Best Classic RPGs That Still Haven’t Been Topped

Summary

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic featured a fantastic story and characters, setting a high standard for RPGs.
Final Fantasy 7 remains unmatched despite remakes, showcasing the potential of the original PlayStation for RPGs.
Fallout 2’s original gameplay depth surpasses newer Fallout games, emphasizing player decisions and outcomes.

A timeless Role-Playing Game (RPG) typically refers to a well-loved game from the ’90s, reminiscent of classic D&D gameplay. These games were admired not just for their captivating narratives, but also for their memorable characters, striking visuals, and occasionally revolutionary mechanics that influenced numerous future games.

Over the last few decades, technology has made massive strides, and occasionally, those old-school role-playing games may seem outdated. Nevertheless, certain exceptional games have never been eclipsed by newer titles. It could be due to a lack of competition or simply because no game dared to challenge them. Regardless, this list is designed to honor some remarkable classic RPGs that have yet to be surpassed by any contemporary game.

1. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Peak Star Wars

How come they never made a third one?

Initially, the concept of abandoning fast-paced Jedi versus dark side battles in favor of a strategic role-playing game akin to Dungeons & Dragons for “Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic” might have seemed odd when it was initially unveiled. However, its influence proved so significant that it set the bar against which all future “Star Wars” games would be measured.

In simpler terms, “Kotor” isn’t just an exciting Role-Playing Game with engaging lightsaber battles and force usage; it also offers a remarkably good narrative (when Star Wars stories were at a particularly low point) and a strong ensemble of characters (when there weren’t high expectations for Star Wars characters). If you’re new to the series, “Kotor 2” is equally impressive with its more complex storyline, but for an overall enjoyable experience, the original game should be your first choice.

2. Final Fantasy 7

Eternal Classic

The classic game Final Fantasy 7 has had two remakes, with a third on the horizon, but let me clarify that these aren’t just updated versions of the original—they are entirely new games sharing many plot points. Despite being different experiences, they cannot diminish the impact and lasting appeal of the game that initially showcased the remarkable potential of the original PlayStation for role-playing games (RPGs). Even though SquareSoft produced other RPGs that surpassed the originals in terms of visuals and sound, none have resonated with fans quite like Final Fantasy 7. As Square Enix, they continue to create such games, but haven’t yet replicated its success.

The game’s unique steampunk dystopian setting and endearing cast of characters, adored by fans and easily identifiable even to those not deeply invested in the series, are part of what makes FF7 exceptional. Additionally, its Active Time Battle (ATB) system, an advancement of the traditional turn-based combat, has never been better executed. While Final Fantasy 8‘s “junction” system was divisive and Final Fantasy 9 didn’t offer anything particularly new, they both fell short in comparison. After these titles, the series reverted to the traditional turn-based combat in FFX, only to abandon it completely in subsequent versions. This makes Final Fantasy 7 a timeless classic that still pushes boundaries today.

3. Fallout 2

Nothing Beats the Classic

Don’t mess with what isn’t broken — even if it’s radioactive.

Among enthusiasts of the Fallout series, there’s often heated debate about which game ranks highest: Fallout 3 or Fallout: New Vegas. However, long-standing fans of the series might contend that the superior title in the series is actually Fallout 2. The newer releases significantly overhauled gameplay and made the games more visually appealing, but these improvements often came at the expense of stripping down much of the original game’s rich gameplay depth.

One of the standout features of Fallout 2 was how player choices significantly molded the game world and its outcomes, creating a unique experience that’s hard to replicate. While modern Fallout games are excellent in their own right, there’s a sense that something special has been left behind. If you haven’t played Fallout 2 yet, it’s worth checking out to understand what made the series so captivating.

4. Planescape Torment

The Best Chatty RPG Ever

Still to be out-texted

Planescape Torment is Black Isle’s most remarkable masterpiece, and it stands as one of the greatest examples of exceptional writing in video games. If you’re astounded by The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt for its captivating narrative, I highly recommend exploring Planescape: Torment, an older title that invests unprecedented (and unmatched since) energy into world-building through intricate character interactions.

Despite having extensive dialogue, Planescape: Torment doesn’t skimp on traditional RPG gameplay mechanics. Its combat may not be as action-packed as games like Diablo, but it certainly holds its own. Remastered in high definition, Planescape: Torment remains a fantastic choice for players to enjoy.

5. Vagrant Story

Square’s Most Underrated Remains One of its Best

The mechanics that would inspire more recent Fallout games were perfected here.

It’s hard to ignore mentioning Vagrant Story in a discussion about RPGs, not just because it’s exceptionally good, but also due to its significant impact on the mechanics of Fallout 3 and later Fallout games, which are often praised for their innovation.

The time-freezing mechanic in Fallout, which enables players to precisely choose where to strike their opponents, was not revolutionary for those who had played Vagrant Story previously. However, this is just one of many lessons that Western developers absorbed from Vagrant Story, a game renowned for its compelling narrative. Unlike many games at the time, it abandoned pre-rendered backgrounds in favor of delivering some of the most visually stunning 3D graphics ever displayed on the PS1.

6. The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind

Bethesda’s Peak

Unlikely to ever be beaten.

Even though both Skyrim and Oblivion, whether in their original or remastered versions, boast superior graphics compared to Morrowind, they fail to retain the unique visual character that Morrowind once possessed. This observation remains valid, even when players incorporate impressive community-made mods; it’s a constant truth regardless.

Despite this, Morrowind doesn’t boast its most compelling advantage over other games of its genre with that title. Instead, the game’s depth, encompassing both gameplay and exploration, takes the crown. The less apparent paths in Morrowind encouraged a more fanciful journeying, contributing to an unforgettable experience overall.

7. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines

Aged Like Fine Wine

Can its undying successor surpass it?

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reflect on the release of Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines. It emerged in a seemingly barren landscape, shrouded by a multitude of mysterious bugs that seemed to be the unfortunate result of a tumultuous development process and hasty launch. Yet, despite these challenges, an undercurrent of something extraordinary was palpable. Beneath its rough exterior, a richly detailed world teeming with intricate writing and immersive lore blossomed, captivating those who dared to delve into its depths.

Fervent enthusiasts dedicated years to refining the game into a playable form, and their modification surpassed expectations, becoming an integral component of the GOG edition of the game – arguably the superior version available at present. Nothing has yet matched the excellence demonstrated by Bloodlines in its dark RPG narrative and gameplay. Although a sequel has been under development for quite some time, it’s fittingly challenging, as is often the case with the Bloodlines series. Here’s to hoping it turns out favorably.

2025-07-26 15:35