Best Western Action RPGs From The 2000s, Ranked

Key Takeaways

The 2000s saw rapid technological progress and genre-defining innovations in action RPGs, giving rise to influential Western-developed franchises that remain beloved and impactful today.
BioWare’s
Jade Empire
and
Mass Effect
offer unique settings and dynamic combat systems.
Bethesda’s
Oblivion
and
Fallout 3
exemplify Western RPG adventures with engaging quests and memorable characters.

As a seasoned gamer with over three decades of experience under my belt, I can wholeheartedly say that these games have shaped not only the RPG genre but have also left an indelible mark on my gaming journey. Each title showcases a unique blend of storytelling, immersion, and innovation that has set new benchmarks for developers to strive towards.

The 2000s stood out as an exceptional time for video games, specifically for Action Role-Playing Games (ARPGs). Technologically speaking, it was a period of swift advancement, with significant graphical upgrades evident each year. This decade also ushered in innovative gameplay elements that have significantly impacted the ARPG genre’s development to this day. During this time, many iconic ARPG franchises were conceived, and some continue to be adored and influential in the gaming industry.

Video games from the 2000s that stood out as exceptional Western action RPGs have made a profound mark on the gaming world. Their original influence was substantial at the time of their release, but what truly sets them apart is their enduring relevance and quality even today.

We’ll only consider video games that were launched from the years 2000 to 2009, specifically those developed by Japanese studios in the genres of JRPG (Japanese Role-Playing Game) or action RPG (Action Role-Playing Game). However, these categories will not be included in our scope.

10 Jade Empire

BioWare’s Most Distinctive Universe And Combat System

Despite not receiving as much attention or acclaim as the Mass Effect or Dragon Age franchises, Jade Empire is still one of BioWare’s exceptional action RPGs, thanks primarily to its unique setting and engaging combat system. The game offers an immersive experience by transporting players into a fictional kingdom that echoes ancient Chinese history and mythology, featuring mystical creatures, spirits, and renowned kung-fu masters.

In much the same way as BioWare’s other games, the characters, conversations, and missions are pivotal to the gameplay, demonstrating the developer’s expertise. Yet, what truly distinguishes Jade Empire from its peers in the genre is its unique combat system. This system combines martial arts, weapons, transformations, and magic, necessitating players to consistently adjust to varying situations. The game applies a basic “rock-paper-scissors” concept to combat styles while also introducing the potent harmonic combo system, infusing each encounter with complexity and strategy.

9 Dark Messiah Of Might And Magic

Visceral Combat With A Variety Of Available Builds

Dark Messiah of Might and Magic was an early masterpiece from the renowned Arkane Studios, further developing and enhancing the abilities showcased in their initial game, Arx Fatalis. It effectively utilized the Source engine’s physics to deliver a standout experience. The game received acclaim for its stunning visuals and thrilling first-person combat, which allowed players to decide their character’s class—be it a warrior, thief, ranger, or mage—and execute potent abilities and combos in battle.

Despite its linear progression that leans towards action-adventure over traditional RPG structure, the game “Dark Messiah of Might and Magic” continues to be a beloved addition within the “Might and Magic” series. Many players fondly remember it for its surprising yet delightful approach to the franchise.

8 Gothic, Gothic 2, & Gothic 3

The Evolution Of The Quintessential European RPG Series

The Gothic series serves as an outstanding illustration of a concise yet immersive role-playing game experience. It unfolds in a distinctive, believable setting, providing exceptional freedom in storyline development and quest options. With painstaking attention to detail in its settings and well-rounded characterization, it swiftly gained a devoted following among RPG enthusiasts. The sequel, together with its expansion “Night of the Raven,” continues to be a cherished gem in Piranha Bytes’ collection and is still hailed as one of the most adored RPGs from that era.

Regrettably, Gothic 3 failed to meet the lofty expectations established by its earlier versions. Ambitiously extensive, it faced numerous technical difficulties at launch and was largely outperformed by The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion across most categories. Yet, despite these drawbacks, Gothic 3 continues to be revered as a notable addition to the classic open-world RPG genre. It maintains its popularity today, particularly due to its enrichment by extensive fan-created content and mods.

7 Deus Ex

An Acclaimed Blend Of Various Genres In A Rich Cyberpunk World

As a dedicated gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but express my admiration for the legendary “Deus Ex” series. This game is frequently hailed as one of the greatest ever crafted, consistently gracing lists of the most influential titles. The unique blend of first-person shooter (FPS), role-playing game (RPG), action-adventure, and stealth elements offers an unparalleled degree of player freedom.

Although incredibly pioneering and impactful, the initial Deus Ex game was launched more than two decades back, and compared to contemporary titles, it doesn’t maintain its appeal as effectively as certain subsequent versions. Consequently, while it enjoys an iconic reputation, it doesn’t score higher due to this reason.

