On this site’s former life, a long, long, loooong time ago, I ran a “deserted island” series that featured lists of games that I’d want to have if I were to get stuck on an abandoned isle with any given console of the time. Since that series ended with the Xbox 360/PS3, I’ve since considered adding new consoles or reviewing/revising the series as a whole. While that notion continues to percolate, I thought I’d try to give a similar treatment to games by genre utilizing our newer “Top 5” format. And since I’ve been headlong into RPGs of late, there seemed to be no better genre with which to start. As I ponder this gargantuan task, my mind, of course, roils with thoughts of RPGS I’ve played in decades past and those that capture my attention now. How in the world am I ever going to narrow things down to a mere five games? This list (in no particular order) should be interesting…

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Mass Effect 2

There’s good reason why Mass Effect 2 is universally accepted as not only the best Mass Effect game but one of the best RPGs of all time. Everything about it, from the combat to the story, was drastically improved from the first game. Add in a cache of the most memorable companions ever, complete with extremely well-written and thoughtful quests of their own, and you’ve got yourself an RPG that no galaxy can contain.

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Fable II

I cannot list my “favorite” RPGs without crediting the game that start it all for me: Fable. Alas, I lover the original but if I were to play only one for the rest of my life, it’d definitely be Fable II. It’s simple, sincere absurdity is what captures my heart the most, not to mention it contains the best companion of all-time (sorry Garrus), the Hero of Albion’s faithful dog. With as many times as I’ve played Fable II, there are still so many things in it I’ve not completed. Since I’d have all the time in the world on my island, perhaps I’d finally open all the Demon Doors!

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Dragon Age: Origins

Top-notch writing and immersion are the two main things that help Dragon Age: Origins make my list. It’s not easy to write great companion banter, but somehow, BioWare knocked that task out of the park in DA:O. If I could put on loop the constant back-and-forth between Alastair and Morrigan, I would. But I digress… Not everything about DA:O has stood the test of time, but its story of a Grey Warden in the making and their quest to save the world remains its best and most lasting feature.

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Fallout: New Vegas

Fallout: New Vegas contains loads of excellent moments in and among the plight of the game’s protagonist to determine the fate of the Mojave Wasteland. My favorite will always be the first time New Vegas itself comes into view. (Followed second by visions of a dinosaur on the approach to Novac – if you know, you know.) There’s nothing quite like seeing its indulgent and electric skyline flash brightly with life against the savage and ravaged desert. It’s as amazing as it is stomach-churning. Obsidian matched its stellar choice in setting with an imaginative and excellent story, besides.

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Persona 5 (Royal)

There aren’t many games that feel infinitely replayable; Persona 5 is an exception. Now, I’ll admit to adding it, specifically the Royal version, for one very specific reason – I didn’t actually get the “royal” ending when I played Persona 5 Royal. With time and knowledge on my side on my island, maybe I finally will! But seriously, Persona 5 offers solid and engaging gameplay, excellent storytelling, and innumerable paths to explore. With so many new discoveries to make, this game would keep me busy for a very long time.

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What are some of your all-time favorite RPGs?

Lede image © Obsidian Entertainment.