Top 10 RPG Video Games: The 2010 Edition

Below is my list of the top 10 RPG video games of all time...as of publication. A position on the top 10 RPG lists is always highly subject to be usurped, as many new titles are frequently released. RPG, which stands for Role-playing Games, put the player into the role of a main character in an elaborate storyline. Some RPGs include a cast of characters at the gamer's control, but most revolve around a central character or core crew. These video games take the player on an epic quest, often with legacies and conflicts between whole groups of peoples, many with splendid depth of unique lore.

Top RPG: Final Fantasy - This RPG video game started the epic Final Fantasy legacy, which now spans over a dozen sequels. This RPG traces its roots back to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), and Final Fantasy XIII released for Xbox 360 and PS3 in 2009. The 14^th title in the series is eagerly anticipated by the considerable fan-base, and many gamers consider FF to be the Granddaddy of RPG video games even if other RPG titles were released prior to FF I. Although the title of "best FF sequel" is often a lengthy debate between FF VII and FF IV, few RPG fans can argue the inclusion of the franchise in any Top 10 RPG list.

Top RPG: Shining Force - My personal favorite, the Shining Force franchise started with the introductory title on the Sega Genesis system. A true vintage gaming classic, SF1 and the first sequel, SF2, remain highly popular among RPG fans. One of the unique elements of the SF world was that gamers controlled a main character and a small army of allies; SF1 featured over 20 different characters, and players could customize their "active" members of the "Shining Force" based on personal preferences. The debate over the merit of the centaur characters remains a heated discussion among SF fans to this day.

Top RPG: Phantasy Star IV­ - Another vintage Sega Genesis title, Phantasy Star eventually became an MMORPG with Phantasy Star Online, though the popularity doesn't rival the fan-base the original four titles accumulated. I cut my teeth on PSIV, which featured a cast of characters in a Sci-Fi world full of turmoil and conflict. The main characters are a pair of "Hunters," who battle monsters for a living. Players could venture out into the lands between cities to level-up, provoking random encounters. The storyline was interesting, and the special abilities of the different characters were clever, especially the combat combinations.

Top RPG: Baldur's Gate - With modified rules based on the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (AD&D) rule set, Baldur's Gate is an RPG video game title set in the "Forgotten Realms" high fantasy world. Released for the computer in 1998 from BioWare, Baldur's Gate is another classic, vintage RPG title which many fans consider to be essential to any Top 10 RPG list. The main game and the "Dark Alliance" series became fundamental inspirations for many later RPG titles, including Champions of Norrath (see below).

Top RPG: Neverwinter Nights - Another RPG video game set in the infamous Dungeons & Dragons world, Neverwinter Nights and NWN2 are a cooperative multiplayer RPG full of "faith, war and betrayal" as described on the official NWN website. Players work together through addictive storylines, and the incredibly customizable system provided by D&D allows for a huge volume of combinations in the cast of characters. Wield magic, longswords or lockpicks in this vivid, addictive series of RPG titles.

Top RPG: Zelda - Another franchise seen as a fundamental member of the RPG hall of legends, Zelda made RPG synonymous with the NES console. The latest editions to the Zelda universe, such as the Legend of Zelda for the Wii, continue to introduce a whole new generation of RPG fans to this infamous series. With over a dozen titles in the series, listed on the official Zelda website, there is really no questioning the longevity or popularity of the Zelda universe.

Top RPG: Chrono Trigger - This RPG video game from the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is featured on almost every Top 10 RPG list available. The time travel elements make Chrono Trigger unique among all the high fantasy or Sci-Fi RPG alternatives, and the vivid characters and elaborate storyline make this one of many RPG which plays more like an interactive movie than a video game.

Top RPG: Kingdom Hearts - This Top RPG from the Playstation 2 library of video games has spawned countless fan sites, interactive roleplaying game adaptations and stories. The "easter eggs," or semi-hidden cameos from Disney or Final Fantasy characters are hilarious, and the cast of characters is memorable and engaging. The visuals, thanks to the PS2 console, certainly surpass many of the vintage RPG video games included on this list. However, the engaging plot and clever abilities make Kingdom Hearts stand firm as a Top 10 RPG video game.

Top RPG: Champions of Norrath - More of a personal selection than an RPG video game with a massive fan-base, Champions of Norrath for the PS2 remains one of my favorite, go-to RPGs. Allowing up to 4 players, this title from the EverQuest universe has all the fundamental elements which make RPGs successful: storyline, character classes and lots of "lootz." One of my favorite RPG video games to load up with a trio of friends, Champions I and II are an excellent RPG option.

Top RPG: Mass Effect 2 - One of the most recent RPG video games to embark on the trek to legendary status, this insanely popular sequel of the fan-favorite Mass Effect title continues to shock me with its burgeoning fan-base. Visually gorgeous with a compelling storyline and unique cast of characters, Mass Effect 1 and 2 are set in a Sci-Fi world full of conflict and unsteady alliances. Rated extremely well on most video game review sites and communities, Mass Effect is certainly a franchise which as earned its way onto a Top 10 RPG video game list.Sources:
Wikipedia, various video game listings, for original console system information.