7 Non-Traditional RPGs That Break the World-Saving Mold
7 Non-Traditional RPGs That Break the World-Saving Mold
RPG Games: Saving the World vs. More Unique Stories
RPG games are like a buffet of stories, offering a wide array of experiences that would take more than a lifetime to fully explore. From epic JRPG sagas to Western franchises like The Elder Scrolls, the RPG genre is filled with different styles and captivating tales that keep gamers hooked.
But let’s talk about the most common theme in RPGs: saving the world. Whether you’re traversing the vast lands of Hyrule, the sprawling realms of Tamriel, or even an alternate version of Earth, most RPGs center around players trying to prevent some world-ending catastrophe. It’s the classic hero’s journey, but with a twist.
However, there are a few games that take a different direction, defying the typical world-saving formula. Let’s dive into some of these unique RPGs that offer a refreshing take on storytelling.
7. Fallout: New Vegas
In the post-apocalyptic world of the Fallout series, where trouble seems to be lurking around every corner, Fallout: New Vegas stands out as a beloved entry that breaks away from the traditional world-ending scenarios. Set in the Mojave Wasteland, the game revolves around the fate of this desolate region rather than the entire world. No pressure, right?
Instead of unleashing a cataclysmic event, Fallout: New Vegas focuses on the intense Battle for Hoover Dam, where an enigmatic courier determines the outcome. By keeping the story grounded in the struggles of a single region, the game offers a refreshing change of pace.
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6. Knights of the Old Republic 2
In a galaxy far, far away, where the Star Wars movies are all about stopping potential galactic tyranny, Knights of the Old Republic 2 takes a different approach. This RPG explores a somewhat smaller-scale conflict, making it a welcome change from the grandiose battles seen elsewhere in the franchise.
As players embark on a journey as an Exile Jedi hunted and betrayed by their companion, Kreia, the stakes may not be as universe-shattering as usual. Yet, the game still manages to create an immersive experience by delving into the characters’ personal struggles.
5. Dragon Age 2
Dragon Age 2 takes a deliberate shift in focus by zooming in on a smaller scale, politically-driven conflict. As players control Hawke over several years, they find themselves entangled in a web of power struggles between mages and templars. While the fate of a single city hangs in the balance, the game masterfully makes it feel like a monumental event.
By choosing to explore the nuances of this tense conflict, Dragon Age 2 proves that RPGs don’t always need to have world-threatening stakes to captivate players. Sometimes a smaller story can offer just as much excitement and depth.
4. Disco Elysium
“What kind of cop are you?” That’s the question posed by Disco Elysium, a detective RPG that dares to deviate from the world-saving formula. In this game, there’s no imminent apocalypse to prevent. Instead, your task is to solve a murder mystery while grappling with memory loss.
Although the premise may seem small-scale compared to other RPGs, Disco Elysium shines by offering a rich, dialogue-heavy experience. From a hanged man outside a hostel to a group of vigilante dockworkers, the plot thickens at every turn, enveloping you in its morally-challenging world without any threat to the entire universe.
3. The Witcher
While The Witcher 3 does involve saving the world, the first game in the series takes a different route. The powerful Geralt of Rivia embarks on his first video game adventure as a monster-slaying detective. He investigates a group called the Salamandra who have stolen Witcher mutagens, which could potentially lead to a future apocalypse.
With its winding mystery and focus on Geralt’s personal journey, The Witcher demonstrates that not every RPG needs a world-saving narrative from the get-go. Sometimes, it’s the characters and their individual stories that draw us in, long before the fate of the entire world is at stake.
2. Nier: Automata
Don’t be fooled by the robotic invasions and war-ravaged landscapes in Nier: Automata. Amidst all the chaos, the game’s true essence lies in exploring the remarkable interpersonal relationships between its various playable characters. It’s a tale that unravels as you delve into multiple playthroughs, gradually revealing a complex web of emotions.
While a massive war rages on, the world itself isn’t truly hanging in the balance. Instead, the focus remains on the captivating dynamics between characters like 2B, 9S, and A2. It’s a poignant story that reminds us that RPGs can be about more than just saving the world.
1. Planescape: Torment
Forget about saving the world—Planescape: Torment centers around saving the Nameless One from his cursed immortality. In this CRPG masterpiece, death for the protagonist means someone else perishes in the multiverse, leaving the Nameless One grappling with fragmented memories and a desperate quest for answers.
As you traverse the various planes of existence, Planescape: Torment intricately weaves a tale about mortality and identity. It’s a testament to the genre’s ability to tackle deep themes and unforgettable narratives that don’t always revolve around imminent apocalypses.
So, next time you dive into an RPG, keep in mind that saving the world isn’t the only path to a thrilling adventure. Sometimes, it’s the smaller stories, the subtle struggles, and the compelling characters that truly make a game memorable.
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