If you liked Dragon Age Masterlist
If you’re anything like me, you’re into niche market, high fantasy, single player RPGs, preferably with a historical setting and romance options. So if you’re looking for a new game, here I am with some suggestions!
Oblivion (2006 - remastered 2025)
“In the shadow of evil, a hero will rise from the ashes of a fallen empire. The gates have been opened, and the battle has begun. Only one thing can save the world from Mehrunes Dagon and the demonic hordes of Oblivion. The true heir of the Septim line must be found and restored to the Imperial throne. The fate of the world rests in the hands of one. Find him, and shut the jaws of Oblivion.”
The Elder Scrolls series were my gateway into RPGs and hold a special place in my heart. Oblivion features a wide open world, immersive combat, and the ability to customize race, class, and gender.
“The Empire of Tamriel is on the edge. The High King of Skyrim has been murdered. Alliances form as claims to the throne are made. In the midst of this conflict, a far more dangerous, ancient evil is awakened. Dragons, long lost to the passages of the Elder Scrolls, have returned to Tamriel. The future of Skyrim, even the Empire itself, hangs in the balance as they wait for the prophesized Dragonborn to come; a hero born with the power of The Voice, and the only one who can stand amongst the dragons.”
I have sunk so many hours into this game and still have not experienced all there is to experience. Just like Oblivion, Skyrim offers the ability to customize your character and find a play style that suits you. A huge open world offers tons of opportunity for exploration and questing. You could play this game many, many hours and not even touch the main quest if you wanted to.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition (2021)
Just do it. Just fucking do it I’m still sobbing I’ve never had a game wreck me in this way. I might possibly like it more than Dragon Age which feels sacrilegious to say but it was so good. You follow Commander Shepard (customizable) for three whole games and the choices have serious consequences. Also, romance. Truthfully this might be the most well written storyline I’ve ever seen in a video game. Also, same studio as Dragon Age.
Mass Effect Andromeda (2017)
“Mass Effect: Andromeda pits you and your crew against the dangers of a strange, new galaxy. You’re 2.5 million light years away from Earth, and you’re going to need all the help you can get. Play as the Pathfinder, leader of a squad of military-trained explorers, with deep progression and customization systems. This is the story of humanity’s next chapter, and your choices throughout the game will ultimately determine our survival in the Andromeda galaxy. As you unfold the mysteries of the Andromeda galaxy and the hope for humanity lies on your shoulders, you must ask yourself: how far will you go?”
I know, I know, just hear me out - this game wasn’t as bad as the review bombing made it seem. The problem with this game is that it wasn’t as good as the original trilogy. If I had never played the original trilogy and I played this game, I would have thought it was a perfectly good game and had a good time with it. In fact, I still DID have a good time with it. If you go in looking for a fun space RPG, you’ll have a good time.
The Witcher III: Wild Hunt (2015)
I’ll let the website description speak for itself, but Witcher III was good enough that I didn’t mind being forced to play as a man (those who know me know that I exclusively prefer to play women and often dislike games where I can’t do so)! The characters that make up this story are captivating and suck you into their world, leaving you with some tough choices to make. Also, bonus points for romance! (Yen is one of my all time favorite characters, Triss never stood a chance for me. Sorry Triss fans 😂)
“Step into the shoes of V, a cyberpunk mercenary for hire and do what it takes to make a name for yourself in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour, and body modification. Legends are made here. What will yours be?”
This game was one that I wasn’t originally planning to play since I prefer fantasy, but I’m glad I did. It is EXTREMELY dark and violent, so if that’s not your vibe this is probably not for you, but I found the story and the characters to be really compelling and I’m glad I gave it a chance! Also, if you’re interested in a game that lets you be an absolute menace to society, look no further!
Divinity Original Sin 2 (2017)
“The Divine is dead. The Void approaches. And the powers lying dormant within you are soon to awaken. Choose your role in a BAFTA-winning story, and explore a world that reacts to who you are, and the choices you make. With five races to choose from, and an adventure playable solo or as a party of up to four, lay waste to an oppressive order in a world afraid of magic. Become the God the world so desperately needs.”
Full disclosure, I have not finished playing this one yet and will update when I do, but what I’ve played so far has been great! A classic, turn-based RPG that allows you a wide range of character customization. I find this game incredibly satisfying to be a rogue (my preferred class) because it lets me live my dream of throwing knives at people. Also, romance!
“An ancient evil has returned to Baldur's Gate, intent on devouring it from the inside out. The fate of Faerûn lies in your hands. Alone, you may resist. But together, you can overcome. Gather your party.”
This game was worth all the hype. It’s so, so good. Another wide open world to explore with a group of companions with strong and sometimes clashing personalities, choices are abundant in this game and will affect how your party members think of you. Choices are complicated and aren’t always easy to tell which is morally right, which I personally love. Also, I can be a sarcastic ass with a good heart, which is always fun. This game has a beautiful world, an incredible story, and amazing, complex companions. Astarion basically owns me now, but if you can resist him there are plentiful other romance choices as well! Customization is already a wider range than I’ve seen in most RPGs. Also - good hair?!??!! I love it!
