Tyranny being abandoned will haunt me forever. The world and lore were incredible, and it ended with so many unresolved questions about the mysteries of the archons and the overlord that is just criminal to leave it in the dust. Really hope that paradox will sell the ip one day and let the franchise continue
Tyranny was easily the best CRPG of the decade in my opinion. The only issue was the abrupt and slightly railroaded ending, if you stayed loyal to Kyros throughout the entire game.
Things not being explained fully is what made the lore good. Much like Tolkien did not explain everything and left it up to imagination. Going in-depth about archons and Kairos can ruin it just as well as it can make it better. Could get something very underwhelming like PoE gods, where by the end of PoE2 they are just bickering children who cant solve their own problems.
Super unique rankings, don't think anyone else would have these particular games in this order. I like it when ranked lists like this are personalized. Makes it more interesting imo
The title of this video should be -"Do you want to grow your cRPG pile of shame even bigger? This is how to do it!". Great video, thanks, the list is sorted pretty much as I would rank it (at least for those that I played). One game that I would definitely rank higher is Solasta - it really gives you this rare tabletop vibe. I am really happy to see Expeditions Rome in TOP 10, really deserves it :) The highest ranked game that I never played or played only a little is Tyranny. I loved both POE games, and tried to start Tyranny a few times, but somehow never managed to stick with it. Well, this video is a good reason to try again :)
It's great to see the Pillars games so highly ranked! Like you, I loved the lore of the Pillars universe and the array of interesting class combinations in Pillars 2. I agree that the ending of Pillars 2 is a let down and the core storyline could have been better. But there was so much amazing side content and Eora is absolutely my favourite fantasy setting. Its so disappointing that Pillars 3 is not happening. I think that Eothas breaking the wheel creates so many interesting questions that would be amazing to explore in a new storyline. For now, I just hope Avowed will be a success and perhaps that could eventually lead to a Pillars 3 revival!
Pillars 2 gameplay is so damn fun. The main story is eh, but the dialogue is good, side quests are fun, and combat is fantastic. I've replayed the game like 10 times because of how fun the combat/classes are.
@@Wft-bu5zc Apart from the so-so main story(though the lore in it is damn good) my only problem with the game was how much sidequests you could immedietly start after getting to Neketaka. I got overwhelmed with the, almost literal, flood of quests. And the characters friendship/romances were coming kinda out of knowhere. I had to not to talk to Xoti for a long time for her developing any feelings for the Watcher to make sense for me. I think the game would benefit if more quests and content was getting unlocked instead of being dropped at you from the get-go.
@@chillax319 Story in PoE 2 is quite clearly made as a part between the end of the trilogy and it serves well. It is sad that the third part won´t be here for some time...
I miss Troika, Acranum, Vampire Bloodlines, Temple of Elemental Evil, they are all kind of special in their own way. Sure they always shipped with a truck load of bugs but given the way games launch these days, Troika were just ahead of their time ;)
I'm happy to be the guy who sings praises for Wasteland 3. That game is well written with a nuanced humour, really fun and diverse combat, and the world that they built is entirely believable. Since my first playthrough, I honestly have gone through this game six or seven times, and I don't regret a single thing. haha. The soundtrack is another high note, well produced and well executed on all fronts. This is a great list, by the way.
Enjoyable game, but it was very short and I'm not sure I'd even class it as an RPG. The characters get stronger but that's about all. You don't exactly role-play them. The best part was the voice acting.
I played Wasteland 2, and had fun. Still got the feeling, it got a lot of undeserved hate for not being Fallout enough, while it wasnt meant to be Fallout in the first place. So I bought W3 without much expectations. I mean, I was expecting a solid game, but also just more of the same. Nothing to write home about. Boy, was I wrong. They improved every single aspect of W2, and more. Also, that Land of Confusion cover is top tier.
Dragon Age Origins holds a special place in my heart because I played it when I was 10. It was my first experience of a game with good mechanics and storytelling. (Only really played COD and games like frogger before then)
I’m a bit older than you and grew up playing KOTOR, but DA:O was the first game I played that scratched that same itch. One of my favorite games of all time. Such incredible characters and world. Balance-wise it still cracks me up how hilariously broken mages were in that game tho 😂
Definitively one of the best games I´ve ever played. Although I dont think that I agree with Mortismal regarding game - I dont think that we are playing as some kind of servant to evil - don´t get me wrong, Kyros is a tyrant sure, but so were many figures in our history, which are often remembered well (Alexander, Caesar etc...) and they are not called evil and those that followed them were not servants to some kind of evil. On the other hand, Kyros is the grand conqueror that (in loyalty endings I think) managed to unite whole continent and bring peace and prosperity to lands he united via force.
@@matejjakubco7853 Well it was marketed as a world where the big bad evil won. Luckily Kyros is lawful evil, so civilization and life continues (as long as you don't go against the regime).
@@matejjakubco7853 Yea, Ive even managed to get an "good" ending. I cant say exacly which ending because ive played it years ago but afair I managed to help rebels and havent done anything particular evil. Even in a baby situation I pleased both sides without any repercussions. In the end it was really cool because you had make an effort for good ending.
Thank you for covering CRPGs as much as you do. I’m getting back into them pretty strong right now and your channel has helped me make decisions on what to buy next. Awesome work.
So happy to see Neverwinter Nights 1+2 covered. I felt like nobody I knew played it, or even knew what it was. Playing some persistent world servers on NWN1 got me through most of college. It was a good time.
NWN1 is my favorite CRPG easily. I think the engine is really solid, and the combat is fun to look at with the advanced animations such as parrying and shield blocking. No other game has this.
Your top 10 or so is very interesting. My overall favorite is still BG2 but I loved it for some of the reasons that you actually didnt lol. I loved the higher level combat, all the stripping of enemy defenses etc. Adore its story/characters/atmosphere. Wrath of the righteous is probably my second favorite followed by DOS 2 and pillars 1. Great upload man.
I am playing Pathfinder Wrath of the Righteous right now and im so glad I used your review to try this game. I am absolutely loving it...deep and meaty CRPG...so good!
Since I tend to value story over gameplay I have Planescape Torment and Pathfinder WoTR & Disco Elysium in my top 3 followed by BG II and NWN. Thanks for the video Mort!
Oh! Is Never winter nights story that good? I have BG 1, BG 2 and PS:T on Switch and was thinking about getting NWN there too to complete my Switch collection. Edit: I also value story over gameplay
@@thelawyerfrommars Well NWN2 story is arguably better then the first games, its more involved, the companions are at least interesting, has some in game cut-scenes and story progression. But personally I'll have to admit that I like the first game better, the story is simpler and easier to understand, big bad lizards are controlling cults to usher their return for world domination. Tho for the first game you have the two main DLC's that are their own main story segmented in to two parts that is also REALLY good, better then the main one, and shows you more of the world then the bog standard sword coast that every other game is set in.(Even tho it still starts there)
@@Geraduss I enjoyed NWN1 over NWN2, mainly because I really liked the fact that if you romance Aribeth there is way to continue it from the original game and into Hordes of the Underdark expansion which really solidified it for me. Mask of the Betrayer is the better expansion and story I agree, but the whole Aribeth ring part made it for me (If you know you know ;) ).
Disco Elysium is, in my opinion, the closest you get to roleplay-heavy pen and paper RPG session with a good GM. The only game, where I ever failed on purpose, just to see, what happens. It got me completely unprepared. One of the most unique gaming experiences I had in years. In a good way. The more I think about it, DE would probably be number 2 on my list, second only to Planescape Torment. And if there ever was a spiritual successor to PT, I would say, it is this game. In any case, I really, really look forward, what else does ZA/UM have in store for us.
