Summary
2015 was a landmark for RPG enthusiasts, with releases that redefined the genre and earned a special spot in players’ memories. Multiple studios provided notable experiences, featuring wide worlds, captivating stories,and inventive combat systems, making that stretch of time one of the most meaningful for the gaming market.
Among the options that thrilled audiences, there were titles delivering unforgettable adventures, whether focused on epic tales or tough battles.The best RPGs of 2015 brought variety and fresh ideas, ensuring that fans with different tastes found something remarkable to check out. That year strengthened the standing of modern classics and brought in new favorites.
One of the RPGs that stood out in 2015 by offering action elements andvisuals inspired by 16-bit classics,CrossCodedelivered fast-paced and entertaining gameplay. It takes place within an MMO, blending puzzle elements, quick combat, and an engaging story that tackled themes such as identity and connection in virtual worlds.
The depth of its mechanics, paired with clever challenges and a gratifying progression system, madeCrossCodea memorable experience. Its mix of thorough searching, energetic battles, and a standout soundtrack placed it among the best RPGs of the year, pleasing both old-school fans and those seeking something forward-thinking.
With its immersive cyberpunk background,Shadowrun: Hong Kongbecame one of 2015’s highlights, featuring a mature storyline and appealing characters. It presented a plot filled with political schemes and moral dilemmas, while introducing figures who changed over the course of the campaign. Balancing tradition and new ideas, the title preserved the franchise’s essence while broadening its scope.
Turn-based strategic combat, varied mission design, and impactful decisions delivered a unique option for RPG enthusiasts. The futuristic Hong Kong environment, packed with supernatural aspects and local references, secured the game as a top pick that year.Shadowrun: Hong Kongproved the series could still break new ground and captivate both longtime followers and newcomers.
Taking a distinct path within the genre,The Age of Decadencefocused on narrative and decisions, separating itself from more traditional RPGs. Placed in a post-apocalyptic world inspired by Ancient Rome, it confronted players with challenging choices and enduring consequences, standing out thanks to its freedom of approach and branching plots, along with steep difficulty in combat.
By reducing mandatory battlesand emphasizing diplomacy, investigation, and subterfuge,The Age of Decadencedelivered a cerebral and tactical experience. Its deep mechanics and tough challenge turned it into one of 2015’s top RPGs for those in search of something innovative, particularly in a market loaded with predictable formulas.
Underrailbrought back the essence of classic CRPGs by placing players in a dark, post-apocalyptic underground world. Influenced by titles likeFalloutandWasteland, it stood out with turn-based strategic combat and extensivefreedom to shape and develop characters, offering plenty of replay value.
Focusing on isolation and survival in hazardous tunnels,Underrailpresented a striking mood, supported by a minimalistic yet compelling plot. The balance between investigation, tactics, and high difficulty cemented its spot as one of 2015’s strongest RPGs, especially for those who value demanding gameplay and intricate systems.
Two years before launching the successful Switch, Nintendo still faced low sales of the Wii U, but that didn’t stop the console from getting some great titles, such asXenoblade Chronicles X. Developed by Monolith Soft, the game impressed players with lush environments and one of the most detailed worlds among JRPGs, offering a sense of genuine discovery.
By using mechs known as Skells, players could move through vast maps, and beyond the game’s monumental scope, the combat system was also swift and enjoyable. Meanwhile, the storyline centered on survival and adaptation in an unfamiliar setting, demonstrating the Wii U’s capability through one of 2015’s most impressive releases.
Though it departed from certain franchise staples and leaned more toward action than RPG elements,Fallout 4still managed to deliver entertaining gameplay, earning its place among 2015’s standout launches. Set in New England, known as the Commonwealth, the game expanded open-world searching, granting players a lot of freedom.
Additionally, the title shifted greater focus onto crafting, requiring players to scour maps for materials to upgrade weapons and other gear, as well asintroducing settlement construction. Despite streamlining some longstanding mechanics,Fallout 4featured one of the series’ most enjoyable play experiences.
One of the best releases for PlayStation 4,Bloodbornestayed true to the Souls formulafrom From Software while making changes such as swapping a medieval atmosphere for gothic horror. Its soundtrack and sound design were flawless, drawing players deep into this new environment.
ForBloodborne, combat also got a few tweaks, moving faster in some respects but still demanding the same patient mindset found in Dark Souls games of that era. By fusing familiar elements with a few fresh twists, it became one of the leading Action RPGs of 2015.
With an inventive style,Undertalestood out as one of 2015’s best, turning the RPG mold upside down. That happened because its creator, Toby Fox, introduced multiple conclusions for the storyline, including the possibility of getting through it without defeating a single opponent.
Along with fresh mechanics, partly inspired by Nintendo’sEarthbound/Motherseries,Undertalealso presented acollection of endearing characters, plus a memorable soundtrack and a plot mixing humor and depth. Its simple visual approach turned it into a widespread phenomenon, securing its spot as a milestone for RPGs.
Merging familiar CRPG features with modern conveniences,Pillars of Eternitywas not only among 2015’s top RPGs, but it also became crucial in drawing renewed attention to isometric titles. Created by Obsidian Entertainment, the game paid homage to classics likeBaldur’s Gate, centering on storytelling and map searching.
With a real-time combat system that allowed pauses, players could set up different party compositions to handle the challenges along the way. In doing so, the game’s success reconfirmed the importance of isometric RPGs in the marketplace, paving the way for further launches over the next few years.
After two releases that appealed to a more niche crowd,The Witcher 3 Wild Huntarrived as the final chapter in Geralt’s saga, breaking new ground and elevating the RPG series to a fresh tier in 2015. Besides featuring a huge open world, the title also introduced a gripping narrative, filled with choices that shaped how events played out.
CD Projekt Red’s creation didn’t just bring in more fans, but also showcased how expansive worlds could be handled, withside quests packed with contextand characters that stayed with players.The Witcher 3secured its place among the greatest RPGs of 2015 and helped the studio claim a powerful spot in the industry.
