Top Ten Role Playing Video Games RPGs

Video Games have become a huge part of our culture. You can’t take two steps in a shopping mall or department store without seeing something related to video games. The video game market is full of different kinds of games such as the first person shooter. However, one genre that is probably more responsible for the success of video games than any other is the RPG. Video game RPG’s (Role Playing Games) are among the best-selling titles across every platform, and in some cases have become a cultural phenomenon. Without further ado, we present the top ten video game RPG’s.

10. Ultima Series

There were RPG video games before Ultima, but not many, and the Ultima franchise is still widely considered one of the greatest video game franchises in history. Ultima creator Lord British managed to take the table top role playing game and put it on computer providing players with and surprisingly immersive game play experience considering the technology of the time.

9. Final Fantasy I

Where Ultima provided table top rpg players with a computer game, what Final Fantasy I did was bring the video game RPG to the masses. This title brought the RPG out of the shadows and into the lime light spawning a series of sequels, two MMORPG’s and a vast amount of copycat titles. The one reason why it is not higher on this list is that since its release the video game RPG has evolved and grown beyond the simple graphic and game play of this beloved title.

8. Might and Magic Series

Might and Magic is not on this list because of a singular game or amazing breakthrough because for the most part the Might and Magic series was above average in all aspects. The reason Might and Magic shows up on this list is because of how many games this franchise spawned. Ranging from the standard rpg to games based on strategy and tactics Might and Magic was a massive franchise that sold well and provided solid game play. No single title deserves much credit for revolutionizing video games or rpg’s but as a whole the franchise deserves to be recognized.

7. Everquest

You can’t discuss video game RPG’s without discussing the MMORPG as well. While MMORPG’s probably deserve their own top ten list, Everquest belongs here for being the first MMORPG to become so widely spread. At one time Everquest was so popular that you could order pizza from Pizza hut while in the game. As with all things Everquest eventually fell from the top spot, but it deserves a place on this list for being one of the first big MMORPG’s.

6. Fable

Of all the games that made this list, Fable was the hardest one to place. Fable had a massive amount of hype surrounding it as the next big thing in the RPG genre. In fact some people were claiming that it would replace Final Fantasy VII as the greatest RPG of all time, but upon its release it was a big disappointment and failed to live up to the expectations. The reason it deserves a place on this list however, is that it was the first game that gave you complete freedom of choice. You could be a good guy, a bad guy, or both. You could take on quests in full gear or completely naked, and perhaps best of all you could kick chickens!

5. Dragon Age: Origins

Dragon Age: Origins is simply one of the most stunning works of art to hit the video game market ever. Combine the breathtaking graphics with solid game play and an immersive story, and you wind up with one of the best RPG’s ever made. The only reason Dragon Age: Origins doesn’t rank higher on this list is that it really didn’t offer anything new to the genre.

4. Chrono Trigger

This game was the result of a virtual dream team of video game developers and it delivered on all expectations. Chrono Trigger had an immersive world, compelling story line, and stunning graphics even by today’s standards. There might be some who say that this is a bit too high of a rank for this particular title, but there are very few who would say that this game does not belong on this list.

3. Elder Scrolls: Oblivion

Elder Scrolls Oblivion is without a doubt the most complete single player rpg to date. Even if you dropped the amazing graphics, you still have an unbelievably massive game in which you can be anyone you want to be and explore the world over and over again. The one problem with Oblivion is that it is so massive that even the most avid completest will have a hard time doing everything that can be done. There isn’t really any doubt this game belongs on this list, and some will say it should be on top, but what holds it back are the games that rank above it.

2. Final Fantasy VII

Widely considered the greatest rpg of all time, Final Fantasy VII is a benchmark for the entire genre. It’s appearance on the list is cliché, but that just shows how good this game really is. It is almost impossible to pin point one single thing that makes Final Fantasy VII such a prominent game and that is the true genius of its design. Final Fantasy VII has great graphics, awesome game play, and more. However, what may set this game apart from the others is that players became so immersed in the story line that there were points of the game that would bring people to tears. That is why this game is so high on the list.

1. World of Warcraft

Unless you have been completely disconnected from mass media for the last ten years, you have heard of World of Warcraft. This game is so big that it has spawned a dozen viral videos, been the inspiration for thousands of products, and even had a commercial starring Chuck Norris. World of Warcraft has spread across the world like wild fire and is a part of popular culture unlike any other game on this list. Whether you love or hate this game, it deserves this spot more than any other single video game rpg.