Which RPG?
Which RPG?
Starting with the RPG genre isn't my top choice. I've only played a handful of them and really enjoyed the Mass Effect series and Fallout 3. Most RPGs I've tried, like Skyrim, aren't my favorite either. I've played Dragon Age Inquisition but find it hard to stay engaged for long sessions. Based on this, should I avoid RPGs until I try Fallout 4 or Mass Effect 4?
The Witcher 3 delivers exceptional quality across nearly every dimension. It excels at core RPG elements, offers a vibrant and immersive setting, features compelling storytelling, engaging conversations, and thoughtful decision-making. While I believe the open play mode doesn't detract from the overall experience, it seems the player's preference for other titles within the genre is limited.
The issue with choosing an RPG is the vast variety available, with many genres blending together, making it hard to pinpoint a game that fits a single category. Try moving away from FPS RPGs and exploring fantasy third-person action titles like Darksiders. Personally, if someone asked me to list a few RPGs I wouldn’t include, I’d exclude games such as Fallout or Mass Effect—they lean more toward FPS than traditional RPGs.
Gothic 1+2 stands out as the top choice among the listed games. The Witcher Series offers a rich narrative experience, while Pillars of Eternity expands on that with deep storytelling. Planescape Torment delivers intense emotional moments, and Never Winter Nights provides atmospheric gameplay. Divinity: Original Sin brings strategic depth, and Baldursgate 1+2 adds compelling choices.
RPG by current standards tends to be a bit of a mess. In shooter games, the level-up and items feel more like FPS mechanics, while platformers lean into platformer RPG styles. For action games, the RPG elements are usually background characters in a larger story. If you're looking for Western or Japanese RPGs, there are only a couple options, and most of them don’t align with your preferences—especially if you avoid D&D-style MMORPGs. Stick to the mainstream "RPG" you know; it’s more likely to suit you. GTA V and Watch Dog might fit as action RPGs, but titles like Witcher 3 or Mass Effect aren’t really RPGs—they’re more like deep 3D shooters with rich narratives.