What are the most popular role-playing games (RPG) of the last 10 years according to reviews on MetaScore? The games showcased can be played on a wide range of platforms however mobile games are not included in this list.
10. Dark Souls 2
Those that require an RPG with a challenge need to play Dark Souls 2, a game as rewarding as it's punishing released in 2014 by FromSoftware Inc. is a beautiful game filled with twisted monsters and deadly bosses that you must defeat to make it to the end. Dark Souls was rated a 91 for its "intense and satisfying experience."
9. Xenoblade Chronicles
Xenoblade Chronicles, developed by Monolith Soft, which was originally released on the Nintendo Wii in 2010 is a game which throws players into a glorious universe where you as the player hold a legendary sword that offers a look into the future. There was high praise for Xenoblade receiving an overall rating of 92 and the developers even released a definitive edition this year.
8. Bloodborne
Bloodborne, developed by FromSoftware Inc. released this gothic grim Dark Souls-like game on PS4 in 2015. This action RPG is set in the ancient city of Yharnam which has been cursed with a plague, your job is to uncover the dark secrets of Yharnam by defeating the difficult bosses in store. Just like its Dark Souls cousins, Bloodborne received a pleasant critic score of 92 calling the game "brutal, repulsive, revolting and irresistible."
7. Undertale
An Indie game that became incredibly popular is Undertale developed by Toby Fox in 2015. In this simplistically designed game, you play as a human who has fallen underground into a world of monsters, you must now try and find your way out or stay trapped forever. Switch Player only had high praise for this primitive-looking masterpiece calling it "one of the most original modern JRPGs of all time, and beatable at the fraction of the time." This led to a rating of 93!
6. Odin Sphere Leifthrasir
This Action RPG was released by Vanillaware in 2016, ticks all the boxes of what an RPG fan wants with its fantasy narrative and 'satisfying' combat. Explore the magical world of Erion and the importance of power as kingdoms fought for the 'cauldron'; the source of this power. This colourful game a 93 and has been praised as one of the best games to be put on the PS Vita.
5. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
CD Projekt Red's most impressive released title to date set in an expansive fantasy world where you play as Geralt of Rivia, a master swordsman and monster hunter. Explore the open world, slay a wide range of fantasy creatures and decide the fate of millions through the actions you take. Dark Station claimed that The Witcher 3 bought a new standard for open-world RPGs and therefore rated it a 93
4. Persona 5 Royal
Another great Japanese-style RPG is Persona 5 Royal developed by Atlus this year. Experience the award-winning series as Joker and join the Phantom Thieves of Hearts as they break into the minds of corrupt people and make them change their ways. There was nothing but high praise for this game rating it a 95.
Gamer Escape said: "One thing you won’t feel is regret in picking up Persona 5 Royal, as it’s truly the best Persona title, if not one of the best video games, I’ve ever experienced to date."
3. Divinity: Original Sin II- Definitive Edition
Unlike the other games in this list, Divinity excels as a top-down RPG that plays almost as if it was dungeons and dragons. Players will need to master tactical combat and think through their actions before making choices as these could be incredibly game-changing. You can even play with up to 3 other players and experience this fantasy world with them. Critics rated this incredible game made by Lairain Studios a 95 with reviewers like GameSpot saying it is "one of the finest games of recent years and an instant classic."
2. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The best selling game of Bethesda Game Studios by far! The next chapter of the Elder Scrolls saga is here, play whoever you want however you want and save Skyrim from the danger of dragons who were thought to be dead and harness their power as the Dragonborn. Choose from countless weapons, armours and spells to make a character you want to play! Skyrim was rated a 96 with a wide range of positive reviews.
Gamer.no said: "The freedom ensures a great experience for both the casual and hardcore gamer, as you're free to play the game how you like."
1. Mass Effect 2
Finally, is Mass Effect 2. This futuristic science fiction RPG was rated a 96. Explore the universe, defeat dangerous alien lifeforms, and form bonds with a wide range of characters as you play as Shepard once more in saving the galaxy yet again from even greater peril. BioWare has truly made a memorable experience with the first game and the third edition being just as good as this one.
X-ONE Magazine UK said: "Mass Effect 2 is daring, shocking and often awe-inspiring in its use of choice. This is the future of storytelling in videogames."