Dungeons and Dragons is a name that evokes a feeling of pure fantasy. Knights and wizards fighting fearsome monsters and ruthless evil forces to save the day and claim their spoils. It should be no surprise that this tabletop classic has inspired countless video games, with an admitted focus on the RPG genre. This isn’t to stay they are a stagnant bunch and many are regarded as classics. With Baldur’s Gate 3 right around the corner and the games prominence in the Netflix’s Stranger Things series, now is the perfect time to check out the 5 best Dungeons and Dragons video games.
5. Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance (2002)
Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance is a stellar co-op Gauntlet Legends inspired action RPG that boasts a robust gameplay experience in a surprisingly small package. The small selection of classes hides a plethora of customization and inspired combo-ability during co-op play, which is complemented by great level design. These elements make the linear gameplay feel robust rather than repetitive and allows the awesome voice acting to immerse you in its world. With unlockable secrets offering replayability, this gem shines in the D&D video game library.
4. Icewind Dale
The isometric top-down RPG is familiar territory for D&D video games. Icewind Dale is one of the many classic simulations of the tabletop game, making it admittedly difficult for the new player to pick up. What lies underneath however is an incredible story with incredible visuals and while difficult to learn, deep and involved gameplay. The newly released Enhanced Editions of these isometric classics offer a more accessible experience to the gameplay, but the classic boasts the Advanced D&D ruleset from the ’70s for those curious of the experience.
3. Dungeons and Dragons: Shadows Over Mystara
Capcom has made the best arcade beat-em-ups. From classics such as Final Fight to more obscure titles in Cadillacs and Dinosaurs, their style and fast paced action has an undeniable charm. This was once given a D&D flair in Dungeons and Dragons: Shadows Over Mystara. One of two D&D arcade beat em ups released, Shadows Over Mystara was a far more accessible D&D title of the time compared to the Pool of Radiance games on PC. Retaining the flashy anime Capcom side-scrolling combat and the classic D&D choice-based story-line and treasures makes this cult hit a must-play. You can find it in the Chronicles of Mystara package on digital storefronts, such as Steam and the Xbox Marketplace.
2. Baldur’s Gate 2
Baldur’s Gate 2 is another isometric top-down RPG in the D&D universe. Renowned for its spectacular story and immersive world, the game is much like Icewind Dale in nature. However it is the setting of Baldur’s Gate itself that gives the game such allure. Stepping into the city is an experience worthy of note, with eye-catching visuals that hold up to this day and house some of the best written NPCs in any RPG to date. With Baldur’s Gate 3 releasing in the near future, now is the perfect time to revisit this classic.
1. Planescape: Torment
Of the other 2 isometric RPGs on this list, Planescape Torment stands out as the most unique and robust offering of them all. With witty writing, unique settings, an interesting player character in the Nameless One and the second edition Dungeons and Dragons ruleset, this game is considered by many fans as a classic. The storyline is unique and boasts many colorful settings and fun characters who exchange quips of dialogue throughout the adventure. Traversing many different “Planes” allows the game to stay fresh, as it boasts distinctly different settings and characters. This gives the game a unique personality and makes it the best out of all of the games in the Dungeons and Dragons universe.
What do you think? Do you have any Dungeons and Dragons games you think are missing from this list? Let us know!
