The Best RPGs With Unconventional Settings

Key Takeaways

RPGs have freedom to craft intriguing worlds with outlandish settings rich in lore.
Unconventional RPG settings like post-apocalyptic worlds or advanced regions offer unique experiences.
RPGs like Disco Elysium blend complex themes of capitalism and existential despair in a layered world.

As a seasoned video game enthusiast with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I must say that each one of these extraordinary titles showcases a unique blend of storytelling, immersive worlds, and engaging gameplay that truly sets them apart. From the atmospheric steampunk cityscapes of _Shadowrun: Dragonfall_ to the heart-wrenching introspection found in _Undertale_, each game offers a distinct perspective on fantasy, sci-fi, and everything in between.

In comparison to many other genres, Role-Playing Games (RPGs) enjoy a unique liberty to delve into extraordinary and fantastical environments. The immersion provided by role-playing allows developers to construct captivating realms brimming with history and lore, inviting players to traverse these worlds as novices, gradually uncovering the intriguing narrative threads.

Intriguing and out-of-the-ordinary concepts, such as floating metropolises or lands isolated in distinct planes, tend to captivate audiences the most, particularly when they serve as platforms for discussing broader societal concerns that players can identify with. With this in mind, I’d like to share a list of some RPGs that offer remarkably unconventional settings:

9 Grim Dawn

Not Any Old Victorian Setting

Grim Dawn’s ominous, towering Victorian ambiance serves as an ideal backdrop for a tale rich in folklore, the supernatural, and steampunk elements. This somewhat eerie and unfriendly world forms the setting for a narrative that revolves around a war-torn landscape involving Lovecraftian cosmic terrors and a conflict between powerful species.

Discovering a realm filled with peril is its own form of reward. Emerging victorious from the relentless skirmishes in the depths of the most terrifying tombs, where only nightmares dwell, lends an added sense of accomplishment and relaxation when the character steps out into the rain falling softly on the verdant forest foliage.

8 World of Warcraft

Azeroth Is Lost In Time

It’s not surprising that, after all these years, World of Warcraft is bursting at the seams with content and stories that have profoundly shaped the worlds they inhabit. Originally rooted in a more traditional fantasy setting, its rich lore has since enabled it to undergo a complete metamorphosis.

Among numerous playable races and classes, each with unique mythical talents and histories, Azeroth offers a blend of magical lore from antiquity and steampunk technology. Plus, it provides an extraordinary experience where players can virtually explore the afterlife. Remarkably, Azeroth transcends any temporal constraints, and each region adjusts itself to match the expansion’s theme.

7 Okami

The Moving Painting

In a mythical rendition of old Japan, the realm of “Okami” is more like a vibrant, breathing piece of artwork. Its design gives it a unique charm that stands out even amidst today’s gaming industry, which often emphasizes realism and high-definition graphics.

The stunning architecture stands out against the vivid backdrop of strong silhouettes and vibrant hues, serving as the setting for a tale deeply entrenched in Japanese folklore. Each character encountered throughout their voyage exhibits endearing quirks, while the gameplay mechanics offer an engaging blend of hack-and-slash action and creative puzzle-solving that keeps you hooked.

6 NieR: Automata

Robot-Ruled Dystopia

In this thrilling action game crafted by the esteemed PlatinumGames team, the story unfolds millennia into the future. With Earth mostly destroyed, mankind has sought refuge on the moon while aboveground, a relentless conflict persists between humans and robots.

In the decaying urban landscapes and barren, sun-scorched environments, we find the perfect backdrop for the fashionable battles synonymous with a PlatinumGames production. This setting also offers tranquil instances of solitude amidst a hopeless conflict, invoking the emotional resonance of both the BioShock and Terminator series.

5 The Outer Worlds

Tried The Rest, Now Try The Best

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but rave about my immersion in the whimsical universe of Obsidian Entertainment’s The Outer Worlds! This unique sci-fi journey is brimming with Obsidian’s quirky take on humor, set against a backdrop where adverts dominate the galaxy. Moon-faced salespeople and gardeners using humans as fertilizer? It seems like everyone in this cosmos is pursuing their very own version of the Halcyon dream!

Despite the corporate galaxy feeling overwhelmingly isolating, and the protagonist and their companions encountering various challenges on their journey to success, there are still instances of breathtaking beauty. The portrayal perfectly blends the gritty ambiance of the 70s retro with the polished symmetry of a utopia.

4 Disco Elysium

Revachol, Capitalism & Existential Despair

In the realm of Disco Elysium, things are hardly run-of-the-mill. Each continent serves as a distinct dimension, and the sprawling metropolis of Revachol has succumbed to colonial plunder and financial ruin. Navigating through crimes in this intricate setting as a heavy-drinking, forgetful detective who often stumbles over coherent speech is quite the challenge.

In this strange world, themes of loneliness among the working class, who struggle to get by on the scraps left behind by a collapsed society, are very noticeable. The blend of steam-punk elements and scientifically-altered reality gives Revachol its eerie, atmospheric feel.

3 Undertale

The Sound Of The Underground

The renowned game Undertale, unlike typical Role-Playing Games (RPG), offers an unconventional experience. It takes place beneath the earth, where you’ll find extensive underground landscapes including kingdoms and villages, brimming with magic and peculiar, endearing creatures. For those yet to play it, a good dose of determination will be essential.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but marvel at how Undertale masterfully employs its expansive yet secluded environment to serve up poignant moments of self-discovery. Whether it’s exploring the bittersweet solitude or laughing along with the skeleton’s side-splitting stand-up, this game never fails to move me. However, when I embark on a Genocide playthrough, the atmosphere swiftly transforms into something truly chilling. The background music morphs into an ominous cacophony, and I find myself utterly isolated in a world that’s become downright terrifying.

2 Dragon Age: The Veilguard

The Tevinter Imperium

In this new chapter of BioWare’s troubled series, we find ourselves in the highly-developed land of Thedas, known as the Teviner Imperium. Despite its unsavory reputation from previous installments, portrayed as a hub of corruption, dark magic, and various evils, it is also the most technologically advanced region of Thedas and boasts breathtakingly magical landscapes.

In this place, you’ll find Tevinter Magisters and advanced technology as everyday sights. From floating castles high above to the beautifully illuminated, unexpectedly steampunk cityscape of Treviso at night – it certainly gives a compelling argument for why mages might benefit from a more lenient supervision in Ferelden.

1 Shadowrun: Dragonfall

Futuristic Dungeons and Dragons

In the context of tabletop role-playing games, Shadowrun poses the question, “What if Dungeons and Dragons evolved?” This game is set in a world reminiscent of Bladerunner, filled with elves, orcs, magic, and other extraordinary beings. Players have the opportunity to embody the magical hacker they were meant to be.

In the year 2054, Shadow Run: Dragonfall unfolds within a gritty, dystopian Berlin, inhabited by legendary beings. The governing body has been overthrown, replaced instead by rival gangs and anarchists who engage in constant conflict. Players are given the freedom to decide their character’s identity and name as they navigate this extraordinary future world.

2024-11-21 06:06