Fantasy video games have long offered an immersive escape into extraordinary worlds filled with magic, myths, and adventure. Let’s examine 12 of the most engrossing fantasy games, each providing a unique journey into the fantastical.
The Witcher Series
- Release Date & Studio: The Witcher series from CD Projekt began in 2007.
- Summary: In this series, players assume the role of Geralt of Rivia, a ‘Witcher’ with supernatural abilities who hunts monsters. Set in a rich world drawing from Slavic folklore, the games are known for complex storytelling, nuanced characters, and morally ambiguous choices.
- Why Play: The Witcher provides excellence in narrative, detailed worldbuilding, and engaging gameplay. It challenges players with morally gray decisions.
- Fantasy Aspects: The series intricately blends magic, monsters, and human drama in a world where folklore and reality intertwine.
Elder Scrolls Series
- Release Date & Studio: Bethesda Game Studios launched this iconic series in 1994.
- Summary: The Elder Scrolls series is celebrated for its expansive open world and rich lore. Players explore vast landscapes, take on diverse quests, and shape their path through choices. From battling dragons to uncovering ancient secrets, it offers an unmatched fantasy experience.
- Why Play: Its freedom of choice, detailed worldbuilding, and immersive storytelling cement it as a cornerstone of fantasy. Players can live another life as anyone from a warrior to a thief.
- Fantasy Aspects: The series utilizes high fantasy elements like magic, dragons, and an overarching prophecy threading each game.
Dark Souls Series
- Release Date & Studio: FromSoftware released the first Dark Souls game in 2011.
- Summary: Dark Souls is known for challenging gameplay and an intricately designed world. Set in a dark, gothic universe, it tests players with unrelenting difficulty and complex lore. Every area overflows with danger and history.
- Why Play: This series is ideal for those seeking a demanding experience that rewards patience, mastery, and mechanical understanding. Its cryptic lore invites exploration and interpretation.
- Fantasy Aspects: Dark Souls blends dark fantasy and horror, with environments filled with undead creatures, ominous castles, and pervasive mystery.
Dragon Age Series
- Release Date & Studio: BioWare introduced this series in 2009.
- Summary: Dragon Age combines immersive storytelling and nuanced characters in a lush high fantasy setting. The series takes players on an epic quest through a world brimming with magic, political intrigue, and ancient lore.
- Why Play: For its branching story where choices dramatically impact the world and characters. It is known for memorable characters and emotional investment.
- Fantasy Aspects: The Dragon Age world contains dragons, mages, and fantasy races, all coexisting in a land where history and lore are crucial.
Final Fantasy Series
- Release Date & Studio: Square Enix launched this iconic series in 1987.
- Summary: Each Final Fantasy installment features a new setting and characters, emphasizing storytelling, character growth, and innovative gameplay. From epic battles to emotional narratives, the series offers something for every gamer.
- Why Play: It is renowned for cinematic storytelling, memorable characters, and pioneering gameplay mechanics, continually evolving with each new title.
- Fantasy Aspects: A unique blend of sci-fi and fantasy, the series boasts diverse elements like magic, summons, and intricate worlds, each with distinct flair.
The Legend of Zelda
- Release Date & Studio: Nintendo debuted this iconic series in 1986.
- Summary: Centered on Link’s quest to rescue Princess Zelda and defeat Ganon, The Legend of Zelda pioneered the fantasy genre with its emphasis on exploration, puzzles, and innovative gameplay. Each installment provides a unique Hyrule adventure.
- Why Play: It exemplifies superb game design, integrating puzzles, exploration, and action in an exquisitely crafted world. The series constantly reinvents itself, making each game feel fresh.
- Fantasy Aspects: From mystical artifacts to mythical creatures, the series embodies classic fantasy, portraying an ageless battle between good and evil.
Divinity Series
- Release Date & Studio: Larian Studios’ Divinity series began in 2002, known for deep roleplaying.
- Summary: This series is acclaimed for its interactive world and complex storytelling. Each title provides a unique experience, from exploring a vibrant, magical world to engaging in strategic, turn-based combat.
- Why Play: It’s a must for fans of traditional RPGs, blending robust storytelling, deep mechanics, and freedom to explore a dynamic world.
- Fantasy Aspects: Set in a land where magic is real, it features various fantasy races and intricate lore for players to delve into.
World of Warcraft
- Release Date & Studio: Blizzard’s World of Warcraft, launched in 2004, revolutionized MMORPGs.
- Summary: Set in the rich Warcraft universe, it provides a massively multiplayer online experience where players embark on quests, join factions, and engage in epic battles. The game boasts a vast world, deep lore, and strong community.
- Why Play: For its enormous open world, immersive storytelling, and strong community. Whether playing solo or with friends, WoW offers unmatched adventure.
- Fantasy Aspects: This fantasy epic features races like orcs and elves in a world where magic and ancient lore are integral.
Pillars of Eternity
- Release Date & Studio: Obsidian Entertainment released Pillars of Eternity in 2015, paying homage to classic RPGs.
- Summary: It’s renowned for its intricate world, compelling narrative, and homage to classic roleplaying games. The game fuses traditional RPG mechanics with a rich, story-driven experience.
- Why Play: For fans of classic roleplaying and storytelling, it provides a profound, engaging experience where choices have significant consequences and the lore is inviting.
- Fantasy Aspects: The game takes place in a world where gods walk among mortals and magic saturates the land, evoking a quintessential fantasy feel.
Bloodborne
- Release Date & Studio: FromSoftware released Bloodborne in 2015.
- Summary: Set in a grim, Victorian-inspired world, Bloodborne delivers fast-paced combat and an eerie, atmospheric narrative. Known for its difficulty, the game challenges players to adapt and overcome.
- Why Play: For its intense gameplay, gothic setting, and cryptic lore. It constantly tests and rewards players for persevering.
- Fantasy Aspects: The game fuses gothic horror and dark fantasy elements, creating a realm of eldritch terrors and sinister magic.
God of War
- Release Date & Studio: Santa Monica Studio first launched God of War in 2005.
- Summary: The series is renowned for visceral combat and the story of Kratos, a Spartan warrior seeking redemption. Combining intense action with an engrossing narrative, it explores various mythologies.
- Why Play: For its fusion of action, storytelling, and stunning visuals. The series has evolved with each entry, expanding its narrative and gameplay.
- Fantasy Aspects: Drawing from ancient myths, the series features gods, creatures, and larger-than-life battles.
Monster Hunter: World
- Release Date & Studio: Capcom released this entry in 2018.
- Summary: Centered on hunting giant monsters, Monster Hunter: World provides a unique gameplay loop of strategizing and adapting to battle colossal creatures in a dynamic ecosystem.
- Why Play: For its strategic gameplay, emphasis on multiplayer cooperation, and the thrill of the hunt. It continually offers new challenges and accomplishments.
- Fantasy Aspects: Set in a realm of massive monsters and exotic locales, it’s a true fantasy adventure where each hunt is an epic tale.
Each of these games opens a portal into imaginative worlds brimming with lore, adventure, and the singular magic that only the greatest fantasy games can conjure. Whether braving dungeons, exploring landscapes, or battling mythical beasts, these games promise endless hours of wonder and entertainment.