It might seem only the older gamers will be familiar with CRPGs. They partly carry the name of RPGs, but they are different. CRPGs stand for computer role-playing games. This term was adapted to distinguish them from the classic TTRPGs or tabletop role-playing games.
CRPGs attempt to mimic the experience of a classic RPG but on a computer. Also, another difference is that there is no Dungeon Master or other players involved initially. A CRPG has a self-contained story in either a familiar setting or an original world setting.
However, in a gaming world filled with third-person and first-person RPGs, CRPGs were long believed to be a dead genre, primarily by AAA game developers and publishers.
But there’s a twist. From 2013 onward, the CRPG genre seemed to have resurrected or experienced a Renaissance. Avid gamers would agree. So, for those who miss the legacy of CRPGs, here are today’s best games in this genre you can play.
1. ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’
Can you even believe that “Baldur’s Gate 3” is counted as a CPRG? Of course. This game, from Larian Studios, is based on the tabletop fantasy role-playing dynamics of “Dungeons & Dragons.”
Set in the universe called Forgotten Realms, “Baldur’s Gate 3” starts with the protagonist waking up from unconsciousness on a mind-flayer dimension-crossing ship infested by a parasitic tadpole that threatens to turn them into a mind-flayer. Think of Plankton of “SpongeBob SquarePants” or Lulu of “DC League of Super-Pets.” Small but terrible creatures.
Alongside others who have suffered the same fate, they must go on an adventure to look for a remedy to prevent ceremorphosis from happening.
2. ‘Pillars Of Eternity’
“Pillars of Eternity” is considered the purveyor of CRPG’s rebirth, and it is still one of the best games of this genre today. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, the game will have you wearing the shoes of a person aligned with magic, who can revisit past memories of locations and see into time itself.
If that doesn’t urge you to play it, there’s more. “Pillars of Eternity” features fun and exciting battles, not to mention an epic story and setting in both size and scope. While there’s already a sequel, we recommend you try the original.
3. ‘Divinity: Original Sin II’
Also from Larian Studios, “Divinity: Original Sin II” is the fifth main entry in the “Divinity” series. Here, players control a Godwoken or a group of Godwokens (a Godwoken is a champion of the Seven Gods appointed to ascend to Divinity), a Sourcerer capable of harnessing and using a potent magic known as Source, and becomes a pivotal figure in the battle versus the Voidwoken (monstrous creatures destroying the medieval fantasy world of Rivellon).
This game also features a turn-based tactical RPG combat in which gamers play from an isometric point of view.
4. ‘Shadowrun: Hong Kong’
The fact that this game has the words “Hong Kong” in its title is already a testament to how good it is. The in-game synth music will keep you going, suggesting that it’s a cyberpunk CRPG you won’t find elsewhere.
“Shadowrun: Hong Kong” is a mishmash of futuristic attributes with classic fantasy, which means you’ll see elves and gnomes side-by-side with neons and computers pregnant with files waiting to get hacked. Explore this game and be amazed.
5. ‘Disco Elysium’
Developed and published by ZA/UM, “Disco Elysium” takes inspiration from Infinity Engine-era video games. “Disco Elysium” was written and designed by a team spearheaded by Robert Kurvitz, an Estonian novelist. The game features an art style based on oil paintings and music by British Sea Power, an English band.
The game transpires in the seaside district of a fictitious city still finding its way through a revolution that happened decades before the time at the start of the game. Here, you take the role of a detective who has amnesia and is tasked with solving a murder mystery. If that intrigues you, you must play this.
6. ‘Dragon Age: Origins’
“Dragon Age: Origins” is an example of a hardcore CRPG. It’s not ranked as high on this list because its systems are complex, its story is not always clear, and it can be pretty challenging to play. Furthermore, since it was released on consoles simultaneously as it was launched for PCs, the audience it had was wider.
The sequels of the franchise where it belongs also received a mixed reception, with some complaining that the systems were simplified so they’re more manageable for beginners. Nonetheless, the original is one of its era’s most celebrated role-playing games.
7. ‘Pillars Of Eternity II: Deadfire’
Here’s another “Pillars of Eternity” game on this list. The second game, “Deadfire,” came out in 2018 thanks to Obsidian Entertainment and Versus Evil, its developer and publisher, respectively.
New and returning companions are available, and depend on the choices made by you who play an optional story role. This game revolves around seafaring and island exploration aboard a ship. You can hire crews, look over them, and have them assist in ship combats.
8. ‘Fallout’
There’s one simple, perfect description for this game: influential. “Fallout” whisks you into an irradiated post-apocalypse where you must survive. Also, gamers love how its story is well-written above anything else. It separates itself from other entries by Bethesda as it features dark humor and more impactful decision-making upon its narrative and setting.
9. ‘Wasteland 3’
Developed by inXile Entertainment, “Wasteland 3” is a squad-based RPG or CPRG featuring turn-based combat. It’s also played from an isometric perspective, featuring both synchronous and asynchronous multiplayer. You must make choices here, impacting the game’s world and story. There’s also a vehicle you can use to explore its world.
10. ‘Arcanum: Of Steamworks And Magick Obscura’
We’re ending this list with a game that stands out above the rest because of its setting. Its steampunk backdrop is well-loved.
“Arcanum” starts with your player character on a luxury airship before biplane-flying ogre bandits attack and down it. From here, the story just gets better and better. Go and see for yourself.
To conclude, CRPGs are remarkable not only for their settings basically but also for their gameplay, game mechanics, and how you can create your own story into the game’s storyline itself. The best CRPGs today have been revealed. Now, it’s time for you to take action.
