Best Western Action RPGs From The 2010s

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Best Western Action RPGs From The 2010s

Key Takeaways

  • The 2010s was a defining decade for Western action RPGs, marked by technological advancements, streamlined gameplay, and big-budget sequels that refined and enhanced their predecessors.
  • Diablo 3
    and
    Path of Exile
    emerged as the pinnacle representatives of loot-focused isometric ARPGs from that era.
  • Story-focused action RPGs like
    Mass Effect 2
    ,
    The Witcher 3
    , and
    Deus Ex: Human Revolution
    were universally praised for pushing the genre forward.

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that these action RPG games have truly left an indelible mark on me. From the gritty world of The Witcher to the expansive galaxies of Mass Effect and the post-apocalyptic wastelands of Fallout, these games have transported me to realms beyond my wildest dreams.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’d say the 2010s were an unforgettable decade for action RPGs. Western developers truly outdid themselves, delivering games that not only pushed technological boundaries but also nailed the gameplay mechanics. One trend that really caught my eye was the emphasis on action, with many titles streamlining their RPG aspects and simplifying progression systems to focus on thrilling, visually stunning combat sequences. This era is often associated with big-ticket sequels that built upon the strengths of their predecessors, polishing them while addressing areas needing improvement.

In this generation, games from the eighth console era (like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One) remain compelling even now, thanks to their stunning visuals and convenience via backward compatibility. Here, we’ll spotlight some standout and impactful Western action role-playing games that marked the past decade.

The list includes titles launched from 2010 through 2019, but it does not contain JRPGs (Japanese Role-Playing Games) or action RPGs developed by Japanese or Asian studios.

10 Borderlands 2 & Borderlands 3

A Real Paradise For ARPG Weapon Lovers

The initial Borderlands was exceptional as an action RPG shooter, but its sequels, particularly Borderlands 2, Borderlands 3, and spin-offs such as The Pre-Sequel raised the bar significantly on its inherent potential. Both Borderlands 2 and 3 cater to loot enthusiasts, providing an immense variety of weapons and high-octane gameplay. The series’ signature exaggerated storyline and quirky characters further enrich the gaming experience, making these games a source of some of the most enjoyable and carefree adventures, ideal for unwinding during a leisurely gaming session.

The visually distinct style of Borderlands 2 and 3, coupled with an unending supply of original, imaginative weapons, creates a highly immersive action-packed gaming experience. Moreover, the cooperative mode in these games is perfect for group play, making them most entertaining when enjoyed alongside friends, as it guarantees a wildly funny and chaotic adventure for all participants.

9 Horizon Zero Dawn

A Spectacular Genre Switch For Guerrilla And A New PlayStation Star

Horizon Zero Dawn swiftly emerged as one of PlayStation’s most beloved new game franchises, with Aloy joining the console’s ranks of instantly recognizable characters. Taking cues from open-world action RPGs such as The Witcher 3 and infusing them with a unique, fresh environment, Guerrilla Games brought forth a new PlayStation emblem, generating anticipation for future installments and propelling the franchise towards significant expansion.

In their debut into this particular genre, Horizon Zero Dawn captivates with its immersive gameplay, offering numerous intriguing discoveries, unexpected plot turns, and well-developed characters. Players have the opportunity to delve into a range of potent upgrades, learnable skills, and customizable weaponry, all while appreciating the game’s impressive technical feats, such as graphics that redefine the standard for this genre.

8 Diablo 3: Reaper Of Souls

Returning To The ARPG Throne With Impressive Post-Launch Support

Diablo 3 didn’t start off with the flawless debut Blizzard aimed for, as it faced a few early stumbles that prevented it from outshining Diablo 2 completely. However, the Reaper of Souls expansion rectified many of these initial problems, enhancing gameplay features, addressing fan-requested darker and grittier elements, and broadening gameplay options.

Although Diablo 3 might not match up to Path of Exile in terms of depth or hardcore gameplay, it caters to a larger audience with its arcade-style approach, offering an enjoyable, loot-rich adventure for lovers of isometric Action Role-Playing Games. It functions perfectly as a time-filler between more serious RPGs. Its widespread availability across various platforms and continuous support until 2023, over a decade since its debut, have cemented its success and lasting popularity in the gaming community.

7 Tom Clancy’s The Division & The Division 2

Envisioning A New Kind Of Co-Op Action RPG

Right from its launch, Tom Clancy’s The Division drew gamers in with its daring concept of effortless cooperation within an open-world action RPG environment. It lived up to this expectation, being one of the pioneering extraction shooter games to incorporate extensive RPG elements. These ranged from character abilities and advancement, to detailed itemization and intricate weapon and gear personalization. Furthermore, its post-pandemic narrative set in a snowy New York City added an immersive atmosphere that significantly contributed to its widespread appeal.

In the follow-up titled “The Division 2“, the game world expands to a fully explorable Washington D.C., while preserving aspects from the first installment and offering reminders of the past through the Warlords of New York expansion. These games continue to be among Ubisoft’s most beloved titles, with plans for a third game in the series that aims to further develop this cherished franchise.

