Every Obsidian Entertainment Game, Ranked

Key Takeaways

Obsidian Entertainment is one of the best developers in gaming, with an extensive catalog going back to 2004.
Impromptu sequels to franchises like Fallout and Star Wars prove the team’s power and adaptability.
In the modern age of gaming, Obsidian’s work still triumphs due to its strong backbone in game-making and storytelling.

As a dedicated gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that Obsidian Entertainment has truly outdone themselves with their selection of RPG masterpieces. Among these stellar titles, three stand out as absolute must-plays for any self-respecting RPG enthusiast – The Outer Worlds, Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic II: The Sith Lords, and Fallout: New Vegas.

If you’ve been into gaming for the last two decades, it’s likely that you’re familiar with game developer Obsidian. Established in 2003 by ex-developers from Black Isle Studios, Obsidian Entertainment has been responsible for some beloved cult classics and contemporary masterpieces. They are particularly renowned for their exceptional storytelling and world creation abilities.

Despite many of Obsidian’s works being expansions of existing intellectual properties like Fallout and Star Wars sequels, several of these titles have managed to outshine their predecessors.

Over the past few years, Obsidian Entertainment has predominantly focused on developing their own intellectual properties (IPs). This shift allows them to utilize their renowned abilities and craft some exceptionally distinctive game worlds, including The Outer Worlds and Pentiment.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve come to easily spot Obsidian Entertainment’s titles, even from afar. The reason? Their exceptional talent in crafting deep, morally captivating dialogues and narratives sets them apart from the rest. It’s like no one else can match their unique blend of storytelling brilliance.

As a passionate gamer, it’s an absolute thrill for me to delve into the impressive portfolio of Obsidian Entertainment, a developer and storyteller that stands tall among the gaming greats.

15 Skyforge

Skyforge, an MMO RPG that’s about 10 years old, offers gameplay experiences much of which has been eroded by time, similar to other long-standing MMOs. Despite being a joint project between Obsidian and Allods Team, the shrinking player base and somewhat outdated mechanics make it less appealing in today’s gaming landscape.

Instead of numerous large-scale MMOs that initially launched but eventually faltered, Skyforge consistently stands out due to its exceptional quality. Players are treated to an intricate and visually stunning universe ripe for exploration.

In its finest moments, the game is hindered by a blend of subpar voiceovers, unimpressive storytelling, and an abundance of bugs, preventing it from reaching its full potential, although the combat is surprisingly better than typical for a free-to-play MMO.

14 Pathfinder Adventures

Pathfinder Adventures represents an engaging fusion of elements commonly found in RPGs created by Obsidian, along with the physical card game called Pathfinder. Originally designed for mobile platforms, this game later made its way to personal computers. Pathfinder Adventures carves out a unique space within the digital realm, specializing in the conversion of traditional tabletop games into a digital format.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve found that even though the advancement might seem gradual at times, reminiscent of those mobile games where progress feels like a slow grind, the core loop of gradually enhancing my deck and upgrading my player stats provides a sense of fulfillment. This process leads to moments in the game that are captivating and compelling, making every small victory feel significant.

I must confess, despite its in-game store and certain areas that feel a bit rough around the edges, there’s no denying that Pathfinder Adventures ranks among the less memorable creations from the talented minds at Obsidian Entertainment.

13 Dungeon Siege III

Despite being part of the high-fantasy genre, Dungeon Siege 3, from the creators at Obsidian, playfully delves into the combative aspects of action role-playing games, offering a title that boasts a greater emphasis on battle sequences compared to many others in this category.

In contrast to the intricate stories found in other Obsidian universes, this particular world steps aside to let players immerse themselves fully in the thrilling battles and an array of captivating characters and special talents they can wield.

Regrettably, despite being deeply immersed in a fantasy realm where battles are central, there seems to be room for improvement when it comes to the role-playing game (RPG) character creation aspect. Upon revisiting this dungeon crawler on multiple occasions, you may notice that the options for building your character lack significant diversity.

Different from numerous Obsidian game titles, it doesn’t offer a lot that would make you come back repeatedly. However, if you are fond of action RPGs and appreciate engaging combat sequences, it’s definitely worth giving it a try.