Great list! Mine would be very different, for sure, but this is one of those few times where I can understand why you chose this order. Congrats on your work, I love your channel.
Hi Mortym! Watching your video is like a tour through my gaming history. I am a HUGE rpg fan, and have played many of the games you mention. Some of my personal favs from your list are KOTOR 1 & 2, Arcanum, Elex, TOEE, Shadowrun Dragonfall, DOS2, BG 1 & 2, PFK. I am planning on playing PFWotR soon.
To you, and that's fine. Many people would say that some Ultima (7, if you ask me) or Fallout felt like a tabletop RPG. Me, I first tried Baldur's gate multiplayer, and I can guarantee you that it really felt like a single player CRPG with an awkward multiplayer mode and not like a computerized TT-RPG.
@@bobrong9645 I played both games you recommend, and they are great, but as you said to me they aren't the experience that comes close to feel like a TT RPG. Baldur's Gate did. I bought it on release day and no matter how great many other games have been, they can't beat the BG saga. Note also, Saga, that means both 1 and 2 as well as the expansions.
I've tried playing Baldurs Gate multiple times but man I just can't stand real time with pause. Turn Based Tactic RPGs like Fallout, Shadowrun, Arcanum, Divinity OS, Wasteland, and Pathfinder feel way better to play from an isometric view and given that they're often trying to replicate the feeling of a tabletop rpg it makes sense given that TTRPGs are turn based. I think real time works better on 3D games like modern fallout, Vampire, and Dragon Age. But yeah, until BG 1+2 get remastered or remake editions that add turn based combat I'll just never get into it which admittedly sucks because I want to get into Tyranny but the Real Time with Pause makes me want to throw my pc out a window.
Real time with pause is far superior to turn based. The action is just so much tighter and faster paced, with so many more dramatic moments, and with so much use of kiting and spacing, while having almost 0 drawbacks. Think people just find it too difficult.
Solasta helped me reinvigorate my love for crpg games. WOTR is my next new favorite. I praise developers that intend to improve on known formulas without excluding newcomers... Or the casual, just-for-fun players.
I'm surprised you don't have Wizardry 8 on this list, it's one of the best CRPGs from the early 2000s. If you've never played Wizardry 8 you owe it to yourself to try it because it really is a good game.
I enjoy your channel because you point out aspects of games that I may not have appreciated. You also point out aspects of a game that i didn't like but for reasons i couldn't put my finger on. Obviously, my personal rankings are different. A list of favorite games is like a list of favorite movies or books. The fun is in thinking about the list and fighting with friends about it :)
Age of Decadence is possibly the most unique game I have played on this list and I love the uncompromising vision of the developers. I also loved Pathfinder: Kingmaker but is strangely struggling to get into Wrath of the Righteous. I would also say that Dragon Age: Origins is a game of its time, if you played it at release you will hands-down find it the favorite in the series, it hasn't aged well.
Very underrated game. Always surprises me how much people tend to dislike it, but everyone's different. I for one can't get past either opening zone of Divinity Original Sins 1 or 2. The world just doesn't grip me.
@@WilkesBarreWrestling me the same . I don’t understand that universe. It looks like a parody of the real fantastic universe (like LOTR or D&D Faerun, or Dragon Age , or Gothic ) . Maybe I’m just to fixed to the familiar settings , and could be more open minded .
I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of replaying Icewind Dale. Even though I know the BG series is way more ambitious, IWD just hits the sweet spot of action RPG with table-top mechanics.
So happy to see underrail so high up, I didn't think you liked it enough for that placement. It's up there with Pillars 2, KotoR 2, VTMB, and WotR that are all my favorite depending on the day lol
Not surprised to see DOS2 & P:Wotr at the top. 2 best isometric table-top crp made to this date. Both games have only 1 flaw - they ends. And when you beat the game - you know the story & plot so the re-playability factor is only down to different builds & combat. Being who I am and making choices that I make - I can not imagine playing P:Wotr again using different build and different mythic paths. Gold Dragon is just too awesom to pick anything else (for me). It is a shame that no one so far made an "open world" table top crpg. Imagine, what if P:Wotr was more like Witcher or Skyrim - still table top, turn based isometric game, but with open world and modding support. So even if you beat the game - you can still play it.
The ending of Shadowrun Returns is one of my favorite endings in any media ever (I'm talking about the last message your receive, after everything's over). The epitome of noir.
@@bartalist the game starts by you being hired to investigate an old friend's murder. As you went deeper and deeper, the case escalates like busting a mob boss, stopping a serial killer making a Frankenstein monster, infiltrating a cult, pulling a heist on the most powerful corps, discovering a secret inter-dimension bug invasion and your character joining a secret society of protectors of civilization to stop said invasion. But at the end of it all, the client who hired you was the murdered friend(who was just an innocent bystander who never knew about how the mess he stumbled in) never intended to pay you, and you can't do anything about it because he was a broke drug addict with nothing to his name before he was murdered.
You should review The Dark Eye :Drakensang and it's sequel The River of Time. Really cool old school German RPGs. They released close to Dragon Age Origins, which made them pass unnoticed!
It's worth noting that Drakensang is more your character going on an epic quest and picking from about 10 companions to do it, whereas River of Time is more focussed on a few characters and it actually has full voice-acting and way more reactivity. It's also a bit shorter and the story is more about pirates, political intrigue and such. Smaller scale basically. The first game is only really better in regards to environments. It's also the better game for dwarf-lovers ;-) Othe RPGs in the same setting worth trying are Blackguards and Blackguards 2, but these are much, much more combat-focussed than pretty much all of the games on the list.
Great list! I love that we had a resurgence of crpgs there with Wasteland 2/3, Divinity OS1/2, Pillars Of Eternity 1/2, Tyranny, Pathfinder,Torment, Shadowrun, Bards Tale, etc.. My personal favorites of the more modern crpgs would be Pillars 2, Wasteland 3, Tyranny, Fallout New Vegas and Divinity OS2. Old school ones, KOTOR2, BG2, Neverwinter Nights 2, Fallout1/2, Ultima Series and Wizardry series.
Starting in the CRPG world in 2022, Solasta is a solid "starter pack" imo. I purchased the game following this channel suggestion (the video about the best games for newcomers) and I'm enjoying it very much. Looking forward to playing Atom RPG, I find its story is right up my alley. This channel is great. Keep up the good work, Mortym!
I know, right? Wonder how the Third Elex will be like.. Tbh, I don't really like the Elex setting, more curious about the Gothic remake and how that'll bomb.
I love your channel, I used to play alot of table top games. But with covid and life..I have little time for that..now thanks to you ive discovered crpgs!..thanks
This may be your best vid so far man. There isn’t anything quite like this with someone who has actually played them to the extent you have. Makes for an interesting listen. 👍🏻
Yours and 'worth a buy's channels are the two I go to now regularly for reviews; WAB for the 'is it worth a more detailed look' then yours for a much more detailed 'is it for me'. This is what video gaming journalism should be; but has sadly fallen to 'struggles at and can't be bothered to learn Cuphead controls' levels. Keep up the good work.
Both Solasta and DOS2 I played for about 12 hours each when they came out...and I absolutely hated them. Shelved them both for a year respectively. When I came back to them, I fell absolutely in love with them. DOS2, the story right through I loved. Fun game play as well. The companions I actually liked (Lohse's story/character/VA was great). Solasta has become a top 5 game overall for me now, even though I use to consider it my most hated game. For an indie title, I think it's overall well done and the game play I just find exceptionally fun. PoE1 was my first CRPG (or at least first I finished). Loved it and loved the second as much if not more. Not really into rtwp anymore but both PoE games I still can jump back into every now and then.
