10 Best Games in Established Fictional Settings, Ranked

10 Best Games in Established Fictional Settings, Ranked

As a long-time enthusiast of immersive role-playing games and someone who has spent countless hours exploring fantastical worlds, I must say that each of these games is a marvel in its own right. The developers have managed to capture the essence of their respective universes while offering unique experiences for players.


When designing a fresh game, game creators encounter numerous choices, such as mechanics, characters, and their roles in the story. One essential decision is choosing the setting for the storyline, making sure it harmonizes with the rest of the game’s components to provide an immersive experience.

As a devoted gamer, I appreciate how some game developers effortlessly weave intricate narratives within entirely new universes, crafting events that seamlessly align with the game’s motif. However, other creators choose to tap into pre-existing settings instead, which provides them with an opportunity to spin captivating tales in familiar landscapes. It’s truly amazing how many games manage to shine when using this approach.

10 Call Of Cthulhu

Lovecraftian Myths Are Found In Various Places

The lore crafted by H.P. Lovecraft has significantly influenced various aspects of popular culture, including video games. Some games create unique worlds based on his myths, while others take a more literal approach. For instance, the 2018 game “Call of Cthulhu” provides a chilling psychological horror and investigative experience that is directly tied to Lovecraft’s work.

As Edward Pierce, a private detective, you’re summoned to Darkwater Island to unravel the enigma behind a family’s inexplicable demise. This game immerses you in a classic Lovecraftian narrative, where eerie environments and themes of mysticism and the unfathomable create an unsettling atmosphere. As you progress, chilling horrors that challenge reality start to manifest.

9 Middle-Earth: Shadow Of Mordor

Exploring More Of Lord Of The Rings Lore

The magical realm of Middle-earth, conceived by J.R.R. Tolkien, stands among the most remarkable fictional universes, spawning numerous movies and TV shows, in addition to serving as a rich source for video games. Although plenty of games borrow from this world, some like “Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor” are direct adaptations rather than indirect influences.

As a gamer, I step into the boots of Talion, a valiant ranger from Gondor, standing watch over Mordor as Sauron’s influence resurfaces. In this immersive world, I experience not just the present struggle, but also the intriguing backstory of the Rings of Power in Shadow of Mordor. This game is renowned for its innovative Nemesis system, where adversaries recall past skirmishes and escalate their strength based on our prior interchanges.

8 Shadowrun Returns

Magic And Technology Meet In An RPG Setting

In contrast to Cyberpunk 2077, which emphasizes a bleak future ruled by technology, Shadowrun Returns delves into a unique blend of technology and high fantasy. Drawing inspiration from the tabletop role-playing game, this world witnesses a reemergence of magical elements, creating a realm where beings such as elves, orcs, and humans live side by side with advanced cybernetic enhancements and towering corporations.

As a shadowrunner character, you come across a cryptic message left behind by Sam Watts, an old comrade, which sets off a grim investigation in the city of Seattle. The tale unfolds to expose a serial killer and a sinister plot involving entities from other dimensions. Your decisions throughout the journey significantly impact the storyline, providing a rich and intricate adventure reminiscent of the Shadowrun universe.

7 Warhammer 40,000 Rogue Trader

Warhammer Is One Of The Largest Universes Ever Created

1983 saw the birth of Warhammer, a universally recognized wargaming universe that significantly contributed to the establishment and growth of the hobby. Due to its enduring popularity, numerous video games have been developed, with “Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader” standing out as an excellent choice for fans of CRPGs (Computer Role-Playing Games).

In the game created by Owlcat, players embark on an adventure across the treacherous Koronus Expanse, a vast, largely uncharted expanse of space filled with peril. Along this journey, they encounter various factions that inhabit this setting and the disputes among them. However, the game only scratches the surface of the epic storyline found within the Warhammer universe as a whole.

