If you loved Baldur’s Gate as much as we did, then here are 23 games you need to play
In 1998, the release of Baldur’s Gate would change the world of Dungeons and Dragons forever. PC gaming has never been the same since, with Baldur’s Gate being as synonymous with RPG games as games like doom are to first person shooters. Video games have come a long way since the late nineties, but for many of us that urge for dungeon delving and demon slaying never quite left. So here are 23 games like Baldur’s Gate. May your adventures bring great fortune!
23. Exanima
Examina Gameplay Trailer
Explore, fight, survive and unravel the mysteries of the underworld in this unforgiving 3D isometric RPG set in an original dark, low fantasy world.
Currently available for steam early release, Exanima is an Isometric RPG like no other. Of all the games on this list no game quite pushes the possibilities of immersive top down combat.
Emphasising realism, environmental interaction and tense dungeon combat, this unflinchingly dark and beautifully original indie title is not one to be missed.
Frankly, images cannot do this game enough justice so we recommend heading over to the games steam page and checking out one of the gameplay trailers for yourself.
Examina is dark, brooding and one of the most exciting releases of this year.
22: Planescape Torment
Planescape: Torment: Enhanced Edition [First 56 Minutes]
Despite its age, Planescape: Torment remains one of the best RPG games of all time. Delve into hell itself as the Nameless One, a mysterious scarred figure who has lived countless live he cannot remember.
If you can handle the aged feel and want a gripping story with well thought out gameplay mechanics that feel very exciting then you should pick up this title. Although you should be prepared to lose at least 50 hours to this stunning fantasy / sci-fi epic.
Planescape: Torment is a classic RPG, with one of the best narratives ever written for the genre.
21: Torment: Tides of Numenera
Torment: Tides of Numenera | Story Trailer
Torment: Tides of Numenera, successor to the critically acclaimed Planescape: Torment is one to check out if you haven’t already.
Featuring one of the most unique RPG environments to date, travel to the earth of the far future to unlock the mysteries of the ninth world as you uncover the mysterious god whose every death leaves behind new life.
I’m a huge fan of consequence and choices in RPG games and Torment does not fail to deliver, but still manages to deliver a fantastic combat system that combines combat, story development and puzzles into one experience that is not to be missed.
The narrative of Torment: Tides of Numenera is so gripping that we guarantee you will not be disappointed.
20: Eitr
Eitr - Gameplay Trailer
Take up the sword and board as you follow the shield maiden Eitr on her quest to restore her fate as she travels the nine realms of the Norse.
The environments of Eitr are breathtaking and wonderfully thematic and the combat system is not to be missed. You may not have heard of this indie gem before, if not then should make this one to check out soon!
Eitr is a hidden indie diamond that we highly recommend.
19: Magicka
Magicka -Once Upon a Time
The hilarious isometric RPG that needs no introduction, take control of your wizard and prepare to master the eight elements as you combine spells into any combination you can think of.
Take to the single player arena and burn, freeze and zap your way through hosts of fantasy enemies (including the world’s most annoying Yeti) or head into the still thriving multiplayer arena and test your skills against other users.
Magicka is light hearted, hilarious and well worth picking up in a sale when you get the chance. The expansion, Magicka: Vietnam is the most consistently hilarious gaming experience I have ever had, and had me in tears of laughter every step of the way.
Magicka is as hilarious as it is brutal.
18: Magicka 2
Magicka 2 - Completely Unscripted Co-Op Trailer [NA]
Magicka 2 is another excellent RPG sequel that does not fail to live up to our expectations.
Be prepared to let the spells fly as you master the elements and your environment in the battle against hordes of soon to be iced, fried and heavily toasted enemies. Magicka 2 will have you wincing in pain at times, then crying with laughter afterwards and compared its predecessor has significantly more polish.
If you can overlook the fact you can’t go to fantasy Vietnam this time around, then Magicka 2 is going to give you hours of fun. If you can though we recommend playing with a friend, as much of the games design and features don’t really shine until you have someone else there to laugh at them with.