I've only watched a couple of your videos but this one has been the most informative on your taste as a reviewer and now I know that we don't see eye to eye on many things and can adjust my internal feedback on your input
I absolutely love all of your content. I have watched nearly half of your playlist over the last month. I find that your taste in games lies very close to my own tastes. You have introduced me to some games I have never heard of and enjoyed greatly. Thank you for all the love you put into your channel and videos. I hope to keep seeing you success in the future.
I feel like DOS 1 doesn't get enough love, specially the enhance edition is fantastic! it has its issues but the story and plots are surprisingly good. A wonderful intro to CRPG for modern gamers
Great list that gave me some good ideas for games I should play. I'll check our your full reviews as well, for some games that sounded particularly enticing.
I like Icewind Dale series better than Baldur's Gate 1 and 2 because there is no drama among the NPCs. And the funniest thing about IWD2 is that you, in game 1, is the source of the evil plaguing the 2!
It's a great list for sure, wouldn't exactly be my list, but pretty close! Overall tho, one thing that is important for me: I'm really, REALLY happy that Owlcat Studios are being recognized for their work by so many people. I think for me personally, "Kingmaker" is the Number 1 overall (even before BG2 and Planescape) and WotR is probably 4th or 5th, but they're all great games and the amount of work Owlcat put into their Pathfinder games is insane. They deserve all the praise and success and I hope they will keep being successful and praised for Rogue Trader too.
Looooved the combat and story in DoS2 so much that I went into a 2nd playthrough immediately after finishing it. Never hits quite the same as that first play
On a more serious note, Shadowrun is a blast of a series. I felt Hong Kong dragged on a bit too much at times (and I like text based adventures!) Turns out there was a fund goal to get more lines in the game. Sadly it ended up becoming loops in dialogues that just said the same thing in different ways
Agreed, the Shadowrun trilogy is definitely worth playing through, if you like CRPGs and the Shadowrun aesthetic (tech+magic dark cyberpunk near-future stuff). They're not my favorite CRPGs ever, but considering their price and the time you'll spend in them, definitely worth it.
I love your summary videos. I see you talk about a game for around 30 sec. In my opinion it would be great to stretch this to around 2min and put this vid in parts. It would be more work but also more content for your channel. And I would love to gear more about each game.
they really should make a CRPG based on dark sun.... and vampire the masquerade, hell, world of darkness i meant new ones, not old crappy ones... and yes redemption is great but its so dated now, i want to choose between all 13 vampire clans, like pillars of eternity 2 but world of darkness, as for dark sun how about a stroy surrounding a gladiator tournaments all over athas...where we need to build our gladiator team to participate and with permadeath like jagged alliance 2
There are two party based Dark Sun RPGs which did pretty well with the ruleset. Both came out in the 90s and the first, at least, is still worth playing if you can get over the graphics.
I thought they did. - Dark Sun: Shattered Lands Its on the old side of gaming, I may have finished it when i was a teen but its still a Dark Sun game :D
@IdleBigots If you've exhausted your RPG backlog, there are the old Sega games from the 90s. If you haven't given the Shining Force series a try, I think you might like it. 16bit, so there is that, but the progression system in Shining Force is just outstanding.
I believe we love our first games way more. For me it was fallout 2, icewind dale 2, bg have sentimental and historical value over any new ones. Thank you for the video, lots of happy memories.
You make a good point about BG1 and 2 -- the combat in 2 can feel repetitive because removing those spell protections becomes so necessary. I just restarted a playthrough of BG1 today, and something I always appreciated is how naturally difficult it is. Few of your allies are walking around with HP in the triple digits, so being forced to be thoughtful about placement in combat makes all the difference because 1-3 hits, especially in the early game, and you're losing your allies, and it still just comes down to luck more often than not. There's a sense of epicness to the whole thing because these weirdoes you got with you have no business going up against Sarevok and the Iron Throne.
@@MR67UToob the worst thing is that some bloated stats are not even affected by difficulty, so there isn't anything for you to do except avoid playing the way that attacks those unmodifiable stats, or to install mods (but that's not the part of the default game). That coupled with bland characterization, walls of unnecessary text and incredible bloat of utterly useless options means there is no universe I would consider this game to be a top RPG ever. It just has too many flaws and development team doesn't seem to be able to even acknowledge what they got wrong. If there is one word I'd describe this game actually, it really would be the word "bloat".
@@KingslayerSrb I remember fighting an enemy that had like 12 attacks at +60 or some crap, all natural attacks, and an AC over 60, immune to basically everything, etc. and just a regular enemy. That was back when I wasn't metagaming, I had rolled your regular ole inefficient Magus to fulfill my Demon Spellsword fantasy, after that bs I rerolled into a Bloodrager with two weapon fighting, shields, and had like 12 attacks per round +60 or more to hit and damage in the high 80s or higher, extra bonus attacks on every crit, 80+ AC, etc. Act 5 certain infamous dungeon I had to abandon my entire party but the MC Demon with that build, because literally everybody else would get oneshot, meanwhile they were an immortal killing machine on even Core, soloing the entire map.
Expeditions Rome over Fallout New Vegas??? I definitely love it and don't disagree! Though seriously, you've convinced me to finally buy it. Cheers mate
Would personally swap BG1&2, BG1 truly shows its age with its extremely grainy areas while 2 has pristine 2d gfx and a more solid story and more companion interactions. :)
I enjoy the high level combat, too. There's a strategy in picking which spells to memorize and the order of casting them. Also in setting up party members' builds to maximize their buffs from mages.
I agree with BG1 being higher personally I've been playing it to death recently and really don't feel the draw to play BG2 because the combat is so tedious
I would too for several reasons. The companions in 2 were way better, the villain felt much better as well part of that was David Warner doing a great job as the VA, and lastly I loathe levels 1-3 in adnd. Even melee oriented characters can die to a single hit which means its just bow spam until your frontliners can survive enough to take enough hits and actually do their role.
Glad to see Tyranny so high up. It’s such an amazing setting. The intrigue reminded me of Game of Thrones for some reason. I feel like it would be an amazing tabletop setting too.
Mort you're the hero we needed but didn't deserve. I love your uploads. Your precise yet informative delivery. And unbiased take on your reviews. Keep the vids coming. And thank you for your time and willingness to present us with quality content.
I love these rankings. They follow non of the conventional wisdom (or dogma) around these games and follows how you feel about each game. Obviously I would rank games completely differently (hard-core Fallout fan here, Fallout's and Fallout likes would be higher for me) but it's so refreshing to see this different perspective, and I got out with a short list of games to try out of it so that's also a win.
Great video! I am in a weird spot where I love CRPG but hate mouse and keyboard which leaves me with a weird mix of trying to find out what games have native gamepad support on PC and ones that have console ports that are not completely terrible. Many CRPG on console receive terrible outsourced ports that are launched with a million bugs and may or may not receive a patch to fix some before they are eventually abandoned by their devs (PoE2 is a great example though the same suffers from older ports like Icewind Dale and Wasteland 2). Every so often we do get cool ones like Greedfall and Divinity which have awesome ports or things like PoE1 or Wasteland which have good ports but are still a bit buggy and do not support gamepads on their PC counterparts. I recently had a lot of fun with Vampyr and Disciples: Liberation. I want to try the Pathfinder games still. I heard the Kingmaker port was a mess though Wrath of the Righteous was alright.
