1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Remember when games launched *finished*? The Witcher 3 dropped a massive, living world brimming with compelling stories around every corner. No battle pass to grind, no premium currency to fuss over, just an unparalleled RPG experience that respected your time and wallet. It set a gold standard for open-world design, proving that player-centric development trumps exploitative monetization every single time. And it did it with an epic beard.
2. Red Dead Redemption 2
Rockstar delivered a masterclass in world-building with RDR2. The sheer attention to detail, the depth of its characters, and a narrative that genuinely sticks with you felt like a final love letter to single-player epics. We didn't need a battle pass or constant updates to appreciate Arthur's journey; the game was a complete, breathtaking package from day one, proving that sometimes, just making an incredible game is enough.
3. Mass Effect 2
Before BioWare lost its way, Mass Effect 2 was the pinnacle of sci-fi RPGs. It was a masterclass in character writing and narrative urgency, making every squadmate feel vital and every decision carry weight. You booted it up, played through a meticulously crafted campaign, and felt completely satisfied. No need for endless "engagement loops" or post-launch monetization schemes; it just *was* a phenomenal game.
4. Hades
Hades proved indies could out-AAA the triple-A studios. It’s a roguelite where every run pushes the story forward, making "failure" a narrative tool rather than a setback. The combat is buttery smooth, the art is stunning, and the writing is sharp as a tack. It didn't need a battle pass because its core loop and constant progression kept you hooked, showing how true replayability is baked in, not bolted on.
5. Outer Wilds
Outer Wilds is a singular achievement, a true "game" in the purest sense of exploration and discovery. It respects your intelligence, giving you a mystery and the tools to unravel it within a constantly resetting solar system. There's no grind, no progression system to unlock, just pure, unadulterated curiosity driving you forward. It's a reminder that a well-crafted experience needs no artificial padding.
6. Divinity: Original Sin 2
Larian Studios absolutely crushed it with Divinity: Original Sin 2, proving that classic CRPG depth could thrive in the modern era. Its tactical combat, expansive world, and player choice felt genuinely impactful. This wasn't a game designed to drip-feed content or extract more cash; it was a complete, sprawling adventure brimming with possibilities from the moment you started. A true love letter to RPG fans.
7. Elden Ring
Elden Ring took the Souls formula and blew it wide open, yet still delivered a cohesive, challenging, and immensely rewarding experience right out of the gate. FromSoftware trusts players to explore, discover, and overcome without endless tutorials or predatory monetization. It didn't need to sell us battle passes; the sheer thrill of discovering a new boss or a hidden path was reward enough, a truly epic journey.
