Summary
In traditional RPGs thatfocus on story, quests, and character development, cutting-edge graphics are often not the main concern for developers or fans. These games are best known for their engaging gameplay,rich character interactions, and diverse character-building options. That said, advancements in visuals — especially in areas like facial animations — can enhance the emotional depth of dialogue and the overall immersion.
Below are some of the most notable RPGs from the past decade that have successfully blended technological advancements with excellent art direction, immersive gameplay, and rich storytelling. While some of these RPGs may not be the newest, their impressive graphics bring characters and stories to life in ways rarely seen in the genre, making them worth playing for their visuals alone.
The widely acclaimedBaldur’s Gate 3has set a new, seemingly unattainable standard for the RPG genre, blending the beloved elements of its legendary predecessors with cutting-edge execution that would have been hard to imagine just a few years ago.
Exploring its stunning, detail-rich world, engaging in dialogue with expressive characters brought to life through incredible voice acting and facial animations, and enjoying the flexibility of its combat, enhanced by awe-inspiring effects, is a sheer delight — even without considering the game’s many other strengths. In fact, even if one sets asideBaldur’s Gate 3’sdeep character-building system, its artistic and technological achievements in character portrayal alone could captivate players who appreciate beautifully crafted characters.
CD Projekt RED may have stumbled by forcingCyberpunk 2077onto the older hardware of the PS4 and Xbox One, but since launch, the game has received numerous updates for next-gen consoles and PC — most notably thePhantom Libertyexpansion — pushing its visual fidelity to new heights. The sprawling Night City metropolis greatly benefits from higher resolutions and extended draw distances, but the most impressive improvements have been in the game’s lighting, with some areas and interiors approaching near-photorealistic levels.
Additionally,Cyberpunk 2077excels in delivering some of the most cinematic first-person dialogue and interactionswith a cast of intriguing characters, standing head and shoulders above modern competitors likeStarfield. Players seeking one of the most visually impressive RPGs of recent years can’t go wrong with this one.
Mass Effect: Andromedamay not have reached the heights of the Commander Shepard trilogy, but in terms of presentation, it holds up quite well. While the game faced technical issues at launch, most were quickly addressed by the developers. Powered by the Frostbite engine, many of its locations remain stunning to explore.
The game offersseveral vast and diverse planetsthat players can traverse on foot or with the Nomad rover, and these environments continue to impress even today. The hidden ruins of the Remnant, buried deep beneath the surface, offer a unique and captivating setting unlike anything seen in the rest of theMass Effectseries. WhileAndromeda’s characters may not stand out as much as those in top-tier RPGs above, their memorable traits and personal quests deliver the level of quality BioWare fans have come to expect.
Kingdom Come: Deliveranceis renowned for its painstakingly accurate portrayal of Medieval Europe, with little to no fictional elements, and this commitment extends to every facet of the game. Every part of theworld is crafted to look as authentic as possible, immersing players deeply in the experience and placing them in the shoes of the main character, surrounded by a convincing cast of supporting figures.
Some may argue that the game is too grounded, lacking the unique and surprising elements found in other fantasy settings. However, powered by an advanced version of CryEngine,Deliverancedelivers a stunningly beautiful and believable world that few can dispute.
The Witcher 3: Wild Huntmay be one of the oldest RPGs on this list, and whileCyberpunk 2077now surpasses it in some technical aspects thanks to the latest version of the RED engine,The Witcher 3has been updated multiple times over the years. These enhancements have brought its visuals up to modern standards, making the definitive edition of this masterpiece a must-play even today.
The game’s landscapes, especially in theBlood and Wineexpansion, are breathtaking, featuring beautiful natural vistas, impressive draw distances, bustling cities rich in detail, and stunning sunsets. The memorable characters, enhanced with lifelike facial expressions and intricate details, further elevate the experience. Simply exploring this beautiful world andsoaking in its atmosphere is a pleasurein itself.
As BioWare prepares to shake up the genre with the highly anticipatedDragon Age: The Veilguard, now is the perfect time to revisit earlier entries in the series, particularlyDragon Age: Inquisition. Even a decade after its release,Inquisitionremains a visually stunning RPG, thanks to the power of the Frostbite engine.
The game offers vast, diverse, and content-rich areas of Thedas that continue to surprise players until the very end. DLCs likeJaws of HakkonandTrespasserfurther expand the world with even more unique and visually captivating locations to explore. Moreover,Dragon Age: Inquisition’s companions are some of the best-written andmost engaging in the series, making the experience of journeying with them as enjoyable as ever.