Ever since Tyranny first lit up my life and then dashed my emotions on the rocks below, I've wondered...1) Could we crowdsource our own collective sequel and either prompt Obsidian to finish their work of art or give "us" creative license with the general lore...2) What if all or just enough of what makes the game tick (source code, permissions, assets, etc.) could be accessible to everyone, potentially opening up ways for modders or creators to maybe give the game at least a 1.5 version to feel a sense of completion/accomplishment (several of my most beloved books, games, and such are magnetic and memorable because of the level of story, details, and immersion...and like all epic experiences we always return), thus as I see it, a prime opportunity to add some new layer to invite further tinkering...3) Or honestly, we do our best to bottle up what made this game so haunting, amusing and enjoyable and we collaborate, create our own homage or fashion a spiritual successor, like this dude can code, this guy can make some sweet ass midi's, and this guy can conjure animations that will make you weep (mind you, I'm not just meaning to say AAA, for quite a few gems recently have used HD 2D pixel animation to stunning effect), basically if we all really want it, and we do, then let's just make it happen! Petition Obsidian in the meantime, while we get new people hyped and addicted...and lastly, on a personal note, I feel we can manifest anything our hearts desire, so I will be willing Tyranny 2 into existence since I first fell in love and forevermore :)
I imagine how hard it must have been to put up this list in order. As someone who played about 70% of the list I don't think I'd ever be able to decide the ranking between some of them without a huge amount of meticulous work/analysis. Without it I can just say I love Pathfinder WoTR, Divinity II, Baldur's Gate (as a whole) and Planescape Tornment (and few more from the list) equally :D
I love this list completely and disagree with nothing. 👀 Haha. But honestly, this list brings back a lot of fond memories. A lot of hours spent getting lost in these worlds. Good times.
Too many things to comment on because I have some different opinions. But you know that's what's great, I really respect your reviews and I can see why you rank things the way you do even if I would do differently and that let's me see the likelihood of me liking a game based on your opinion. Thank you for all these reviews.
Just recently found your channel and LOVE it! CRPG's have been my favorite genre since my first experience with them: EXILE: Escape from the Pit. If you ever get the gumption to try something VERY niche and old school, you should check out some of Spiderweb Software's CRPGs: Avernum (open world dungeon crawler crpg), Geneforge (pokemon-esque crpg), and Queen's Wish (kingdom builder crpg)
Should definately try out Divinity Original Sin 1: Enhanced Edition, in my opinion its one of the best and much better than part 2. But of course its matter of preference.
IMHO Pathfinder Kingmaker would be way higher on the list if not for Wrath of the righteous, the first game is soooo good even with its flaws, but WOTR is clearly an improvement. Even so, Kingmaker is still one of the best ones for me, I can't forget just how much fun I had exploring the Stolen Lands and testing builds in different playthroughs.
Wrath of The Righteous is the most epic cRPG I've ever seen so yeah I agree. The scale of this game is enormous, story, choices, companions, dialogues are amazing. It's kinda sad that is on purpose missing in many RPG rankings made by biggest gaming sites because Owlcat is russian studio, can't find better explanation what makes WOTR invisible in the world of gaming media. Even they moved to Cyprus and made an right statement about Russia attacking Ukraine. I have huge respect for Owlcat, they have an amazing, very talented team which created one of the best cRPG in history and there isn't last word from them.
Great list. I would put Dos2 one, and probably poe1 above wotr but they're all fairly close for me. I do think that when Baldur's Gate 3 comes out it's going to be number one for me by a good margin.
I love how the worst game on the list is still pretty good fun. I've a soft spot for Solasta - I like it more than I would say it's good. I've also lost patience with the garbage in older games. Inventory management and shops that only buy one type of thing I can live without.
Great job on the list. I have bit more love for Icewind Dale I&II but that is due to personal bias I got them in a game bundle when I was new to gaming and had never played CRPG before. I'm loving Pathfinder WOTR on the console so far it's playing pretty good. I kind of have some doubts about the Shifter class if they play it to close the the pen & paper version there are some fun archetypes though for a video game.
Always waiting for your top list! Thanks, I wish that divinity sin 3 is already out, or at least same mechanics without the dice roll. If anyone has any recommendations I'll be glad to consider. (btw happy that your channel really grew, been watching your content from 20k subscribers)
Great list! Assuming this is excluding later BioWare games and the Witcher series and going for more proper cRPGs, my top 5 would be Dragon Age Origins, Divinity Original Sin 2, Pathfinder Wrath of the Righteous, Tyranny and Knights of the Old Republic 2. (I just loved the unique feeling of Tyranny in comparison to the more standard fantasy fare of Pillars even though I enjoy Pillars as well).
Lionheart Legacy of the Crusader! I have been looking for what that game was called for years. I remember playing it when I was young but could never remember the name. I'm going to subscribe to you for this reason alone. I was beginning to think I had made this game up. 🤣
I would rate Planescape:Torment, Disco Elysium, and BG1/BG2 (I see these two as one game) a lot higher because I value a good story over gameplay in a CRPG.
Love it great reviews nice short and sweet, concise descriptions of play style and similarities to other one would like it. and most importantly giving me a discovery of new games to play. will be watching more. ps. i will be ice wind dale will always be up the top for me as its my first crpg and there's some thing about the book beginning and narrators story telling voice that makes it super great that still stands out. then obv BG
You and I seem to value different things in games, and that sir...is okay. I enjoyed your list and much of your other content, keep up the great work!.
As a fan of Pathfinder Kingmaker, I have to say - while the game competed hard for that coveted #40 spot on this list, I think it's fair that it ultimately placed at #28! LOL! Kingmaker is a game with so many great elements mixed in with SO MANY frustrating decisions! You almost hate seeing the potential the game had that is muddied by the flaws!
Tyranny being abandoned will haunt me forever. The world and lore were incredible, and it ended with so many unresolved questions about the mysteries of the archons and the overlord that is just criminal to leave it in the dust. Really hope that paradox will sell the ip one day and let the franchise continue
Tyranny was easily the best CRPG of the decade in my opinion. The only issue was the abrupt and slightly railroaded ending, if you stayed loyal to Kyros throughout the entire game.
Things not being explained fully is what made the lore good. Much like Tolkien did not explain everything and left it up to imagination. Going in-depth about archons and Kairos can ruin it just as well as it can make it better. Could get something very underwhelming like PoE gods, where by the end of PoE2 they are just bickering children who cant solve their own problems.
I think the ip belongs to Obsidian as the developer rather than paradox as the external distributer... Doubt we will ever see a sequel anyway.
@@rustle495 you misspelled Divinity OS2
@@rustle495 I loved the bickering gods bits lol.
Super unique rankings, don't think anyone else would have these particular games in this order. I like it when ranked lists like this are personalized. Makes it more interesting imo
Damn it, people, the YT comments section is here for hyperbole and entrenched hissy fits, not civilised discourse respection the opinions of others.
It’s great it makes it feel more honest.
The title of this video should be -"Do you want to grow your cRPG pile of shame even bigger? This is how to do it!". Great video, thanks, the list is sorted pretty much as I would rank it (at least for those that I played). One game that I would definitely rank higher is Solasta - it really gives you this rare tabletop vibe. I am really happy to see Expeditions Rome in TOP 10, really deserves it :) The highest ranked game that I never played or played only a little is Tyranny. I loved both POE games, and tried to start Tyranny a few times, but somehow never managed to stick with it. Well, this video is a good reason to try again :)
It's great to see the Pillars games so highly ranked! Like you, I loved the lore of the Pillars universe and the array of interesting class combinations in Pillars 2. I agree that the ending of Pillars 2 is a let down and the core storyline could have been better. But there was so much amazing side content and Eora is absolutely my favourite fantasy setting. Its so disappointing that Pillars 3 is not happening. I think that Eothas breaking the wheel creates so many interesting questions that would be amazing to explore in a new storyline. For now, I just hope Avowed will be a success and perhaps that could eventually lead to a Pillars 3 revival!
Pillars 2 gameplay is so damn fun. The main story is eh, but the dialogue is good, side quests are fun, and combat is fantastic. I've replayed the game like 10 times because of how fun the combat/classes are.
