Well, we’re here to help celebrate and shine a spotlight on some of the latest, greatest and unforgettable games through the years. For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best video games, our attention this time turns to isometric games. From colorful worlds to tactical gameplay, there’s a good choice to whet your appetite. Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favorites, feel free to comment below and we’ll get them added on!
Tunic
Tunic is one of those surprise hits from 2022. This game boasts a charming isometric gaming world full of creativity and nuance. Fans of The Legend of Zelda will adore this game’s aesthetic, especially if they had fun playing The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening remake on the Nintendo Switch. In it, players control a heroic anthropomorphic fox who must traverse an island with secrets to discover. Armed only with your curiosity, you must confront menacing creatures, gather mysterious and powerful items, and unravel the history of this location. This game’s combat is simple. You’ll eventually attain a sword and shield allowing you to fight enemies. The game includes a few power-ups you’ll acquire by progressing through Tunic’s gameplay. New areas of the world unlock with each new item or ability you attain for the fox. This title can be brutal as Dark Souls, and take a while to master. Nonetheless, if you can wait it out, you’re in for a fine treat with Tunic.
Hades
As with Tunic, Hades was another surprisingly stellar indie game that won the hearts of many gamers. This fast-paced roguelike dungeon crawler features satisfying hack-and-slash gameplay, stellar-level design, and quirky dialogue to keep you invested. Hades follows the immortal son of Hades, Zagreus who wishes to escape from the underworld. His quest won’t be an easy one, as you’ll find yourself fighting numerous lost souls who stand in your way. While the enemies you encounter won’t show you any mercy, Zagreus will wield powers capable of triumphing over his villains. Considering this game’s Greek influence, many weapons and powers Zagreus wields center around that part of ancient history. You’ll encounter many noteworthy figures like Athena, Zeus, Poseidon, and others who have powerful Boons that’ll grant you newfound abilities. With its incredible art style, addictive gameplay loop, and engaging narrative, fans can’t go wrong with purchasing Hades.
Wasteland 3
The Wasteland series is known for pioneering the post-apocalyptic genre in video games. It’s a remarkable RPG with fun turn-based combat, an immersive world, and an engaging narrative. It’s a series you’ll want to head into without watching a trailer or reading too far into it. Wasteland 3 has players follow the Arizona Desert Rangers, a group of people who wish to rebuild their civilization lost to their world’s nuclear post-apocalypse. Our rangers meet the Colorado Patriarch. He promises to give them the supplies they need to deal with their issues in exchange for their services. Unlike the past games’ settings, Wasteland 3 offers a winter-like environment for players to traverse. This game has you doing battle with foes atop a grid. You’re given Action Points to spend on movement, attack, skills, and items. While fans may be enticed to pursue X-Com-like defensive gameplay, this is a game where being offensive is key. If you’re on the hunt for an incredible tactical turn-based RPG with a great story, check out Wasteland 3.
Path Of Exile
Path of Exile is a fun free-to-play action RPG. This game boasts satisfying hack-and-slash gameplay, a delightful narrative, and a pleasing online environment. This is a title created by hardcore games for diehard gamers, as fans will find themselves immersed in its dark fantasy-themed locales. In it, players control an Exile, who must survive on the dark continent of Wraeclast. It offers a revenge-fueled plot, where players earn powers that will assist them in exacting their vengeance on those who wronged them. This game boasts visceral action combat, stellar items, and deep character customization. The character customization system in Path of Exile allows you to customize hundreds of original skill combinations. From skill trees to gems, there are a lot of options here. This is a game that treats its items like how you would treat your Pokemon. You’ll find, collect, and trade rare items to create the deadliest character combination. With fun PVP elements and deep customization elements, Path of Exile’s a title you don’t want to overlook.
