The 10 Best RPG Titles That Defined the Genre

The RPG genre has been around for decades, and over the years, several games have stood out and defined the genre. These titles have influenced how RPGs are developed today, whether through their deep storytelling, innovative gameplay, or world-building. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best RPG titles that helped shape the genre as we know it.

1. Final Fantasy VII

Released in 1997, Final Fantasy VII revolutionized the RPG genre with its groundbreaking 3D graphics, deep narrative, and memorable characters. The game follows Cloud Strife and his allies as they fight against the evil megacorporation, Shinra, and the monstrous Sephiroth. Final Fantasy VII introduced players to a vast world, epic battles, and a story that resonated with fans for years to come.

Gameplay and Features:
The gameplay of Final Fantasy VII combined turn-based combat with a unique Materia system, which allowed players to customize characters’ abilities. The game’s innovative use of pre-rendered backgrounds, 3D character models, and cinematic cutscenes made it one of the most technically advanced RPGs of its time. The game’s world was expansive, and the cities, towns, and landscapes were teeming with life, offering players a rich world to explore.

Why It Defined the Genre:
Final Fantasy VII set the standard for storytelling in RPGs. The emotional depth of its characters, combined with its grand plot and world-building, made it a groundbreaking title that influenced countless games to follow. Its impact on the genre was profound, as it introduced new technical standards and broadened the appeal of RPGs to a global audience.

2. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Skyrim is one of the most influential open-world RPGs of all time. Its expansive world, rich lore, and engaging quest design have set the bar for modern RPGs. Players take on the role of the Dragonborn, a hero prophesied to defeat a great evil. With hundreds of quests, locations, and factions, Skyrim offers a truly immersive experience.

Gameplay and Features:
The hallmark of Skyrim is its open-world design, where players can choose how to approach quests, whether through combat, diplomacy, or stealth. The game’s Dragonborn storyline is complemented by numerous side quests and factions, each with their own questlines and rich lore. The shout mechanic, where players harness the power of dragon voices, was a unique addition that added a magical element to the combat system.

Why It Defined the Genre:
Skyrim redefined what an open-world RPG could be. With its vast world and freedom of choice, it set a new standard for how RPGs are structured. The game’s impact is still felt today, as many modern RPGs borrow elements from its design. It also introduced players to the beauty of exploring a massive world filled with hidden treasures and secrets.

3. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is often regarded as one of the greatest RPGs ever made. The game follows Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter, as he searches for his adopted daughter and battles supernatural forces. The game’s world-building, narrative depth, and character development are unmatched in the genre.

Gameplay and Features:
The game features an open-world design with dynamic weather systems and day-night cycles, making each playthrough feel unique. The combat system is a blend of swordplay and magic, and the game also features an intricate crafting and alchemy system. The side quests in The Witcher 3 are as important as the main story, often offering players moral dilemmas and meaningful choices.

Why It Defined the Genre:
The Witcher 3 raised the bar for narrative-driven RPGs. Its complex characters, branching storylines, and moral choices made it a standout in the genre. The game also set a new standard for open-world design, with its vibrant world and immersive storytelling that still resonates today.

4. Mass Effect 2

Mass Effect 2 is one of the most influential sci-fi RPGs ever created. It follows Commander Shepard as he assembles a team to save the galaxy from a mysterious threat. The game’s branching narrative, character interactions, and tactical combat set it apart from other RPGs.

Gameplay and Features:
The combat system in Mass Effect 2 is a mix of real-time combat and tactical elements, allowing players to pause the action and issue commands to their team members. The game’s focus on relationships with crew members also allows for deep character development, with conversations and decisions impacting the outcome of the story. The game’s branching narrative gives players the power to shape the galaxy’s future.

Why It Defined the Genre:
Mass Effect 2 set a new standard for player choice and narrative-driven gameplay in RPGs. The game’s deep relationships with companions and its galaxy-spanning story made it a pioneer in the sci-fi RPG genre. Its combination of tactical combat, character-driven narratives, and world-building influenced many future RPGs.

5. Chrono Trigger

Released in 1995, Chrono Trigger is often regarded as one of the greatest RPGs ever made. It follows a group of adventurers as they travel through time to prevent a global catastrophe. The game’s innovative battle system, multiple endings, and time-traveling mechanics set it apart from other RPGs of the era.