@@Wft-bu5zc Apart from the so-so main story(though the lore in it is damn good) my only problem with the game was how much sidequests you could immedietly start after getting to Neketaka. I got overwhelmed with the, almost literal, flood of quests. And the characters friendship/romances were coming kinda out of knowhere. I had to not to talk to Xoti for a long time for her developing any feelings for the Watcher to make sense for me. I think the game would benefit if more quests and content was getting unlocked instead of being dropped at you from the get-go.
@@chillax319 Story in PoE 2 is quite clearly made as a part between the end of the trilogy and it serves well. It is sad that the third part won´t be here for some time...
@@Wft-bu5zc Same here. I replayed the game so many times especially POE1
I miss Troika, Acranum, Vampire Bloodlines, Temple of Elemental Evil, they are all kind of special in their own way. Sure they always shipped with a truck load of bugs but given the way games launch these days, Troika were just ahead of their time ;)
I'm happy to be the guy who sings praises for Wasteland 3. That game is well written with a nuanced humour, really fun and diverse combat, and the world that they built is entirely believable. Since my first playthrough, I honestly have gone through this game six or seven times, and I don't regret a single thing. haha. The soundtrack is another high note, well produced and well executed on all fronts. This is a great list, by the way.
I'm really enjoying it. Especially as I can create and customise my own party members.
Way better than the first 2
Enjoyable game, but it was very short and I'm not sure I'd even class it as an RPG. The characters get stronger but that's about all. You don't exactly role-play them. The best part was the voice acting.
Wasteland 3 is bug infested mess.
I played Wasteland 2, and had fun. Still got the feeling, it got a lot of undeserved hate for not being Fallout enough, while it wasnt meant to be Fallout in the first place. So I bought W3 without much expectations. I mean, I was expecting a solid game, but also just more of the same. Nothing to write home about. Boy, was I wrong. They improved every single aspect of W2, and more. Also, that Land of Confusion cover is top tier.
Dragon Age Origins holds a special place in my heart because I played it when I was 10. It was my first experience of a game with good mechanics and storytelling. (Only really played COD and games like frogger before then)
I’m a bit older than you and grew up playing KOTOR, but DA:O was the first game I played that scratched that same itch. One of my favorite games of all time. Such incredible characters and world. Balance-wise it still cracks me up how hilariously broken mages were in that game tho 😂
Tyranny with its abrupt ending is heartbreaking. So many things unresolved. It’s definitely in my top crpg list
Definitively one of the best games I´ve ever played. Although I dont think that I agree with Mortismal regarding game - I dont think that we are playing as some kind of servant to evil - don´t get me wrong, Kyros is a tyrant sure, but so were many figures in our history, which are often remembered well (Alexander, Caesar etc...) and they are not called evil and those that followed them were not servants to some kind of evil. On the other hand, Kyros is the grand conqueror that (in loyalty endings I think) managed to unite whole continent and bring peace and prosperity to lands he united via force.
@@matejjakubco7853 Well it was marketed as a world where the big bad evil won. Luckily Kyros is lawful evil, so civilization and life continues (as long as you don't go against the regime).
@@matejjakubco7853 Yea, Ive even managed to get an "good" ending. I cant say exacly which ending because ive played it years ago but afair I managed to help rebels and havent done anything particular evil. Even in a baby situation I pleased both sides without any repercussions. In the end it was really cool because you had make an effort for good ending.
Is it better than Dragon Age Origins?
@@majorgear1021 I’d say yes and I love DA Origins
Thank you for covering CRPGs as much as you do. I’m getting back into them pretty strong right now and your channel has helped me make decisions on what to buy next. Awesome work.
So happy to see Neverwinter Nights 1+2 covered. I felt like nobody I knew played it, or even knew what it was. Playing some persistent world servers on NWN1 got me through most of college. It was a good time.
NWN1 is my favorite CRPG easily. I think the engine is really solid, and the combat is fun to look at with the advanced animations such as parrying and shield blocking. No other game has this.
Delighted to see UnderRail so high on the list, it's a favourite of mine and the review that introduced me to the channel.
Your top 10 or so is very interesting. My overall favorite is still BG2 but I loved it for some of the reasons that you actually didnt lol. I loved the higher level combat, all the stripping of enemy defenses etc. Adore its story/characters/atmosphere. Wrath of the righteous is probably my second favorite followed by DOS 2 and pillars 1. Great upload man.
I am playing Pathfinder Wrath of the Righteous right now and im so glad I used your review to try this game. I am absolutely loving it...deep and meaty CRPG...so good!
Absolute kudos to you, sir, for always using time stamps in your videos. That’s honestly amazing dude!
Another fantastic review video brother !! It's your list so no complaints from me...all are good/great games in their own right.
Since I tend to value story over gameplay I have Planescape Torment and Pathfinder WoTR & Disco Elysium in my top 3 followed by BG II and NWN.
Thanks for the video Mort!
Oh! Is Never winter nights story that good? I have BG 1, BG 2 and PS:T on Switch and was thinking about getting NWN there too to complete my Switch collection.
Edit: I also value story over gameplay
@@thelawyerfrommars Well NWN2 story is arguably better then the first games, its more involved, the companions are at least interesting, has some in game cut-scenes and story progression. But personally I'll have to admit that I like the first game better, the story is simpler and easier to understand, big bad lizards are controlling cults to usher their return for world domination. Tho for the first game you have the two main DLC's that are their own main story segmented in to two parts that is also REALLY good, better then the main one, and shows you more of the world then the bog standard sword coast that every other game is set in.(Even tho it still starts there)
@@Geraduss I enjoyed NWN1 over NWN2, mainly because I really liked the fact that if you romance Aribeth there is way to continue it from the original game and into Hordes of the Underdark expansion which really solidified it for me. Mask of the Betrayer is the better expansion and story I agree, but the whole Aribeth ring part made it for me (If you know you know ;) ).
Disco Elysium is, in my opinion, the closest you get to roleplay-heavy pen and paper RPG session with a good GM. The only game, where I ever failed on purpose, just to see, what happens. It got me completely unprepared. One of the most unique gaming experiences I had in years. In a good way. The more I think about it, DE would probably be number 2 on my list, second only to Planescape Torment. And if there ever was a spiritual successor to PT, I would say, it is this game. In any case, I really, really look forward, what else does ZA/UM have in store for us.
@@prasedomaci9264 U use a lot of commas
Great list! Mine would be very different, for sure, but this is one of those few times where I can understand why you chose this order. Congrats on your work, I love your channel.
Hi Mortym! Watching your video is like a tour through my gaming history. I am a HUGE rpg fan, and have played many of the games you mention. Some of my personal favs from your list are KOTOR 1 & 2, Arcanum, Elex, TOEE, Shadowrun Dragonfall, DOS2, BG 1 & 2, PFK. I am planning on playing PFWotR soon.
Baldur’s Gate saga. It was THE first game on the computer that actually felt like a P&P rpg when it was released. Wins by nostalgia alone.
To you, and that's fine.
Many people would say that some Ultima (7, if you ask me) or Fallout felt like a tabletop RPG.
Me, I first tried Baldur's gate multiplayer, and I can guarantee you that it really felt like a single player CRPG with an awkward multiplayer mode and not like a computerized TT-RPG.
@@bobrong9645 I played both games you recommend, and they are great, but as you said to me they aren't the experience that comes close to feel like a TT RPG. Baldur's Gate did. I bought it on release day and no matter how great many other games have been, they can't beat the BG saga. Note also, Saga, that means both 1 and 2 as well as the expansions.
I've tried playing Baldurs Gate multiple times but man I just can't stand real time with pause.
Turn Based Tactic RPGs like Fallout, Shadowrun, Arcanum, Divinity OS, Wasteland, and Pathfinder feel way better to play from an isometric view and given that they're often trying to replicate the feeling of a tabletop rpg it makes sense given that TTRPGs are turn based.