Final Fantasy Tactics
Final Fantasy Tactics was a highly experimental title for Square Enix. Despite being a spin-off series, it crafts a well-written storyline and cast that’ll leave gamers impressed. With its distinct art style and tactical RPG combat, you’re in for a ride with this one. This game forces players to move their characters across a grid. When you move a unit near an enemy, you can dish out powerful attacks. After each bout, your characters will level up and become stronger. The game’s chibi art style blends with the game’s environments well. Check this one out if you’re looking to see a new take on Final Fantasy.
Fallout
Although many gamers prefer the new approach to the Fallout series, some like returning the game that kickstarted it. Despite being an older entry, this game retains a reactive world worth exploring and revisiting. Gamers can expect to start all types of mischief in Fallout from starting town wars to persuading the final boss to end his own life. This game offers immense freedom and agency. You’ll adore visiting each game’s locale and conversing with the residents who inhabit those areas. Some missions in Fallout will leave you in awe while others will make you question your actions. They’re all coated with realistic dialogue that’ll make you regret your decisions. Unfortunately, Fallout doesn’t offer the best pacing. It can feel like a slog to sit through the game’s events. Nevertheless, the original Fallout holds value to old and new gamers alike. Check it out if you’re curious about the series’s origins.
Divinity: Original Sin 2
This game harbors high critical acclaim from critics and gamers alike. It features fun tactical combat, fabulous online play, and wonderful customization options. In this game, players will create a character from one of the title’s many races. The races include flesh-eating elves, imperial lizards, or undead organisms. The way the world and its NPCs interact with you will be dependent on the race you choose. This game spawns excellent co-op play. You’ll gather a party of individuals and defeat opponents in tactical turn-based combat. Strategy is key in Divinity: Original Sin 2 and using every particle of the game’s world gives you an advantage. This game promises unlimited freedom. You can choose to kill NPCs or discuss an affair with an animal. Players can master over 200 skills, but don’t let that go to your head. The enemies have exceptionally good AI, so it’s best to tread each level carefully.
Planescape: Torment
Planetscape: Torment offers a rich storyline, challenging puzzles, and admirable tactical RPG gameplay. The game saw an enhanced re-release in early 2017 by developer Beamdog. This 1999 classic was once granted the title of RPG of the Year by multiple outlets for its unconventional storytelling, characters, and soundtrack. In it, players control a hulking individual called the Nameless One. This hails from a darkened past that it cannot recall. Your adventure begins when a floating skull called Morte awakens you. Morte tasks players to embark on a journey through the decrepit streets of Sigil and the depths of Hell itself. You’ll come across many quirky individuals on your quest. From strange succubus to animated suits of armor, Planetscape doesn’t hold back with its creativity. This game features stellar character customization options as players can gain new abilities based on the choices they make in the game. If you’re looking for a retro RPG game with an intriguing narrative, give Planetscape: Torment a shot.
Disco Elysium
This title was deemed a groundbreaking RPG upon release. It has you control a detective with a unique skill set who must traverse through a barren city. It will have you interrogating unforgettable characters and solving murder cases. You’re given two options to become this game’s hero or its worst villain.
Dragon Age: Origins
Dragon Age: Origins promises to shower players with a story-rich narrative and an astounding cast. This game wishes to make everyone’s play session feel personalized. It boasts a wealth of choices and dialogue to keep you hooked and glued to your screens. From singing karaoke to intimidating people with your words, this game wishes to make each player’s walk-through of the title feel authentic and distinct. Give this one a shot if you’re searching for another game that grants players stellar agency. Like Disco Elysium, you can choose to become this world’s best hero or its most irritating menace. Dragon Age Origins presents players with 6 origins to choose from and each will lead you to a separate prologue to tackle. This gives players a great background to work with and makes them feel attached to the world. Players will adore the roster of side characters presented here. They have fun personalities, and charming dialogue, and respond to your in-game choices wonderfully. Check out Dragon Age: Origins if you’re on the lookout for a game with depth, charm, and freedom. So, there we have it, our pick for the best isometric-themed video games through the years! What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!
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