As a seasoned RPG enthusiast, I can confidently say that these three games – Citizen Sleeper, Disco Elysium, and Baldur’s Gate 3 – have managed to carve their unique niches within the vast landscape of role-playing games.
Role-playing games that are played on tabletop and those driven by computers can be thought of as siblings. One was developed first, influencing many aspects in the creation of the second one. The pioneers of early computer role-playing games (CRPGs), such as Fallout and the original Baldur’s Gate, drew inspiration from the same dice mechanics used to resolve combat and skill checks during gameplay. Instead of creating an in-game UI or physics for these dice, the outcomes (along with any modifiers) were displayed in a side conversation box or kept hidden behind the scenes.
In a handful of games, you’ll find an element reminiscent of dice rolls, which is showcased during gameplay as a point of pride. Generally speaking, there’s more repetition in computer Role-Playing Games (CRPGs), often centered around combat sequences, especially when dealing with numerous opponents. As a result, dice rolls are usually only visible during skill checks. However, many games continue to use dice mechanics covertly. This discussion focuses on games that incorporate visible dice rolls as a key gameplay mechanic rather than those that conceal the roll completely.
5 Dread Delusion
A Lockpicking Skill Check In A Primarily Skill-Based Open World RPG
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: 2022-06-15
- Developer: Lovely Hellplace
- Genre(s): Action RPG
In the indie role-playing game resembling Elder Scrolls titled “Dread Delusion”, a straightforward 1d6 mechanism is employed for lockpicking, echoing tabletop game mechanics. Although the lockpicking process lacks flashy results, some players have speculated that the locks feature square keyholes based on the game’s strange, trippy ambiance. However, the presence of giant, floating lockpick pick-ups throughout the Oneiric Isles arguably contradicts this theory.
In the realm of RPG gaming, it’s typical that the lockpicking skill involves a skill modifier and an upgradable “cunning” attribute. However, given that most other challenges in this game lean towards skills, the dice rolling mechanic has sparked some debate among players. As the creator of Dread Delusion, James Wragg incorporated this dice roll mechanic because he’s a fan of such checks in other games. Persuasions and certain skill checks are handled by dice, but they’re mostly hidden behind the scenes.
4 Betrayal At Club Low
Dice Rolls For Bizarre Skill Checks Galore
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: 2022-09-09
- Developer: Cosmo D
- Genre(s): RPG
In most role-playing games (RPGs), results from dice rolls are often based on pseudo-random number generation. However, Betrayal at Club Low stands out by incorporating dice rolls into a series of eccentric skill checks, one of which requires spinning tunes with pizzas acting as records. Essentially, the game challenges players to rescue their friend trapped within the confines of the titular club, allowing them ample opportunities for all sorts of antics from beginning to end.
In an unexpected twist, Club Low presents characters that feel remarkably grounded despite its fantastical settings. This stands out even when compared to meticulously designed AAA-quality open-world games. The reason lies in the careful cause-and-effect design of the game, where small occurrences can impact later story developments, as represented by a broadened dice roll range. Yet, there’s a sense of growth in characters, as players can enhance their chances by purchasing skill upgrades or discovering “pizza dice.
3 Citizen Sleeper
Turning Random Roles Into Tactical Decision-Making
- Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X / S
- Released: 2022-05-15
- Developer: Jump Over The Edge
- Genre(s): RPG
In the game Citizen Sleeper, combat is scarcely present, meaning there are no unexpected battles or dedicated combat systems like you’d find in typical gritty cyberpunk RPGs. Instead, the emphasis lies in strategic decision-making and resource management, as the player navigates a complex narrative while inhabiting a “sleeper,” which is essentially a slave robot with a human consciousness that is often treated as a lower class citizen on a bustling space station.
Instead of responding to each skill check, players roll dice at the beginning of every day, using these rolls as resources they can distribute to enhance their chances of success. This system introduces strategic decision-making and resource allocation, mirroring the real-life struggle of deciding where to focus one’s efforts and where to conserve energy. The excitement and stakes rise when two critical tasks both require a limited amount of available resources.
2 Disco Elysium
A Revolutionary Game With An Unusual Return To Tradition
- Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X / S
- Released: 2019-10-15
- Developer: ZA/UM
- Genre(s): RPG
Drawing inspiration from police dramas like “True Detective” and timeless role-playing games such as “Planescape: Torment”, the innovative game “Disco Elysium” has raised the standard for what can be achieved in the RPG genre. Rather than relying on traditional combat, it boasts an extensive array of skills and a subtle class conflict between the upper and lower classes (represented by the bourgeoisie and proletariat respectively). The game’s skill check resolutions are uniquely showcased through a 2d6 dice system seamlessly integrated into its user interface within the dialogue.
Due to the scarcity of random confrontations, the limited fights (one involving an awkward office chair) take on a heightened sense of tension and stand out distinctly. Furthermore, this game doesn’t skimp on the intricacy and richness typical of CRPGs, but it distributes these challenges in unconventional ways that test a police officer’s abilities. These tests range from deciphering crime scenes, singing karaoke, to suppressing instinctive male aggression during a stern reprimand at work.
1 Baldur’s Gate 3
The Best Emulation Of A True Tabletop Experience
- Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X / S
- Released: 2023-08-13
- Developer: Larian Studios
- Genre(s): RPG
Since rolling intricately designed dice is a crucial aspect of tabletop role-playing games, it’s only natural that the most authentic version of the game, Baldur’s Gate 3, would wholeheartedly incorporate the look and feel of dice.
In this game, both dialogue exchanges and perception checks follow the 5E Dungeons & Dragons system for consistency. Whenever possible, dice rolling is a key element. Yet, to keep the gameplay engaging yet uncluttered, we’ve chosen to conceal most combat dice rolls. This reduces the numerical overload while minimizing the impact and repetitiveness of such rolls.
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2024-09-14 05:05