7 Mind-Blowing RPGs You Never Knew Existed but Should Play Now

Summary

Anachronox blends Final Fantasy with Blade Runner in a sardonic, beautiful sci-fi noir JRPG.
Crimson Shroud offers analog tabletop RPG vibes with unique dice mechanics and high-fantasy drama.
Septerra Core’s layered world and unique combat system sadly went unnoticed due to its timing.

In the realm of role-playing games (RPGs), there’s no scarcity of heavyweights. Games like Skyrim, The Witcher 3, and Mass Effect are household names. However, overshadowed by these genre-shaping giants are games that flew under the radar—titles that didn’t receive grandiose marketing campaigns or Game of the Year accolades, but nonetheless offered original concepts, captivating worlds, and mechanics that dared to deviate from the norm.

These six titles may have been considered peculiar, specialized, or simply visionary beyond their era. Some were also released on unpropitious platforms. Nevertheless, they’ve managed to cultivate a devoted, silent fanbase who continue to remember and cherish them.

6. Anachronox

The Sci-Fi RPG Where You Can Make a Planet Fall in Love With You

Back in the day, I stumbled upon this game called Anachronox that left me utterly amazed. It’s a wild blend of sci-fi, noir, JRPG, and Western genres – quite an unusual mix, right? But boy, does it work!

I was surprised to learn that the creators behind this masterpiece were Ion Storm, who also made Deus Ex. This game, released in 2001, felt like a fascinating child born from a union between Final Fantasy VII and Blade Runner, with a dose of witty, captivating charm.

In this game, you assume the role of Sly Boots, a beleaguered private investigator, in a decaying cyberpunk city that orbits a fading sun. At first glance, it seems like just another tough detective case, but things soon take an unexpected turn into a vast interstellar adventure. You’ll encounter mysteries surrounding ancient alien technology, sentient planets, time paradoxes, and a diverse cast of characters such as a grumpy robot drifter and a scientist who shrank himself for strategic purposes.

The unique charm of Anachronox lies in its ability to blend heartfelt emotions with oddity. Despite the outdated Quake II engine and turn-based combat that may not impress critics nowadays, the game excels at comedic delivery and character development, often matching or surpassing modern RPGs. Additionally, Anachronox had an unfortunate fate – it was meant to launch a trilogy, but financial failure prevented any sequels from being produced. To this very day, fans continue to hope that the series will be revived.

5. Crimson Shroud

What If Dungeons & Dragons Was a Pocket-Sized Tactics Game?

Yasumi Matsuno, who is known for creating games like “Final Fantasy Tactics” and “Vagrant Story”, made an unexpected move with “Crimson Shroud” in 2012. This game was quietly launched as part of the Guild01 collection on the Nintendo 3DS eShop. It’s a digital RPG that wholeheartedly captures the tactile experience of tabletop gaming, even including the feature where you need to roll dice on-screen to determine results.

In Crimson Shroud, there’s no open-world roaming or shop-centric quests like you’d find in other games. Instead, it follows a format similar to an old Dungeons & Dragons module, featuring a sequence of battles, loot discoveries, and extensive dialogue rich in lore. The characters are represented as static miniatures on grid maps, which might seem awkward at first, but the design is remarkably effective – it embraces the tabletop style so fully that the constraints become part of its endearing appeal.

This story immerses you in the rich, emotional world of high fantasy, yet it’s packed with detail – reminiscent of old-school RPG guidebooks from the late ’80s. Beneath its surface, there’s an intricate network of buff stacking, elemental balances, and gear compatibility that rewards strategic thinking. For those seeking a unique, compact, and thoughtfully crafted gaming experience, Crimson Shroud is truly a rare gem.

4. Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura

Victorian Steampunk, Rampant Classism, and Combat That Kind of Hates You

In a different, more conversational style: This game, Arcanum, is not just worldbuilding, it’s like a group of tipsy historians let loose on a story with unlimited time and no one to check their work. Developed by Troika Games, the creators behind Fallout, this 2001 CRPG plunges players into a fantasy world in the midst of an industrial revolution.

In this imaginative blend, elves don corporate attire, orcs manage industries, and dwarves construct railways – a world reminiscent of Tolkien’s fantasy realm meets Charles Dickens’ industrial revolution. However, the game Arcanum goes beyond merely adorning its universe with steampunk aesthetics. Here, technology and magic are not just thematically at odds, but mechanically as well. For instance, a character specializing in spellcasting may encounter issues when wearing too much metal due to interference with their powers. Conversely, a tech-centric gunslinger might experience malfunctions with their firearms when getting too close to a wizard.