6 Pathfinder Kingmaker

Golarion Has Its Own Unique Charm

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but notice the striking resemblances between the epic worlds of Pathfinder and Dungeons & Dragons. One common thread is their foray into video game realms. The captivating computer role-playing game (CRPG), Pathfinder: Kingmaker, mirrors the Adventure Path of its namesake, immersing players in a journey across the River Kingdoms of Golarion.

In this game, players are challenged to manage the politics and hurdles of a region called the Greenbelt, which they’ve been tasked with colonizing. Yet, neighboring kingdoms have their own agendas, while hidden perils often jeopardize the area, making it tough for the new leaders to progress and cultivate their territories effectively.

5 Hogwarts Legacy

The Harry Potter Universe Is Well-Known

As a devoted Harry Potter fan, I’ve longed for a game that goes beyond mere adaptations of beloved tales. Finally, with bated breath, we’ve been granted our wish with Hogwarts Legacy. This innovative game takes us on an exciting new journey within the Wizarding World, offering a fresh experience that every fan has been craving.

The game is set in the late 1800s and offers a broad exploration of the Harry Potter universe beyond Hogwarts Castle, encompassing its wider surroundings as well. In this game, players engage with numerous characters, including families significant to the Harry Potter lore such as the Weasleys, Blacks, and Gaunts. Although the events unfold centuries before the books, these important families are incorporated into the storyline.

4 Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order

Cal Kestis Is One Of The Many Survivors Of Order 66

Among various games that explore the Star Wars galaxy, Jedi Fallen Order distinguishes itself by offering a unique narrative set in a familiar era of the movies. Set post-Order 66, the game chronicles the journey of Cal Kestis, a young Jedi evading the Empire’s wrath as he struggles to endure its oppressive rule.

In the game “Jedi Fallen Order,” players find themselves plunged into one of the galaxy’s most ominous eras, where Cal is striving to restore the Jedi Order. Despite being set in a universe that has been extensively delved into, this title presents novel characters and storylines, providing an exciting and captivating adventure for fans of the series.

3 Cyberpunk 2077

No Happy Endings In Night City

Back in the day, a fellow by the name of Mike Pondsmith dreamed up what would eventually become Cyberpunk. Later on, it was brought to life as a video game by CD Projekt Red. For me, it all started as a tabletop role-playing game, where I found myself immersed in a grim future ruled by towering mega-corporations. Characters like Johnny Silverhand and the powerful Arasaka Corporation were first penned down in those old RPG books.

In the video game “Cyberpunk 2077,” the story unfolds several decades following the original RPG’s events, showcasing fresh advancements in Night City while preserving its fundamental core. Prior to assuming Keanu Reeves’ appearance in the game, Johnny Silverhand was modeled after David Bowie.

2 Baldur’s Gate 3

Only A Small Part Of A Vast Universe

Drawing inspiration from the expansive backdrop of Dungeons & Dragons‘ famous realm, Baldur’s Gate 3 showcases only a slice of the immersive experiences tabletop role-players can enjoy when exploring this vibrant world. Known as Faerûn, this realm encompasses a multitude of diverse landscapes.

In addition to the well-known city of Baldur’s Gate, the Forgotten Realms encompass other notable cities such as Neverwinter, which has starred in various games before, and Waterdeep, where a major character from Baldur’s Gate 3, named Gale, once resided. Beyond the realm of video games, an abundance of books and novels delve deeper into this vast universe, providing players with additional knowledge about its intricacies.

1 The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt

A Marvelous Continuation Of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Books

The CD Projekt Red-developed Witcher trilogy is notable for delving into an already established universe while not introducing fresh characters or directly following the storylines from the books. Instead, it expands upon the tales of renowned figures such as Geralt of Rivia, Yennefer, and Ciri, offering original and genuine installments to their ongoing adventures.

Instead of creating an entirely fresh storyline, the creators opted to continue the existing plotline, allowing fans to embark on fresh journeys with beloved characters. Each installment in the trilogy contributes new episodes to the protagonists’ tales, preserving the essence of the original while introducing fresh twists within its continuity.

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2024-08-23 08:04