Almost all games nowadays have RPG elements, even sports games are being tacked on with this. But this list is for pure RPG games, read on we hand-pick our favorite games from our favorite genre on the PS5: Role Playing Games.
1. Disco Elysium – The Final Cut
Stop reading this, and just buy Disco Elysium. This unique and captivating RPG is set in a gritty, noir-inspired world and is one of the purest RPG experiences you will ever play since Planescape: Torment. The game’s story is its strongest point, as it is rich and complex, featuring a variety of characters with their own unique stories and motivations. The writing is top-notch, and the dialogue is both witty and thought-provoking.
The game’s mechanics are also well-executed, with a focus on character development and decision-making. Players can choose to develop their character in a variety of ways, from increasing their skills and abilities to unlocking new dialogue options and branching paths in the story. The choices you make throughout the game have real consequences, and it’s always exciting to see how your actions impact the world and the people around you.
Another great aspect of the game is its art style and atmosphere. The game’s environments are detailed and atmospheric, and the character designs are unique and memorable. The soundtrack is also noteworthy, adding to the game’s overall noir atmosphere.
Disco Elysium’s RPG elements are integrated seamlessly into the story and world-building, making for an immersive and engaging experience. The game does not have the traditional combat or looting of other wannabe RPGs, the focus on character development and decision-making is its greatest strength when all of the RPGs even those that are included in this list, choose to neglect such.
2. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
Final Fantasy VII Remake is a complete reimagining of the classic RPG game, with changes to both the core gameplay and story. This remake features updated graphics, game mechanics, and an expanded story that delves deeper into the characters, all while taking place on a small portion of the original game’s world. The visuals are stunning, easily making it one of the best-looking games on the PlayStation 5, with detailed character models and environments that bring the world of Final Fantasy VII to life in a way that was not possible before.
The Yuffie DLC for Final Fantasy VII Remake is a great addition to the game that delves deeper into the world of the game and its characters. The DLC features Yuffie, a new playable character who possesses unique abilities and weapons. The story is interesting and provides a new perspective on the events of the main game, and Yuffie is a great character to play as, with her agility and shuriken-throwing abilities making for some exciting and dynamic battles.
One downside is that the game is only a portion of the original story, with the rest to be released in multiple parts.
3. Elden Ring
The open world in Elden Ring is vast and beautiful. Though the graphics may not be top-of-the-line, the artistic design of the game more than makes up for it. The attention to detail in the various locations throughout the game is truly impressive and makes for an incredibly compelling exploration experience. The use of a spectral steed, named Torrent, adds an enjoyable and smooth aspect to traversing the open world. Its controls are surprisingly fluid and responsive, making it easy to get to any desired location.
Additionally, there are various “Sites of Grace” and “Stakes of Marika” scattered throughout the map, serving as both checkpoints and sources of healing.
One unique aspect of Elden Ring is the lack of guidance in the game, which creates unique and unpredictable journeys for players. This lack of hand-holding allows for a sense of exploration and discovery that is not found in many other games. The challenge, even if it may seem absurd at times, adds to the overall enjoyment of the game.
The mystery surrounding the world of Elden Ring makes every discovery feel that much more rewarding. The ability to find new things on subsequent playthroughs is a rare and welcomed feature in the gaming industry.
4. Persona 5 Royal
Persona 5 is a role-playing that game features a unique blend of turn-based combat, social simulation, and dungeon crawling. Players take on the role of a high school student who gains the ability to enter the hearts of others and change them for the better. This is the RPG for all the weebs out there, and may not be the best fit for CRPG lovers.
The game’s visuals are absolutely stunning, with vibrant colors and smooth animations that bring the world of Persona 5 to life. The characters are also well-designed and likable, each with their own unique personality and backstory. The game’s soundtrack is also top-notch, with catchy and memorable tracks that perfectly complement the game’s mood and atmosphere.
5. Diablo II Resurrected
Diablo II: Resurrected is a remastered version of the classic action RPG game, and it is a perfect example of how a game can be modernized without losing its original charm. You can also go back to the graphical fidelity of the early 2000s if you want, and when you have sworn that the remade is just the same visual quality as it was first released, look again.
Diablo II has been visually updated to take full advantage of the PlayStation 5’s hardware and any other modern hardware past Pentium II, with high-resolution textures, improved character models, and lighting effects that make the game look more visually striking than ever before.
The gameplay in Diablo II: Resurrected is as smooth and satisfying as it was back in the day, with fast-paced combat that requires quick reflexes and strategic thinking. The game’s skill trees have been reworked to be more intuitive and easier to navigate, making it easier for new players to jump into the game. The game also includes new features such as cross-progression and cross-play, which allows players to continue their progress across multiple platforms and play with friends regardless of the platform they are using.
6. Tactics Ogre: Reborn
We have another seminal, foundational, RPG game that is updated for the modern hardware: Tactics Ogre: Reborn.
Tactics Ogre: Reborn is a must-play for fans of tactical RPG games. The game offers a deep and engaging story where players’ choices truly shape the outcome. Players take on the role of Denam, leading his army into the battlefield of intrigue and morally gray decisions.