I think real time works better on 3D games like modern fallout, Vampire, and Dragon Age. But yeah, until BG 1+2 get remastered or remake editions that add turn based combat I'll just never get into it which admittedly sucks because I want to get into Tyranny but the Real Time with Pause makes me want to throw my pc out a window.
The beauty of the Baldur's Gate Saga is it's a great character driven game with a compelling story.
Real time with pause is far superior to turn based. The action is just so much tighter and faster paced, with so many more dramatic moments, and with so much use of kiting and spacing, while having almost 0 drawbacks. Think people just find it too difficult.
Solasta helped me reinvigorate my love for crpg games. WOTR is my next new favorite. I praise developers that intend to improve on known formulas without excluding newcomers... Or the casual, just-for-fun players.
Great list. POE 1 & 2 are my favorites, but this list makes a lot of sense. Pathfinders and Divinity 2 are fantastic games as well.
I'm surprised you don't have Wizardry 8 on this list, it's one of the best CRPGs from the early 2000s. If you've never played Wizardry 8 you owe it to yourself to try it because it really is a good game.
I enjoy your channel because you point out aspects of games that I may not have appreciated. You also point out aspects of a game that i didn't like but for reasons i couldn't put my finger on. Obviously, my personal rankings are different. A list of favorite games is like a list of favorite movies or books. The fun is in thinking about the list and fighting with friends about it :)
Age of Decadence is possibly the most unique game I have played on this list and I love the uncompromising vision of the developers. I also loved Pathfinder: Kingmaker but is strangely struggling to get into Wrath of the Righteous. I would also say that Dragon Age: Origins is a game of its time, if you played it at release you will hands-down find it the favorite in the series, it hasn't aged well.
Very underrated game. Always surprises me how much people tend to dislike it, but everyone's different. I for one can't get past either opening zone of Divinity Original Sins 1 or 2. The world just doesn't grip me.
@@WilkesBarreWrestling I finished both but did not enjoy 1, DOS is strong on combat for me not story.
@@WilkesBarreWrestling me the same . I don’t understand that universe. It looks like a parody of the real fantastic universe (like LOTR or D&D Faerun, or Dragon Age , or Gothic ) . Maybe I’m just to fixed to the familiar settings , and could be more open minded .
Check out Colony Ship, from the Age of Decadence team. It's releasing in full some time this year and is already faaaantastic.
I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of replaying Icewind Dale. Even though I know the BG series is way more ambitious, IWD just hits the sweet spot of action RPG with table-top mechanics.
So happy to see underrail so high up, I didn't think you liked it enough for that placement. It's up there with Pillars 2, KotoR 2, VTMB, and WotR that are all my favorite depending on the day lol
One of the few people I know who prefer BG1 over BG2! Made me subscribe to your channel!
Wow! Well done. This video is a masterpiece!
Jade Empire was great. Hopefully, a sequel can be made one day.
One of the best
Sifu game play with jade empire magic and skill progression. 😑🤌
Not surprised to see DOS2 & P:Wotr at the top. 2 best isometric table-top crp made to this date. Both games have only 1 flaw - they ends. And when you beat the game - you know the story & plot so the re-playability factor is only down to different builds & combat. Being who I am and making choices that I make - I can not imagine playing P:Wotr again using different build and different mythic paths. Gold Dragon is just too awesom to pick anything else (for me). It is a shame that no one so far made an "open world" table top crpg. Imagine, what if P:Wotr was more like Witcher or Skyrim - still table top, turn based isometric game, but with open world and modding support. So even if you beat the game - you can still play it.
Happy to see the Pillars games and Tyranny up so high. Tyranny is the only game I've immediately replayed as soon as I beat. Wish we'd get a sequel!
I just want to say I love this channel so much. Thank you for the content you create!
The ending of Shadowrun Returns is one of my favorite endings in any media ever (I'm talking about the last message your receive, after everything's over). The epitome of noir.
When I read your comment, I immediately remembered the final phonecall. Lol
It was the best first cRPG experience I could ask for
Can you spoil me? dont think im going to play the game, but sounds interesting!
@@bartalist the game starts by you being hired to investigate an old friend's murder. As you went deeper and deeper, the case escalates like busting a mob boss, stopping a serial killer making a Frankenstein monster, infiltrating a cult, pulling a heist on the most powerful corps, discovering a secret inter-dimension bug invasion and your character joining a secret society of protectors of civilization to stop said invasion.
But at the end of it all, the client who hired you was the murdered friend(who was just an innocent bystander who never knew about how the mess he stumbled in) never intended to pay you, and you can't do anything about it because he was a broke drug addict with nothing to his name before he was murdered.
You should review The Dark Eye :Drakensang and it's sequel The River of Time. Really cool old school German RPGs. They released close to Dragon Age Origins, which made them pass unnoticed!
Love those games
It's worth noting that Drakensang is more your character going on an epic quest and picking from about 10 companions to do it, whereas River of Time is more focussed on a few characters and it actually has full voice-acting and way more reactivity. It's also a bit shorter and the story is more about pirates, political intrigue and such. Smaller scale basically. The first game is only really better in regards to environments. It's also the better game for dwarf-lovers ;-)
Othe RPGs in the same setting worth trying are Blackguards and Blackguards 2, but these are much, much more combat-focussed than pretty much all of the games on the list.
Great list! I love that we had a resurgence of crpgs there with Wasteland 2/3, Divinity OS1/2, Pillars Of Eternity 1/2, Tyranny, Pathfinder,Torment, Shadowrun, Bards Tale, etc.. My personal favorites of the more modern crpgs would be Pillars 2, Wasteland 3, Tyranny, Fallout New Vegas and Divinity OS2. Old school ones, KOTOR2, BG2, Neverwinter Nights 2, Fallout1/2, Ultima Series and Wizardry series.
Starting in the CRPG world in 2022, Solasta is a solid "starter pack" imo. I purchased the game following this channel suggestion (the video about the best games for newcomers) and I'm enjoying it very much. Looking forward to playing Atom RPG, I find its story is right up my alley. This channel is great. Keep up the good work, Mortym!
Piranha Bytes made a game that is like their last game? SHOCKING :D
I know, right? Wonder how the Third Elex will be like..
Tbh, I don't really like the Elex setting, more curious about the Gothic remake and how that'll bomb.
Awesome List Brother!
I love your channel, I used to play alot of table top games. But with covid and life..I have little time for that..now thanks to you ive discovered crpgs!..thanks
I like them all particularly arcanum, shadowrun, pillar of eternity, fallout,
Neverwinter Nights And pathfinder
This may be your best vid so far man. There isn’t anything quite like this with someone who has actually played them to the extent you have. Makes for an interesting listen. 👍🏻
Yours and 'worth a buy's channels are the two I go to now regularly for reviews; WAB for the 'is it worth a more detailed look' then yours for a much more detailed 'is it for me'. This is what video gaming journalism should be; but has sadly fallen to 'struggles at and can't be bothered to learn Cuphead controls' levels. Keep up the good work.
Both Solasta and DOS2 I played for about 12 hours each when they came out...and I absolutely hated them. Shelved them both for a year respectively. When I came back to them, I fell absolutely in love with them. DOS2, the story right through I loved. Fun game play as well. The companions I actually liked (Lohse's story/character/VA was great).
Solasta has become a top 5 game overall for me now, even though I use to consider it my most hated game. For an indie title, I think it's overall well done and the game play I just find exceptionally fun.
PoE1 was my first CRPG (or at least first I finished). Loved it and loved the second as much if not more. Not really into rtwp anymore but both PoE games I still can jump back into every now and then.
What changed?