12 Armored Warfare

Armored Warfare is a game that simulates tank battles, often being likened to World of Tanks and War Thunder. Although other tank combat games might be more up-to-date or popular, Armored Warfare stands out as one of the finest in its category.

In a blend of player-versus-environment (PvE) and player-versus-player (PvP) action, Armored Warfare infuses modern tank warfare with an invigorating sense of life. The game’s impressive graphics add an immersive touch, making each play session enjoyable, while its well-structured advancement systems are tailor-made for veterans of online tank simulation games.

Furthermore, a variety of tank characters are available, each with distinct attributes such as speed and attack focus, or bulkier models for diverse battle tactics, catering to the unique approach of every gamer.

As a fan, I wasn’t expecting this game to break new grounds, but let me tell you, it’s an impressive addition to a genre that I thought Obsidian might struggle with. Yet, they’ve managed to deliver a surprisingly solid experience.

11 Alpha Protocol

As a gamer, I’ve got to admit that Alpha Protocol wasn’t exactly a smash hit when it first came out, but over time, it’s gained an underground reputation for being a hidden gem. The reason? It’s all about the top-notch writing and intricate RPG storytelling – just like you’d expect from the brilliant minds at Obsidian Entertainment!

In a unique blend of third-person action and role-playing game elements, Alpha Protocol carves out a genre previously unseen and yet to be fully explored since its release.

To be fair, while the game excelled in storytelling, it still failed primarily due to lackluster gameplay and various bugs.

Even the most negative reviews still describe this game’s brilliant story, especially the many branching narrative choices players are forced to make, which give the game, like many in the Obsidian catalog, massive replay potential.

Although it might not be their most powerful game, Obsidian Entertainment’s first original IP is definitely worth checking out. It serves as a significant milestone in their catalog that you shouldn’t miss.

10 Neverwinter Nights 2

Similar to Knights of the Old Republic 2, Neverwinter Nights 2 was a sequel developed by Obsidian Entertainment following a pre-existing Bioware game. However, unlike its predecessor, Neverwinter Nights 2 is set in a more classic Dungeons & Dragons universe, specifically the 3.5 edition.

Unfortunately, Neverwinter Nights 2 leaned heavily on multiplayer features like user-created campaigns and expansive, MMO-style environments. These aspects, however, are largely inoperative unless one navigates the community-driven path to reactivate them.

Nevertheless, Neverwinter Nights 2 is fantastic for those interested in third-person action-adventure CRPGs. Despite having a few issues with playing in 2024, the title still boasts a few fantastic built-in campaigns, filled with Obsidian’s knack for RPG gameplay and strong storytelling.

Regardless of some of its magic being eroded by time, “Neverwinter Nights 2” remains an exceptionally notable contribution to the role-playing games (RPGs) that Obsidian Entertainment is renowned for.

9 Tyranny

As a gaming enthusiast immersed in the captivating world of Pillars of Eternity, I find myself eagerly diving deep into Tyranny’s intricate decision-making and moral quandaries – the very elements that make Obsidian RPGs so mind-boggling to engage with.

In the game Tyranny, you’ll find yourself assuming the role of a malevolent force in a crumbling universe. The narrative subtly indicates that your choices as a player significantly influence the storyline, and crucially, the actions of your party directly impact the fate of this world itself.

In a distinctive atmosphere that echoes the Bronze and Early Iron Eras, the game Tyranny skillfully incorporates its visuals, storyline, and user interface to create an immersive world rich in deep history and thrilling surprises.

Despite its raw quality potentially not suiting all players, Tyranny offers gameplay and combat reminiscent of Pillars of Eternity 1, featuring tactical, real-time combat with a strong emphasis on party management, making it an exhilarating experience for strategy RPG enthusiasts.

8 Pillars Of Eternity II: Deadfire

As a follow-up, Pillars Of Eternity 2: Deadfire faced the challenging mission of continuing the legacy of Obsidian’s influential CRPG, Pillars Of Eternity, a significant force in modern role-playing game history. To set itself apart, Deadfire revamped the gameplay by emphasizing sea exploration and naval combat over its predecessor.

