25 Overlooked RPGs That Deserve More Recognition

Metacritic Score: 89Jade Empire scores 89.

BioWare made this lesser-known title, Jade Empire.Jade Empire.Jade Empire launched on Xbox in 2005. It became the studio's first game using an original intellectual property. The game reused the morality system from BioWare's earlier title.Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.it added a new, real-time combat system.

Chinese folklore, culture, and history heavily inspired Jade Empire.Jade Empire.Jade Empire included a fictional language based on Chinese influences. The game gained near-universal critical praise before a PC port reached more players.

Metacritic Score: 78Lost Odyssey scores 78.

It is close to a Final Fantasy game.Final Fantasy.You get a Final Fantasy experience without actually being one.Final Fantasy.it functions like a Final Fantasy game.Lost Odyssey.Lost Odyssey is a visually stunning JRPG released on Xbox 360. Kaim, a powerful immortal who lost his memory, is the game's center.

Lost Odyssey looks and sounds right.Lost Odyssey.Lost Odyssey offers an engaging story that keeps gamers hooked.

Metacritic Score: 80Dragon’s Dogma scores 80.

Dragon’s Dogma.Dragon’s Dogma was a great RPG that people overlooked. The Dark Arisen expansion made it better. The story presents a standard hero epic, but the gameplay and fighting mechanics make it memorable.Dark Arisen.The Dark Arisen expansion improved Dragon’s Dogma. The story is a typical hero epic, but the gameplay and fighting mechanics stick with players.

Your protagonist is entirely customizable in this RPG. It looks beautiful and offers many warrior classes like Fighters, Mages, Assassins, Sorcerers, and more. Glowing reviews show why it did not hit modern consoles.

Metacritic score.: 73 (Shadow Hearts).

The Shadow Hearts series is often called some of the most underrated RPGs. The games set events during (and after) World War I, a strange choice for RPGs. They feature unique characters, plots, and gameplay. Each installment makes the previous one better.Shadow Hearts.The Shadow Hearts series is worth checking out. Games set during (and after) World War I feature unique characters, plots, and gameplay mechanics. Each installment improves upon the last.Shadow Hearts Covenant.Shadow Hearts Covenant is an amazing sequel set right after the first game's ending. It holds the highest rating in the series, scoring 85% on Metacritic.Shadow Hearts got 85% on Metacritic..

The series keeps a special spot for many gamers. Initial reviews were mixed. Still, after nearly 20 years, these games hold up. They aged better than many other PS2 role-playing titles.

Metacritic Score: Grandia II scores 90.

Every Grandia game is great.Grandia.Grandia II is great, but Grandia is better.Grandia II.Grandia II is arguably the best executed. It launched on the Dreamcast but is now lost. Grandia II features a unique battle system: players control character movement even in turn-based fights.Grandia II.Grandia II has a unique battle system. Fights remain somewhat turn-based, yet players control their characters' movements fully.

PlayStation 2 and PC ports changed the graphics and design of Grandia II. Still, this great, engaging, intuitive RPG epic remains a must-play.

Metacritic Score: 93

Skies of ArcadiaSkies of Arcadia is a JRPG. It launched on the Sega Dreamcast in 2000 and later appeared on the Nintendo GameCube in 2002, showing better graphics and extra content there. Gameplay centers on exploration and uses classic RPG mechanics like turn-based battles and experience points.

This game received high reviews on the Dreamcast but sold poorly (so did the GameCube version). However, it built a cult following. Developers tried making sequels many times, but none ever happened.came to fruitionStill, this remains one of the most loved JRPGs ever made, at least in smaller groups.

Metacritic Score:80 (Star Ocean: The Second Story)

Star Ocean first appeared on the Super Famicom in 1996.Star OceanStar Ocean was a technical marvel. The game cartridge used a special compression chip to fit all its graphics data. It was also one of the few games on that platform featuring full voice acting during its intro and battle sequences.

The story follows three friends. They seek a cure for a disease and get pulled into an intergalactic war filled with intrigue and time travel. This hidden gem often lacks the recognition it deserves, especially since the four following entries were just as strong. Numerous installments exist in the series, butSecond StoryStar Ocean often receives the most praise.

Metacritic score:81 (Valkyrie Profil ​​​​​)

Four Valkyrie games exist. The first and second installments still stand as top achievements in the RPG genre. These games first appeared on the PlayStation and later the PlayStation portable.ValkyrieValkyrie games have had four releases. The first and second installments remain strong achievements in the RPG genre. They first appeared on the PlayStation and later the PlayStation portable.Valkyrie ProfileValkyrie Profile is a traditional PS1-era Square Enix game.This Square Enix game pulls heavily from Nordic lore.Valkyrie Profile pulls heavily from Nordic lore.

Valkyrie ProfileValkyrie Profile games were popular upon release but have since faded from view. The last installment, however, was released in the West as a smartphone game in 2019.Valkyrie Anatomia: The Origin, was a smartphone game released in the West in 2019.