The biggest change is how classes are customized, this time, there are limits in quantity to equippable skills, spells, and items. This remake is now per-unit in terms of leveling, and learned skills from particular classes do not carry over to other classes. This makes the early classes being useful at all times.
The game also features multiple paths and endings, full voice acting, and plenty of endgame content to keep players engaged for hours. The updated graphics and added features such as unit-by-unit leveling system, world and chariot tarots, and improved playability make this the ultimate edition of an already classic game.
7. Demon’s Souls
Demon’s Souls is a critically acclaimed action RPG that was released on the PlayStation 3 in 2009. It’s known for its challenging and unforgiving gameplay, deep combat mechanics, and its innovative online features. The game’s difficulty level, along with its non-linear level design and risk-reward mechanics, has made it a cult classic and a benchmark for other games in the genre. Its legacy can be seen in other games like the Dark Souls series, Bloodborne, and even the recent game Elden Ring. The game was later remastered for the PlayStation 5, further cementing its place in gaming history.
8. Tales of Arise
If you want a more involved RPG combat compared to Persona 5 Royal this game should suit your needs. Tales of Arise is a Japanese role-playing game that is part of the long-running Tales series. The game features a new story and characters, as well as updated combat and graphics. The game takes place in a world where two neighboring kingdoms, Dahna and Rena, have long been at war. The player takes on the role of Shionne, a member of Dahna’s ruling class who discovers the truth about her kingdom’s actions and joins forces with a Rena prince, Alphen, to bring about peace.
The game’s combat system is fast-paced and action-oriented, with players able to switch between characters and use special abilities and combos to defeat enemies. The game also features a skill tree and equipment system to allow players to customize their characters and playstyle.
9. Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker
Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker is the latest expansion to the popular MMORPG, Final Fantasy XIV. The game has come a long way since its initial launch, and the Endwalker expansion builds upon the already solid foundation of the game. The main focus of the expansion is the story, which is well-written and engaging, drawing players further into the world of Eorzea.
The new jobs Sage and Reaper are a welcome addition, offering players new ways to experience the game. These jobs have been well-designed and offer unique playstyles that are both fun and challenging. Additionally, the changes made to the existing jobs have been well-received by players, making them even more enjoyable to play.
10. Genshin Impact
Do you want The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on your PS5? Here it is. Kidding aside, Genshin Impact’s fast-paced action combat system is a standout feature on the PS5, as the game’s high frame rate and improved load times make for a more responsive and fluid gameplay experience. The game’s stunning landscapes and visuals also benefit from the PS5’s ray tracing capabilities, giving players a more realistic and immersive gaming experience.
Furthermore, players can also enjoy the game’s cross-save feature, which allows players to continue their progress on their PS5 console, even if they started playing on another platform. This is a great feature for players who have already invested time and money into Genshin Impact on other platforms, and don’t want to start over again on the PS5.
11. Mass Effect Legendary Edition
Mass Effect Legendary Edition is a great remaster of the original trilogy. Aside from the impressive job of modernizing the game for the 4K era, the much-needed tweaks to the Mass Effect 1’s game’s controls are more than welcome.
Mass Effect is one of the greatest RPGs of all time. It also helps that it is sci-fi as having the European Middle Ages as a backdrop in RPGs is getting old.
12. Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a departure from the series’ usual beat ’em up gameplay, instead opting for a turn-based RPG experience. This change may be jarring for some fans of the series, but it manages to bring a fresh and unique twist to the Yakuza universe. The story follows Ichiban Kasuga, a low-level yakuza member, as he navigates the criminal underworld of Yokohama while also leveling up his party and upgrading their abilities.
13. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is a thrilling and engaging entry into the long-running series, offering players a new perspective on the Assassin’s Creed universe by taking the action to Norse-occupied England during the Viking Age.
You might be wondering, how the hell is an Assassin’s Creed in an RPG list? Well, one of the most striking things about Valhalla is its new RPG-inspired gameplay, which sets it apart from the series’ roots in action adventure and stealth.
14. ELEX II
Want a more action-oriented sci-fi RPG? Mass Effect is too slow for you? Then Elex II is a perfect choice.
In Elex 2, players will find themselves in the role of Jax once again, as he navigates a new threat to the world of Magalan. The game introduces a new faction, the Morkon, who reside in a cave fortress and are known for their destructive ways. Along with the Morkons, players can also align themselves with other factions such as the Berserkers, Outlaws, Clerics, and Albs.
One of the standout features of Elex 2 is the inclusion of a new morale system, which adds an interesting layer of depth to the gameplay. The system is built around the values of destruction and creation, and players will need to navigate these values in order to achieve their goals. Additionally, the jetpack from the first game has been expanded upon, allowing for greater exploration and new possibilities.
15. Steel Rising
Steel Rising is a solid entry in the Masocore genre, though it doesn’t quite reach the level of quality and quantity of a AAA game. As a AA Soulslike game, it excels in its unique setting of Paris during the French Revolution and its cool take on “clockpunk” automaton designs, baroque architecture, and ridiculous wigs. The fact that someone was able to create a Soulslike game in such an unusual setting is reason enough to give it a try, especially if you’re a Masocore-ist.