Although others might argue that this change had a detrimental effect on the story, Deadfire is nevertheless an essential improvement over Pillars of Eternity. It introduces several appealing alterations and, as always, delivers a robust narrative that offers ample opportunities for player decision-making and explores complex moral and political issues.

If you’re a lover of the role-playing game (RPG) series, Pillars Of Eternity, or the CRPG genre in general, Pillars Of Eternity 2: Deadfire remains one of the finest examples within this genre. It’s a game that should definitely be on your playlist, offering a rich visual experience, engaging gameplay mechanics, and an exceptionally well-crafted storyline.

7 Grounded

Even though Obsidian has been creating groundbreaking narrative RPGs for several years now, they unexpectedly launched a survival game titled Grounded, which is about children who have mysteriously been reduced to the size of toothpicks and are exploring an oversized backyard. This release came only two years after their previous game, The Outer Worlds.

Despite being quite distinct from its predecessors, Grounded has swiftly gained widespread recognition as one of the standout survival games from recent years. Obsidian managed to breathe life into the concept of being shrunken in a backyard by infusing it with their unique world-building and charisma.

In Grounded, you engage in miniature combat against insects, construct a base for survival, and continuously enhance your skills and tools – all of which create an exceptionally engaging experience, further enhanced by its distinct microscopic environments and innovative concepts.

Ever since its debut, Obsidian has consistently added fresh content and updates to this title, making it an essential game to experience from their current collection.

6 South Park: The Stick Of Truth

This game, bearing the brand name, found itself in a challenging position due to its ties to the innovative South Park universe. Previous South Park games were known for their sharp humor, but as an RPG, Stick Of Truth faced particularly high expectations to embody the politically and socially astute tone that South Park is renowned for.

You can always rely on Obsidian Entertainment for crafting remarkably intelligent yet hilariously witty dialogues. Their partnership with South Park is a fantastic fit, and as such, “Stick of Truth” is widely regarded as the finest game set in the South Park universe ever released.

The game “South Park: Stick of Truth” never fails to deliver, packing a punch with an endless supply of jokes and charisma that give it the feel of a real South Park episode. Compared to more recent titles like “South Park: Snow Day,” “Stick of Truth” stands out for preserving its classic 2D animation style, making it even more authentic.

Despite the fact that South Park: The Fractured But Whole from Ubisoft shares similar elements with South Park: The Stick of Truth, it wouldn’t have been possible without the design template laid out by Obsidian.

5 Pillars Of Eternity

Pillars of Eternity strives to create an engaging blend of modern gaming trends and classic role-playing games (CRPGs). It skillfully merges elements that made ’90s and early 2000s games appealing while incorporating contemporary enhancements throughout the development process.

Looking back to the era of Black Isle Studios, it shared characteristics reminiscent of some of the greatest CRPGs ever made, such as Planescape: Torment and Baldur’s Gate. The crowdfunded game, Pillars Of Eternity, had a significant legacy to uphold, but managed to do so with poise and finesse.

Refreshing its design to suit contemporary tastes, Pillars of Eternity boasts some of the most striking visuals among CRPGs. However, what truly sets it apart is its exceptional writing – engaging conversations with NPCs and a captivating narrative that cements Pillars as an outstanding example of Obsidian Entertainment’s storytelling prowess.

For those unfamiliar with its unique style, the combat in “Pillars of Eternity” could initially seem a bit unusual, given its pause-filled real-time gameplay. However, as you delve deeper into the game, you’ll find it incredibly engaging and enjoyable.

As a devoted fan, I wholeheartedly endorse the timeless masterpiece that is Pillars of Eternity. For enthusiasts seeking the pinnacle of Obsidian Entertainment’s creations, this classic CRPG is an unmissable choice.

4 Pentiment

In a realm where gaming art rarely ventures into medieval-renaissance aesthetics, Pentiment stands out remarkably well by weaving this unique atmosphere into every aspect of its gameplay. Indeed, Pentiment is one of Obsidian’s finest creations to date, although it may not have received the recognition it deserves.

