The “Dungeons & Dragons” franchise is massive. Like literally! Did you know that there are over 100 video games based on the world of “Dungeons & Dragons”?
Yes, and the franchise also includes movies, novels, and board games, aside from just video games. This article will rank the best “Dungeons & Dragons” video games. Let’s begin!
6. ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow Over Mystara’
First on the list of the best “Dungeons & Dragons” video games is “Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow over Mystara.”
Not mainly an RPG game, but “Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow over Mystara” is an arcade game developed and published by Capcom in 1996. It is a sequel to “Dungeons & Dragons: Tower of Doom” and is set in the Mystara “Dungeons & Dragons” campaign setting.
However, combining the side-scrolling gameplay of a beat ‘em up game with some features from an RPG, this game has many mechanics not commonly found in arcade games. These include allowing players to look for and equip new gear, and earn new spells as they gain experience.
Furthermore, players may also wield many armor and weapons, but this is limited by the characters they choose. The game also has a wide range of magical and hidden items. These, along with multiple endings and forking paths, have led fans to love this game.
5. ‘Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows Of Amn’
“Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn” is an RPG developed by BioWare. The sequel to “Baldur’s Gate,” the game takes place in the Forgotten Realms and is based on the rules of the second edition of “Advanced Dungeons & Dragons.”
Powered by the Infinity Engine of BioWare, this “Baldur’s Gate II” game uses an isometric perspective and pausable real-time gameplay. The player controls a party of up to six characters. One of these characters is the protagonist the player has created, while the rest of the characters are recruited from the game’s world.
4. ‘Icewind Dale: Enhanced Edition’
The “Dungeons & Dragons” games are by different game developers, not just a single one. “Icewind Dale: Enhanced Edition” is from Overhaul Games, and is a remake of the “Icewind Dale” RPG, and its expansions, “Icewind Dale: Heart of Winter” and “Trials of the Luremaster.”
“Icewind Dale: Enhanced Edition” allows multiplayer and cross-platform modes, letting players game together regardless of the platform they use.
Much like “Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition,” this game features a revamped user interface and a new renderer. To further enhance gameplay, many various viewing modes are available, including touch commands for mobile editions. The enhancements include the playable blackguard class, 60 new items, and 30 class/kit combinations.
3. ‘Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition’
“Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition” may not have landed as the best of the best, but this game certainly won’t let itself be left behind.
This game is a remake of the “Baldur’s Game” RPG from 1998. Much like the original game, “Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition” follows the rules of the “2nd Edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons.”
It features single-player and multiplayer modes, and much of the gameplay is the same as the original game.
As for the new features in “Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition,” they include cross-platform functionality for the multiplayer mode, the addition of a stand-alone arena adventure, the addition of four characters, five class kits, new locations, and two difficult modes.
2. ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’
Another “Baldur’s Gate” game that made it to this list is “Baldur’s Gate 3.” It is also an RPG from the development and publication of Larian Studios. This game is the third main installment in the “Baldur’s Gate” series, based on the “Dungeons & Dragons” tabletop RPG.
This game features single-player and cooperative multiplayer elements. Gamers can create one or more characters, as well as form a party together with various pre-generated characters to explore the story of the game further. They may also take one of their characters and team up over the Internet with other players.
Moreover, “Baldur’s Gate 3” implements a flexible quest system, has turn-based combat, incorporates a roster of 10 companions, features a limited free-floating camera, and has modding support, among other features.
1. ‘Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition’
The clear winner: “Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition.”
This game is a remaster of the “Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn” RPG and its expansion, “Baldur’s Gate II: Throne of Bhaal.”
For all its editions, “Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition” follows “2nd Edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons,” which game publisher Wizards of the Coast has licensed. The game features much of the same updated gameplay in “Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition,” with the same updated multiplayer, with cross-platform included, allowing players from various platforms to play with each other.
Set in Faerûn, a Forgotten Realms continent, this game takes place in the nations of Amn and Tethyr. Similar to the original “Enhanced Edition,” all locations from the original production are present, including new locations. Depending on the characters a player recruits, they can access up to 30 new sites in “Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition.”
“Dungeons & Dragons,” more popular known as “DnD,” is a fantasy tabletop RPG originally created and designed by Dave Arneson and Gary Gygax.
The publication of this game is widely recognized to spearhead the beginning of modern RPGs and their industry. The game also profoundly influenced the genre.
“Dungeons & Dragons” departs from traditional wargaming since it allows players to create their own characters to play instead of a military formation. Their characters embark on adventures within the game’s fantasy setting.