Disclaimer: you will die a lot.
Magicka loses none of the charm that made its predecessor so great, delivering laughs and brutality in equal measure.
17: Book of Demons
Book of Demons Gameplay - Hack and Slash Nostalgia!
Bringing epic fantasy RPG combat to a world of folded paper is a lot more fun than it sounds, believe me. Book of Demons is an epic isometric hack and slash with serious replay value thanks to the procedurally generated dungeon system.
Both an excellent parody and fitting tribute to the old diablo games, Book of Demons has some incredibly well thought out features including the flexiscope system that allows you to set the length of each quest based on how long you have to play.
Even if you aren’t blown away by the stunning art design of Book of Demons, you’re bound to be gripped by the fantastic writing and brilliant fast paced gameplay.
Book of Demons an incredible work of art that pays homage to some of the classic RPG’s of our time.
16: Pillars of Eternity
Pillars of Eternity Gameplay
Made by one of my most loved developers, Obsidian Entertainment. The minds behind Fallout: New Vegas have brought us a top down RPG with endless replay value.
I love everything about pillars of eternity, featuring an engaging story with a challenging and robust combat system, the sheer amount of choice at your fingertips makes for a game that has a lot of replay value.
Pillars of eternity is very much a game that harkens back to the old school of isometric games, but does it without losing feeling aged in the slightest. If that sounds good to you then be prepared to enter the Dyrwood and discover the secrets of the awakened...
Pillars of eternity is easily one of the best isometric RPG’S in recent memory.
15: Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire Campaign Launch Trailer
Pillars of eternity 2 is the upcoming sequel to obsidian’s acclaimed masterpiece, return to the world of Eora in 2018 and reprise the role of the Watcher as he hunts down the resurrected Eothas, the god of light and rebirth.
Deadfire is set to build on the success of the previous game whilst adding a whole host of new environments to the world of Eora and polishing existing mechanics. Pillars of eternity 2 will also feature familiar companions from the previous game, and a new interesting approach to storytelling that will deeply affect the characters and quests you encounter throughout the game.
We’re incredibly excited for the release of Deadfire, and you should be as well.
14: Wasteland 2: Director's Cut
Wasteland 2: Directors Cut gameplay
In many ways, Wasteland 2 is the thematic successor to the original isometric fallout games of the past, it’s even made by the same producers of the original fallout game, but wasteland two is also an award-winning RPG in its own right.
This is a labour of love that promises to provide you with so much choice and consequence that no two players will ever experience the enormous world of Wasteland two in quite the same way. Featuring over 150 weapons, thousands of ways to customize your rangers in the post-apocalypse and an entirely unique and engaging combat design, this innovative and well-loved RPG is sure to steal countless hours of your time.
Wasteland 2 is in every way deserving of its critical acclaim.
13: Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition
Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition Gameplay (PC HD)
Just in case you weren’t aware, we had to get this on the list because if you’re an old timer looking for a Baldur’s gate experience and haven’t had a chance to replay the enhanced edition then you’re really missing out.
Just like the original, Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced edition is founded on the 2nd edition ruleset of advanced dungeons and dragons. What the remake offers are literally hundreds of tweaks, new features and improvement that breath so much new life into the game that playing through the game is a massive nostalgia trip that feels new and modern again.
Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition is far more than a reskin of an RPG legend, the developers have a whole host of new features in store.
12: Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition: Siege of Dragonspear
Baldur's Gate: Siege of Dragonspear Gameplay
If you’re looking for a game like Baldur’s gate, what better than the epic expansion to Baldur’s gate: enhanced edition? The Siege of Dragonspear adds a staggering amount of content to the rpg legend.
