Top 10 Best RPG Video Games of All Time

The Top Ten
1 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Skyrim reaches a level of freedom that can't be found in any other game. You can go anywhere, play at your will, and affect the story as you progress. Its talent tree is unique and encourages you to play and explore even more.

Skyrim! Definitely the greatest game in the history of games. Seriously though, there are reasons why this game is amazing.

1. Graphics. While graphics are not extremely important to me, they are more of a perk. Skyrim really has a realistic look that helps you feel like you're not just controlling a character, but actually living in this world.

2. Story. The story of this game is diverse and expansive, not to mention that there are actually two paths to take in the main quest.

3. Character Creation. You can literally make your character look just like you if you take the time. The more realistic appearance options and the ability to add war paint and dirt are fantastic.

4. Content. There is so much to do in this game that you may never run out of quests.

This game is amazing, but there are a few things that I wish had been addressed when creating the game. The main problem for me is housing. You have options in houses and they look amazing compared to Oblivion, but you can't decorate them. If I collect an awesome sword and want to place it on a table or shelf, it won't stay there. Also, I would like to point out that shouts are worthless. I have never used them in battle despite having collected them all. Even with these annoyances, I give the game an A.

2 Chrono Trigger

I wouldn't call myself a huge fan of RPG games, mostly because a lot of them seem repetitive, but Chrono Trigger is a huge exception. No other RPG game can even come close to this masterpiece of a video game. Incredibly well-written story, lovable characters, fluent battling, memorable boss battles, stellar music, and even the graphics look nice even to this day.

I don't care if you aren't a fan of RPGs. You have to give this game a try, because it is unlike any other RPG game you will ever play. One of the best games of all time, and by far, the best RPG ever created.

On the SNES, there is a constant debate between FFVI and Chrono Trigger. Until recently, I had played neither, so I decided to play them back-to-back to see which I liked better. It was a tough decision, but in the end, I have to go with Chrono Trigger. Don't get me wrong. FFVI was fantastic, but Chrono Trigger was beyond incredible.

All the twists and turns of the plot just keep you wanting more. I actually pulled an all-nighter playing this game because every time I completed something, the plot would develop further, and I told myself, "Well, now I HAVE to know what happens next!" It sucks you in immediately and doesn't let go. Even without the multiple endings, I wanted to start again. However, adding in those endings, along with the wonderful New Game+ feature, makes Chrono Trigger the sure-fire winner of the best RPG ever.

3 Final Fantasy VII

Without Final Fantasy 7, you probably wouldn't have played a JRPG. There are moments of sheer joy, wonder, profound sadness, horror, and even camp hiding in the game's huge world. Memorable locales such as the dreary metropolis of Midgar, the Gold Saucer amusement park, and a vast expanse of desert that brings to mind the open frontiers of the American West in Cosmo Canyon are just a few examples. The entire JRPG genre owes itself to this game. Whether it's the iconic rivalry of Cloud and Sephiroth or the shocking death of Aerith, FF7 is one of the most important games ever made.

This is truly a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that leaves no room for debate. It's like having the most beautiful children's tale read to you, except you don't have to imagine things because it's right there on the screen.

From the independent characters to the fantastic world, not to mention all the awesome NPCs - I mean, come on, who doesn't like Don Corneo? As for the story, I have never played a more emotionally correct game. Ever.

Joy, suffering, self-sacrifice, pain, fellowship, courage, love (lost and found), and character progression to understand their past is something that leaves me as breathless as it did 15 years ago. Not to mention that the soundtrack is epic.

4 The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Oblivion is the greatest RPG of all time, with Morrowind and Skyrim as very close seconds. From the huge open region of Cyrodiil to the whole new realm of the Shivering Isles, this game is gigantic and filled with stuff to do. In Oblivion, you can play the main story, complete side quests, role-play, join guilds, explore, fight unique enemies, or just delve into the immense lore that this game is based on. The Elder Scrolls series has always been about freedom. You can kill 99.9% of the NPCs, be a mage with heavy armor and a two-handed weapon, and use a bow as backup. There are few limits in this game, making it, in my opinion, the best RPG of all time.

