Introduction
The genre of role-playing games, at first only board games, has long been the preserve of geeks, for whom it was not enough to simply roll the dice and move a piece from one cell to another. They wanted each character to have their own characteristics, their own strengths and weaknesses, and a unique role in the story.
But due to the abundance of high-profile projects, it is easy to miss those released by not very well-known studios, or those in which they did not invest enough money. They deserve no less attention, and we will talk about them below.
1. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines
Platforms: PC.
In Bloodlines, you create a vampire by choosing abilities and assigning characteristics. After this, you will find yourself in an open gothic world, where you can do whatever your black soul desires.
It is very important that as few people as possible know about your membership in the bloodsucking caste. Many tasks can be completed in a non-violent way: by threatening, persuading , hacking locks and computers.
However, due to the large set of vampire powers, many will choose a much rougher approach to the passage – and they will not be mistaken either. The game is almost 14 years old, but it is still fascinating.
2. Alpha Protocol
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360.
Obsidian Entertainment is known for great RPGs like Fallout: New Vegas and South Park: The Stick of Truth. But one of its games, Alpha Protocol, went unnoticed by many gamers – and for good reason.
The main character is a CIA special agent who carries out missions around the world using numerous devices and abilities. In terms of stealth, of which there is a lot, the project resembles a primitive version of Metal Gear Solid, but it boasts an interesting dialogue system.
You are free to talk to characters in whatever tone you like. Moreover, almost every decision you make will have consequences. The leveling system can also please you: it allows you to create exactly the hero you want. Therefore, Alpha Protocol can be completed multiple times, and each time will be unique.
3. Mount & Blade: Warband
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One.
The most realistic feudal simulator in the RPG genre. The action takes place in a fictional medieval world, where you have to prove your right to be the ruler of your own lands.
Large-scale battles take up most of the gameplay. You must prove yourself not only as a strong warrior, but also as a skilled commander, giving the right orders during battles. Much attention is also paid to kingdom building and economic management.
Over time, you will have to choose – to become a ruthless raider or a benevolent lord. Very few role-playing games have this feature.
4. Pillars of Eternity
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4.
Another project from Obsidian Entertainment, which will be a real gift for any fan of old-school RPGs like Baldur’s Gate and Planescape: Torment. The locations alone, which look like they were hand-painted, will surely make such people nostalgic.
Pillars of Eternity has one of the richest universes in the genre: almost every stone has its own story. You will constantly meet new characters, many of whom you can take into your group.
If you are looking for a game full of dynamic action, then this project is not for you. There is a huge amount of lengthy dialogue in it, and you will have to spend some time understanding the combat system. But if you can do this, you will soon be overwhelmed.
5. NEO Scavenger
Platforms: PC.
After this post-apocalyptic indie project, Fallout 4 will seem like a children’s fairy tale. The world of NEO Scavenger is cold and cruel, and any dirty rag or torn shoe can be the thing that saves your life.
The game is merciless to those who came to it just to have fun. Despite the outward primitiveness, this is a very deep project in which you will not be able to relax. But if you want to test your strength, install NEO Scavenger without thinking – and soon you won’t be able to put it down.
6. Gothic 2
Platforms: PC.
In the early 2000s, the already legendary The Elder Scrolls series had a worthy competitor – Gothic 2. In this game, which takes place on a large island in a fantasy world, you can create a hero from scratch and do anything, anywhere.
You are free to choose the path of a deceitful thief or, for example, a killer magician. The project looks outdated, but even today it can provide great pleasure due to the intriguing plot and the many events that arise due to your actions. You have to approach each situation thoughtfully, and not immediately reach for the sword.
7. Risen
Platforms: PC, Xbox 360.
Having released the not entirely successful third part of Gothic, the Piranha Bytes studio decided to start from scratch and implement its best ideas in another game. This is how Risen appeared, in which the titans awakened from a long sleep became a threat to the whole world.
The plot of the project can hardly be called its strong point. But the unique world, depth of character customization and a well-developed dialogue system more than make up for this.
The island where the events take place resembles sunny Sicily with dungeons full of traps. The world of Risen is open and mysterious, so you always want to return to it.