The role-playing game (RPG) genre has been a staple of gaming culture, consistently delivering beloved titles since its inception. Franchises such as Final Fantasy, Pokémon, and The Elder Scrolls have transcended generations, maintaining a loyal fanbase even decades later.
However, nostalgia doesn’t always translate into timelessness. While we may have cherished these games during their release, many have become relics, showing signs of strain from the passage of time.
As the gaming landscape has evolved, so too have expectations for design choices, quality-of-life improvements, and graphical fidelity. Some classic titles, much like a forgotten bottle of milk, have not aged gracefully.
8 Fallout 3
Live in the Vault, Die in the Vault
While some debate that Fallout: New Vegas has become less enjoyable over time, the game’s superior writing and story set it apart, often regarded as the series’ pinnacle. In contrast, Fallout 3 struggles to maintain the same charm.
The game’s technical limitations and design flaws are increasingly apparent as newer titles emerge. Bethesda made strides with Fallout 4, presenting a richer post-apocalyptic world, making Fallout 3 feel somewhat drab in comparison. Despite initial excitement for a replay after the recent Fallout TV series, its antiquated visuals and gameplay mechanics quickly dampened that enthusiasm.
7 The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
Dated Greatness
Regarding the issues of aging, Morrowind is another title that exemplifies the struggles of its era. As previously discussed in my review of Avowed, the entire Elder Scrolls series is beginning to show its age, while other RPGs evolve with more refined systems. The combat mechanics in Morrowind now feel increasingly outdated.
Modern iterations, such as Skyrim and Oblivion, have their shortcomings, but Morrowind suffers from a combination of dated technology and frustrating gameplay mechanics. Revisiting Morrowind these days can be reminiscent of trying to play Grand Theft Auto III in 2025: frustrating and outdated, though it remains a treasured classic for many.
6 Mass Effect
The Mako Sucked, And It Still Sucks
The challenge of launching the first title in a planned trilogy shines through in Mass Effect. While it offers a complete narrative arc, many players believe its sequel, Mass Effect 2, vastly improves upon the gameplay.
BioWare sought to capture the thrill of discovery, but the execution often fell short. Sure, you can explore various planets, but the Mako vehicle’s clunky controls and lackluster content can deter exploration. Furthermore, the core mechanics do not hold up compared to contemporaries like Gears of War, highlighting BioWare’s growing pains in the cover shooter genre. Fortunately, lessons learned led to a remarkable sequel that fans continue to cherish.
5 Fable
I Need A Hero
Fable, while ambitious, was unable to meet the exceptionally high expectations set by its marketing. Its famed advertisement promised a universe where every action had far-reaching consequences—an experience that ultimately fell short.
Although enjoyable, the original Fable feels rather simplistic today. Its sequel improved on many aspects, but it still fails to deliver the groundbreaking gameplay initially promised by Peter Molyneux. With competing RPGs offering robust open-world experiences that evolve based on player choices, the original Fable remains a reminder of what could have been.
4 Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean
Cringeworthy Voice Acting
The year 2003 was marked by significant RPG releases on the Nintendo GameCube, with Tales of Symphonia widely regarded as a standout.Baten Kaitos, with its stylish turn-based mechanics and intriguing graphics, generated considerable anticipation.
However, the excitement waned upon release due to the subpar quality of voice acting compared to what was expected. While it retained a unique combat system, the combination of poor voice work and an incoherent narrative significantly detracted from its legacy.
3 Dragon Age: Origins
A Forgotten Relic Better Left Buried
Unlike peers like Mass Effect and Fable, which have been overshadowed by their sequels, Dragon Age: Origins retains its strong writing and character development. However, the game now feels out of step with modern RPG standards.
When compared with the likes of Baldur’s Gate 3, which showcases contemporary storytelling and tactical complexity, certain elements of Dragon Age feel antiquated. Its outdated combat mechanics and repetitive gameplay hinder appreciation of its narrative beauty, making it more challenging for modern audiences to fully embrace.
2 Final Fantasy
The Greats All Start Somewhere
Modern iterations of Final Fantasy provide stunning visuals and sophisticated designs. Even Final Fantasy X, a title from the PS2 era, redefined graphical boundaries. However, the original Final Fantasy I remains a nostalgic piece with its inherent limitations.
Although the franchise pioneered many concepts in the JRPG genre, such as the job system and complex character arcs, these features are notably absent from the original title. It serves best as a historical experience, illustrating the humble beginnings of what would become a gaming phenomenon, rather than standing on its own merit.
1 Pokémon Red/Blue/Yellow
Gotta Catch ‘Em All!
The inaugural generation of Pokémon games is historic, having launched a cultural phenomenon. They captivated players, combining storytelling with the thrill of collecting and battling.
Nonetheless, despite their significance, the original Pokémon titles have undeniably aged. Each time I attempt to revisit them, I find myself frustrated with archaic mechanics, particularly the tedious navigation through areas like Viridian Forest, or experiencing the early game challenges—like battling against gym leaders with suboptimal Pokémon choices.
Navigating areas such as Mt. Moon can feel as burdensome as it did during the GameBoy era. Though the nostalgia remains, older titles like Pokémon Red/Blue/Yellow feel burdensome compared to the advancements in recent Pokémon generations that significantly improve user experience.
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