Playing this game feels like living an utterly awesome fantasy dream to me. It has an epic story and groundbreaking graphics for a 2006 game. It still captivates me to this very day. Oh, the scenery! I used to sigh every single time I explored the huge world of Cyrodiil. The game offers unrivaled freedom, great gameplay, and lots of amazing quests. Seriously, who cares about its minor flaws when you have so much fun playing a game like this? I give Oblivion a 100% recommendation. Skyrim looks like it'll have a giant shoe to fill.

5 Fallout 3

I was completely engrossed in this game. I would arrive home from football practice and just play for hours and hours. The story is incredible, the options are boundless, and the history is extensive beyond belief. This game was my second life, and that, my friends, is the epitome of an RPG.

Best game I've ever played. Can't stop. They packed it with so much. Just keep playing until the next installment. When is that? Please perfect it. Don't hurry it, but I'm anxiously waiting. Great storyline. All ten of them. Hey, the bodies in uniform look great. Love my beret, etc.

I hate to say it, but I actually started tearing up around the end of the storyline. The history is excellent, the environment is excellent, and it almost makes you want a nuclear war to occur so you can finally use those bottle caps.

6 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The peak of action RPGs, maybe the greatest protagonist in the entire games industry. Geralt is a man in the form of pixels. He has fears, passion, and goals. It's so good to play with him and feel that you are part of his story.

I love playing this game. The story is so rich and full. There is so much to do, and even seemingly small side quests can immerse you for ages. You can even help an old lady get her pan back! Gwent is a fun in-game game.

I know it hasn't made its debut yet, but go check the game trailer out on YouTube. Simply amazing. It's an RPG fan's dream come true! You must check out the trailer.

7 Final Fantasy VI

This is the greatest, most influential mainstream RPG ever. This game contains many RPG tropes that later became staples in the genre. The ATB system was mastered in this Final Fantasy, while prior releases were still buggy.

There's more than meets the eye in this RPG, gameplay-wise, and it's quite customizable. Characters are not officially job-classed but certainly lean, stat and skill-wise, toward particular classes. It's only a matter of equipping the right gear and leveling stats with espers to tweak your characters to your preference.

With varying gear and relic options, battles become something very unique for its time. For completionists, you can easily grind over 100 hours getting secret items and gear, and mastering your party and their skills. The characters are engaging, as is the storyline. Having a whopping 14 playable characters with no defined lead was something of a first.

Music is a class ahead. Not many games today put nearly as much effort into the variety and quality of in-game tracks. Aspects like the Coliseum really cement the fact that there's so much to this game, much of which were firsts. I've noticed many of the magic and effects have not only reappeared in later Final Fantasies but also in other non-Square RPGs in general. Among much other content that was fairly unique to Final Fantasy 6.

I feel much of this list has been dominated by younger, newer RPG gamers, which is why Bethesda games rate so high. But this game deserves its due as the king of RPGs, followed next by Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy 7, Dragon Age: Origins, Skyrim, and so on.

8 Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

I'm always so surprised to find this game so high in all ratings! Then again, I'm not so surprised because, after playing this game, I became a Star Wars fan. It wasn't the movies, even the original trilogy, which are classics, but this game that created the greatest Star Wars games and novels. The Old Republic has the best story ever created since The Empire Strikes Back!

I HATE how people say, "it's just because it's Star Wars that you like it." Well, it IS Star Wars. However, this has nothing to do with the awesomeness of this game! Whether you're new to the Star Wars universe or a hardcore fan, this simply is the best the RPG genre has to offer.

This is a game I still pull out and play. I loved the characters, and the story still keeps my interest. Like a good book I will read over, this is a keeper of a game. It has some of the best dialogue out there. I would save before talking just so I could see the different responses.

