Double-A (AA) RPGs have been around just as long as their Triple-A (AAA) counterparts, and hold a unique place in gaming. These are the games that could have been more. Whether through budgetary or time constraints, or a lack of manpower within their small team, these RPGs usually leave the player wanting just a little more.
This doesn’t mean that AA RPGs should be discarded as permanent “What ifs?” however. The less amount of pressure on crafting an instant classic with amazing graphics that sells millions of copies gives the developer that opportunity to experiment and trulycreate a unique experience. Some have done this in ways more memorable than a lot of AAA RPGs.
1ELEX (Piranha Bytes)
Incorporating medieval fantasy, sci-fi technology and magic into a post-apocalyptic world was truly an ambitious decision by Piranha Bytes with 2017sELEX. Following in the same vein as their earlier series Gothic and Risen,ELEXis equally challenging, with a combat system involving less than excellent hitboxes, to one that truly is satisfying once the protagonist, Jax, has leveled up and acquired new equipment and magic abilities.
With an excellent story about an enigmatic group known as the Albs set on consuming all the precious ELEX in the world, Jax and the other factions must band together to stop this world-ending threat. The story and world were so interesting a sequel was released in 2022.
2Kingdom Come: Deliverance (Warhorse Studios)
A historical epic in video game form sums up theexcellent storytelling and attention to historical accuracythat is inKingdom Come: Deliverance. Set in early 15th century Bohemia (modern day Czech Republic) the story follows a son of a blacksmith, Henry, a survivor of his village massacre, who joins the resistance against the Hungarian King who ordered the invasion.
With an excellent and unique combat mechanics that focus on precise hits to weak spots over standard swing until the enemy dies style from other RPGs.Kingdom Come: Deliveranceis a truly unique experience in a medieval setting without the fantasy element within. A perfect game for all the history buffs out there.
3Greedfall (Spiders)
Taking a period of history, in this case, colonialism of the early 18th century, and adding a mythical and magical twist,Greedfallcreates in interesting setting and premise. Choosing whether to help the natives of a newly discovered island of magic and monsters, or the colonial forces creates interesting moral dilemmas with multiple ending outcomes allowing for repeat playthroughs.
The gameplay in Greedfall revolves around dialogue choices, with multiple ways to complete certain quests. The combat inGreedfallitself is rather inoffensive, nothing too amazing or horrible. It is fun and satisfying battling the unique monsters spread throughout the island of Teer Fradee and discovering secret loot and locations alongside acast of colorful companions.
4Divinity 2 Ego Draconis/The Dragon Knight Saga (Larian Studios)
Not to be confused withDivinity: Original Sin 2,Divinity 2 Ego Draconis(or The Dragon Knight Saga re-release) was Larian Studios first, and last, third person RPG. This 2009 experiment led to a very entertaining and unique world filled with expertly written humorous dialogue, to a fun action focused combat system, to being able to play as an actual dragon.
Divinity 2was an ambitious RPG with many interesting abilities and ways to play. The quest design and storyline are both done rather well, with many unique areas to explore for more loot and to encounter more interesting and funny characters.
5Shadowrun Returns (Harebrained Schemes)
The first turn-based RPG of this list is the beautifully aesthetic nature ofShadowrun Returns. Combining cyberpunk with fantasy,Shadowrun Returnstakes place in a world of advanced cyber technology among fantasy races such as elves, dwarves, trolls and orks.
This combination of fantasy and sci-fi creates a unique experience exploring the world, meeting new and interesting characters andunraveling the mystery of the story’s plot. The players old friend has been murdered. Who done it? Why? That’s the player’s goal, with a cheeky 100,000 nuyen (games currency) reward adding a nice additional level of motivation to the player.
6Titan Quest (Iron Lore Entertainment)
A vibrant landscape set in the ancient world,Titan Questbrings excellent isometric gameplay and exploration opportunities through the lens of Greek mythology. With enjoyable combat and a good progression system on top of that that allows for many different ways to play, it’s no surprise thatTitan Questhas such longevity in its genre of RPGs.
Battling great Greek myths, such as the Gorgons and the Minotaur, there are elements in the game for every player, including history buffs. This great attention to detail and loyalty to the ancient Greek mythology setting creates a truly excellent experience for players.
7Two Worlds II (Reality Pump Studios)
Gandalf, Harry Potter and Merlin would envy the magical prowess of the player character inTwo Worlds II. With an intriguing story, passable melee combat, Two Worlds II’s greatest achievementis its magic systemso prioritizing a full magic build is the way to go.
Never before has a game had such an extensive magic system that allows for the creation of some of the most explosive and unique spells in gaming. Want to make it rain rocks? Summon an army of skeletons? Or perhaps crafting a stone stair lift to reach the top of a mountain is the players forte?Two Worlds IIallows all this and much, much more in its incredible spell crafting system.
8The Witcher 1 (CD Projekt Red)
The introduction to one of the now most iconic characters in video games.The Witcherputs the player in the shoes of Geralt of Rivia for the first time in this compelling storyrife with intrigue and interesting characters.If the player can look past some janky gameplay and below-par character models, there is truly an excellent game hidden away in the writing here.
With a good amount of decisions that have major repercussions later in the game, and a cast of unique and interesting characters, with plenty of humorous moments along the way,The Witcherset the benchmark for where the series would eventually go in this humble beginning to the epic tale.
9Wasteland 3 (inXile entertainment)
FalloutbeforeFalloutwas even a thing, the Wasteland series has kept the isometric gameplay while Fallout moved to first and third person RPG.Wasteland 3is the latest and greatest of the series. Set in the post-apocalyptic wasteland of Colorado, the Arizona Rangers arrive to assist the ‘Patriarch’ in stabilizing the region.
Featuring a fully customizable team and turn based squad gameplay with a plethora of choices with branching outcomes,Wasteland 3brings players to Colorado to determine the fate of the land, as well as the home of the player character and their faction. Highlights of the game are its excellently written characters, such as the Patriarch, Santa Claus and AI Ronald Reagan.
10Pillars of Eternity (Obsidian Entertainment)
What’s it like being born with no soul?Pillars of Eternityanswers this and it’s absolutely horrifying. Solve this problem and bring peace to thousands born with the affliction in this incredibly deep and immersive RPG. With unparalleled writing and a living, breathing world of wonders and horrors to explore, it’s no surprisePillars of Eternitymade this list. Truly one of the greatest AA RPGs ever made.
With its inceptionbirthed from Kickstarter, the fact Pillars of Eternity is as good as it is a testament to the hard work of all involved in its creation.
