Many JRPGs have become timeless favorites because they get straight to the point without unnecessary filler. Games like Chrono Trigger and Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars are perfect examples. These SNES classics are concise and fun to play again and again, even years later.
Western RPGs offer a lot of great choices, both new and old. They don’t need to be short just to avoid slow moments. Whether you prefer massive, sprawling games or shorter, focused experiences, Western RPGs consistently deliver and are excellent alternatives to traditional Japanese RPGs.
Undertale
Short, Sweet, And Passive
Unlike many role-playing games, Undertale challenges the usual goal of defeating monsters. While it uses turn-based combat, the game is more fun when you try to talk to enemies and avoid fighting. Monsters and bosses aren’t always hostile and often grapple with their own desires.
This RPG is surprisingly fantastic! It has everything you want – a clever story, a beautiful soundtrack that’s truly exceptional, and engaging combat. Plus, it’s a relatively short game, which is a bonus. What makes it even more impressive is that it was largely created by just one person, Toby Fox, making it a remarkable achievement for an indie title.
Baldur’s Gate 3
A Lengthy Game Of Choices
Baldur’s Gate 3 is a long game with lots of replay value, but it keeps you engaged thanks to its well-managed pace. You create a unique character and embark on an adventure filled with strategic battles and meaningful conversations. The game offers incredible freedom – there are multiple ways to overcome any challenge, whether it’s dealing with a goblin attack or uncovering a village lost in the mist.
Your choices will shape the story and impact your companions, creating a personalized adventure in the legendary world of Dungeons & Dragons.
Costume Quest
Gimme Candy!
Costume Quest is a Halloween-themed role-playing game developed by Double Fine. The story begins when goblins steal a group of kids’ Halloween candy, leading them on an adventure to the goblins’ world to retrieve it. The game’s battles are turn-based, and the characters’ abilities are determined by the costumes they wear – turning them into things like robots, ninjas, or knights.
This game is brief but boasts a fantastic expansion, and its sequel is a reliably enjoyable experience, especially around Halloween. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, its straightforward story offers a comforting dose of nostalgia.
Mass Effect 2
The Reapers Strike Back
Mass Effect 2 feels a lot like Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back – it’s a darker, more intense installment in the series, and that’s why it’s often considered the best. BioWare really hit their stride with this sequel, making improvements to the game’s controls and combat.
Players get to choose between being a hero or a rebel, and they’ll meet interesting characters to join their team. Gameplay involves strategic, cover-based shooting that feels improved, and the story – about reuniting a group to protect the galaxy from a universal threat – is genuinely fun.
South Park: The Stick Of Truth
The Kids Are Back In Town
Like the game Costume Quest, South Park: The Stick of Truth centers around kids playing make-believe. However, Stick of Truth includes a lot more swearing! Players create their own South Park character and team up with familiar faces to protect the Stick of Truth – and their imaginary world – from those who want to steal it.
This turn-based RPG is a fun experience, blending engaging gameplay with a loving tribute to decades of South Park history and humor. After a long wait, a truly great South Park game has finally arrived.
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Stealth-Based Cyberpunk
In Deus Ex: Human Revolution, players have a lot of freedom in how they approach challenges, with a strong focus on stealth. The game is set in a cyberpunk future where you play as Adam Jensen, a character you can customize with various cybernetic augmentations. These upgrades help with both exploring the world and fighting enemies – for example, you might hack a door to open it, or enhance your lungs to resist poison gas.
Improved combat abilities, both with guns and in close combat, make encounters more effective. While dialogue options exist, the core of this stealth RPG lies in cleverly using your upgrades to overcome challenges. Each mission feels like a satisfying puzzle to solve.
Nobody Saves The World
A Job-Based Zelda
Nobody Saves the World is a quirky action-adventure game similar to classic Zelda titles, but with a wild twist. You play as a hero who can shapeshift into various people and creatures, each with unique abilities. The game features a skill tree that lets you level up different forms – for example, you might become a powerful knight for fighting or a tiny mouse to squeeze into hidden areas.
Okay, so I’m totally hooked on this game, Nobody Saves the World. It’s a really fun mix of action, adventure, and that Metroidvania style where you explore and get new abilities. Honestly, the basic idea isn’t groundbreaking, but the game does it so well, especially considering it’s an indie title. I keep getting pulled into this weird and wonderful world, and it’s just constantly entertaining!
Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic
Be The Jedi
Though released decades ago, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is still considered a BioWare masterpiece. Players begin by creating a character and then embark on a Jedi adventure to recover lost memories. It was a groundbreaking game that allowed players to freely explore the Star Wars galaxy, from visiting Tatooine for a drink to traveling to Kashyyyk and encountering Wookiees in their forest home.
Compared to today’s expansive game worlds, these areas felt small, but they were massive to players back in the early 2000s. Aside from its connection to Star Wars, the game featured a compelling combat system, deep character customization, and some of the best storytelling in the entire series.
Children Of Morta
An RPG Roguelike
I’m really hooked on Children of Morta because it focuses on one family, the Bergsons. They live above these dangerous caves filled with darkness, which is a cool premise for a top-down action roguelike. The fighting is super fast and smooth, and what’s really neat is how each family member plays differently. Like, Linda’s amazing with a bow and arrow, while Mark is a powerhouse with his fists. It keeps things fresh!
One of the best parts is you can play with friends, which is awesome for a roguelike! It feels really well-balanced, probably because of all the RPG stuff. When you finish a run, you head back to your family and get to see little stories about them – they actually grow and change, and you can upgrade them to help you out on your next attempt. Honestly, by the time I finished the game, I felt like I was actually part of the family.
Transistor
Talking RPG Swords
Released in 2014, Transistor is a fantastic RPG from Supergiant Games that often gets overlooked, especially considering the later success of their game Hades. It’s set in a cyberpunk world and features a unique combat system where you wield a talking sword you can customize with different abilities.
Transistor features a unique battle system where you can move and dodge in real-time, then pause to strategically plan your actions. Once you’re ready, time resumes and you watch your character, Red, execute your plan. While the story can be a bit confusing, the mystery is captivating and makes it all worthwhile.
Read More
- How to Unlock the Mines in Cookie Run: Kingdom
- Jujutsu Kaisen: Divine General Mahoraga Vs Dabura, Explained
- Top 8 UFC 5 Perks Every Fighter Should Use
- The Winter Floating Festival Event Puzzles In DDV
- MIO: Memories In Orbit Interactive Map
- Where to Find Prescription in Where Winds Meet (Raw Leaf Porridge Quest)
- Xbox Game Pass Officially Adds Its 6th and 7th Titles of January 2026
- Jujutsu: Zero Codes (December 2025)
- Frieren Has Officially Been Dethroned By A New 2026 Anime Release
- Upload Labs: Beginner Tips & Tricks
2026-01-26 04:08