Metacritic Score: N/A

Legend of LegaiaLegend of Legaia was a hit in 1999. However, the series faded after Legaia 2: Duel Saga in 2002. PS1 fans found it one of the most popular RPGs. The series has great stories, gameplay, and an intuitive battle system, so it is surprising these games lack a comeback recently.Legaia 2: Duel SagaLegaia 2: Duel Saga came out in 2002, causing the series to fade. For PS1 fans, it was easily one of the most popular RPGs. The series has great stories, gameplay, and an intuitive battle system, so it is surprising these games lack a comeback recently.

The original game featured a cool feature: giving characters specific commands to execute in battle. With so many great RPGs coming out then, Legend of LegaiaLegend of Legaia had the unfortunate luck of releasing during the reign ofFinal Fantasy VII.

Metacritic Score: 73 (Wild Arms 3)

Wild ArmsWild Arms is an often forgotten RPG series. It offers engaging storylines, fun battles, complex puzzles, and a cool dystopian feel. The series became popular in the late '90s and early '00s. However, the series stopped during the PSP era. A smartphone release appeared in 2018, though it was only in Japan.

The series did not take off in the West.Wild ArmsThe Wild Arms series was big in Japan. The series even got its own anime, which likely helped build its cult status.

Metacritic Score: 80

The creator of the Final Fantasy series directed and co-wrote this game.Final FantasyThe seriesThe Last Story is an immersive, beautiful JRPG released only on the Wii. It mixes old RPG mechanics with stealth gameplay. The game scored high upon release but failed to become a major hit in the States like it did in Japan.The Last Story is an immersive, beautiful JRPG released only on the Wii. It mixes old RPG mechanics with stealth gameplay. The game scored high upon release but failed to become a major hit in the States like it did in Japan.

A major reason this game remains underrated is its Wii exclusivity. The PS3 offered great RPGs, but the Wii was more family-friendly, so RPGs were not a main focus.

Metacritic Score: 76

WitcherandSkyrimWitcher and Skyrim may be the two biggest modern medieval RPGs. They deserve recognition.Kingdom Come: Deliverance is an overlooked gem. Set during the Holy Roman Empire, this gorgeous action RPG features heavy themes.Kingdom Come: Deliverance is an overlooked gem. Set during the Holy Roman Empire, this gorgeous action RPG features heavy themes.

Unlike traditional RPGs, Deliverance takes a first-person approach to gameplay.Deliverance takes a first-person approach to gameplay. Players often feel more immersed and involved in their surroundings. If you can choose, pick the PC version over the PS4 and Xbox One ports because it is slightly more capable.Deliverance takes a first-person approach to gameplay. Players often feel more immersed and involved in their surroundings. If you can choose, pick the PC version over the PS4 and Xbox One ports because it is slightly more capable.

Metacritic Score: 87

The game loosely follows the story of Joan of Arc, a French heroine of the Hundred Years' War in the early fifteenth century.Jeanne d'ArcJeanne d'Arc is a tactical RPG. It gives a fantasy take on this classic story.

The game's story focuses on a war between humans and demons, not just between England and France. In its turn-based gameplay, players control Jeanne and her party to fight enemies. Players also get access to unique magic.

Metacritic Score: 80

The Banner Saga is easily one of the most fluid and complete RPG series. The games span many installments. They all happen in a world rich with Norse mythology.The Banner SagaThe Banner Saga games span many installments and all take place in a world rich with Norse mythology.

One great feature of The Banner Saga is its world.The Banner SagaThese games rely heavily on storytelling, diving deep into character arcs and backstories. They function as visual books as much as traditional RPGs, making them a classic in any era.

Metacritic Score:83

Themes and imagery loosely base themselves on the Victorian era.Grim DawnGrim Dawn is an action RPG that stands apart from high fantasy games. A twisting narrative features extra-dimensional and ethereal beings, an apocalypse, and supernatural powers. Players reclaim what remains and protect the few humans who survived.

Gameplay centers on fast action and loot collection. Players gather armor, potions, weapons, and money.Grim DawnPlayers seeking more blood-pumping action than classic turn-based RPGs find Grim Dawn an excellent option.

Release: 2016
Developer: Crate Entertainment
Platform: Microsoft Windows

Metacritic Score:77

Recent games have been mixed. The first Risen was an epic gothic RPG focusing heavily on fighting. Players advance skills mostly by weapon type; they must master moves and blocks.RisenRisen was an epic gothic RPG that put heavy emphasis on fighting. Leveling skills depends on your weapon type. Players need to master various moves and blocks to advance.

The first Risen game set a high bar for sequels. It features a beautiful backdrop inspired by Sicily. Whether the sequels met the hype is irrelevant; the original remains a treasure.