I've only watched a couple of your videos but this one has been the most informative on your taste as a reviewer and now I know that we don't see eye to eye on many things and can adjust my internal feedback on your input
I absolutely love all of your content. I have watched nearly half of your playlist over the last month.
I find that your taste in games lies very close to my own tastes. You have introduced me to some games I have never heard of and enjoyed greatly. Thank you for all the love you put into your channel and videos. I hope to keep seeing you success in the future.
I feel like DOS 1 doesn't get enough love, specially the enhance edition is fantastic! it has its issues but the story and plots are surprisingly good. A wonderful intro to CRPG for modern gamers
Great list that gave me some good ideas for games I should play. I'll check our your full reviews as well, for some games that sounded particularly enticing.
I like Icewind Dale series better than Baldur's Gate 1 and 2 because there is no drama among the NPCs.
And the funniest thing about IWD2 is that you, in game 1, is the source of the evil plaguing the 2!
It's a great list for sure, wouldn't exactly be my list, but pretty close! Overall tho, one thing that is important for me: I'm really, REALLY happy that Owlcat Studios are being recognized for their work by so many people. I think for me personally, "Kingmaker" is the Number 1 overall (even before BG2 and Planescape) and WotR is probably 4th or 5th, but they're all great games and the amount of work Owlcat put into their Pathfinder games is insane.
They deserve all the praise and success and I hope they will keep being successful and praised for Rogue Trader too.
Nice to see underrail getting some love. Ive put 600 hours into it and never beat it. Curse my restart-itis!
Looooved the combat and story in DoS2 so much that I went into a 2nd playthrough immediately after finishing it. Never hits quite the same as that first play
On a more serious note, Shadowrun is a blast of a series. I felt Hong Kong dragged on a bit too much at times (and I like text based adventures!)
Turns out there was a fund goal to get more lines in the game. Sadly it ended up becoming loops in dialogues that just said the same thing in different ways
Agreed, the Shadowrun trilogy is definitely worth playing through, if you like CRPGs and the Shadowrun aesthetic (tech+magic dark cyberpunk near-future stuff). They're not my favorite CRPGs ever, but considering their price and the time you'll spend in them, definitely worth it.
Love this video! Simply from an introduction to new crpg standpoint.
I love your summary videos. I see you talk about a game for around 30 sec. In my opinion it would be great to stretch this to around 2min and put this vid in parts. It would be more work but also more content for your channel. And I would love to gear more about each game.
they really should make a CRPG based on dark sun.... and vampire the masquerade, hell, world of darkness
i meant new ones, not old crappy ones... and yes redemption is great but its so dated now, i want to choose between all 13 vampire clans, like pillars of eternity 2 but world of darkness, as for dark sun how about a stroy surrounding a gladiator tournaments all over athas...where we need to build our gladiator team to participate and with permadeath like jagged alliance 2
There are two party based Dark Sun RPGs which did pretty well with the ruleset. Both came out in the 90s and the first, at least, is still worth playing if you can get over the graphics.
I thought they did. - Dark Sun: Shattered Lands
Its on the old side of gaming, I may have finished it when i was a teen but its still a Dark Sun game :D
there were 2 in the early 90s Shattered Sun and Wake of the Ravager using 2e rules both on GoG :)
@IdleBigots If you've exhausted your RPG backlog, there are the old Sega games from the 90s. If you haven't given the Shining Force series a try, I think you might like it. 16bit, so there is that, but the progression system in Shining Force is just outstanding.
@@j72ashley I lost so many days playing Shining Force 2...
Love this, thank you! More rankings in the future please!
I believe we love our first games way more. For me it was fallout 2, icewind dale 2, bg have sentimental and historical value over any new ones. Thank you for the video, lots of happy memories.
You make a good point about BG1 and 2 -- the combat in 2 can feel repetitive because removing those spell protections becomes so necessary. I just restarted a playthrough of BG1 today, and something I always appreciated is how naturally difficult it is. Few of your allies are walking around with HP in the triple digits, so being forced to be thoughtful about placement in combat makes all the difference because 1-3 hits, especially in the early game, and you're losing your allies, and it still just comes down to luck more often than not. There's a sense of epicness to the whole thing because these weirdoes you got with you have no business going up against Sarevok and the Iron Throne.
Thanks for showing only very early game footage to avoid even minor spoilers :)
Happy to see WotR on top of the list :D just finished Act 4 in my first playthrough, am loving it
It's all downhill from there sadly
@@Dark3nedDragon agreed, becomes a real slog at that point with all the enemies with the ridiculously bloated stats......
@@MR67UToob the worst thing is that some bloated stats are not even affected by difficulty, so there isn't anything for you to do except avoid playing the way that attacks those unmodifiable stats, or to install mods (but that's not the part of the default game). That coupled with bland characterization, walls of unnecessary text and incredible bloat of utterly useless options means there is no universe I would consider this game to be a top RPG ever. It just has too many flaws and development team doesn't seem to be able to even acknowledge what they got wrong. If there is one word I'd describe this game actually, it really would be the word "bloat".
@@KingslayerSrb I remember fighting an enemy that had like 12 attacks at +60 or some crap, all natural attacks, and an AC over 60, immune to basically everything, etc. and just a regular enemy.
That was back when I wasn't metagaming, I had rolled your regular ole inefficient Magus to fulfill my Demon Spellsword fantasy, after that bs I rerolled into a Bloodrager with two weapon fighting, shields, and had like 12 attacks per round +60 or more to hit and damage in the high 80s or higher, extra bonus attacks on every crit, 80+ AC, etc.
Act 5 certain infamous dungeon I had to abandon my entire party but the MC Demon with that build, because literally everybody else would get oneshot, meanwhile they were an immortal killing machine on even Core, soloing the entire map.
I like your stuff man :) 3rd video for me today. Keep it coming!!! 👏
Impressive scope of video here, even with how thoroughly you've reviewed and know them!
Expeditions Rome over Fallout New Vegas??? I definitely love it and don't disagree! Though seriously, you've convinced me to finally buy it. Cheers mate
Would personally swap BG1&2, BG1 truly shows its age with its extremely grainy areas while 2 has pristine 2d gfx and a more solid story and more companion interactions. :)
I enjoy the high level combat, too. There's a strategy in picking which spells to memorize and the order of casting them. Also in setting up party members' builds to maximize their buffs from mages.
I agree with BG1 being higher personally I've been playing it to death recently and really don't feel the draw to play BG2 because the combat is so tedious
I would too for several reasons. The companions in 2 were way better, the villain felt much better as well part of that was David Warner doing a great job as the VA, and lastly I loathe levels 1-3 in adnd. Even melee oriented characters can die to a single hit which means its just bow spam until your frontliners can survive enough to take enough hits and actually do their role.
They each have their strong points. I really loved the exploration style of the first.
Great video ! Underrail's my personnal favorite hehe
Glad to see Tyranny so high up. It’s such an amazing setting. The intrigue reminded me of Game of Thrones for some reason. I feel like it would be an amazing tabletop setting too.
Mort you're the hero we needed but didn't deserve. I love your uploads. Your precise yet informative delivery. And unbiased take on your reviews. Keep the vids coming. And thank you for your time and willingness to present us with quality content.
Love your videos. Please cover Geneforge.
The series needs more coverage, and the original recently got a good remake.
Nice to see expeditions Rome that high up.
I love these rankings. They follow non of the conventional wisdom (or dogma) around these games and follows how you feel about each game. Obviously I would rank games completely differently (hard-core Fallout fan here, Fallout's and Fallout likes would be higher for me) but it's so refreshing to see this different perspective, and I got out with a short list of games to try out of it so that's also a win.
