Summary
Isometric RPGs have become aniconic genre in video games, gaining prominence in the ’90s with titles likeBaldur’s GateandFallout. Inspired by tabletop RPGs, these games combine captivating stories and well-developed characters, earning a loyal fanbase. As a result, many franchises have become popular, serving as major references in the genre among enthusiasts.
Despite this, numerous underrated isometric RPGs remain. Even delivering incredible experiences, many go unnoticed due to unconventional mechanics or settings that are less familiar to players. However, these games still offer experiences as fascinating as the major classics, making them important for enriching the genre through their compelling adventures.
Although a popular setting, few isometric RPGsembrace the cyberpunk aesthetic, withGameDecbeing one of the exceptions. Here, the game takes players on a journey through 22nd-century Warsaw, where virtual reality dominates people’s lives, and the main character is a detective specialized in solving crimes within this world.
Another aspect of the game is its minimal emphasis on combat, similar toDisco Elysium, catering to players who prefer more dialogue and narrative, as well as deducing the culprits. Additionally,GameDecfeatures a more hurried second half, shifting the pace and moving away from free investigation in favor of linear sequences.
9The Temple Of Elemental Evil
One Of The Most Famous Dungeons & Dragons Adventures
Based on alegendaryDungeons & Dragonsmodule,The Temple of Elemental Evilfaithfully recreates the rules of the 3.5 edition, offering intense tactical combat. The group of characters starts their journey in a quiet village but soon discovers a growing threat. Every decision, including party formation, influences rewards and conflicts throughout the campaign.
Exploring dungeons filled with traps and dangerous creatures, players encounter numerous opportunities to test their combat strategies. For those who appreciate an authentic tabletop experience, the system is precise and full of nuances. Despite requiring patience and attention to detail,The Temple of Elemental Evilrewards adventurers willing to face its tactical challenges.
Atom RPGis set in a ruined future, inspired by classicFallouttitles but situated in a Soviet post-nuclear war scenario. Players begin their adventure as an agent searching for secrets that could rebuild the remnants of civilization. Exploration is enhanced by dialogues filled with dark humor and missions that test creativity and adaptability.
Character development is detailed, allowing for different attributes and skills,ranging from melee combatto stealth or charisma. Each choice can alter the course of events, highlighting the developer’s care for player freedom. For those who admire classic RPGs and dense narratives,Atom RPGstands out for its immersion and depth.
7Colony Ship: A Post-Earth Role Playing Game
A Hardcore Sci-Fi Isometric RPG
Developed by the same people behindThe Age of Decadence, the two games share many mechanical similarities, butColony Shipchanges the setting, taking place on a giant spaceship that left Earth for Proxima Centauri. Thus, this title explores more themes of survival and the degradation of an isolated society in space.
Being more hardcore,Colony Shipis a highly overlooked isometric RPGs, and its interface and graphics might discourage players accustomed to more modern genre titles. However, the game offers a complex narrative designed for passionate Sci-Fi fans, along with great freedom to solve problems that arise during the story.
6Expeditions: Viking
A Fun Historical Fiction Isometric RPG
For players interested in a more grounded story without the presence of monsters or major fantasy elements,Expeditions: Vikingsis a perfect hidden gem among isometric RPGs. The game revolves around theViking invasions of Britannia, placing players in control of a small clan that needs to gather resources to survive.
Besides its strong storytelling, the game excels in its setting, transporting players to a journey through 790 AD Europe, where choices impact how different factions perceive the characters.Expeditions: Vikingsfeatures tactical combat similar to other games in the genre, which may seem challenging at first but becomes easier as players become familiar with the game’s rules.
5Encased
Isometric RPG For Sci-Fi Fans
Encasedtransports players to a reality shrouded in mysteries within a massive dome, where rival corporations compete for valuable technologies and resources. Inspired by works likeRoadside Picnic, the game offerstactical turn-based combatand a flexible character creation system. Each sector of the dome hides peculiar events that reward thorough exploration.
The storyline unfolds through choices that can affect relationships with different factions within the dome, ensuring multiple endings and progression paths. Beyond its post-apocalyptic atmosphere,Encasedshines in how it encourages creativity, whether in conflict resolution or resource management. A perfect find for those who enjoy exploring every detail.
4UnderRail
A Game With Strong Fallout Inspirations
Set in a dystopian future where humanitylives in underground systemsafter the surface becomes uninhabitable,Underrailcombines tactical combat elements with exploration and a progression system that makes it a unique game. The game draws significant inspiration from the earlyFallouttitles, focusing heavily on choice freedom and character building.
Due to its complexity, especially the initial difficulty and simpler aesthetics,Underrailmight deter players accustomed to more accessible titles. However, those who delve into the game’s story discover an immersive world full of content and a level of complexity not found in many modern games.
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscurais an classic old-school isometric RPG that uniquely blends fantasy and steampunk elements. Released in 2001 by the now-defunct Troika Games, the title presents a world filled with conflicts between magic and technology, inviting players to explore industrial cities, enchanted forests, and societies marked by social tensions.
In addition to its rich setting, the game offers a deep character creation system, allowing each build to focus on different schools of magic or technological devices. This freedom expands quest resolution possibilities, encouraging experimentation and promoting high replayability. It’s a treasure for fans of classic adventures.
Although it appears to be a game entirely inspired by the Roman period,The Age of Decadenceisactually a low fantasy post-apocalyptic gameonly inspired by Rome’s aesthetics, delivering an immersive and, above all, challenging experience. Due to its difficulty, the title is often overlooked isometric RPGs by some players, as the learning curve is steep.
However, the possibilities available inThe Age of Decadenceare incredible, as the game offers various paths based on choices made throughout the narrative and adapts well to each player’s gameplay style. This is because combat isn’t always the best option, and there are multiple ways to solve a problem, in addition to the character’s background influencing many game factors.
WhileBaldur’s Gate 3is the current major reference when thinking about games based onDungeons & Dragons,Solasta: Crown of The Magisteroffers a similar experience to Larian’s isometric RPG but stays truer to the rules. Whereas one adapts some mechanics to better fit video game gameplay, the other prefers to follow what is written in the book.
Additionally,Solasta: Crown of The Magisteroffers a highly customizable experience, allowing players to edit any character in the party and supporting custom campaigns. This means players can create their own stories and share them with others, making the experience even more enjoyable.
