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RPGs have long enthralled us into fictional worlds beyond imagination. Unlike novels and movies, RPGs can place you in the center of the action. You probably know many such games already from Skyrim to Final Fantasy. But many RPGs lie in the dark, overlooked. Here, we explore the underrated RPGs that are just that. Rest at the inn, organize your party, and grab your swords – we’re going on a journey through RPG land.
10. Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
| Release Date | Platform |
|---|---|
| February 2012 (Original) September 2020 (Remaster) | PC | PS3 | PC | PS4 | |
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning received its fair share of attention upon initial release. The game didn’t bring anything particularly new to the genre, but as a fantasy RPG with heavy action elements, it’s just fun. There’s a good amount of customization, it features a solid story, and the atmosphere and environment pull you in. Even the combat is done well if not a bit dated.
Best of all: you can play the remastered version if you don’t own the older consoles. It includes all the DLCs and a new expansion for additional gameplay. The game certainly fits the mold as one of the best most overlooked RPGs.
9. The Last Remnant
| Release Date | Platform |
|---|---|
| November 2008 (Original) December 2018 (Remaster) | PC | PS4 | Nintendo Switch | iOS | Android (Remaster) |
The Last Remnant didn’t have the greatest response when it first debuted. Square Enix’s RPG suffered from numerous technical issues, a fact that turned many fans and critics away. However, the game contains plenty of world-building to draw players in and keep them. It’s ideal to play the remastered version as it features the game on Unreal Engine 4 and improves most of the issues people had with the original.
8. Star Ocean: The Last Hope
| Release Date | Platform |
|---|---|
| February 2009 (Original) November 2017 (Remaster) | PS3 | PC | PS4 (Remaster) |
Everyone talks about Star Ocean: The Second Story and Star Ocean: ‘Till the End of Time, but few talk about The Last Hope. A prequel to the series whole, the game received mixed reviews upon release yet it offers so much that it’s a crime to overlook it.
The Last Hope continues the series’ unique blend of sci-fi and fantasy elements. The main story takes you through several stunning planets, including Roak from the first game. The real-time battles are also massive fun, having you control a quirky and underrated cast of characters (to the point we can forgive the fact that the protagonist is called ‘Edge Maverick’…sort of).
7. Pillars of Eternity
| Release Date | Platform |
|---|---|
| March 2015 | PC | macOS | PS4 | |
Of all the overlooked RPGs on our list, Pillars of Eternity received some great reviews. What grants it a spot on our list though is the fact that we feel new players should give it a try for nostalgia’s sake. Newer RPGs have knocked this to the wayside, but if you decide to boot it up, you’ll immedtiately feel as though you’re transported into a companion of Baldur’s Gate. It boastas an excellent fantasy world, one you can easily become lost in. And isn’t that why we play RPGs in the first place?
6. Alpha Protocol
| Release Date | Platform |
|---|---|
| May 2010 | PC | PS3 | PS4 | |
If there’s any overlooked RPG that gained a massive cult following, Alpha Protocol is it. There are clear inspirations from famous spy thrillers like James Bond and Jason Bourne, which makes it incredibly fun and delightful for fans of the genre.
The game could benefit from better customization. However, it makes up for it thanks to the surprising branching storyline and the player choices. This helps the game excel in the RPG world.
5. Resonance of Fate
| Release Date | Platform |
|---|---|
| January 2010 (Original) October 2018 (4K/HD) | PS3 | PC | PS4 (4K/HD) |
Players easily made Resonance of Fate one of the most overlooked RPGS thanks to the release of bigger titles like Final Fantasy at the time. Those who played it often recall the compelling nature of the steampunk setting combined.
Another aspect that helps it stand out is how it elevates the typical turn-based combat mechanism. It’s without a doubt a top JRPG that any fan should experience, especially with the release of the 4K version.
4. Dark Cloud
| Release Date | Platform |
|---|---|
| December 2000 (Original) December 2015 (Port) | PS2 (Original) PS4 (Port) |
Dark Cloud acted as a visual showcase for the PlayStation 2 early in its life and honestly doesn’t look too bad today. Furthermore, its town-building, dungeon-crawling gameplay still holds up today. It’s a shame Level-5 didn’t revisit this incredible world in the sequel.
This overlooked RPG has you visit various desolate towns enter their nearby dungeons, and find the lost parts of the accompanying town inside. The twist is that the dungeon floors are randomized, so you don’t know what to expect in terms of layout and number of foes as well as treasures. This sense of unpredictability makes things refreshing, even if the manner through which you proceed through the dungeons (killing enemies to find the key) is the same.
It also has a highly underrated soundtrack that gives its gorgeous locations an extra dose of character. In addition, the town-building aspect encourages you to flex your creativity and offers a nice break from the dungeon-crawling.
3. 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim
| Release Date | Platform |
|---|---|
| November 2019 | PS4 | Nintendo Switch |
Looking for a solid adventure with a good story? How about a game that combines RPG and visual novel elements with an RTS? Well, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is your choice du jour.
The bare-bones is that it follows the exploits of 13 teenagers who can pilot the ‘Sentinels,’ Gundam-esque super-robots. Playing through multiple character scenarios, you endeavor to uncover the truth behind the Sentinels and Operation Aegis. When you’re not playing through beautifully drawn backgrounds, you’re playing through addictive RTS missions. As you progress, you can upgrade your characters’ abilities.
13 Sentinels is easily one of the best surprises of 2020. Combining well-written, relatable characters, a complex science fiction story, and fun gameplay, you’re in for a treat if you pick this game up. It does everything a visual novel and strategy RPG should do, and does it best.
2. Grim Dawn
| Release Date | Platform |
|---|---|
| February 2016 | PC | |
An action RPG, Grim Dawn easily sold millions of copies. However, the indie game barely receives much mention in video game circles. It takes on a cool, darker approach to the Victorian era, setting the scene for a delightful visual experience. The game has some great real-time combat that emphasizes the “action” part of its genre. It can even remind you of the swarm of enemies you’d find in Diablo games.
1. The Age of Decadence
| Release Date | Platform |
|---|---|
| October 2015 | PC |
There’s no denying that this game is complicated at times. Some players may feel overwhelmed even at the beginning of the character creation. With that said, it’s also a remarkable RPG. There are tutorials to help you along the way, and once you grasp the concept, you’ll find yourself engrossed in the story.
What helps it stand out as one of the most overlooked RPGs is that you cannot possibly see everything in one playthrough. The narrative urges you to make various characters and experience different backgrounds with different decisions. It leads to endings with noticeable differences. What more can you want in a role-playing experience?
