Western RPGs have a special place in many gamers hearts. Some grew up playing them while others got into them later in their gaming careers. It's hard to deny the alluring elements of WRPGs, from intricate customizations to the addicting gameplay.
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Every WRPG is their own entity and follows their own set of rules and some tend to have slower starts with tedious introductions as a result. While not every game can be a slam dunk from the beginning, some find their groove as the story progresses and the gameplay tightens.
10 The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
For a game that is almost twenty years old, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind still holds up remarkably well. The tale of the Nerevarine and their adventures is the groundwork for countless WRPGs since and the vast amount of customization and exploration will always make the game worth returning for. Still, the introduction is somewhat tiresome and the first set of quests aren't anything to write home about. After a few key weapons and clothing items are obtained the game gets more variety in the gameplay department.
9 Fable 2
Known for intricate worlds and a diverse morality system, the Fable series is considered a modern WRPG classic. The second game in the series keeps many of the elements of the first game that fans fell in love with, while adding more customization, combat, and in-depth exploration. While the changes to gameplay have been welcomed by fans as years have gone on, the long introduction and slow starting story have been a thorn in the sides of many die-hards since it first came out in 2008.
8 The Witcher
The first Witcher game is legendary in its own right, having kicked off one of the most beloved fantasy franchises in gaming history. The story of Geralt of Rivia is one of hardship and turmoil, exemplified by the tough choices players must make in each game.
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The first game is a bit different from the following two, focusing more on decision-making and building the universe and characters. The combat and alchemy are significantly different than the other games and take a few hours to really get used to but the plot alone is worth the playthrough.
7 Borderlands
It's pretty typical for RPGs to get more exciting and interesting as the player levels up, it's almost a requirement for the genre. The first Borderlands game is a perfect example of this, as the game is heavily reliant on the eccentric guns that become available to players as they level up higher. The first sections of the game are pretty basic as far a WRPG shooters go with introducing the gameplay and characters, but it is still a bore and tends to drag for the first few hours. After a few more areas of the map open up and cooler guns unlocked, the game starts to look more like the Borderlands fans know and love.
6 S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow Of Chernobyl
Just as much a survival horror game as it is a role playing game, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl is a scary good time filled with terrifying mutants and plenty of abandoned buildings to explore. Featuring multiple endings to achieve and a heaping pile of side quests to traverse, the game builds a believable world constructed around mystery and intrigue. The game has a slow start and steep learning curve to overcome, but once players make it over the hump, the rest of the game is a treat.
5 Mass Effect
Another beloved franchise, Mass Effect is one of the most original WRPG series of all time, mixing space exploration and crew building with traditional RPG elements. Like so many other first entries for top notch franchises, Mass Effect needed to work out a few kinks in the gameplay. The game still establishes many critical series elements such as romances, varied dialogue options, and deep customization. The pacing is a bit touch and go, either gripping players through its involved story or losing focus through aimless missions. This is a game that takes time to ease into the fun.
4 Fallout 3
Considered a modern classic, Fallout 3 is the game that helped establish WRPGs as a powerhouse in the contemporary era of gaming. A revolutionary game, the concept of a role playing game went through a complete redesign through the lens of a post-apocalyptic society set around the Washington D.C. area. The main story and side quests are still considered building blocks for countless subsequent WRPG titles. For all its impressive features, the opening sequences are long and tedious and filled with awkward dialogue and gameplay. Perhaps the long introduction and lackluster beginning quests are a necessary evil for the rest of the game to flourish.
3 Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic II
The second game in the Star Wars: KOTOR series is still considered a pinnacle for Star Wars games among fans. Some of the most iconic characters and storylines in the galaxy far far away are featured in this impressive sequel.
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The game is noteworthy for its in-depth story and dialogue options that make each playthrough a truly unique experience. Although the game is a bit long in the tutorial stages, most of that can be chalked up to introducing plotlines and establishing the gameplay, the good stuff comes a bit later once players have a few skills under their belt.
2 Deus Ex
A monumental game for many WRPG players, Deus Ex is an influential document for the cyberpunk genre. Originally released in 2000, the game laid the groundwork for countless WRPGs thanks to its strong emphasis on stat management and versatility in terms of gameplay. A single mission can be tackled any numbers of way, whether players want to take a stealth approach or go in guns a blazing. The first few sections of the game are simple and designed to ease players into the controls, but as the game goes on the missions get more interesting.
1 Dragon Age II
Another memorable fantasy WRPG, Dragon Age II is a brilliant sequel that sucks in players with its fluid combat system and earnest characters. The story itself is a bit disjointed, somewhat by design due to an unreliable narrator presenting the facts. It's an ambitious game with a rewarding conclusion but the first act of the game lingers for a long time, although the combat alone makes it all worth it.