Summary
When it comes to RPGs that deliver an outstanding combat experience from an interesting perspective, few can match what theisometricsubgenre has to offer. These titles are usually packed with fast-paced combat, likable characters, alternategood and evil routes, and tons of sidequests to discover. They also allow players to explore the world while straying from the classic top-down view.
Some isometric RPGs are good to be played once and never again, whereas others cankeep players busy for months—all without ever making them feel bored or tired. Although most isometric RPGs are designed to be challenging, some go the extra mile in this regard. Here are some of thehardest Isometric RPGs out there.
WhilePathfinder: Kingmakershares many traits with other isometric RPGs, such as the option for real-time with pause combat or turn-based mechanics, it innovates in other areas, making it a very interesting title to explore.
On top of other wonderful things this game has to offer, it emphasizes realm-building, with players' decisions as the lord of a certain settlement impacting the lives of those who live in it. This not only adds an interesting mechanic to this great title, but also gives it a layer of complexity that other games in its genre don’t have. All in all,Pathfinder: Kingmakeris fun and hasa lot of replay value.
During the events ofShadowrun: Dragonfall, players will take on the role of a shadowrunner, who has recently arrived at a city to join a team of various mercenaries, a cyborg, a shaman and other interesting characters thatadd to complexity to the story.
While not the most challenging title on this list, the game still presents players with various challenges that they’ll have to overcome to eventually complete it, offering hours of fun. If players want additional content, they should get the Director’s Cut, which adds new optional missions.
When it comes to franchises that took their sweet time between releasing the first installment and the second one,Wastelandis arguably among the top 10. The firstWastelandgame came out way back in 1988, and it wasn’t until 2014 thatWasteland 2was released.
Despite the 26-year gap between the first and the second installment of the franchise,Wasteland 2managed to offer players a great experience and is considered by many to be among thegreatest post-apocalyptic games of all time. This title forces players to face various challenges along the way and will keep them entertained thanks to its mechanics and level of difficulty.
4Pillars Of Eternity 2: Deadfire
Great Class System For Players To Choose From
As a direct sequel to the originalPillars of Eternityand taking place in the world of Eora, this title puts players in the shoes of a Watcher, who can look into people’s souls and memories and access their past lives to learn more about them.
Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfirefeatures challenging combat, an interesting story, anda well-crafted class systemthat gives players a lot of options when it comes to choosing how they want to play the game and how they want to deal with their enemies.
Disco Elysiumis an amazing RPG that puts players in the shoes of Lieutenant Harrier Dubois, also known as “Harry” Du Bois. Harry is a depressed alcoholic who finds himself amid an amnesic episode as he tries to solve a murder that no one else has been able to.
Not only is the color palette and overall world design ofDisco Elysiumvery interesting, but the various encounters and captivating dialogues that players can be a part of, add a layer of complexity, mystery, and excitement to the title.
Although many players argue that the story ofDivinity: Original Sin 2is rather linear and that the true treasure can be found in the characters anddifferent classes the game offers, the world design and overall mechanics of this title are also part of what makes it shine.
With a well-developed turn-based tactical combat system, an isometric perspective, and a decent number of challenges for players to face and overcome throughout the story,Divinity: Original Sin 2is, without a doubt, one of the greatest isometric RPGs out there.
Baldur’s Gate 3is one of the best fantasy RPGs released in the last 10 years thanks to its likable characters, amazing class and combat systems, and beautiful world design that captivates and immerses players within minutes of starting the game.
Among the many interesting things about this title, there’s the possibility for players torespec their companionsin many different ways to adapt to the challenges that are put in front of them. While not recommended for newcomers to the franchise, players looking for a challenge can try Honour Mode, which not only makes enemies much harder to defeat, but will also end players’ run after a single death of all party members.