9 Earthbound

This game does not stink. Ignored during its initial release on the SNES, EarthBound has become the very definition of a cult classic game. Unlike the typical medieval fantasy worlds seen in Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy, EarthBound takes place in a satirized version of 1990s America, complete with corrupt police forces and bizarre religious cults. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll be horrified, but most of all, you'll have fun.

I just finished playing it for the first time, and I must say that I was enamored by it! The graphics may be simple given the time of release, but they get the job done. I mean, they accomplish a lot with what little they have by setting an appropriate mood for each section of the game.

The story in and of itself is simple, but it's the best kind of simple. By that, I mean that the basic plot is pretty straightforward: a group of kids must unite on a quest to defeat an evil force. However, the complexity comes from the character dialogue and the symbolism and undertones created.

The battle system would be run-of-the-mill if it weren't for two key features that make you wonder why they aren't a part of every RPG. When any amount of damage is delivered, instead of it immediately being subtracted from the HP meter, it slowly ticks down. If the battle ends before all of the damage is delivered, the excess damage is forgotten about. Also, if your party easily outnumbers an enemy in terms of power, the enemies start to run away from you and make it so the battle is immediately over when you pursue the enemy. This feature eliminates the cheap padding found in many other RPGs.

The humor is very clever and witty. There are many quotable lines and pieces of humorous dialogue coming from NPCs.

If I could find anything to complain about, it would be that the beginning of the game is rather slow and filled with a lot of grinding. It really isn't until you get your first party member that things start picking up. Also, the text interface can be frustrating at times. For example, there will be times when an NPC will give a hefty information dump, ending with them giving you an item. If your inventory is full, you'll have to get rid of an item and hear that information dump again just to get the item. So, here's a good tip: choose high-speed text when you start your game.

Overall, this is a fantastic title, and I highly recommend you check it out... more

10 Pokemon Red

The simplicity of its more noticeable mechanics is what snags tons of people, and the complexity of its core, less noticeable mechanics is what keeps them coming back for more. I mean, nowadays, to create a competitive-level team, you must account for EVs and IVs, Natures, what Pokémon you grind with, and MUCH more.

But what personally kept me involved with Red and Blue for the longest time were their glitches. I would spend hours messing around on Cinnabar Island's coast, seeing what I could get. Nowadays, I'm still trying out glitches involving EVs or IVs for fun on a cartridge.

This game is fun, addictive, and timeless! It deserves the praise it gets.

Behind the overblown marketing, anime show, and hysteria was actually a very fun game. With a high level of customization and strategy - 150 distinct characters to choose from with a huge move pool between them - there were a lot of strategic options in building your party. It has since become Nintendo's biggest franchise and the #1 best-selling series of games on every single Nintendo portable since. A simple kid-friendly game that is easy to pick up but holds a lot of depth with good replay value.

The Contenders
11 Mass Effect 2

Deep story and character development. Reaching a new planet always creates excitement and expectations, whether you're searching for materials or engaging in battles. Flawless.

Try to list 27 RPG games better than this one that you've played. This is the best game I've ever played, anyhow. The dialogue is realistic, and it's actually fun to pick what you want Shepard to say. It offers endless replayability, an amazing storyline, great graphics, and is overall just really fun.

I've played Skyrim and Final Fantasy, and none of those games can touch Mass Effect. It's not just a game. It's what taught me about life and overcoming impossible odds, understanding others, and fighting for what you believe in.

12 Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

I really wish more people knew about this game. If you're scrolling through this list and see this game, don't dismiss it or pass right by looking for some newer or edgier game, or for any other reason. Even if it turns out you don't like this game, you have to give it a chance, since it is a masterpiece!

I could talk about each individual good thing about it, but that would take way too long. I've already done that on enough lists, and it gets pretty repetitive. I just want everyone to know how great this game is. It's my favorite Paper Mario game, my favorite RPG Mario game, my favorite Mario game, my favorite RPG, and my favorite game of all time!

I really wish I could erase my memories of this game and then play it again. That way, I could discover this game for the first time all over again and be surprised by its greatness. This game is worth your time!