Instead of incorporating the traditional RPG elements found in most Obsidian games such as combat, Pentiment primarily emphasizes its captivating narrative, minimizing the focus on RPG mechanics. Essentially, Pentiment delivers exactly what it promises – a compelling tale, making it a standout example of simplicity in design.

As a fervent admirer, let me share my thoughts on the captivating experience that is Pentiment. This masterpiece skillfully interweaves profound themes with a gripping speculative mystery, all while offering a plethora of choices that significantly impact your journey throughout the game. The game’s witty dialogue and audacious approach serve as a testament to Obsidian’s unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries in contemporary game development.

3 The Outer Worlds

As a passionate gamer, I couldn’t wait to dive into The Outer Worlds, knowing it was crafted by the same talented minds behind Fallout: New Vegas. Despite some differences and areas where it didn’t quite match up, this game showcased Obsidian’s impressive prowess in creating an entirely new intellectual property, demonstrating their undeniable skill set yet again.

In a unique twist on the classic space-aged sci-fi vibe, The Outer Worlds blends it with heavy capitalist motifs, giving off an impression of being a tiny piece in an excessively advanced universe. Its design bears resemblance to certain Fallout games, creating a persistent sensation of insignificance in a grand scheme.

Moreover, The Outer Worlds offers an exceptional first-person role-playing game (RPG) and shooting experience, featuring engaging combat and advancement systems. These elements effectively capture the essence of exploration and direct interaction with the game world, making it captivating and rewarding.

Instead of imitating unique approaches to science fiction seen in games such as Starfield’s Nasa-punk, The Outer Worlds stands out by skillfully blending quirkiness and moral complexity within its storyline, resulting in a captivating RPG plot that can be completed relatively swiftly.

2 Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic II: The Sith Lords

In simpler terms, Knights of the Old Republic 2 is an exceptional game that’s difficult to describe due to its greatness. As a follow-up to the highly praised Knights of the Old Republic by Bioware, Kotor 2 not only met expectations but surpassed them in numerous ways, effectively outshining the original and earning legendary status within the Role Playing Game (RPG) genre.

In simpler terms, Knight of the Old Republic 2 surpassed its predecessor significantly. Its fresh narrative, rich in both ancient lore and moral intricacy, was like a dream come true for any Role-Playing Game enthusiast.

Regardless of the justified criticisms about its initial launch in an unfinished state (similar to other early Obsidian productions), Kotor 2 continues to garner a vast amount of fan appreciation and affection, making it not just enjoyable to play but also stimulating to engage in discussions with others about it today.

For the very first and one-time venture into the Star Wars universe, Obsidian successfully captured the essence of this universe and incorporated the gameplay mechanics reminiscent of tabletop role-playing games, leaving players to ponder why there aren’t more such RPG games based on Star Wars.

1 Fallout: New Vegas

It’s possible that my opinion might be slightly influenced (as evident in my lengthy 3-hour video analysis on the subject), but I firmly believe that “Fallout: New Vegas” stands not just as one of Obsidian Entertainment’s finest works, but also as one of the greatest games ever produced.

The journey of the Fallout franchise kicked off with the initial role-playing game (RPG) in the series, which was rich with multiple choices, intriguing characters, and multifaceted factions. Later, when Bethesda introduced Fallout 3, some aspects of that original emphasis seemed to fade away. However, this balance was eventually reestablished when a studio founded by developers from the first Fallout game took charge of a sequel.

In the world of Fallout, New Vegas stands out with an exceptionally distinct backdrop, featuring fresh factions centered around the glitzy New Vegas strip. Rich in player decision-making opportunities and heavy on atmosphere, playing New Vegas is a delightful experience that ranks among the finest role-playing games ever created.

Exploring the distinct regions within New Vegas is captivating, as the gameplay and conversation seamlessly emphasize player autonomy and provide a rich assortment of experiences. The script and voice acting throughout, from the main storyline to numerous downloadable content packs, are nothing short of delightful.

If you’re seeking out the finest game from Obsidian that offers a deep, thought-provoking narrative with moral complexities, an engaging open-world role-playing experience, and a timeless adventure, then Fallout: New Vegas is unbeatable in this regard.

2024-10-31 21:40