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The big stupid list of random RPGs that I'd like to play someday, eventually, probably, hopefully. Just you wait.

by arbitrarywater

Instead of doing just another backlog list for "Stuff I'll totally play in 2017 guys. Trust me" I figured it would be a fun experiment to focus this list entirely on the various RPGs I own that I'd really like to play at some point. Anyone who knows me knows that a lot of the games presented hereafter are theoretically very much in my wheelhouse as the guy who wouldn't shut up about Temple of Elemental Evil for like 3 years and still won't shut up about Baldur's Gate. It turns out, however, that most RPGs are long, intimidating, and require a certain amount of commitment... which hasn't gotten easier as I've gotten older and have less free time on my hands.

Thus, this list serves as both a testament to my years of buying junk because it was on sale and something of a goal list for stuff I'll totally play one of these days when there are no new video games ever and I'm not in school or whatever. Totally.

Criteria for this list is as follows:

  • I own all of these games. Mostly on Steam or GOG, but there are a couple of console games too.
  • All of these games are unquestionably RPGs first and foremost, even despite the rather flexible definition of "RPG" these days. There's probably a separate list for strategy and tactics games somewhere in my backlog, but these aren't those.
  • Most of the games in question are games that I actually have interest in playing for realsies. This means that something like the D&D gold box games, which I think I've probably accepted are just too archaic and unfriendly for my tastes, are not on this list. Also includes stuff I've tried and been burned on multiple times, like Fallout 2. I think I'm okay not trying to play Fallout 2 again, unless someone wants to try and convince me. I'm willing to listen.
  • There are probably games that I missed.

Showing 1-10 of 20 items

Serpent in the Staglands

1. Serpent in the Staglands

"The Obscure" Starting right off the "obscure nonsense" deep end, we have a game that I cannot help but love in concept. Serpent in the Staglands goes further than most other retro-RPGs because it straight up looks like it came out of the early-mid 90s. It's also based on bronze-age Romania and its folklore, and is kinda like Baldur's Gate. Seems like something I should give an earnest shot, even if it might just go too far in that direction.

Underrail

2. Underrail

A fairly recent release, one of the many contenders aiming for the throne of Fallout 1 and 2. Supposedly allows for some pretty varied playstyles, so it sounds promising enough.

Paper Sorcerer

3. Paper Sorcerer

I actually backed this neat little indie Wizardry-ish thing on Kickstarter. Seemed neat enough from what I played of it.

Lords of Xulima

4. Lords of Xulima

If you're noticing a trend of "indie RPGs that probably were funded on Kickstarter, but not for the millions of dollars that those high-profile games were" then you're right. Lords of Xulima is one of those! It's apparently a little more Might and Magic/Wizardry-ish than Serpent or Underrail, so we'll see how that works out.

Arcanum: Of Steamworks & Magick Obscura

5. Arcanum: Of Steamworks & Magick Obscura

"The Old" Admittedly, I got pretty far several years ago, but the character development system and number of choices is large to the point of almost being paralyzing, which is why I haven't played much since.

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

6. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

Morrowind seems like a game that has my name on it, if I had enough time and patience to deal with its "quirks." Definitely seems like something I could dig into over the course of a summer or something.

Arx Fatalis

7. Arx Fatalis

With Arkane knocking it out of the park with their recent spate of Looking Glass-inspired modern titles, I think I owe it to myself to see their take on Ultima Underworld. 2002 was, admittedly, a long time ago, but I'm good for it.

System Shock 2

8. System Shock 2

This is mostly Prey's fault. That game is a good enough facsimilie of a modern System Shock game that I think it's time I once more attempt to play the real deal. Will I fail miserably again? Who knows?

Legend of Grimrock 2

9. Legend of Grimrock 2

"The Somewhat Relevant" Not gonna lie, I played like 5 hours of Grimrock 2 and thought it was kinda great. Then I dropped it for some reason and never really grabbed it again.

Baldur's Gate: Siege of Dragonspear

10. Baldur's Gate: Siege of Dragonspear

I'm not gonna lie, I really need to sit down and see this new Baldur's Gate through, if only for the variety of Jurassic Park quotes that will inevitably end up in whatever blog I'm writing.

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