Gameplay and Features:
Chrono Trigger introduced the “Active Time Battle” system, where battles took place in real-time, allowing for more dynamic combat. The game also featured a unique “New Game Plus” mode, allowing players to revisit the game with all their previous progress intact. The time-traveling mechanic allowed players to visit different periods in history, each with its own story and characters.

Why It Defined the Genre:
Chrono Trigger revolutionized turn-based combat and introduced the concept of time travel in RPGs. Its multiple endings and branching paths also set a new standard for narrative depth in the genre. The game’s lasting impact is still felt in modern RPGs, as it inspired many mechanics and storytelling techniques used in games today.

6. Final Fantasy X

Final Fantasy X is a pivotal game in the Final Fantasy series. Released for the PlayStation 2, it introduced voice acting, 3D environments, and a more cinematic approach to storytelling. The game follows Tidus and Yuna as they travel across the world of Spira to defeat the creature known as Sin.

Gameplay and Features:
The Sphere Grid system introduced a new way to level up characters, giving players more control over character progression. The Aeons, powerful summoned creatures, added an extra layer of strategy to battles. The turn-based battle system was refined and became more dynamic, with quick actions and character-specific abilities.

Why It Defined the Genre:
Final Fantasy X was a major turning point for the franchise and the RPG genre. The addition of voice acting and cinematic presentation set the standard for future RPGs. Its deep story, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics made it one of the most influential RPGs of the 21st century.

7. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is widely regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time. It follows Link as he embarks on a quest to stop the evil Ganondorf and save the land of Hyrule. The game introduced 3D gameplay to the series and set the foundation for many modern action-adventure RPGs.

Gameplay and Features:
The game features real-time combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration in an open world. The use of the Ocarina, a magical musical instrument, adds a unique mechanic to the gameplay. The game also introduced a day-night cycle, where the world changed depending on the time of day.

Why It Defined the Genre:
Ocarina of Time was groundbreaking for its use of 3D graphics and open-world exploration. The game’s blend of puzzle-solving, combat, and exploration set a new standard for action RPGs and has influenced countless games in defined the genre.

8. Dragon Age: Origins

Dragon Age: Origins is a fantasy RPG developed by BioWare. It follows the story of a group of heroes tasked with saving the world from an ancient evil. The game’s deep lore, complex characters, and tactical combat make it a standout in the RPG genre.

Gameplay and Features:
Dragon Age: Origins introduced a tactical combat system where players could control a party of characters, each with their own abilities and skills. The game also featured a branching narrative, where players’ decisions impacted the outcome of the story. The game’s world-building and character development are some of the best in defined the genre.

Why It Defined the Genre:
Dragon Age: Origins is one of the best examples of deep narrative choices and party-based combat in RPGs. Its character-driven story, tactical combat, and world-building have influenced many subsequent RPGs.

9. Dark Souls

Dark Souls is known for its punishing difficulty and rewarding gameplay. The game follows a cursed character as they navigate a dark, gothic world filled with terrifying enemies and complex lore. The game’s world-building, combat system, and difficulty have made it one of the most influential RPGs of all time.

Gameplay and Features:
Dark Souls is famous for its challenging combat and the feeling of achievement players get from overcoming tough enemies and bosses. The game features intricate level design, where every area is interconnected, and every enemy has its own tactics and weaknesses.

Why It Defined the Genre:
Dark Souls is often credited with popularizing the “Souls-like” genre, a subgenre of RPGs that focuses on challenging combat, intricate world-building, and strategic gameplay. Its influence can be seen in many modern RPGs.

10. Persona 5

Persona 5 is a unique RPG that blends dungeon-crawling with life simulation elements. Players take on the role of a high school student who leads a double life as a Phantom Thief, stealing the distorted desires of corrupt individuals. The game’s stylish presentation, deep character development, and turn-based combat set it apart from other RPGs.

Gameplay and Features:
Persona 5 is a turn-based RPG that combines dungeon exploration with social simulation. Players must balance their time between attending school, building relationships, and exploring dungeons. The game features a unique Persona system, where players can summon creatures to fight alongside them.

Why It Defined the Genre:
Persona 5 set a new standard for anime-inspired RPGs. Its innovative gameplay, memorable characters, and deep narrative choices make it one of the most unique and influential RPGs of the past decade.

Conclusion

These 10 RPGs have not only shaped the genre but have also influenced countless other games. Whether through groundbreaking storytelling, innovative gameplay mechanics, or expansive worlds, these titles have set the standard for what RPGs can achieve. If you’re a fan of defined the genre, these are the games that defined it and continue to influence modern game design.