The expansion picks up where the story left off, shortly after the conclusion of Baldur's Gate and centres on a mysterious crusade to the north of Baldur's Gate city, led by a warrior named Caelar Argent, who is known as the Shining Lady. We won’t reveal anymore here but it’s fair to say that hordes of mobs and piles loot wait for those brave enough to join the siege of Dragonspear.
If you want a new Baldur’s Gate experience, then the Siege of Dragonspear is exactly what you’re looking for.
11: Dragon Age: Origins
Let's Play: Dragon Age Origins - Part 1
Though the sequels may have received a fair amount of criticism from hardcore fans, Dragon Age: Origins remains easily one of the best isometric RPG’S of all time. Hailing from the earlier days of Biowares portfolio, if you haven’t played this classic yet then be prepared for an incredible heart wrenching adventure where your every action will have consequences on future of the world. With a host of expansions and endless replay value thanks to the sheer variety of starting options, this game is a clear narrative masterpiece from start to finish.
Ultimately though if you’re a fan of Baldur’s Gate you really should play this game. I guarantee that no matter how many darkspawn fall to your blade it will likely take a long time before you’re tired of the adventures of the newest initiate to the grey-wardens.
Wonderful writing meets incredible game design in one of Bioware’s best titles to date.
10: Lost Ark
LOST ARK 38 Minutes of EPIC Gameplay
Lost Ark is an MMO that lives and dies by its intense fast paced combat system. Combining an exciting narrative with epic MMO combat and immersive exploration features, Lost Ark is an excellent MMO that is sure to take the genre by storm.
The game features an excellent open world environment that is incredible fun to explore, but instead of just hopping aboard your latest mount you will take to the seas in your very own ship as you hunt for treasure. There is even the opportunity to discover unique islands that remain unknown to other players. You can even claim an island for your own and use it as your home base.
On the other hand, if you get bored of raids, dungeon exploration and cannot carry anymore loot you can always head over to the colosseum for team and 1v1 PvP combat.
Explore a gorgeous MMO universe in Lost Ark.
9: Icewind Dale: Enhanced Edition
Let's Play Icewind Dale Enhanced Edition
Originally released in 2000, Icewind Dale is a revamp of the classic Dungeons & Dragons game set in Wizards of The Coast's legendary Forgotten Realms. Featuring new multiplayer features and painstakingly detailed environments that bring to life one the most loved realms of dungeons and dragons.
Highly recommended for fans of the old school.
Icewind Dale is another excellent video game adaption of the Dungeons & Dragons universe.
8: Icewind Dale 2
Let's Play Icewind Dale Enhanced Edition
Unlike its predecessor, Icewind Dale 2 will probably not have an enhanced edition, but that doesn’t take away from the great roleplaying experience that the sequel provides. Icewind Dale 2 has a lot of similarities to the original, so if you like the enhanced edition of the original chances are you will love this game as well.
However, Icewind Dale 2 does have the advantage of being built on the more in depth and detailed ruleset of dungeons and dragons third edition, which translates incredibly well into the game, giving it a whole host of new features that we think you’ll love If you’re looking for something like Baldur’s Gate.
Icewind Dale 2 brings the Forgotten Realms back to life once again.
7: The Bard's Tale
The Bard's Tale - Gameplay
Bards tale is a tongue in cheek, almost parody of the RPG genre that has only gotten funnier and more relevant with age. Are you tired of pointless side-quest, useless villagers and self-righteous paladins? Then you will likely find a soul mate in the Bard.
With a reboot in the works thanks to a recent Kickstarter by the developer, now is the perfect time to check out this fantastically written, beautifully designed RPG classic.
Save the world, or coin and cleavage?
6: Lineage Eternal
Lineage Eternal – Gameplay
Lineage Eternal is the third entry in NCsoft’s MMO series. The new next generation MMORPG is set in the same fantasy setting of the previous two lineage games, but this time Lineage is ready to take combat to a whole new level. Lineage Eternal features huge siege battles on a scale that haven’t been seen before.
