RPGs Carried By Their Characters

Summary

RPGs traditionally rely on strong characters and stories, with Star Wars: KOTOR 2, The Witcher 2, and Tyranny all serving as great examples.
While lacking in some areas, memorable characters from Dragon Age 2 or Vampyr elevate the overall RPG experience.
Games like Mass Effect: Andromeda and Final Fantasy 15 may not be the best in their series, but they do not deserve to be entirely overlooked.

At the heart of every Role-Playing Game (RPG) is the narrative and its characters, whether you’re controlling a whole team or journeying solo, encountering other characters along the way. The depth and appeal of these elements can transform even ordinary RPGs into captivating experiences, compelling players to see their journey through until the end.

In what follows, let’s examine several Role-Playing Games (RPGs) that are primarily distinguished by their compelling characters and intriguingly complex personal narratives. These games often don’t fall into the top or bottom tier of the genre, but their characters undeniably elevate the overall playing experience to a great extent.

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

Kreia, Darth Nihilus, And Darth Sion

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2 – The Sith Lords

In summary, this game, despite its close resemblance to its predecessor in terms of gameplay due to a tight development schedule that resulted in various technical glitches, stood out with its profound storyline, captivating characters, and top-notch writing. This set it apart as one of the most complex and multi-dimensional narratives ever produced within the Star Wars universe.

A significant appeal of the game lies in its main characters, particularly Darth Traya (Kreia), her apprentices Darth Nihilus and Darth Sion. Journeying on the Ebon Hawk with Kreia, uncovering her history, ambitions, and insights into the Force, is a memorable aspect of KOTOR 2. Engaging in grand confrontations against other Dark Lords, each with their unique motivations, adds to its allure.

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Dragon Age 2

From Varric And Isabela To Aveline, Merrill, And Fenris

Dragon Age 2,” another installment in the series that some believe could have been fantastic but had a short development period, is a highly debated game. Despite criticisms towards its limited scope, inconsistent combat system, and repetitive settings, there are many who find the storyline and characters to be strong points of this game.

The narrative journey of Hawke over time in Kirkwall forms a solid basis for a new installment within the Dragon Age universe. Similar to The Sith Lords, the game’s supporting characters and companions – including Merrill, Isabela, and Fenris – are the soul of the game, consistently adhering to BioWare’s high-quality standards. For many gamers, Dragon Age 2 has emerged as a beloved RPG, offering memorable human experiences and difficult choices. The game’s companions have even been ranked among BioWare’s finest.

Tyranny

Barik, Verse, Eb, And Sirin Versus Great Kyros’ Generals

Unlike the “Pillars of Eternity” series which has its continuation in “Avowed”, the game “Tyranny” did not fare as well for Obsidian Entertainment, despite its unique world setting and premise of playing as one of Kyros’ judges, called Fatebinders. The game ended on a captivating cliffhanger, and while it’s highly improbable that a sequel will ever be made now, it doesn’t mean you should bypass “Tyranny” entirely.

In true style, Obsidian’s writing stands out, offering intricate storylines with unexpected endings, a high level of player agency, and plenty of choices affecting almost every significant character in the narrative. The game, Tyranny, boasts compelling companions and adversaries, and the consequences of each action are profound. Players have the power to mold their followers’ personalities, and some plot twists featuring Barik or Sirin are particularly memorable.

The Witcher 2: Assassins Of Kings

Geralt, Triss, And Vernon Roche Chasing Iorveth And Letho

In its early days, before CD Projekt Red became a renowned RPG developer, The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings didn’t garner as much attention as the third installment, even though it showcased many strong points. Drawn from the books and infused with their creative touch, the studio brought to life beloved characters like Geralt of Rivia, Dandelion, and Triss Merigold, while also introducing well-developed and original characters such as Vernon Roche (leader of the Blue Stripes), Iorveth (elven Scoia’tael leader), and the enigmatic witcher antagonist Letho.

In terms of character development, “The Witcher 2” truly excels, immersing players in pivotal choices that shape the narrative, such as deciding who to ally with and whom to side with. The game occasionally switches viewpoints, granting players a temporary glimpse into the lives of significant characters like Prince Stennis or King Henselt. Moreover, it presents a morally ambiguous tale where every action triggers far-reaching repercussions.

Final Fantasy 15

Noctis, Prompto, Ignis, And Gladiolus

The game known as Final Fantasy 15 is frequently seen as a challenging title within the highly respected franchise, falling short of delivering on its promised immersive world and concept. Despite numerous attempts to rectify the game’s problems following its release, it still falls short compared to other top-tier games in the series. However, it should be noted that FF15 is not without merit. One notable strength lies in the well-developed central characters and their relationships as portrayed throughout the story. As expected, these aspects stand out positively within the narrative.

Right from the start, it’s clear that Noctis and his companions Prompto, Ignis, and Gladiolus are embarking on a grand, extended adventure filled with surprising turns, poignant discoveries, and everyday situations that feel familiar. Many players consider the initial part of the game, where this tight-knit group travels across the world, to be the most captivating aspect of Final Fantasy 15.

Mass Effect: Andromeda

From Cora Harper And Liam Kosta To Jaal And Peebee

The game titled “Mass Effect: Andromeda” often finds itself compared unfavorably to the original trilogy centered around Commander Shepard. However, it’s important to note that the game isn’t as poorly regarded as some fans might think. Post-release, Andromeda stands out for its most exciting and fluid combat sequences within the series, alongside offering some of the most immersive explorable worlds. Furthermore, it boasts a captivating cast of characters, with several rivaling the cherished companions from its predecessors.

Although the crew in the latest Mass Effect installation might not quite match the harmonious character interactions of the initial games, each new character such as Liam Kosta, Nakmor Drack, and Vetra Nyx, plays a crucial role in the narrative, with personal quests that stand out among the game’s most impactful missions. However, it’s worth noting that the villain in Mass Effect: Andromeda could have been more fully developed, perhaps similar to Saren or the Illusive Man, to heighten the story’s intrigue.

Vampyr

Jonathan E. Reid Surrounded By Potential Victims

In simpler terms, “Vampyr” stands out as a distinctive role-playing game due to its heavy emphasis on dialogue and compelling narrative. Characters like the morally conflicted protagonist Jonathan E. Reid, who transforms into a bloodthirsty vampire, along with other notable characters players can either kill or spare, are supported by robust writing. As a result, “Vampyr” offers an engaging and impactful gaming experience despite certain limitations within the game itself.

In essence, the success or failure of the game “Vampyr” hinges on the player’s engagement with the storyline and their curiosity to uncover the intricacies of characters such as Edgar Swansea or Sean Hampton. This curiosity then influences the decisions players make about these characters’ fates. Although it may require an initial effort to grasp, for those who appreciate a deep, thought-provoking narrative with a detective-like central theme and complex undertones, “Vampyr” rarely falls short of expectations.

2025-08-20 03:35