The best game on the GameCube, and the best RPG ever. It has the best storyline of any Mario game, plus better humor than most games today. I would like to take advantage of this moment to say: Call of Duty sucks.

13 Dragon Age: Origins

I've never played a game like this before. I'm searching for more games like this one. I just love this game because it's unbeatable, and the story is just awesome. If you play this game once, you'll get addicted, which is the best thing about it. This game captures your attention when you create your character and start your journey.

The game is simple. The maps and environment are very easy to understand. The characters are extremely friendly. Whenever you want to quit the game, you find yourself wanting to play more. The best feature is character customization, which is awesome. It may lack hairstyles and other elements, but it's okay for the first time. Play this game and you will forget about other games. I give it a 10/10. It's my favorite game.

In my opinion, Dragon Age: Origins deviates a bit from the traditional search and destroy RPGs like Skyrim. I love good gameplay, but what I appreciate most is a compelling storyline that hooks you into the game. It's like living through a movie. Both Dragon Age and Dragon Age 2 fall short when it comes to the storyline, and I'm disappointed that most games don't follow this formula.

14 Mass Effect

When I first played this game, I was completely engrossed and captivated by the story, characters, and graphics. I've probably played it 20 or more times. The view of the main actor in the game and the universe revealed to me that more would follow. I was not wrong. The time has come for the second Mass Effect. Now I'm waiting for Mass Effect 3, and I can only confirm that the game has set all the boundaries in terms of the quality of RPG games. I hope that this game is a milestone, or even the standard, for future games.

Love this game. It has such a huge universe to explore and so many possibilities for creating amazing stories! Many people don't like the final ending, but I think that the unique journeys that players took to get there are far more important and fascinating. The series still gives me a sense of awe and wonder, even though I have played through it numerous times already. Can't wait for ME4.

15 Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars

It's one of the most underrated Mario games of all time. You usually don't see this criminally underrated masterpiece on people's lists of best Mario games. Why? Probably because of how witty the overall game is. It's not just a Mario version of Final Fantasy. This is my favorite Mario RPG game. Paper Mario: Sticker Star is my most hated, though.

I think this is the best RPG EVER! A fun story with great graphics. It never gets boring, and they've made hacked versions of it if you want more of a challenge!

Great game, great story, great replay value, great soundtrack. All-around, it's just an incredible source of entertainment.

16 Kingdom Hearts II

Love it! (This is ironic. It is higher on the best video games list.) Wish it was higher (better than Tales of Symphonia)!

This is truly the best video game ever.

1: Kingdom Hearts II
2: Kingdom Hearts I
3: The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim

17 Dragon Age: Inquisition

Not many people give props to Dragon Age Inquisition. The game has a great story and is full of great characters. The gameplay is solid, and the exploration is rewarding.

I loved this game. I have played it three times, and usually, by the time I get to the end of one of these games, I've had enough and shelf them. This game is what I have compared everything else to since. I thought that the story was good. The changing characters in your party and playing as those characters was great.

18 Fallout: New Vegas

How is this not here? It plays like Fallout 3 but with a few more perks, etc. The only difference is the setting and the story. Instead of being set in Washington, it's set in Nevada, Las Vegas/New Vegas. It has more content, more quests, a better open world, more weapons, armor, you name it. It has great voice acting and your choices in-game actually matter. There are several different endings and more.

Personally, I think and believe that this game is better than all the other Elder Scrolls and Fallout games, at least in terms of story and play style. You have a lot of options for what you want to do in this game. You can choose your own paths and how you want to play the game. The only things that I think suck about this game are its slow pace, poor graphics, and bugs.

Yeah, it's good, but I still think the Madden football series is a better RPG.

