SweetieGames

I’ve been playing RPGs since I was 9 years old. I was hooked on the battle systems, found friendships and gripping plots that keep you coming back for more. I love RPGs so much that I couldn’t even rank them, it’s like choosing between children! Each one offers a different experience that is actually quite difficult to compare and choose a number one favourite. Instead, let me show you some of my favourite RPGs from over the years, from my beginnings with the genre up to present day.

Dragon Quest XI

Dragon Quest XI, released in 2017, was greatly anticipated in the west as there hadn’t been a new mainline DQ game outside of Japan since IX in 2009. The game didn’t disappoint; with Dragon Quest’s signature turn-based system, loveable characters and a great balance of funny and serious moments, XI quickly became a favourite for me. I particularly enjoyed the different locations across the game being inspired by different real-life countries, giving each one a distinctly different feel as if you really were travelling around the world. Flying around on a dragon was obviously really fun too.

Dragon Quest XI also provides players with multiple endings; the final boss is a challenge, but you soon discover that this isn’t the “true” ending; you now have more secrets to discover and a whole new final boss to defeat to get an even better outcome. And the new final boss is even tougher than the original one. It provides the perfect challenge for those who don’t want to let the game go just yet. I love it!

Final Fantasy VII

Final Fantasy VII, originally released in 1997, needs no introduction. It’s a classic JRPG for a reason. With its iconic heroes and villains, engaging turn based gameplay using a time based system, and captivating plot, FFVII has cemented itself as one of the greatest games ever made. Its message about protecting the earth and the environment is needed today more than ever.

Final Fantasy VII is one of the earliest examples of a Triple A game, being one of the most expensive games ever made at the time. With a budget of between $40 and $45 million, and marketing costs of between $40 and $100 million, the game would have cost between $157 and $284 million to produce today. Over 100 artists pushed technology to the limit to create the 3D environments and designs seen in the game, and I think they hold up really well! FFVII has a distinct aesthetic and style that is unforgettable and makes for a great gameplay experience.

UnderTale

I previously talked about UnderTale during my neurodivergent fandom article, and its not only its big autistic community that draws me to this game. Created in 2015 by Toby Fox, UnderTale puts a unique spin on the RPG genre by introducing something I hadn’t previously seen; the ability to befriend the monsters who fight you. This leads to hilarious interactions; from a pose off, to muscle flexing, to telling jokes. For those who are looking for a more traditional RPG experience, you will experience an entirely different outcome. With much harder bosses.

The charming characters and wholesome story is infamous at this point. UnderTale truly provides an RPG experience like no other, containing jokes and references to internet culture that have aged really well.

Dragon Quest IX

Another game I have previously talked about on this blog (and even mentioned in this article!) is Dragon Quest IX. Released in 2009, Dragon Quest IX brings the turn based RPG to the Nintendo DS in the best way possible. The treasure maps and grottoes in DQIX became huge amongst players, allowing you to level up and, well, find treasure alongside your friends in real life. Every treasure map was unique too, with some players lucking out and trading ultra rare and impressive maps with the community!

In a first for Dragon Quest, IX allows players to create their own characters; not just their protagonist but also their party members. This may take away from the whacky party member interactions you have seen in previous DQ instalments, but there’s still plenty of fantastic NPCs to keep you entertained. And it allows you to create your own character backstories!

Baldur’s Gate 3

Another game that needs no introduction is Baldur’s Gate 3, my current RPG obsession. BG3, released in 2023, provides players with the experience of Dungeons and Dragons but through their PC or console, allowing them to play even when DnD sessions are postponed for weeks on end. It’s great!

The game throws you right into the action straight after the opening sequence, basically allowing you to fend for yourself as you escape a huge flying ship. From there, the choice is completely yours as to who you kill, who you side with, who you allow onto your party and how you treat them. There’s so many different possibilities and things to discover! I’ve sunk in about 150 hours into Baldur’s Gate 3, and I’ve barely scratched the surface as to what you can do. I want to play it all the time.

There you have it! 5 of my favourite RPGs that solidify my love for the genre. I can’t wait to play more and discover new favourites! If I do, I’m sure you’ll see me writing about them here.