The role-playing game (RPG) is currently one of the most well-known genres in the industry.
Since the tabletop’s origins, it has spawned countless beloved franchises. These range from long-running classics like Final Fantasy and Elder Scrolls to more unique ones like West of Loathing and Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones.
The 2000s era was a landmark era for the genre. New experiences and sequels that blew away their originals emerged during this era.
Note: This article is subjective and reflects the opinion of the writer. Only one game from each year of the 2000s is listed.
Final Fantasy XII, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and 8 more great RPGs from the 2000s
1) Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn (2000)
A sequel to the 1998 classic, Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn was created by BioWare for PC. It is based on the rules of the second edition of Dungeon & Dragons and is set in the Forgotten Realms campaign.
The game tells the story of the clash between protagonist Gorion’s Ward and an Elven mage, Jon Irenicus. Like most RPGs of the time, the gameplay is isometric as players explore the different locations around Amn, and it features real-time-with-pause combat.
The strong writing style, deep RPG elements and freedom of choice of the title immediately made it a classic at the time. It has also influenced other franchises, such as Divinity and Dragon Age.
Check it out on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch via the Enhanced Edition remaster.
2) Wars of Progress (2001)
Advance Wars, released exclusively for the Game Boy Advance in 2001, has achieved cult following over the years.
Advance Wars, the first Nintendo Wars game to make it abroad, portrays the clash between two warring nations: Orange Star and Blue Moon. As a member of the former, players will command various units on the turn-based battlefield against the enemy.
The vibrant cartoon aesthetic on Saturday makes the game unforgettable. In addition, the challenging rock paper scissors style system is enhanced, thanks to various factors such as resource management and terrain.
Advance Wars is a true classic that fans of strategy RPGs should not miss, especially with the upcoming Nintendo Switch remake.
3) The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (2002)
The Elder Scrolls RPG series made the leap into full 3D with Morrowind, released for PC and Xbox.
As players explore the island of Vvardenfell, they find themselves caught up in a plot centered on the demigod Dagoth Ur of the volcanic Red Mountain.
By putting the “role playing” in RPG, Morrowind allows you to play the way you want. Players can go where they want and deal with the consequences however they want. The game even includes skill and ability options that won’t be seen in future installments.
Morrowind remains arguably the deepest of the three recent Elder Scrolls titles. Grab it on PC and Xbox Game Pass.
4) Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003)
Another BioWare classic, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (or KOTOR), is one of the most well-known game items in the LucasArts sci-fi franchise.
The RPG story is set nearly 4,000 years before the formation of the Galactic Empire, where Darth Malak, a Dark Lord of the Sith, has unleashed an armada against the Galactic Republic.
The player’s Jedi character has to venture to different planets in the galaxy to defeat Malak. During the journey, players create a group of different members, each with memorable personalities and play styles.
Real-time-with-pause combat returns, with iconic weapons such as lightsabers and blasters. Add to that a compelling story, excellent writing style and morale system, and it’s hard to understand why so many people love this game.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is available on Nintendo Switch and PC. A remake is also planned for PlayStation 5.
5) Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines (2004)
Released exclusively on PC by the now-defunct Troika Games, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines is arguably the most well-known World of Darkness game. It is a first/third-person action RPG that allows players to control a vampire as they explore Los Angeles in search of an ancient relic.
The atmosphere of the game is as rich as ever, despite having an 18-year-old Source Engine. The mechanics are also unmatched for its time, allowing for many play styles from melee to hacking and spells.
Unfortunately, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines was too ambitious for its size, and the final product was released after some development issues. Still, fans of games like Deus Ex, Falout, and Elder Scrolls will find a lot to love here.
Fans have been waiting for the upcoming sequel for a while now. It is being developed by a new studio overseen by Paradox Interactive.
6) Kingdom Hearts 2 (2005)
This sequel to the original Disney and Final Fantasy crossover is often considered the best in the series.
As an action RPG, players control Sora as he traverses various Disney worlds while dealing with the hostile Organization XIII. The hack & slash gameplay has been enhanced with the Drive Gauge, allowing Sora and recognizable Disney friends such as Mickey and Donald to become more powerful.
The game originally launched for PlayStation 2. However, it is also available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch (via Cloud) as part of the Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix.
7) Final Fantasy XII (2006)
Another PlayStation 2 original, Final Fantasy XII, is set on Ivalice. As part of a resistance group, players find themselves embroiled in a war between the Archadia and Rozarria peoples.
This is the first entry on the mainline that doesn’t include randomized combat encounters. Combat also sees new additions in the form of the Active Dimension Battle and Gambit system. Even the original visuals hold up very well for such an old game, and the complex combat system sets it apart from the rest of the series.
Final Fantasy XII is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch as the Zodiac Age, a remaster of the game’s originally Japan-exclusive enhanced port.
8) Mass Effect (2007)
Mass Effect is yet another example of BioWare’s RPG specialization. As Commander Shepherd, players explore the galaxy as they devise a plan to stop the return of ancient mechanical forms called Reapers.
The game combines third-party shooting and standard party-based management for a unique gameplay scenario. Emphasis is placed on writing and dialogue, with players even being able to romanticize some characters and interact with NPCs using the Paragon morality system.
Originally released for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC, Mass Effect received a remaster called Mass Effect Legendary Edition for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.
9) Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 (2008)
Persona 4 built on everything that made Persona 3 a memorable Japanese RPG.
Yu Narukami arrives in the quiet town of Inaba and discovers the existence of a supernatural TV dimension, with mysterious murders surrounding him. With the help of a friendly cast of characters and powerful creatures called Personas, they must fight their inner demons and catch the culprit behind the murders.
Players can enjoy school during the day, form meaningful relationships with NPCs and hunt Shadows in the labyrinthine dungeons.
The game balances mature themes with a cheerful exterior, and the addictive gameplay loop will keep fans coming back.
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 is available on PC and PlayStation Vita via the Persona 4 Golden remaster. In the future, it will also appear on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.
10) Dragon Age: Origins (2009)
Influenced by KOTOR and other classic RPGs, BioWare’s Dragon Age: Origins was a fantasy rendition of BioWare’s epic with its own twist.
In the story, the player is recruited into the Gray Wardens, an ancient order that faces off against monstrous forces known as Darkspawn. They must defeat the archdemon who orders them to stop their invasion.
Many well-written characters come aboard this adventure, such as Alistair and Morrigan. The gameplay is back to real-time with pause, with players taking on all kinds of monstrosities. The combat is fun yet challenging, and the engaging story keeps things moving at a fast pace with lots of twists and turns.
Dragon Age: Origins is available on PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360.
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