Characters, quests and progression: the RPG is the genre of epic and immersion, from JRPG to Western RPG. RomWize re-ranks the best games in the genre by its re-evaluated scores, each with its current score, its versions, their rarity and their collector value.
"A JRPG of rare elegance. Its menu style remains unmatched, and juggling stylish dungeon battles with high-school life builds an addictive rhythm. It's enormous, but the Royal additions and the third semester earn every hour."
"Mass Effect 2 turns the promise into pure craftsmanship: the suicide mission stands as a game design peak, every companion grows unforgettable, and BioWare prove an RPG can be both space opera and tightly paced corridor thriller."
"Final Fantasy IX is a melancholic and beautiful tribute to the series' roots. A return to basics with medieval fantasy style, deep characters including Zidane and Vivi, and one of Nobuo Uematsu's finest soundtracks. An emotional end-of-cycle PS1 masterpiece."
"The Elder Scrolls V Skyrim is one of the most played games in history. Nordic High Reaches, dragons, Dovahkiin shouts. Total absolute freedom, colossal content, infinite exploration. An unsurpassable monument."
"Skyrim Legendary Edition is the complete version with the three major DLC: Dawnguard, Hearthfire and Dragonborn. Hundreds of additional hours of exceptional content. The definitive way to play Skyrim."
"An RPG that slyly subverts its own genre. Being able to spare every enemy changes everything, and the witty writing hides genuine depth. The retro presentation can throw you off, but few games leave such a personal mark."
"A CRPG of almost dizzying freedom. Elemental interactions turn every fight into a living puzzle, and the origin characters give it huge replay value. Dense and occasionally rough on a small screen, but four-player co-op is a treat."
"The classic JRPG in all its warmth. The S version adds voice acting, a 2D mode and extra content that enrich an already charming tale. The combat breaks no new ground, but the bond you form with the party makes all the difference."
"Twilight masterpiece of the PS2 signed by Yasumi Matsuno. The Gambit system and real-time combat revolutionise the FF formula. Ivalice is a political and fascinating world. Graphically remarkable, narratively ambitious. One of the most accomplished RPGs ever created."
"Final Fantasy VI Advance on GBA, one of the best RPGs ever made in portable form. Unforgettable characters, epic story, legendary music. No reason not to play it."
"Dragon Age Origins Ultimate Edition groups DAO and all its expansions including Awakening and the DLC. The most complete version of a western RPG masterpiece. The full Ferelden experience without missing anything."
"Persona 4 Golden is the best JRPG on Vita and one of the best of all time. Murder investigation in a small Japanese town with an unforgettable cast. Perfect combat and Social Link systems. A monument."
"Fallout 3 is the saga's glorious return with Bethesda and Washington DC's Capital Wasteland. Free exploration of a striking post-apo world, rich narrative, disturbing Vaults. A foundational RPG of the generation."
"Fallout 3 GOTY is the complete version with all DLC including Broken Steel, Point Lookout and The Pitt. Hundreds of hours of exceptional content. The definitive way to explore the full Capital Wasteland."
"Disco Elysium remains one of the most written-through RPGs ever made, a noir where every thought becomes a character. The Final Cut adds full voice acting, and hearing these voices gnaw at a drunken detective changes everything. Dense, funny, sometimes devastating."
"An enhanced Japanese reissue of Eternal Arcadia with pacing and difficulty tweaks. The magic stays intact and the hours still fly by. A definitive edition."
"An Intelligent Systems papier-mâché RPG, full of charm and humour. The flat 2D world in storybook style charms instantly, the turn-based combat folds in precision timing prompts and every recruited partner has real personality. An accessible, delicious Mario RPG."
"This remake restores all the shine to one of the most beloved Paper Marios: witty writing, endearing partners, battles staged like theater. The pacing occasionally shows its age, but the charm lands intact and the visual overhaul is gorgeous."
"Oblivion delivers the first great open breath of Cyrodiil with a huge world where every NPC has a routine and every guild its arc. The levelling system still divides, but what a gust of classic fantasy under that radiant sun."