Promising to deliver the same intense Asian medieval fantasy combat that Lineage has always been known for, if you’re a fan of MMO gameplay then Lineage Eternal is not one to miss.
Seamless RPG combat on a grand scale.
5: Divinity Original Sin
Divinity Original Sin Gameplay
Divinity Original Sin is one of the most critically acclaimed isometric RPG’s of all time, and for very good reason. Overlooking the gripping story, unbelievably fun combat system, stunning graphics and polished dungeon design, what really makes Divinity stand out is the way you can interact with the environment around you.
Is your opponent standing in a pool of water? Cast a fireball and turn that puddle into a cloud of blinding steam while your rogue sneaks in for the kill. Need to solve a murder, but the only witness is a dog, or maybe even a cat? Then learn to talk to animals and you’ll find that killer in no time. I cannot stress enough just how much fun I have had playing Divinity: Original Sin, so if you haven’t had the chance yet then check it out on steam now.
Divinity Original Sin is an instant, beautifully made classic.
4: Divinity Original Sin 2
Divinity Original Sin 2 Gameplay
The sequel to divinity only manages to improve on the first, bringing us one of the best-looking RPG’s ever made.
Choose your origin, free yourself from a magical prison and return to the world of Divinity: Original Sin for another epic, environmentally deadly adventure. Loosing none of what made the last game such a well-loved masterpiece, the sequel instead builds on the success of the previous instalment, adding polish, new features and further updating the already spectacular graphics.
It’s not often that a sequel manages to outshine the original, but Divinity Original Sin 2 manages to improve upon one of the most well-loved RPG games of our decade.
3: Bless Online
Bless Online Gameplay First Look
Published by Neowiz Games, Bless online is an action MMORPG set amidst a war of two factions. Bless online features 10 classes to play amongst 8 different races. The environments of Bless online are beautiful medieval landscapes that make the perfect complement to the tense politically driven story of the game.
Like many modern MMORPG’s Bless offers two pvp experiences, on the one hand you have small player duels that are fast and exciting tests of skill, but those pale in comparison to the huge battles that players can fight with one another that require immense co-ordination and teamwork to win.
If you’re looking for a narrative driven game like Baldur’s gate, but are also looking for a game to play with others then Bless Online is a game you need to check out.
Bless online is another excellent Asian MMO to look out for.
2: Neverwinter (2013 mmorpg)
Neverwinter (PC) First Impressions
Neverwinter is an awesome free to play experience for any fans of dungeons and dragons. Like Baldur’s Gate, Neverwinter brings the classic fantasy world to life with fun and awesomely imagined environments to complement the sandbox style MMO game design.
One of the best parts of Neverwinter is that if you run out of official content to run through with your guild mates, the player-generated foundry missions are of such high quality that they often outshine the official content.
Of course, if you’re a natural modder yourself then Neverwinter should be an unmissable opportunity for you to let your design skills shine.
Neverwinter brings the D&D universe into the world of MMORPG Gameplay
1: Tyranny
Tyranny Gameplay Lets Play
Tyranny in an Isometric RPG with a story like no other, that’s because you’re not the hero of this story. Not even close. The heroes are all dead, long defeated by an overlord of such might that he may as well be a walking nuclear weapon, you are a servant of Kyros and it’s up to you to finish the final conquest of the overlord’s empire.
Tyranny is at the top of this list for many reasons, the impressive creative design, fantastic lore, satisfying combat and incredible narrative are things we have come to expect from everything that Obsidian do. The developers behind Pillars of Eternity do not fail to deliver once again with Tyranny, I guarantee if you’re a fan of isometric RPG’s then you will be hooked from the get go.
Personally, I cannot get enough of this game and have lost countless hours trying to find every possible ending. What really makes Tyranny shine is the fact it doesn’t treat you like an idiot, the story is filled with nuance and more than once asks you to question your own moral philosophy amid the chaos of war.
Tyranny is a masterpiece of deep and engaging storytelling that meets seamless and satisfying gameplay design.
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