6 Fable: The Lost Chapters & Fable 2

Standout RPGs With British Humor And Flexible Character Interactions

The game titled Fable, previously known as Fable: The Lost Chapters on PC, is a distinctive action RPG that sets itself apart by deviating from the usual patterns of the genre. In terms of advancement, conflict, missions, and character exchanges, Fable offers an exciting and amusingly absurd experience, brimming with British wit. It blends solid gameplay mechanics with peculiar daily tasks, such as donating books to a school or showing off one’s trophies. Additionally, it provides players the liberty to mold their character’s morality, enabling them to evolve into either an admirable hero or a truly wicked villain.

The follow-up title, Fable 2, enhances several key aspects from the initial game; however, it’s less accessible compared to the original. Regrettably, it is only available on Xbox 360 and, unlike the first Fable, didn’t get an Anniversary remaster. Consequently, fans using other platforms find it challenging to play it nowadays.

5 The Witcher

Atmospheric And Grounded Origins Of An Iconic Series

In contrast to the renowned successors it spawned, the initial Witcher game might not have garnered the same level of acclaim, but it certainly possessed unique traits that made it stand out among role-playing games (RPGs) of its era. Being the first creation by CD Projekt Red, The Witcher provided a raw and authentic representation of Andrzej Sapkowski’s grim fantasy realm, masterfully conveying its brutal environment, intricate characters, and allure of being a monster-slaying mutant shunned by a world engulfed in violence.

The game, known as “The Witcher“, stands out with its rhythmic battle system, shifting day-night periods, varied dialogue options, morally intricate missions, and intricate alchemy mechanics. In many aspects, it carves its own niche. This distinctive title continues to captivate players long after release, thanks to its innovative design and one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

4 Diablo 2: Lord Of Destruction

Easily Among The Most Popular Loot-Based ARPGs Ever

Diablo 2, together with its expansion known as “Lord of Destruction,” is recognized as one of the most timeless and influential loot-based action role-playing games. Even after more than two decades since its launch, it continues to be a fan favorite and widely played. This sequel, developed by Blizzard, almost mastered the art of the loot-driven ARPG genre, providing intricate character development options combined with an enticing loot system that offers virtually limitless possibilities.

As I delved back into the world of Sanctuary, the game’s unique visuals and catchy soundtrack only served to reinforce its timeless appeal, keeping it as a favorite among gamers even after all these years. Now, with the revamped version of Diablo 2: Resurrected, I can relive those classic moments on more advanced gaming systems. In every aspect, Diablo 2 truly raised the bar for the action RPG genre, a standard that very few games have been able to reach since.

3 The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind & The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion

The Flourishing Of Bethesda’s Signature RPG Formula

Prior to the release of Skyrim, it was The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind and Oblivion that propelled the series forward, gradually refining it into one of the most acclaimed RPG franchises. Both games earned renown for their unprecedented freedom within expansive open worlds, providing a breadth and richness of content that few rivals could match.

The elements cherished by fans of games like Skyrim and more recent Fallout titles can be traced back to Morrowind and Oblivion, both contributing to Bethesda’s evolution in RPG game design. These titles paved the way for Bethesda’s distinctive approach to RPG creation, with Oblivion playing a significant role as a model for almost every game developed by the studio since, establishing a pattern that has become synonymous with Bethesda and shaped its modern reputation.

2 Fallout 3

A Rebirth Of The Iconic Franchise That Opens New Horizons

Fallout 3 showcases an exceptional strategy for rejuvenating a cherished series, skillfully maintaining its distinctive features while making them appealing to a broader spectrum of players. This innovative approach to the Fallout universe was incredibly well-received, laying the groundwork for critically-acclaimed sequels such as Fallout: New Vegas and Fallout 4, which earned global acclaim.

In “Fallout 3”, the series gained a level of acclaim approaching that of Bethesda’s renowned “The Elder Scrolls” series. It masterfully combines first-person shooter (FPS) and role-playing game (RPG) aspects, plunging players into a vividly realized post-apocalyptic setting that encourages exploration and discovery. Each nook of the irradiated terrain harbors tiny tales and fresh adventures, transforming it into a realm that gamers willingly get engrossed in for extended periods.

1 Mass Effect

A Pinnacle Of Cinematic RPG Storytelling, Set In A Rich Sci-Fi Universe Unlike Any Other

Initially launching, the original Mass Effect embodied the concept of a cutting-edge role-playing game (RPG). It introduced players to an exhilarating science fiction universe filled with revolutionary visuals and a cinematic storyline that was unprecedented within the genre. As the strong opening act in a now famous trilogy, often hailed as one of the best in gaming, Mass Effect mesmerized fans with its intricately designed world, daring creative decisions, and the richness of even minor character interactions.

Starting from then, the Mass Effect series paved a new path by elevating dialogue and action in role-playing games, surpassing conventional “talking head” dialogues and static combat sequences. Although it had its imperfections, requiring improvements in subsequent titles, it showcased an innovative perspective on what role-playing games could accomplish, setting new standards for narrative quality that players still appreciate today.

2024-11-12 08:35