Top Five ‘Role Playing Game’ videogames

Story by Jamie Pellikaan, A&E Editor

Since the invention of Atari in 1972, video games have skyrocketed into a multi-billion-dollar industry. In fact, the industry as a whole is projected to reach $138 billion in revenue at the end of this year.

But there is one sector in the game industry that draws players from all around to experience a new kind of game.

Inspired by D&D, Role Playing Games (RPG’s) have held a special place in all gamers’ hearts, and some games are a cut above the rest.

So, below is a list of the top five games that you should know and should play.

  1. The Witcher III: The Wild Hunt

“The Witcher III: The Wild Hunt” was released in 2015 and received a 9.3 rating from IGN. And for good reason. The game is an immersive experience from the start and features stunning graphics and plot. The choices players make in the game change the overall ending, and the result is one of 30 possible conclusions.

The game, with its rich dialogue and deep characters, enhance the game and let the player seep into the world and the character, Geralt. However, there are some plot points that are contradictory of the first two games.

Also, because you cannot pick your own character, it receives a lower rating because the character and back story are set for you, and for some players, that lessens the experience.

  1. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Winning multiple “Game of the Year” awards, 2006’s “Oblivion” was a fantastic addition to the Elder Scrolls family and really set the stage for all following RPG’s to follow.

“Oblivion” provides an amazing story and allows the player to explore the beautiful land of Cyrodil with graphics that are fantastic for the time it was released in.

The open map allows players to follow any story line and allows them to complete the game any way they wish.

However, the leveling up system the game employs is redundant and the combat system is more difficult than other Bethesda games.

Thought the artwork is not as good as it used to be, Oblivion is a classic RPG that is still fun and challenging for new players.

  1. Dragon Age Inquisition

Another break out game from 2015, “Dragon Age Inquisition,” is a daring and exciting RPG with rich characters and vivid graphics.

As the third installment of the Dragon Age series, the game draws heavily on the first two games, but this adds to the experience as each reference to past game pulls players further into the role-playing experience.

The game employs an amazing combat system that is player friendly, and depending on difficulty level, does not overshadow the main narrative.

Each choice made in the game will impact the future of the world state and this increases the stakes because each choice has clear benefits and clear consequences.

“Dragon Age Inquisition” is a great game and should be on every gamers to-play list.

  1. Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning

Released in 2012, “Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning” is one of the greatest RPG games you’ve never heard of.

With R.A. Salvatore as one of the designers of the game, “Reckoning” has an amazing plot and story format that transports players to another world and really allows them to delve into the game and be the character you create.

Salvatore’s background in writing rich fantasy worlds grants players of the game to explore the history of the world, of which Salvatore wrote 1,000 years’ worth.

Although some of the characters lack a richness found in other games, the world the game is set in makes up for that. The world is expansive, and with an open world concept, players are free the go and see the whole entirety at any time.

The game also has a unique leveling-up system that allows players to intermix skills to create a truly unique combat experience.

“Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning” is an amazing game that deserves more attention than it gets.

  1. The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim

With no surprise, “Skyrim” makes the top of the list and for good reason. Released in 2012, “Skyrim” has won numerous “Game of the Year” awards.

With its enormous and expansive world, “Skyrim” comes alive whenever the gaming system is turned on.

The leveling-up and combat systems are incredible and allow players to customize what battle tactics they want, and it comes in an easy-to-understand format, unlike previous “Elder Scrolls” games.

Each character the player interacts with is rich with backstory and the open format allows each player to have a unique experience.

Everything about the game is customizable, and this allows for an extraordinary role-playing experience.