In the realm of RPGs, few experiences can match the excitement of a well-crafted game where narrative, environment, and gameplay create a harmonious blend. Nevertheless, there are instances when both critics and players may elevate certain titles beyond their actual merit. This article aims to spotlight 10 RPGs that, despite receiving significant accolades, are often seen as overrated.
10 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Arrow To The Knee
Launch in 2013, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim became a cultural phenomenon, merging the interests of hardcore gamers with casual players. While the game excels in open-world exploration, enabling players to engage in numerous side quests and adventures, it ultimately falters in narrative depth. Compared to its predecessor, Oblivion, which delivered a gripping storyline right from the start, Skyrim feels over-polished and less impactful. Its gameplay, though enriched with quality-of-life enhancements, doesn’t surpass the legacy set by antecedent Elder Scrolls titles.
9 Starfield
Lost In Space
Transitioning from Skyrim to Starfield might appear biased, especially as someone who appreciated the narrative of Fallout 4. Yet, while Starfield showcases vast possibilities in space exploration, it pales in comparison to the achievements of No Man’s Sky. Bethesda may masterfully create engaging worlds, but the execution in Starfield suffers due to its repetitive space travel mechanisms and the presence of cutscenes that interrupt immersion, making it feel less cohesive and ultimately underwhelming.
8 Fallout New Vegas
The Game Was Rigged From The Start
Recognized for its robust characters and writing, Fallout: New Vegas certainly deserves praise for its storytelling prowess, potentially overshadowing its gameplay flaws. When judged purely on narrative merit, it transcends Fallout 3; however, gameplay mechanics lag behind, reflecting stagnant design choices. Despite Obsidian’s success in crafting a compelling tale, the lack of innovation in gameplay detracts from the overall experience, making it a title that merits recognition but not as being the franchise’s pinnacle.
7 Final Fantasy VII Remake
An Extended Prologue
After years of anticipation, the Final Fantasy VII Remake arrived in 2020, but many players quickly realized that the game’s current narrative was merely an extended prologue, concluding after merely five hours of gameplay. While the combat system received acclaim for integrating modern elements into the traditional turn-based style, it is marred by excessive narrative bloat that detracts from the essence of the story fans wished to relive. A more refined approach, as hinted at in the upcoming Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, offers hope for an improved experience.
6 Final Fantasy XVI
The One With Ben Starr
Final Fantasy XVI garnered attention for its Game of Thrones-inspired themes; however, it arguably fell into pitfalls reminiscent of the series’ decline in later seasons. The combat system, influenced by Devil May Cry, offers thrilling boss encounters, yet the overarching narrative devolves into conventional RPG tropes. Frustratingly, many key plotlines are buried within optional content, forcing players to delve deeper when they may already be disengaged. The game initially captures interest but eventually falls victim to predictability.
5 Dragon Age: Inquisition
I Didn’t Expect Some Sort Of Spanish Inquisition
Creating Dragon Age: Inquisition seemed a monumental achievement given the struggles BioWare faced with the Frostbite engine. However, this shift towards a visually striking game resulted in the dilution of core elements that made the original Dragon Age exceptional. It transformed from a tactical RPG with intricate storytelling to a more mainstream experience that lacks the depth and strategic engagement found in titles like Baldur’s Gate 3.
4 Pokémon X & Y
Mega Pokémon
The Pokémon X & Y titles for the Nintendo 3DS often fall flat compared to the benchmark set by Pokémon Black & White on earlier platforms. Despite the allure of the Kalos region, the games delivered a simplistic narrative that lacked the maturity and innovation fans anticipated. Features such as Mega Evolution felt half-hearted and only began to flourish in subsequent titles, indicating a missed opportunity for deeper gameplay and storytelling.
3 Super Mario RPG: Legend Of The Seven Stars
Good But Not Great
The Nintendo Switch remake illustrates that Super Mario RPG: Legend Of The Seven Stars may be more overrated than nostalgic. While it provided impressive graphics for its time, the gameplay remains oversimplified, catering more to the casual audience than to traditional RPG players. However, it paved the way for more sophisticated titles like Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi, showcasing its importance in the genre’s evolution despite its limitations.
2 Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
Studio Ghibli The Game
As an audience member likely attracted to Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch due to its Studio Ghibli aesthetic, the reality is that while visually stunning, it ultimately left players wanting more. Beneath the enchanting visuals lies a solid RPG base that fails to fully realize its potential. Though aspirational, the gameplay can become tedious, with an uneven execution that highlights both its brilliance and its shortcomings.
1 The Witcher
An Incredibly Dated Experience
The inaugural entry in The Witcher series clearly lags behind its successor, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, which revolutionized the franchise with significant quality-of-life enhancements. The original game, released in 2007, feels archaic, laborious, and riddled with outdated design mechanics that detract from the enjoyment of its narrative. Its cumbersome progression echoes the less fluid experiences of early MMORPGs, contrasting sharply with the immersive gameplay that later titles in the series would refine.
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