Summary
Isometric RPGs are known for theirstrong connection to medieval fantasy, often inspired by tabletop RPG settings. Titles likeBaldur’s Gate 3demonstrate the richness of stories and exploration in detailed worlds, where choices directly impact the unfolding of the narrative and player immersion, potentially leading the story to a completely different place based on some decisions made.
Although medieval fantasy is predominant, there are also options set in distinct settings to reach another group of players. For example, the best sci-fi isometric RPGs are those that explore futuristic societies, technological issues, and ethical dilemmas. These approaches diversify the genre and offer immersive and unique experiences for fans seeking something beyond the epic medieval.
For players seeking an experience similar toDisco Elysium,Gamedecis set in a futuristic Warsaw, where virtual reality dominates daily life, creating a rich and innovative cyberpunk setting. The player assumes the role of a detective specialized in solving digital crimes, offering a unique approach for lovers of mature and reflective narratives.
Focusing onmoral choices and complex dialogues,Gamedecexplores issues like ethics and identity, providing intellectual experiences. These features place it among the best science fiction games and appeal to those seeking narrative freedom. Without relying on traditional combat, it allows multiple ways to solve cases and explore its immersive cyberpunk world.
Heavily inspired byFallout,Atom RPGis an isometric game that transports players to a USSR devastated by a nuclear apocalypse. The adventure explores a setting filled with references to Soviet society, offering a unique view of this post-apocalyptic scenario. It’s an ideal experience for those who want to seeFallout-style themes adapted to a context outside the United States.
Atom RPGoffers great freedom for players to customize characters in this setting, encouraging creativity both in makingdifferent builds for turn-based combatand surviving in this new Soviet society, as well as solving various missions. The game also places significant weight on choices made during the story, as some can lead to various consequences.
UnderRailtransports players to a distant future, where Earth’s surface has become uninhabitable, forcing humanity to live in avast system of underground metros. This premise creates an immersive world, full of mysteries and challenges, perfect for those seeking a best sci-fi isometric RPG with strong influences from classics likeFallout.
The turn-based tactical combat system is one ofUnderRail’s main highlights, allowing complete character customization and offering strategic challenges. Exploring over 450 areas, interacting with factions, and a robust crafting system make the experience deep and rewarding, pleasing fans of the genre.
7Encased
Another Great Isometric RPG With Retrofuturistic Setting
Encasedis an isometric sci-fi RPG inspired byFallout, one of the biggest references in the genre. However, it stands out by presenting an alternative version of the 1970s in a dystopian setting with dark humor. This environment captivates fans who appreciate intriguing mysteries and dense atmospheres, creating a unique and engaging experience.
In addition to the setting,Encasedalso shares gameplay similarities with earlyFalloutgames, including turn-based combat. However, its greatest strength lies in its well-crafted narrative, developing mysteries and stories throughout the game. The plot maintains a carefully balanced pace, immersing players in a deep journey rich in details, ideal for those who value impactful stories and interesting characters.
In a classic science fiction story,Torment: Tides of Numenerais an isometric RPG set on Earth, but a billion years in the future, where various civilizations have risen and fallen, leaving behind numerous technological artifacts. Thus, society lives in a technology level similar to the Middle Ages.
Overall,Torment: Tides of Numenerafollows the inspirations fromPlanescape: Torment, offering players aphilosophical story with a strong focus on dialogue, where it is even possible to completely avoid combat against enemies. The sci-fi setting of the game is one of its main strengths, fitting well with the tone of the narrative.
5Colony Ship
Hardcore Isometric RPG For Sci-Fi Fans
Colony Shipexplores space travel themes, with the protagonist and other NPCs being sent to colonize Proxima Centauri. However, due to the time it takes to reach the destination, the passengers of this journey will likely live and die aboard the ship. Thus, players are confronted with this reality, where inhabitants seek only to survive, no matter the cost.
The game, heavilybased on a sci-fi setting, is an extremely challenging isometric RPG, especially for new players, as it introduces several truly difficult choices and punishing combat. This hardcore gameplay competently emulates the challenges of trying to survive in this hostile environment, where trust is impossible.
What makes theShadowrunsetting so special is the return of magic to humanity, awakening dormant genes that transform people into typical medieval fantasy races, such as elves, dwarves, and trolls. InShadowrun: Dragonfall, one of thebest sci-fi isometric RPGs, players need to adapt to a society that blends magic and high technology.
The franchise brilliantly uses these new races to address issues like discrimination and social inequalities. These themes combine with many other classic cyberpunk elements, such as the dominance of megacorporations, while players face a conspiracy aiming to resurrect a powerful dragon. A unique and must-play experience for genre fans.
After working on games focused on adaptingPathfinderto video games, Owlcat invested in creating another isometric RPG based on the popularWarhammer 40kfranchise, taking players on a journey in the Koronus Expanse. As the Lord Captain, players need to explore this region full of dangers and simultaneously opportunities to prosper.
The game does a very competent job translating franchise elements to the first CRPG ofWarhammer, something that took a long time to happen, given the series' popularity.Rogue Traderalso features an exotic team of companions and incredible settings, mixing fantasy elements with the sci-fi setting, creating an epic adventure in this isometric RPG.
In the depths of a world devastated by nuclear war, the struggle for survival takes unpredictable forms.Wasteland 3is one of the most notable and one of the best modern sci-fi isometric RPGs, offering aninteractive post-apocalyptic narrative. The game takes players to a frozen Colorado, filled with retrofuturistic technology, advanced AI, and genetic experiments that highlight its science fiction essence.
Inspired by classic works likeMad MaxandFallout,Wasteland 3combines sci-fi themes with deep moral decisions and social dilemmas. The cold and desolate setting emphasizes technological advancements mixed with the collapse of human society, highlighting everything from decaying robots to the resurgence of old-world doctrines for survival in a chaos-transformed world.
Fallout 2is undoubtedly one of the best science fiction games ever produced, transcending even the limits of isometric RPGs. In this title, developers skillfully blend elements like futuristic themes, speculative technology, and a post-apocalyptic narrative, resulting in an engaging story set in a retrofuturistic scenario that captivates and challenges players equally.
The game also delves into deep societal issues, often using irony and parody to highlight that humanity is primarily responsible for its own destruction. While exploring a desolate land and dealing with conflicting factions, players face challenges like robots and the constant struggle for survival in the aftermath of this catastrophe.
