10 Best RPG Games in 2022 (The Witcher, Skyrim, and More)

Pros:

• The game and included DLC features 150 hours of gameplay
• Interactive story where player choice affects the narrative 
• Skill tree allows player to customize their experience 
• Massive open-world with quests and secrets to discover

Cons:

• Weaker graphical fidelity on the Nintendo Switch version

This game offers everything you could want in an RPG: a vast open world, an immersive story, engaging characters, and the ability to make choices that alter the narrative. This truly is a masterpiece of interactive storytelling. 

Some reviewers lament the downgrade to graphics on the Nintendo Switch version, but the story and gameplay are intact and it is available in high quality on many other platforms. Reviewers agree, as this game is beloved by many and has fantastic review scores. They’ve fallen in love with the game’s characters and praise it endlessly for its high quality across the board.

Pros:

• Customize your character's appearance and combat style
• Massive open world full of vistas and interesting characters
• Player choice impacts how the story unfolds

Cons:

• Players encounter a number of bugs and glitches

Build your character, complete quests, travel the vast world of Skyrim, and make friends and enemies in the process. You are the Dragonborn, a prophesized warrior, on a quest to stop the destruction of the world. The things you can do in this game are countless, and it will entertain you for a long time. 

While it’s a great game, some think its bugs and glitches are annoying and sometimes get in the way of their gameplay. On the other hand, the graphics hold up really well, even on the handheld Switch. Players love having the option to play this game anywhere. In fact, many confess to having bought this game on multiple consoles.

Pros:

• Post-apocalyptic setting provides a dynamic open-world to explore
• Capture and fusion system allows you to customize your party members 
• Turn-based combat allows for tactical decision-making
• Adjustable difficulty allows newcomers to enjoy the game 

Cons:

• Players feel the story was not as engaging as other RPGs

Explore a post-apocalyptic demon-infested Tokyo in this interesting turn-based RPG. Explore an existential story with tough choices. Shin Megami Tensei V offers a unique combat experience in which you recruit your enemies.  You can then customize and fuse these demons into creatures to fight for you in tactical combat. 

Some players feel that the story is too vague and not a large enough part of the experience. However, that fact allowed them to focus on the battle system and open world which they enjoyed. Players also appreciated the adjustable difficulty, as games in this series tend to be quite hard. 

Pros:

• Tight action combat that keeps you on your toes 
• Unique sci-fi inspired open-world to explore 
• A memorable story that subverts players' expectations 

Cons:

• Some players did not like that additional narrative information is found in separate media 

Play as androids and reclaim a world overrun by machines. Take part in a war over the planet, explore an open world, level up your characters, and enjoy this high-speed journey. The combat is fluid and allows customization of aspects of battle such auto-fighting or dodging. 

Some players did not like that additional narrative context can only be found in other pieces of media, including stage plays and other video games. However, they still love playing the game. The fast-paced action and unique story keep them coming back!

Pros:

• Features an old-school narrative of the hero's journey
• Ability to switch between 16-bit and HD graphics for an old-school or modern feel
• Skill tree allows you to customize the fighting style of your party members 

Cons:

• Some players did not like that the main character was a blank slate 

This game is perfect for those looking for a classic turn-based battle system and narrative. In Dragon Quest XI S, you play as the Luminary in order to protect the world from evil. You recruit a party of interesting characters that aid you in the hero's journey. 

Some reviews did not like that the main character is a blank slate, meaning he does not speak and the player is meant to project themselves onto the character. This is a common feature of classic RPGs. However, others appreciate the classic elements of the game and rave about the music and art style. 

Pros:

• Great mix of gathering resources and combat gives variety 
• Investing time into the town's inhabitants pays off with character relationships 
• Receive a unique experience as you design your farm how you want

Cons:

• Some players feel the puzzles are difficult and require a guide

When your character inherits a farm, it becomes your job to make it prosper and bring the town community back together. This is a highly entertaining game, with many great mechanics like farming, mining, fishing, foraging, and combat. You can also make friends in town and eventually get married.

Some don’t like the retro graphics, as they’re not as impressive as some of the bigger RPG titles. However, there’s nothing wrong with going old-school, and many other players love the pixelated style. Players are amazed by how such a simple premise makes for hours and hours of fun. 

Pros:

• Modern take on classic RPG formula combines turn-based combat with social relationships
• Personalize your experience as you navigate relationships and a social calendar 
• Turn-based combat is made exciting with stylized menus and animations

Cons:

• Some players feel the new content added to this version versus the base game was not worth the purchase

During the day, play as a high school student to complete your daily duties and forge bonds with other characters as you navigate modern-day Tokyo. At night, slip into your other role as a phantom thief and dive into the psyche of criminals to fight their demons and change their hearts. This style of unique gameplay with a variety of options is found only in a Persona game.

Some reviewers remark that the story is immature for an M rating, but it’s still an engaging experience that you can put many hours into. Reviewers praise this game for being a finely-tweaked take on the Persona formula, which makes for a great gaming experience.

Pros:

• Straightforward turn-based battle system and narrative make this the perfect RPG to take on the go
• Collect over 150 Pokémon as you explore the region 
• Customize your character and Pokémon for a unique gameplay experience 

Cons:

• A number of players disliked the change in art style and animations compared to previous entries

Explore the Sinnoh region in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and capture and train a team of your own. This game allows for a truly personalized experience as you can make a team of six Pokémon from over 150 available and customize their moves. You and your team will challenge other trainers leading to the ultimate goal of becoming Pokémon league champion. 

Some players felt the changes in art style and animations were disappointing, especially compared to previous entries in the series. However, other players loved the fresh approach to the art style. Several players noted the game is perfect to take on the go with the Nintendo Switch's handheld mode. 

Pros:

• Dynamic battle system combines elements of action combat with turn-based strategy
• Provides new insight into a previously well-known story of the RPG genre
• Personalize your playstyle with four playable characters

Cons:

• Reviewers were disappointed this game's story covers and expands upon a small portion of the original story

This game thrusts you into the world of Midgar, a retro-futuristic megacity under the control of the powerful Shinra corporation. You take control of a cast of characters intent on stopping Shinra from depleting the world's resources. Fight against your enemies in a unique battle system that combines elements of turn-based and action.

It has been pointed out by some players that they are not satisfied that this game only explores a portion of the original's story. On the other hand, some players were happy to have new context and depth given to the beginning of the story. Reviews also note that the combat system feels unique and enjoyable. 

Pros:

• Explore a massive world full of quests and vistas 
• Join other players to take on enemies or fight them in PVP
• This expansion builds upon the base game and delivers more story content and a new character class 

Cons:

• A few players relayed that they did not receive digital codes with their physical copy of the game 

Enter a massive online world full of fantasy and intrigue. The Elder Scrolls Online drops you into the world of Tamriel, which is alive with dragons and mystical creatures. Create your own character and customize their combat and gear. Join millions of other players as you explore the world completing quests and defeating enemies. 

Players warned that their physical copy of the game did not come with digital codes to redeem online. On the other hand, most reviewers received everything they needed. Positive reviews highlight the fun of playing with friends in the massive online world.