Metacritic Score:83

If you want an action-packed, Metroidvania-style RPG, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night could work for you.Bloodstained: Ritual of the NightBloodstained: Ritual of the Night might suit you.BloodstainedBloodstained is considered the spiritual successor to the Castlevania series. Koji Igarashi, one of its creators, produced the popular platformer.CastlevaniaOne of Bloodstained's creators, Koji Igarashi, produced the beloved platformer series.

Bloodstained'sA Kickstarter raised $5.5 million in 2015, making it an instant hit. It remains forgotten in the mainstream RPG market.

Metacritic Score:81

Torment: Tides of NumeneraTorment: Tides of Numenera is a thematic and spiritual successor to another well-loved RPG.Planetscape: TormentThe game takes place in Numenera, a fantasy campaign setting written by Dungeons & Dragons designer Monte Cook.Dungeons & DragonsDesigner Monte Cook focuses the game on story and player world interaction, not placing combat first.

TormentTorment reached its crowdfunding goal in six hours during its 2013 launch. It set a record for the highest-funded video game on Kickstarter then, securing $4 million.

Release: 2017
Developer: inXile Entertainment
Platform: Windows, MacOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Metacritic Score:86

A retro JRPG set in the future? Yes, that is basically CrossCode.CrossCodeCrossCode got good reviews but did not sell much. This is a shame given how well it executes its mix of gameplay elements.

This game gets better the longer you play. It first launched on Mac and Microsoft Windows. Ports are announced for PS4, Switch, and Xbox One, though dates remain uncertain.

Metacritic Score: 76

If you still own a Game Boy Advance and want a good RPG, Riviera: The Promised LandThis game is arguably one of the best handheld RPGs. It uses turn-based role-playing mechanics, plus strategy and dating sim elements. Its unique gameplay innovationsRiviera became a sleeper hit, adding a twist to typical RPG standards.

The player, with four party members and a cat-like familiar, fights an evil force called the Accursed. In-game choices and relationships create multiple endings, givingRiviera greater replayability.

Metacritic Score: 78

Mount & Blade: Warband This is a standalone expansion pack for the RPG Mount & Blade It released in 2010, two years after the base game. The original Mount & Blade could be an overlooked RPG gem. Warband improves the title by adding a sixth faction, more political options, the ability to start your own faction, and new multiplayer modes.

The expansion kept what made the title fun for players. It also added new features that improved that experience, which is why people prefer it over the base game.

Release: 2010
Developer: TaleWorlds Entertainment
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Macintosh operating systems, Linux

Metacritic Score: 81

If you like alternate histories, The Age of DecadenceThe Age of Decadence is a must-play. It is set in a low-magic, post-apocalyptic world inspired by the fall ofthe Roman Empire, this turn-based RPG lets the player control its non-linear story greatly.

The developer said, The Age of Decadence aims to bring back the "golden era" of RPGs. It focuses on choices and results, offers many solutions to problems, and provides long dialogue trees. With 23 unique skills and strong crafting and alchemy systems, players have great freedom and must use strategy in this RPG.

Metacritic Score: 80

Based on the popular comic, Battle Chasers: NightwarBattle Chasers: Nightwar is an extremely fluid RPG. It plays out more linearly, giving players more choices about where to go and what to do. The game blends traditional RPG elements with JRPG styles. The game's overall look and feel make it stand out.

At times, it reminds one ofDungeons and DragonsPlayers explore many areas and loot dungeons. This makes it one of the easier RPGs to start. It still offers great rewards.

Metacritic Score: 81

Phantom Brave is a tactical RPG. It may not be well known, but people have loved it. It got remastered and re-released three times since its 2004 launch. The story centers on thirteen-year-old Marona and her phantom companion, Ash. They try to stop an evil being named Sulphur, who killed Marona's parents.This tactical RPG, Phantom Brave, may not be widely known, but people have loved it. It got remastered and re-released three times since its 2004 launch. The story shows a thirteen-year-old girl, Marona, and her phantom companion, Ash, trying to defeat an evil being named Sulphur, who killed Marona's parents.

Do not be fooled by the game's cute, colorful graphics. The story explores mature and sometimes dark themes like bravery, loss, and sacrifice. One unique feature of Phantom Brave is this.Phantom BraveThe combat system lets characters or objects leave battle areas. Players use this feature to their advantage because there are no barriers around the edges.

Metacritic Score: 86

One recent game, Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark, appears.Fell Seal: Arbiter's MarkThis game launched in 2019 for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Windows, and Mac. It took heavy inspiration from Final Fantasy Tactics.Final Fantasy TacticsThis indie tactical RPG pays respect to classic gameplay players enjoy. It updates design, visuals, and the user interface.

Fell SealFell Seal also focuses on an engaging story. The player controls Kyrie, an Arbiter agent of the Immortal Council. Kyrie maintains order throughout the land.

Release: 2018
Developer: 6 Eyes Studio
Platform: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac