Best RPGs With Anthropomorphic Characters

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As a lover of imaginative storytelling, I’d describe anthropomorphism as a creative technique where we assign human traits – whether it’s appearance like posture or clothing, or behaviors such as talking and cooking – to non-human entities. From the enchanting world of literature and films, characters like Fantastic Mr. Fox and the cast of The Wind in the Willows are prime examples. This practice is also prevalent in children’s animated movies, particularly those produced by Disney and Dreamworks.

Role-playing games, especially those in the fantasy genre, often introduce intriguing figures. With their expansive world-building, they frequently include a variety of mythical races, often including those that resemble animals. Here are some top RPGs featuring anthropomorphic characters, ranging from playable characters to non-player characters (NPCs) to bosses.

This list excludes Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs), but it’s important to mention that quite a few games from this category feature anthropomorphic characters. For instance, “World of Warcraft” and “Guild Wars 2” are notable examples within this genre.

The list does not contain MMORPGs, but it’s worth pointing out that a significant number of games in the MMORPG category incorporate anthropomorphic characters. For example, “World of Warcraft” and “Guild Wars 2” are well-known examples from this genre.

10. Solatorobo: Red The Hunter

A World Where Everyone Is Dogs & Cats

  • Developer: CyberConnect2

Red the Hunter: Solatorobo is an action role-playing game designed for the Nintendo DS. This game is set in a world with a steampunk feel, where floating islands are home to felines (Felineko) and canines (Caninu). You’ll follow Red Savarin, a mercenary hunter on his quest. Your mission involves preventing the sinister Kurvas Guild from taking control of these islands, while also discovering Red’s own past along the way.

Solatorobo boasts a thorough plot and richly-drawn characters that align perfectly with the game’s style. Despite featuring traditional RPG elements such as leveling up, puzzles, and combat, it is crucial to mention that this game relies heavily on dialogue, which gives it a more leisurely pace compared to other titles within the genre.

9. Ghost Of A Tale

Follow A Small Mouse On A Big Adventure

  • Platform: Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
  • Released: March 13, 2018
  • Developer: SeithCG

When considering a heroic adventurer character, it’s unlikely that a mouse would be your initial thought. However, the game Ghost of a Tale defies this perception by letting players take on the role of a minstrel mouse named Tilo, who is struggling to break free from the grip of a pompous rat army.

In contrast to most Role-Playing Games, combat isn’t featured in Ghost of a Tale. Instead, it promotes stealth and strategic gameplay. The protagonist, Tilo, advances by discovering collectibles and acquiring skills from non-player characters. Overall, this is an endearing indie production, boasting a captivating dark fantasy ambiance that effortlessly draws players in.

8. Chrono Trigger

Travel Across Time To Save The World

Following a journey into the future where mankind is on the brink of extinction, the main characters are compelled to rewind time in order to prevent Lavos – the cataclysmic force behind this impending doom – from ever arising. One distinctive character among them is Frog, who was once a knight and a fellow traveler with Crono’s group.

In this game, if players accumulate sufficient tech points, they’ll be able to access unique abilities called “Techs” during battles. These special moves require magic points to execute. Additionally, players can traverse through time, with each epoch offering unique side missions and characters. Despite its straightforward narrative, Chrono Trigger stands out as a delightfully streamlined yet impactful role-playing game. The game boasts a total of twelve possible endings.

7. Pathfinder: Wrath Of The Righteous

An Isometric RPG With Diverse Gameplay

In the game titled Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, the story follows your character as they spearhead the Fifth Crusade, battling demons that are causing chaos through a deep rift known as “the Worldwound”. Along the way, you’ll uncover secrets about both your own persona and the origins of your mythic abilities, while ultimately seeking to find a solution to seal the Worldwound.

In “Wrath of the Righteous,” you’ll find a rich character creation process that offers numerous classes, races such as the fox-like Kitsune, and “Mythic Paths” to select. These choices shape your abilities and gameplay style. If you’re searching for an RPG with immense depth, investing countless hours into, this could be just what you need.

6. Divinity: Original Sin 2

One Of The Most Highly Praised RPGs Of All Time

Original Sin 2 represents the fifth installment from the game series, Divinity, and it’s set in Rivellon – a medieval realm teeming with dark and menacing creatures known as the “Voidwoken”. The player assumes the character of a Sourcerer who has been imprisoned for their ability to control energy. After being freed, they must undertake an adventure aimed at sealing the Void.

Filled with all the typical elements of fantasy – gods, demons, magic, backstabbing, and role-playing game mechanics like turn-based battles, skill creation, and diverse species (even lizards), Divinity: Original Sin rapidly earned critical acclaim. Later on, the creators also developed another timeless masterpiece: Baldur’s Gate 3.

5. Diablo 2: Resurrected

A New And Improved Sequel

In the game “Diablo 2”, players assume control of a hero who’s following in the footsteps of the Dark Wanderer, a warrior tainted by the evil demon Diablo. The objective is to locate the origin of this demonic infestation. The enhanced version, known as “Resurrection”, retains the original storyline but offers updated 3D character models, enhanced cutscenes, and an upgraded skill point system.

Some players might know or might not know about the “Hidden Cow Realm” – a hidden level (a reference to an urban legend from the original Diablo) which can be accessed once the game has been completed. In this extra level, they will encounter aggressive bipedal cows and need to defeat the Cow King in an amusing, non-essential mission.

4. The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

A Wonderfully Stylized Pioneer Of Open-World Games

Breath of the Wild” is the seventeenth game in the series, and it lets you play as Link while he journeys through the land of Hyrule to vanquish Ganon and save Princess Zelda. You’ll encounter a variety of fascinating creatures inhabiting this bizarre yet captivating world, such as the Rito, a bird-like race, and the Zora, a fish-like race. Each community has their own set of quests for you to complete.

In a significant shift, Nintendo ventured into open-world gaming with Breath of the Wild, offering players the freedom to roam and solve puzzles or skip side quests at their own pace. This groundbreaking game left such an impact that it influenced the creation of subsequent open-world RPGs like Halo Infinite and Ghost of Tsushima.

3. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Re-imagines The PS1 Classic

The “Final Fantasy” collection encompasses more than 100 games, which include spin-offs and re-imagined versions. Specifically, “Final Fantasy 7” belongs to the primary series, with “Remake” and “Rebirth” being the initial installments of a revamped adaptation of the original story. In this continuation, Cloud is tasked with stopping Sephiroth, who aims to transform into a deity, thereby causing significant harm to the planet.

In addition to breathtaking landscapes and a rich open world teeming with variety, you’ll encounter captivating anthropomorphic characters. Among them is the king-like figure of the forest, Red XIII, resembling a lion, and Cait Sith, a prophetic robot cat. These two characters can be added to your team as allies during gameplay.

2. Skyrim

A Timeless Fan-Favorite

Absolutely, Skyrim remains a game that players find hard to overlook, even with newer RPGs emerging and setting higher standards. Despite its age, it continues to offer a rich and diverse gaming experience. Players can embark on the main storyline to vanquish Alduin, bring an end to the civil war, or simply explore the breathtaking landscapes at their own pace.

The entire collection of “The Elder Scrolls” series is rich in historical and political detail, with most characters boasting their own intricate backstories. Players are bound to meet the feline merchants known as Khajiit, as well as the Argonians who inhabit the swamps, both of which can also be player characters. In essence, “Skyrim” offers something for every type of gamer and is an essential role-playing game experience.

In addition to being found in these games, the races with human-like characteristics can also be spotted in other Elder Scrolls series like Oblivion and Morrowind.

1. Elden Ring

How One Collaboration Turned Into One Of The Most Epic Gaming Titles

In 2022, Elden Ring made a massive impact on the gaming industry, swiftly becoming one of the highest-grossing video games ever sold. This remarkable achievement can be attributed to its creation by two esteemed talents: FromSoftware, known for the Dark Souls series, and George R. R. Martin, author of A Game of Thrones. It’s no wonder that the game excelled in aspects such as world-building, storytelling, and game mechanics.

In Elden Ring, you’ll find an abundance of captivating character designs, ranging from formidable bosses to casual NPCs. It’s not surprising that some of these characters are anthropomorphic in nature. For instance, there’s Blaidd, a being half-man, half-wolf, whose armor you can acquire by defeating him. Another character is Boc the Seamster, a rat-like demi-human who will modify your armor for free if you assist him.

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2025-01-14 08:34