6 Deus Ex: Human Revolution & Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

Staying True To The Essence While Modernizing Every Aspect

In keeping with the original concept, Deus Ex: Human Revolution skillfully merges action, role-playing game (RPG), shooting, and stealth elements into a captivating adventure. This takes place in a meticulously designed, futuristic setting that is teeming with detail. The game introduces a novel dialogue system, a focus on hacking, and an interactive switch between third-person and first-person viewpoints, resulting in a stimulating and adaptable gaming experience. Acclaimed for rejuvenating the series, Human Revolution was subsequently followed by its direct successor, Mankind Divided.

In the game “Deus Ex: Mankind Divided,” which built upon the foundations laid by “Human Revolution” and presented an elaborately crafted Prague backdrop for its futuristic setting, the narrative seemed to lose momentum – a common issue with middle installments in a trilogy. This narrative lull, combined with less than satisfactory sales, ultimately led to the series’ temporary suspension, leaving fans yearning for a conclusive chapter to Adam Jensen’s saga.

5 Assassin’s Creed Origins & Odyssey

A Mythological Duo That Expands The Horizons Of The Long-Lasting Series

Based on the success of The Witcher 3, Assassin’s Creed Origins signified a significant transformation in Ubisoft’s renowned series, moving it more towards an Action Role-Playing Game (RPG) rather than the action-adventure game it used to be. Following this change, titles like Odyssey and Valhalla have progressively narrowed this divide, incorporating complex character development systems, a variety of equipment choices, and even dialogue options that enrich quests with additional depth.

Known as the “Assassin’s Creed Mythology Trilogy,” this collection has grown into one of the most acclaimed open-world action RPGs, renowned for its vast, intricately designed historical environments, immersive combat, mystical aspects, and a continuous narrative that attracts both novice players and dedicated followers by enriching the series’ extensive mythos. Each game’s setting — whether it’s ancient Egypt or Greece — provides a distinct taste, enabling players to select the historical scene that resonates most with them.

4 Path Of Exile

The Hardcore King Of Loot-Focused Action RPGs, Reigning Supreme For More Than A Decade

Right from the start, the game Path of Exile demonstrated a great deal of potential, but the developers at Grinding Gear Games have gone beyond what was anticipated. As time went on, Path of Exile has become the undisputed leader among isometric ARPGs with loot systems, possibly even outshining the legendary Diablo series. Incredibly, this expansive game can be played for free, giving players from various platforms a chance to join in without any cost.

Currently, the game Path of Exile offers an impressive volume of content that might initially seem overwhelming. Its detailed character development options combined with engaging mechanics make it challenging, calling for dedication and strategic thinking from players. However, once they get the hang of it, finding it hard to disengage becomes a common experience.

3 Fallout: New Vegas & Fallout 4

Two Great But Vastly Different Takes On The Iconic RPG Franchise

Following the successful reimagining of the cherished RPG series with a more action-focused style, there were two significant sequels: “Fallout: New Vegas” developed by Obsidian and “Fallout 4” from Bethesda. Despite having distinct methods of execution, both games garnered acclaim for their creative interpretations of the franchise.

Obsidian Entertainment’s “New Vegas” is often hailed as one of the top titles in the series, praised for its captivating setting, unforgettable characters, and intricate questlines. Conversely, “Fallout 4” brought a robust crafting system, significantly expanded the game’s breadth, and offered countless hours of playtime, with enhancements to combat and stunning visuals. With a new mainline “Fallout” game unlikely anytime soon, “Fallout 4” remains the preferred choice for fans who enjoy the series’ single-player action-RPG style.

2 Mass Effect 2 & Mass Effect 3

Reassembling The Groundbreaking Original To Retain Only The Strongest Parts

Initially, Mass Effect was pioneering as an action RPG. However, BioWare elevated Mass Effect 2 to unprecedented levels by addressing almost all criticisms of the first installment. With a more streamlined, cinematic storyline, memorable characters that you grow attached to, and a variety of stunning locations and missions, Mass Effect 2 was one of the standout sequels in its era, earning multiple Game of the Year accolades.

As a dedicated gamer, I can say that while Mass Effect 3 didn’t quite match the giant stride its predecessor took, it certainly pushed deeper into the realm of action and even introduced a captivating co-op multiplayer experience. This epic finale to the trilogy was mostly satisfying, despite its infamous ending that sparked quite a debate among fans. For any action RPG lover, both Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3 are absolute must-plays, cementing this series as one of the greatest trilogies ever graced by the gaming world.

1 The Witcher 2: Assassins Of Kings & The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

A Step-By-Step Journey Toward The Pinnacle Of The Action RPG Genre

The release of The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings signified a substantial advancement for the series, predominantly in terms of technology. It was the debut game to employ CD Projekt Red’s self-developed RED engine, which subsequently powered both The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077. Upon its launch, The Witcher 2 garnered acclaim not just for its breathtaking graphics but also for its captivating storytelling and remarkable non-linearity. The decisions made by players had a considerable influence on the plot, with different sections of the game altering significantly based on choices, providing unique quests and narrative branches.

Yet, it was “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” that significantly boosted the series, making its intricately designed universe accessible to countless gamers. By blending the storytelling power of “The Witcher 2” with an expansive, visually stunning open world, “The Witcher 3” emerged as a groundbreaking example within the genre. For quite some time, it has been looked up to as a standard for open-world RPGs, inspiring numerous games like “Assassin’s Creed” and “Horizon,” among others.

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2024-11-13 08:04