19 Morrowind

Having Morrowind so low is an utter tragedy. It's by far the best game in the Elder Scrolls series. The only fronts on which Oblivion and Skyrim surpass Morrowind are:

- Graphics - which, needless to say, do not make the game. If you're playing an RPG primarily for the graphics, you're doing it wrong.
- Voice acting instead of text - this is the main advantage the two other games have going for them. However, despite a lack of voice acting, the world in Morrowind is far more realistic than the relative "theme park" worlds of its two successors. And I strongly believe that reading text is preferable to subpar voice acting, of which the other two games have had their fair share.
- Character customization (aesthetic only) - so basically, you don't get to adjust the shape of your character's eyebrows. Get over it.

Fronts on which Morrowind surpasses its two successors:

- More skills
- More weapon types
- More armor types
- Gameplay that requires you to think (i.e., hasn't been dumbed down)
- Less hand-holding
- More realistic world
- Better story
- More lore
- More varied world design

And many more. Sadly, many fans of the series' two most recent installments have never played Morrowind. If you can look beyond the graphics (the default graphics are more than playable, but Call of Duty fanboys might not be able to deal with them), and the fact that you actually have to do some reading - gasp - you are in for an unforgettable gaming experience.

20 Final Fantasy VIII

If I ever have a boy, I am naming him Squall because of this game. Cringe all you want. The impact this game and the soundtrack had on me as an emotional teenager will be lifelong.

One of the best stories ever created. This Final Fantasy deserved more than what it received.

It's a fantastic game.
In its day, it was the best.
Great world, a wonderful story.
This is better than the other FF games.

21 Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete

One of my all-time favorite console RPGs. Great story, very likable characters that grow on you. It's a classic game.

This really should be in the Top 10. The characters, story, and gameplay are wonderful.

Most people nowadays think that Call of Duty and Halo are the best games ever. But I'll never forget this game. It had the best story I've ever seen. It's an amazing game, surely the greatest RPG.

22 Pokemon Gold
23 Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4

Starting up a new file and coming back to Inaba is like meeting old friends years after high school. Yosuke, Chie, Yukiko, Kanji, Rise, and Naoto all feel like old friends you've known from your past, along with the game's comic relief, Teddie. And on top of the Investigation Team's friendship, you've also got Nanako, who is the cutest little thing in a video game. You'll get to appreciate when she says "Welcome home big bro!", like you could have belonged in Inaba, like any other old small town.

Whoever doesn't pick P4 has bad taste. This is the first game that I've found that has literally almost everything. You've got the tension, you've got the joy, you've got the adventure, and most importantly, you've got the awesome music. So why not play P4? It's worth your 80 hours, man!

Everyone must experience this game. The only reason it's not as well-known is that it came out in late 2008 on the PS2 in America and has a remake on the PS Vita. I got a Vita for Persona 4: Golden alone, and it was worth every penny.

24 Fallout 4

This beautiful game lets you embody your own character personality, be it a vigilante, helpful friend, or just a jerk. I can't stress how good this game is, so if you haven't bought it, do yourself a favor by getting it now. Please, if you're into shooter RPGs, then this is the god of them and probably all games (in my opinion).

The most underrated game of the century. I mean, come on, it's so much fun! And easily 1000 times better than Fallout 76 and 1 and 2! It combines role-play and FPS to create something amazing. Please vote for this!

This is by far the worst Fallout game in the main series. It's been gutted of its roleplay elements and turned into a boring FPS.

25 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

One of the most influential games of all time, this game definitely deserves to be in the top ten. No one had ever done many of the things introduced in this game, and the storyline is one of the most complex in video game history. The depth of the game is what makes it so charming and fun to play. In addition, the gameplay and hand-to-hand combat, along with the Z-targeting method, made for spectacular gameplay at the time. The Zelda series remains the greatest as far as gameplay goes.

Nostalgic. Everything about it is to die for. Yeah, I agree it's not really as much of an RPG as Skyrim or anything, but has anyone ever taken the time to realize this is almost always #1 on the best games of all time list?

-Sincerely, I Could Listen To Gerudo Valley All Day

The Zelda series has always gotten my attention. This one especially caught my full attention when the N64 came out. I could not stop playing this game. I'd play it over and over again. There's no stopping. This game should go down in history.

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