMORPGs to play both on PC and on Vita, iOS and Android.

Pokémon

Pokémon Green & Rouge (1996), Rouge & Bleu (1998), Jaune (1998), Or & Silver (1999), Rubis & Saphir (2002), Diamant & Perle (2006), Heartgold & Soulsilver (2009), Black & White (2010), Black 2 & Blanc 2 (2012), X & Y (2013), Rubis Omega & Saphir Alpha (2014), Soleil & Lune (2016), Ultra-Sun & Ultra-Lune (2017), sword & Shield (2019), Pokémon legends: Arceus (2022), Scarlet and Violet Pokémon (2022)

Pokemon Green & Red launched the Pokémon fever that won the planet. The game was innovative and very funny. He also represented a small revolution in the world of RPGs on portable console thanks to his multiplayer mode. The challenge of catching the 151 games of the game was so addictive that many players continued to play even after finishing the main quest. The game was also studied by the Columbia Business School which showed that the children gave more importance to the gameplay only to the special and sound special effects. The first title gave birth to a crowd of other games and if some have been very successful, none of them has equaled the influence of the first opus on gender.

In addition to recent remakes of Pokemon sparkling diamond And Scintillating Pokemon On Switch, the last two outings of the franchise: Pokémon legends: Arceus, transposes the universe of the saga to the sauce open-world by introducing a new combat and exploration system, and Scarlet and purple Pokémon whose story takes place in the Paldea region, inspired by Spain and Portugal. The complete Pokédex has just exceeded 1000 entries, divided into nine generations .

Secret of Mana

Final Fantasy Adventure (1991), Secret of Mana (1993), Seiken Densetsu 3 (1995), Secret of Mana remake (2018)

The presence of Final Fantasy Adventure On this page may surprise, but since it is the founding title of the series entitled Mana, We believe that it is more relevant to place it with this franchise. The title is today considered one of the best RPG Action Adventure in history and constitutes a solid basis for the series. Secret of Mana represents an intense journey against the forces of evil to prevent the end of the world. The personalized combat system, the hunt for orbs and minds have made this kind an essential title. It includes among the best designs and features of the genre, such as simultaneous action mode with three players. THE gameplay is a reference in the world of RPGs. History revolves around a hero, a girl and a spirit, each with advantages and faults. It has today been focused on iOS. We only regret that his successor, Seiken densetsu 3, was only marketed in Japan because its graphics were superb and its gameplay had among the best of its kind. Today this is a cult title.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003), SW Kotor 2: The Sith Lords (2004), Star Wars the Old Republic (2011)

Two episodes and then go away. While Japanese franchises can stretch over ten, fifteen or twenty years, aficionados of “Kotor” must be satisfied with two opus. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic – Kotor for friends – nevertheless knew how to conquer fans of the franchise imagined by George Lucas. Laser lighting, power powers, interesting dialogues, successful scenarios: its qualities are numerous and taken up for an even more successful opus, only a year later: The Sith Lords. If the games still constitute references today, Electronic Art wanted to see the Bioware studio turning to an MMORPG for the rest: Star Wars the Old Republic. The game was released at the end of 2011 and the story takes place 300 years after the events of Kotor. This is not really a suite, but the game also brings a freshness in the Star Wars universe and can still count today on an important community. Studio Broadsword Online Games will resume the development of the game in 2023, so that Bioware can focus on other game licenses.

• Read also : The big story of Star Wars video games

System Shock

System Shock (1994), System Shock 2 (1999), System Shock remake (2023)

Worship for many RPG fans “in the western” the franchise System Shock However, remains relatively confidential. Let us admit that the grip is not obvious and that the level of difficulty is relatively high. System Shock First of the name, however, revolutionized the way of approaching an RPG with a particular care given to the environments and the scenario. The implementation of a gameplay said “emerging” with non-linear progression through immense levels of science fiction was the other major asset of a particularly demanding game for the time.

• Read also: Video: more than 20 minutes from gameplay for the Remaster of System Shock

With the rest – System Shock 2 – The creators of Looking Glass Studios went even further. The game is often considered very early on his time with his character who evolves of course, but also his capacity system, his head-up-up, his inventory managed in a very intuitive way, his scenario with choice and open end … success more than commercial criticism, System Shock 2 laid the foundations of a certain Bioshock, imagined by some of the most eminent members of Looking Glass Studios / Irrational Games.

Ultima

Akalabeth: World of Doom (1979), Ultima I: The First Age of Darkness (1981), U2: The Revenge of the Enchantress (1982), U3: Exodus (1983), U4: Quest of the Avatar (1985), U5 : Warriors of Destiny (1988), U6: The False Prophet (1990), U7: The Black Gate (1992), U7: The Serpent Isle (1993), U8: Pagan (1994), U9: Ascension (1999)

No doubt one of the founding works of role -playing as you can know it in the video game world, Ultima is actually born a little before the release of The First Age of Darkness. Its main designer – Richard Garriott – was actually handed in 1979 on Akalabeth: World of Doom that some specialists consider as a “general rehearsal” before the true launch of the franchise. Then things were very regular with more striking episodes than others. This is particularly the case for Exodus which introduced the concept of group of characters. This is even more true with The Black Gate and its extension released a year later, The Serpent Isle. Ultima 7 is still considered today as a little marvel of writing with a high -flying scenario and a remarkable investigation to put out of harm to harm a very inspired organization of Scientology. Alas, the last two opus was less convincing and more turned towards pure action.

Ultima Underworld

Ultima Underworld: The Stygian Abyss (1992), Ultima Underworld 2: Labyrinth of Worlds (1993), Underworld Ascendant (2018)

On paper, Ultima Underworld is just one spin off of the famous franchise Ultima. She actually resumes her codes and her universe, but changes the gameplay that we prefer to see it as an independent series. With The Stygian Abyss, The developers of Looking Glass Studios actually set out to rethink the Dungeon Crawler fashionable Dungeon Master by integrating a travel system borrowed from Wolfenstein 3D. The player, free of his movements, can walk as impressive dungeons as he has to solve various puzzles and put out of the clouds of creatures of creatures. With Labyrinth of Worlds, The creators went even further by improving all the facets of a rich, immersive and particularly well thought out game. At the end of 2018, some developers involved in the first two installments tried to revive the franchise with Underworld ascendant. The result is however very far from the first episodes and the game was released in a deplorable state.

The Witcher

The Witcher (2007), The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings (2011), The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)

The Witcher is a series of RPGs that started in 2007. Inspired by the writings of Andrzej Sapkowski, the three titles of the franchise content us the tribulations of Geralt de Riv, a witchor. In the world of The Witcher, The witches officiate as monster hunters, and benefit from magic changes in order to be able to triumph over these formidable enemies. In the first episode, Geralt who has become amnesiac must investigate the assassination of the vast majority of witches, while the second episode puts our hero with the political disorders that shake the kingdom of Temeria.

• Read also: The Monsters of The Witcher: Monster Slayer compared to those of The Witcher 3

With The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, CD Projekt Red comes to conclude its trilogy. Geralt faces wild hunting, a troop of spectral riders who have after his adoptive daughter. Unlike many open world games, The Witcher does not allow you to explore the entire world from the start. You have to progress through history to be able to visit the four corners of the map. For the rest, each of the three episodes benefits from perfectly mastered writing and narration that do not fail to seduce lovers of fantasy a bit dark. The third and last episode was particularly praised for the quality of its writing and its absolutely sumptuous artistic direction, while an HD version of The Witcher 3 is planned for this year thanks to a creator of mod.

A fourth opus is in development and could be released in a few years.