Additionally, the infamous battle system is problematic. It’s unbalanced, allowing less experienced wolves to kill players during a speech. However, despite its flaws, Arcanum remains compelling due to its vibrant and lifelike world. The dialogue options are numerous, and they have significant impact on the outcome of quests. This game allows for unique characters like a charismatic half-ogre with a monocle and top hat, and this character is not just possible—it’s part of the game’s lore. It’s a chaotic yet brilliant experience that remains unparalleled on PC to this day, even after many years have passed.

3. Boot Hill Heroes

Cowboy Hats and Turn-Based Combat Never Looked So Cute

Platforms: Switch, PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation Vita
Release Date: October 10, 2014
Developer: Experimental Gamer Studios

If you’re seeking an EarthBound-like experience with a Western flair, don’t overlook Boot Hill Heroes! This role-playing game, created by Experimental Gamer Studios in 2013, is filled with turn-based shootouts, melodious chiptune harmonicas, and the adventure of four friends determined to bring law and order to Bronco County.

As a gamer, what really hooks me is its deep immersion into the Wild West atmosphere. Instead of the usual swords and spells, this game features six-shooters, lassos, and even frying pans! The missions revolve around rustling cattle, battling corrupt railroad tycoons, and uncovering ghost tales rooted in American frontier folklore. And let me tell you, the leveling system that involves collecting different hats to unlock abilities is an absolute delight for anyone who loves dressing up as a cowboy.

The speedy tempo of combat is largely due to its streamlined Active Time Battle (ATB) system that emphasizes timing over continuous button pressing. For gamers seeking cooperative play, Boot Hill Heroes provides an excellent option; it allows up to four players to control party members simultaneously in the same location, transforming battles into frenetic saloon fights brimming with strategy.

Despite not being the sleekest Role Playing Game available, it more than compensates with its emotional depth, wit, and flair. The developers have gone on to create two follow-ups, expanding the storyline and transforming it into a classic Spaghetti Western trilogy in its entirety.

2. UnderRail

Fallout’s Underground Cousin That Forgot to Smile

Experience the harsh, unforgiving environment of UnderRail, where the appeal of Fallout is absent yet the challenge remains intense enough to make even the mouse anxious. This top-down isometric RPG is set deep beneath a devastated surface world, housing what’s left of humanity in an extensive tunnel network. The game is bleak, unyielding, and boasts one of the most intricate character development systems among indie RPGs.

Initially launched in 2015 following several years in early access, the game UnderRail emphasizes tactical turn-based combat with challenging encounters. Those who don’t strategize thoughtfully may find themselves lying in sewer tunnels after just one unfavorable battle. However, for players who enjoy optimizing, strategizing, and creating precision stealth or psychic-focused characters, there is no other experience quite like it.

The storyline is secondary, focusing more on exploration, survival, and overcoming challenges. The atmosphere combines elements of Metro and Cyberpunk, creating a chilling ambiance. Various factions vie for control over technology and territory. Monstrous creatures lurk in the depths, adding to the sense of isolation and unease. Despite the UI’s challenging nature, players who persevere often become deeply engrossed, constantly striving to perfect their UnderRail character setup.

1. Septerra Core: Legacy of the Creator

The Other JRPG That Deserved to Be Remembered

Back in the day, Septerra Core used to be tucked away among other games like Baldur’s Gate and Planescape: Torment. Released by Valkyrie Studios in 1999, it aimed at something uncommon then – offering a role-playing game experience with a Japanese flair, all crafted right here in the West.

The story takes place on a unique, multi-layered planet where seven continents revolve around a luminescent center, suspended within floating shells. Each layer harbors diverse cultures, technological advancements, and beliefs, resulting in a captivating blend of science fiction and fantasy that is both distinctive and imaginative. The narrative centers around Maya, a resourceful scavenger who unwittingly becomes entangled in a plot that could change the world. Although the voice acting may not be award-winning today, it boasts an impressive ensemble cast, with Jennifer Hale being one of its notable members.

In this game, battles unfold using an Active Combat System that introduces some intriguing variations—powerful attacks take longer to charge, so players must weigh the balance between risk and reward during fights. Additionally, there’s a versatile magic system where you assemble Spell Cards to generate distinct effects, reminiscent of mixing materia in Final Fantasy VII, but with a more innovative approach.

As a gamer back in 1999, I can say that what held Septerra Core back wasn’t its quality, but rather its timing. Western RPG enthusiasts weren’t yearning for JRPGs with art styles reminiscent of anime, and vice versa, Japanese RPG fans weren’t combing through PC games. As a result, it slipped under the radar. However, for those who managed to find it, Septerra Core remains a game with ambitious ideas and a captivating world that left us eager to explore every corner of it.

2025-04-23 13:42