Before we go all gaga over the best action RPGs, let’s talk about all the constituent factors that make such games so addictive. A perfect protagonist to fill the shoes of, a massive and highly-interactive world, an encouraging level-up system, some zillion different possibilities, a pinch of memorable characters and chiefly, some incredibly pleasing gameplay treats.
These are all the ingredients which, if blended perfectly, turn into an unforgettable action role-playing game. The developers of all the titles listed below have a clear understanding of everything that we talked about just now. And that’s the reason why they have blessed us with titles that offer umpteen hours of ‘RPGing’. Now, without much ado, let us move on to the list of games that simply deserve to be played.
1 – Mass Effect 2:
Creating near-perfect RPGs is a feat which BioWare manages to pull off with utter effortlessness. Or so it seems. Mass Effect 2 was first launched for Xbox 360 and PC back in 2010 and indeed ended up being a fitting sequel to its predecessor. With the release date of Mass Effect 3 fast approaching, this might be the right time to have a go at its precursor. The game’s dynamic voice-overs, engaging combat and lively visuals, all sum up to render you with some of the most beautiful gaming hours you’ll ever experience in your lives.
2 – Bastion:
The phenomenon that is Bastion came to pass in July last year and has continued leaving us in awe of it ever since. Developer Supergiant Games managed to mete out this smash hit with so much packed into it, that it’s almost impossible to put the controller down. Not only does this game leave you gazing at its mesmerizing visuals, but also creates a brilliant gaming atmosphere with its orchestral score and burly voiceovers.
3 – Dark Souls:
It may be one of the most difficult games of all time, but this is one of the many factors that make Dark Souls the incredibly amazing offering that it is. If dark fantasy is your kind of setting, then this game will definitely turn out to be a treat. Coupled with its innovative multiplayer mode, Dark Souls offers a complete experience, while never letting you down with is campaign, thus making it a perfect fit in our list.
4 – Infinity Blade II:
Infinity Blade may be an iOS game, but the fact of the matter is that it most definitely doesn’t look or feel like one. And mind you, there’s much more to this game than its awesome visuals. The experience points that can be used to level up the players’ weapons, helms, armor, shields, and magic rings make up a large part of the RPG elements. All this at 6.99 USD is something of treat is you ask us.
5 – Fallout New Vegas:
Number five on our roster is Bethesda’s post-apocalyptic sensation, Fallout: New Vegas which can easily be counted among the developer’s finest achievements. Although it came with its fair share of bugs, this title’s incredible gameplay treats and superior RPG elegance more than makes up for its glitches. Taking queue from its previous successful Fallout outings, the developers have endowed fans with yet another excellent game to add to their collections.
6 – Deus Ex Human Revolution:
Eidos Montreal’s summer extravagance dished out a satisfying experience that stayed true to its RPG roots. This title exudes a large number of possibilities that have their outcome dependent upon players’ interactions with NPCs. This game from our list acts as a prequel to the original title released in 2000 and involves global politics as its narrative backdrop.
7 – Fable III:
Available only for the Xbox 360 and PC, Fable III features some splendid voice acting from the likes of Ben Kingsley, Simon Peg and Bernard Hill, to name a few. But that’s just a small chunk of the overall allure, as its fortitude lies in the flamboyance that it conveys through each and every second of its gameplay. Apart from its amiable RPG elements, Fable II also presents gamers with a massive sandbox world which packs in tons of side quests.
8 – The Elder Scrolls V Skyrim:
The mere mention of this game is enough for all those who’ve played it to go head over heels praising it. Skyrim cannot be particularly called a game. It’s an experience that acts as a drug by completely consuming your mind during each and every moment that you’re playing it. Yet another successful offering from Bethesda has been lauded for pretty much everything that has made its way into it. Picturesque visuals, a gargantuan level up system and over hundred hours of purely spectacular gameplay lie in store for you in Skyrim.
After having read this lineup of the best action RPGs, we believe that you’ll be immediately compelled to start playing each and everyone one of them. And why shouldn’t you? The extreme quantities of satisfying experiences that are packed into them are bound to arouse interest among those who haven’t played them. So, go get your hands on all the above-listed titles while we try to cook up interesting offerings to lay across your table next time around.