Great video! I am in a weird spot where I love CRPG but hate mouse and keyboard which leaves me with a weird mix of trying to find out what games have native gamepad support on PC and ones that have console ports that are not completely terrible. Many CRPG on console receive terrible outsourced ports that are launched with a million bugs and may or may not receive a patch to fix some before they are eventually abandoned by their devs (PoE2 is a great example though the same suffers from older ports like Icewind Dale and Wasteland 2). Every so often we do get cool ones like Greedfall and Divinity which have awesome ports or things like PoE1 or Wasteland which have good ports but are still a bit buggy and do not support gamepads on their PC counterparts.
I recently had a lot of fun with Vampyr and Disciples: Liberation. I want to try the Pathfinder games still. I heard the Kingmaker port was a mess though Wrath of the Righteous was alright.
Ever since Tyranny first lit up my life and then dashed my emotions on the rocks below, I've wondered...1) Could we crowdsource our own collective sequel and either prompt Obsidian to finish their work of art or give "us" creative license with the general lore...2) What if all or just enough of what makes the game tick (source code, permissions, assets, etc.) could be accessible to everyone, potentially opening up ways for modders or creators to maybe give the game at least a 1.5 version to feel a sense of completion/accomplishment (several of my most beloved books, games, and such are magnetic and memorable because of the level of story, details, and immersion...and like all epic experiences we always return), thus as I see it, a prime opportunity to add some new layer to invite further tinkering...3) Or honestly, we do our best to bottle up what made this game so haunting, amusing and enjoyable and we collaborate, create our own homage or fashion a spiritual successor, like this dude can code, this guy can make some sweet ass midi's, and this guy can conjure animations that will make you weep (mind you, I'm not just meaning to say AAA, for quite a few gems recently have used HD 2D pixel animation to stunning effect), basically if we all really want it, and we do, then let's just make it happen! Petition Obsidian in the meantime, while we get new people hyped and addicted...and lastly, on a personal note, I feel we can manifest anything our hearts desire, so I will be willing Tyranny 2 into existence since I first fell in love and forevermore :)
Love your channel!!! Thanks for the great reviews.
+1 for Elex! One of my top games last generation.
Elex is awesome !!!
I imagine how hard it must have been to put up this list in order. As someone who played about 70% of the list I don't think I'd ever be able to decide the ranking between some of them without a huge amount of meticulous work/analysis. Without it I can just say I love Pathfinder WoTR, Divinity II, Baldur's Gate (as a whole) and Planescape Tornment (and few more from the list) equally :D
Hey! One of the only lists I have ever agreed with! Especially top 10. Finally someone with some taste.
As someone who isn't really a CRPG guy, I thoroughly enjoy your videos. Keep up the amazing work.
Just started playing Encased 👌
Great video.
I love this list completely and disagree with nothing. 👀
Haha. But honestly, this list brings back a lot of fond memories. A lot of hours spent getting lost in these worlds. Good times.
Too many things to comment on because I have some different opinions. But you know that's what's great, I really respect your reviews and I can see why you rank things the way you do even if I would do differently and that let's me see the likelihood of me liking a game based on your opinion. Thank you for all these reviews.
Thanks for doing what you do Mortym!
Just recently found your channel and LOVE it! CRPG's have been my favorite genre since my first experience with them: EXILE: Escape from the Pit.
If you ever get the gumption to try something VERY niche and old school, you should check out some of Spiderweb Software's CRPGs: Avernum (open world dungeon crawler crpg), Geneforge (pokemon-esque crpg), and Queen's Wish (kingdom builder crpg)
Getting into CRPGs for the first time. Appreciate the video. New to the channel.
Should definately try out Divinity Original Sin 1: Enhanced Edition, in my opinion its one of the best and much better than part 2. But of course its matter of preference.
@@crusher1980 I actually bought it on steam for sale. Both games.
Solasta has hundreds of amazing free modules and campaigns made by gamers. They are fantastic. Solasta with the community boosts make it a must buy.
IMHO Pathfinder Kingmaker would be way higher on the list if not for Wrath of the righteous, the first game is soooo good even with its flaws, but WOTR is clearly an improvement. Even so, Kingmaker is still one of the best ones for me, I can't forget just how much fun I had exploring the Stolen Lands and testing builds in different playthroughs.
Wrath of The Righteous is the most epic cRPG I've ever seen so yeah I agree. The scale of this game is enormous, story, choices, companions, dialogues are amazing. It's kinda sad that is on purpose missing in many RPG rankings made by biggest gaming sites because Owlcat is russian studio, can't find better explanation what makes WOTR invisible in the world of gaming media.
Even they moved to Cyprus and made an right statement about Russia attacking Ukraine.
I have huge respect for Owlcat, they have an amazing, very talented team which created one of the best cRPG in history and there isn't last word from them.
Great list. I would put Dos2 one, and probably poe1 above wotr but they're all fairly close for me. I do think that when Baldur's Gate 3 comes out it's going to be number one for me by a good margin.
I love how the worst game on the list is still pretty good fun. I've a soft spot for Solasta - I like it more than I would say it's good. I've also lost patience with the garbage in older games. Inventory management and shops that only buy one type of thing I can live without.
OH MY GOD. Lionheart was my childhood. And probably the game that got me into crpgs.
Holy crap, your channel has 90k subscribers! I feel like it was under 10k a couple of months ago. Am I wrong? In any case, congratulations!
I hit 10k in the first half of 2021, but yeah not that long ago
@@MortismalGaming oh, ok. 👍
Great job on the list. I have bit more love for Icewind Dale I&II but that is due to personal bias I got them in a game bundle when I was new to gaming and had never played CRPG before.
I'm loving Pathfinder WOTR on the console so far it's playing pretty good. I kind of have some doubts about the Shifter class if they play it to close the the pen & paper version there are some fun archetypes though for a video game.
Always waiting for your top list! Thanks, I wish that divinity sin 3 is already out, or at least same mechanics without the dice roll. If anyone has any recommendations I'll be glad to consider. (btw happy that your channel really grew, been watching your content from 20k subscribers)
Nice review, didn't know about a few games, Shadowrun and Expeditions Rome look promising.
Great list!
Assuming this is excluding later BioWare games and the Witcher series and going for more proper cRPGs, my top 5 would be Dragon Age Origins, Divinity Original Sin 2, Pathfinder Wrath of the Righteous, Tyranny and Knights of the Old Republic 2.
(I just loved the unique feeling of Tyranny in comparison to the more standard fantasy fare of Pillars even though I enjoy Pillars as well).
Lionheart Legacy of the Crusader! I have been looking for what that game was called for years. I remember playing it when I was young but could never remember the name. I'm going to subscribe to you for this reason alone. I was beginning to think I had made this game up. 🤣
I would rate Planescape:Torment, Disco Elysium, and BG1/BG2 (I see these two as one game) a lot higher because I value a good story over gameplay in a CRPG.
I agree
Love it great reviews nice short and sweet, concise descriptions of play style and similarities to other one would like it. and most importantly giving me a discovery of new games to play. will be watching more. ps. i will be ice wind dale will always be up the top for me as its my first crpg and there's some thing about the book beginning and narrators story telling voice that makes it super great that still stands out. then obv BG
I'm pleasantly surprised how relatively high IWD2 made it. A child in me, who thought it was the best game ever, is really happy x)
Alright, you've won me over man! Pathfinder will be the next game I play through.
You and I seem to value different things in games, and that sir...is okay. I enjoyed your list and much of your other content, keep up the great work!.
As a fan of Pathfinder Kingmaker, I have to say - while the game competed hard for that coveted #40 spot on this list, I think it's fair that it ultimately placed at #28! LOL!
Kingmaker is a game with so many great elements mixed in with SO MANY frustrating decisions! You almost hate seeing the potential the game had that is muddied by the flaws!