A dive into the world of role-playing games

RolePlaying Games are some of the most satisfying games you can play Yes they are a slow burn but they almost always deliver spectacular endings If you arenrsquot familiar with the genre this is where you want to startPokemon YellowPokeacutemon Yellow released in 1999 closely mirrors the original Pokeacutemon anime You start with Pikachu who follows you onscreen Familiar characters like Team Rocketrsquos Jessie and James make appearances and you can get all three starter Pokeacutemon Charmander Squirtle and Bulbasaur without trading The classic turnbased combat system lets you strategically choose the best Pokeacutemon for each battle The gamersquos nostalgic charm and engaging mechanics make it a standout roleplaying game Plus if you have a pristine Gameboy cartridge of this it can sell for a lot mdash upwards of 3000The Witcher 3 Wild HuntThis is a rich openworld RPG where you play as Geralt of Rivia a mutant monster hunter The game combines deep narrative with vast exploration driven by Central European folklore and Western RPG traditions Yoursquore on a quest to find Ciri a young swordswoman while navigating complex political and personal storylines The detailed world of Temeria is filled with side quests monster hunts and moral dilemmas making it one of the best roleplaying games aroundBaldurrsquos Gate SeriesThe game has been a big deal since its release in 1998 It revolutionised the RPG genre with its mix of realtime and turnbased gameplay and captivating storytelling Set in the Dungeons amp Dragonsrsquo Forgotten Realms you follow a young orphan on a quest full of political intrigue and personal discovery Its success led to expansions and sequels with Baldurrsquos Gate II and III being fan favouritesFallout 1 amp 2Before it became a firstperson RPG Fallout was a turnbased game with a deep engaging story Yoursquore a bunker dweller trying to survive the outside world The beginning can be challenging but once you leave the bunker the game transforms into an entertaining ride Fallout 2 is recommended for its expanded gameplay and story These games are known for their dark humour rich worldbuilding and deep roleplaying elementsSecret of ManaSecret of Mana a Squaresoft gem from the early rsquo90s is known for its unique activetime battle system Unlike traditional turnbased games you fill an action gauge before performing actions It also features a multiplayer mode letting up to three players join the adventure You control the Hero Boy the Girl and the Sprite each with distinct roles Levelling up weapons adds another layer of depth The gamersquos cooperative gameplay and rich world make it a timeless classic Gather a few friends as this game shines in multiplayer modeFinal Fantasy VI and VIIFinal Fantasy VI and VII are two of the best in the series with VI often considered the superior game VI offers a rich narrative with multiple characters and an iconic villain Kefka The attention to detail and character depth make it stand out VII is known for its compelling story and recent remake making it highly accessible The blend of superb production values great story and memorable music make these games legendaryDeus ExDeus Ex is a firstperson shooter RPG with complex branching storylines and character development Set in a dystopian future you play as a nanoaugmented agent uncovering global conspiracies It offers a mix of stealth and direct combat with player choice determining your approach weapons and story progression Features like hacking systems stealth mechanics and dialogue choices make it a highly interactive experience Despite its age Deus Ex still holds up as a standout title offering deep gameplay and a compelling storyChrono TriggerReleased in 1995 for the Super Nintendo it is a timeless masterpiece known for its innovative timetravel mechanics unique battle system and rich replayability You follow Chrono a silent protagonist on a quest to save his friend Marle Each character has unique abilities and side quests that enhance the narrative Plus it introduced the New Game feature encouraging multiple playthroughs to unlock various endings Herersquos a fun fact for anime fans The late Akira Toriyama was the character artist for this gameNi no Kuni Wrath of the White WitchNi no Kuni combines Studio Ghiblirsquos animation with RPG elements You follow Oliver a young boy on a quest to save those with broken hearts The realtime battle system involves using captured creatures called Familiars Rich side quests add depth and emotional engagement The exceptional soundtrack by Joe Hisaishi and its visuals make it a mustplaySkyrimThe Elder Scrolls V Skyrim offers a vast openworld RPG experience set in the frozen nation of Skyrim You start amid a civil war and the sudden reappearance of dragons The gamersquos strength lies in its freedom and variety with a practicebased skill system and dynamic quests Skyrimrsquos immersive world and breathtaking environments make it a standout in the genre With roughly 40 square kilometres of diverse landscapes from ice caverns to coniferous forests therersquos always something new to discover The gamersquos endless modding possibilities add to its longevity and replay value