There was a time where action-RPGs were considered to be a dumbed-down combat system for the genre. This was especially so when compared to the complexities found in a turn-based system like theDivinity: Original Sinseries or a point and click system in theBaldur’s Gateseries. However, as gaming machines are getting more advanced action RPGs are proving to be just as complex as their old-school counterparts but more accessible for modern gamers.
The best games in the genre likeSkyrimorDark Soulsare easy to pick up for players that are happy with just fighting with weapons and not ever really getting a grasp on deeper magic systems that can found in the genre. It’s systems like this that make the sub-genre so popular and it’s interesting to see where some of the best games in the genre sit on the Metacritic scoring system and whether or not they deserve their position at the top of the genre as the critics choice.
10Mass Effect 3 - Metascore 93
Mass Effect 3was released for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, and the Nintendo Wii U in 2012. The game was the final part of the Commander Shepard trilogy a series of games that many critics consider to be one of the greatest space-based science fiction sagas ever released in gaming.
Despite still scoring very highly on MetacriticMass Effect 3was heavily criticized by fans for its unsatisfying ending. However, the gameplay and production values are still fantastic and the developers BioWare released DLC that helped expand upon the game’s conclusion.
9Fallout 3 - Metascore 93
Post-apocalyptic RPGFallout 3was the third mainline entry for the series but the first to be developed byThe Elder Scrollsdevelopers Bethesda Game Studios. The game was released on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC in 2008.
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Fallout 3was the first in the series to move away from its predecessor’s isometric view with pre-rendered backdrops and replaced it in a fully 3D world. In addition, the game dropped the turn-based battle system for real-time combat with the inclusion of the V.A.T.S system which allowed players to pause the action and target the enemy’s body parts.
8Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir - Metascore 93
Odin Sphere: Leifthrasirwas released on the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and the Vita in 2015 and it is a remake of the originalOdin Spherewhich was first released on the PlayStation 2 in 2008. It’s a 2D side-scrolling action RPG that played like an old school beat-em-up and its visuals and art-style are still considered among the most beautiful ever made.
Leifthrasirwas praised for its updated and crisp visuals on the PlayStation 4 which had to be reworked from its original 4:3 aspect ratio to widescreen at 16:9 forcing the developers to reposition the characters during story sequences.
7Bastion IOS - Metascore 94
Bastionis an action RPG developed indie team Supergiant Games. It was originally released on the Xbox 360 in 2011 but was later released on other platforms including IOS in 2012. It is on the IOS that the game scores so highly and still remains one of the best games available on the platform.
Despite being a small independently made title in the year of its releaseBastionwon awards for its narrative from 1Up and took the prize for the game of the year on RPGamer beating the likes ofRadiant HistoriaandThe Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.In addition to the IOS,Bastionis also available for modern consoles on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
6Diablo Metascore 94
Diablois an isometric action-RPG thatwas originally released on the PC in 1996 and the PlayStation in 1997. The PlayStation version worked surprisingly well in its transfer from a point and click to a hack and slash action RPG.
The hack and slash mechanics are still some of the most influential in gaming with games likeTorchlight, Marvel: Ultimate Allianceusing similar mechanics and lovingly referred to asDiabloclones. The series’ success continues withDiablo 3on PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and the Xbox One and there are rumors of an imminentDiablo 4announcement.
5The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt - Metascore 94
The Witcher 3: The Wild Huntwas released on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC in 2015 and was later released on the Nintendo Switch in 2019. Nearly five years later the game is still considered to be the best RPG of a generation.
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The game has been a huge influence on games likeAssassin’s Creed: Origins, Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey, Kingdom Come: Deliverance,andHorizon Zero Dawn.The world ofTheWitcheris dark, gritty, and incredibly deep and filled with so much lore for players to discover. Fans should definitely try andThe Witcher 2: Assassin of KingsandThe Witcher: Thronebreaker.
4The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - Metascore 94
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivionwas released on the PC and Xbox 360 in 2006 and the PlayStation 3 in 2007. It was the second game in the series to be released on consoles after its predecessorThe Elder Scrolls III: Morrowindon the original Xbox.
Oblivionwas one of the first games to truly show what consoles at the time were capable of compared to previous generations. Even today, the game looks surprisingly good and has a great voice cast featuring the likes of Sean Bean, Patrick Stewart, Terence Stamp, and Lynda Carter.
3The World Ends With You: Solo Remix - Metascore 95
The World Ends With Youwas originally released on the Nintendo DS in 2008 and was later ported to mobile devices in 2012. Upon its original release, the game was praised as being one of the best games released that year and won the best overall Nintendo DS game of the year from IGN.
The World Ends With You: Solo Mixwas an enhanced port for the iPad featuring better visuals and sound. The controls on the iPad were an improvement over the DS original and the larger screen allowed for a larger and more intuitive battlefield. In addition to the IOS, the Nintendo Switch also got an enhanced port of the game in 2018.
2The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Metascore 96
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrimwas released in 2011 on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and the PC. Since then the game has seen enhanced ports arrive on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and even the PlayStation VR.
RELATED:Skyrim: The Top 10 Main Quests, Ranked
Skyrimremains a favorite among fans of the RPG genre because of the scope of its world. Its world feels alive and dynamic with so much going and tons of breathtaking sights. Furthermore, many of the game’s side quests which focus on the Dark Brotherhood, The Wolf Queen, and the war between Vampire and Werewolves in theDawnguardDLC were actually better than the main quest.
1Mass Effect 2 - Metascore 96
Mass Effect 2was released on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and the PC in 2010 and has a well-deserved spot at the top of the action RPG genre list on Metacritic. For fans of theMass Effecttrilogy, the second game in the series is whatThe Empire Strikes Backis the originalStar Warstrilogy.
Everything about the game was a huge step up from its already-great predecessor and proved that BioWare were some of the most talented developers in the world. Despite being a videogame, it helped cementMass Effectas a space opera and that can stand with the likes ofStar Trek, Star Wars,andBattlestar Galactica.
NEXT:The 10 Best Games On The Nintendo Switch As Of 2019 (According To Metacritic)