“Lead a revolution to take control of Albion, fight alongside your people, and experience love and loss while preparing to defend the kingdom against a looming threat. Your choices as ruler will lead to consequences felt across the entire land.”
I’ll be honest, this one isn’t my favorite on the list, but was good enough to still make it! This game allows you to choose between playing as the prince or the princess on a quest to save your kingdom from itself, and then a greater threat as well. The game takes place in a kingdom loosely modeled after industrial England, and what did score it some major points were (SPOILER WARNING - skip the purple if you don’t want to know!) that the last act of the game lets you play as the monarch, where you are forced to make some tough decisions in order to save your kingdom. It is very easy to back yourself into a corner, pinch pennies in order to fund the army and save the kingdom, but make your citizens hate you because of it. You’re gonna have to be very, very careful, which is something I did really enjoy about this game. (I’ve heard Fable II was better, and that’s also on my list to try, will update in the future!)
Fire Emblem Three Houses (2019)
“War is coming to the continent of Fódlan. Here, order is maintained by the Church of Seiros, which hosts the prestigious Officer’s Academy within its headquarters. You are invited to teach one of its three mighty houses, each comprised of students brimming with personality and represented by a royal from one of three territories. As their professor, you must lead your students in their academic lives and in turn-based, tactical RPG battles wrought with strategic, new twists to overcome. Which house, and which path, will you choose?”
ENDLESS 👏🏻 REPLAY 👏🏻 VALUE👏🏻. One of the best uses of new game plus I’ve ever seen! The player controls Byleth (you can rename them if you wish), who becomes a professor of combat and battle tactics despite their young age at a monastery and finds themself in charge of a house of students. Battles are tactics and strategy based and classes are highly customizable. You would have to play the game at least four times through to get the full story, and this is, I think, the coolest feature of this game - you decide which side to play on, and the sides you didn’t choose are your enemy. Play a different side the next time through, and your old team is now the enemy and you get a completely different side to the story. This has been so much fun and also has slow burn romance
Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 (2025)
“Lead the members of Expedition 33 on their quest to destroy the Paintress so that she can never paint death again.
Explore a world of wonders inspired by Belle Époque France and battle unique enemies in this turn-based RPG with real-time mechanics.”
I am so emotionally destroyed by this game and you should be too. Also it’s graphically STUNNING! Set in a world where a generation gets Thanos snapped dies at the hands of the paintress every year, journey to the continent, battle impossible creatures, and uncover the mystery! If this doesn’t win game of the year I’m suing.
This game destroyed my soul in the best way and when I finished it I immediately started a new game to play it again. You play as Lady or Lord De Sardet, Legate of the Congregation of Merchants and effectively the right hand of your cousin, who has been appointed governor of your new colony on the island. While I enjoy the combat in this game, which allows you the choice between one handed, two handed, magic, and pistols or rifles (save that ammo for when you really need it!), this game focuses heavily on diplomacy and relations. Be careful what information you give to whom and how you treat every decision. The enemies you make early on might be people you need on your side later. I also love that choices aren’t always clearly right or wrong, and often are more complicated than they first appear. Even the best intentions can sometimes go awry.
Assassin’s Creed, Syndicate (2015)
“London, 1868. In the heart of the Industrial Revolution, lead your underworld organization and grow your influence to fight those who exploit the less privileged in the name of progress”
One that I’ll admit, I haven’t finished, and is definitely the odd one out on the list, but I was having fun with what I had played so far. In this game, you alternate between controlling twins Jacob and Evie Frye as you explore and liberate London while meeting famous historical figures and running a gang on the side.
Assassin’s Creed, Origins (2017)
“Ancient Egypt, a land of majesty and intrigue, is disappearing in a ruthless fight for power. Unveil dark secrets and forgotten myths as you go back to the one founding moment: The Origins of the Assassin’s Brotherhood.”
In the spirit of honesty, I haven’t started this one yet, but I am so confident that I’m gonna love it when I do that it’s here anyway. I’ve purchased it, and will get to it eventually! In the meantime, I wanted to put it here because I’m confident some of you will enjoy it. Will come back with a review once I know more.
Assassin’s Creed, Odyssey (2018)
“Write your own epic odyssey and become a legendary Spartan hero in Assassin’s Creed® Odyssey, an inspiring adventure where you must forge your destiny and define your own path in a world on the brink of tearing itself apart. Influence how history unfolds as you experience a rich and ever-changing world shaped by your decisions.”
Y’all this game owned my soul for a while. I’ve sunk so many hours into it. You have a choice to play as either Kassandra or Alexios and navigate the wonders of Ancient Greece. The world is stunning, the choices are important, and this game took a big step for the assassins creed series in becoming a true RPG. I can’t recommend this one enough, you should absolutely go for it!
Assassin’s Creed, Valhalla (2020)
“Become Eivor, a legendary Viking warrior. Explore England's Dark Ages as you raid your enemies, grow your settlement, and build your political power in the quest to earn a place among the gods in Valhalla.”
This game is very similar to Odyssey, but Vikings! I feel confident that some of my fellow dragon age fans will enjoy it.
Other games on my To Be Played list (otherwise known as things I don’t want to recommend because I know almost nothing about them but will update here after I know more)
-Pillars of Eternity 1 and 2
-Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag
