The best RPG games on PC: review of the top projects

Since the release of World of Warcraft, each new add-on has been a landmark event, changing the mechanics of the game, adding new locations and offering players new challenges. However, none of them have sparked as much debate as the Lich King add-on. Fans continue to argue which of the additions has become a true benchmark MMORPG. What criteria should it meet, and why exactly is Wrath of the Lich King at the top of the ratings?

The history of the game shows that with each update the opinions of players were divided. Some considered the changes useful, while others criticised the innovations. When it comes to the best World of Warcraft add-on, it is Wrath of the Lich King that is most often mentioned as the undisputed leader.

World of Warcraft: the variety of add-ons

For almost 20 years, World of Warcraft has received many updates. Each of them brought new mechanics, improved systems and fresh game zones to the game. However, not all additions became the best in the history of World of Warcraft. To determine the leaders, you need to consider several key factors:

1. Gameplay. The balance of classes, the convenience of pumping, the elaboration of mechanics – all this is critical to assess the quality of the addon. In some addons appeared unbalanced classes and unsuccessful innovations appeared, which later had to be corrected. Successful addons brought changes that became standards of the genre.
2. Storyline. Each update develops the history of Azeroth, immersing players in new conflicts, revealing the fates of iconic characters. A good storyline enhances engagement, turning ordinary quests into epic adventures.
3. Endgame content. The longevity of an addon is determined by its ability to retain players after reaching the maximum level. Raids, dungeons, PvP activities – all this affects the popularity of the addon. If the content turns out to be boring or insufficiently complex, interest in it fades faster.
4. Atmosphere. World design, music, visual design of locations should match the spirit of the game. The gaming community notes that it is the entourage that makes some addons memorable and favourite.

According to these criteria, a rating of addons was compiled, where Wrath of the Lich King took the first place. Its success is due to its balance. It combines an exciting story, well-thought-out mechanics and quality content for high-level players. The Lich King and his tragic story have made the addon a true legend.

Wrath of the Lich King is an icon among add-ons

The question of which WoW expansion is the best most often leads to one answer: Wrath of the Lich King. It greatly changed the gameplay and set a new standard for future World of Warcraft expansions.

The main factor of success was the atmosphere. Nordskål is a vast expanse of snow. The citadel of the Ice Crown looks majestic. The ice throne of the Lich King complements the gloomy but mesmerising atmosphere. All this decoration is complemented by a soundtrack that emphasises the dramatic nature of what is happening.

Aesthetics made Wrath of the Lich King the best addition to World of Warcraft. A lot of attention was paid to game mechanics. Heroic dungeons, an improved talent system and a new achievement system were introduced. In addition, for the first time p,layers saw the Death Knight, which became the first heroic class. This made the gameplay even more diverse.

How did players choose the best World of Warcraft add-on?

The question of which WoW add-on is the best has long been a topic of debate among the gaming community. Over the years, players have actively discussed, compared and analysed each one. They have looked at them from different perspectives: level of difficulty, innovation, impact on gameplay and the balance between PvE and PvP.

How the polls were conducted

To determine the best World of Warcraft addon, numerous polls were conducted on Reddit, Blizzard Forums, gaming websites and YouTube channels. Based on tens of thousands of player votes, it was revealed that Wrath of the Lich King was most often mentioned as the most successful expansion

Why Wrath of the Lich King

Fans name several key reasons why the addon took the leading position:

• perfect balance between PvE and PvP – arena system, open battles, challenging raids;
• innovative mechanics – the introduction of the death knight, improved pumping system;
• legendary plot – the dramatic story of Arthas, who became the King-Person;
• quality atmosphere – elaborate design of locations, memorable soundtrack.

Game critics note that it was the 3.3.5 addon that became the benchmark for future addons, setting a high bar of quality for the entire series.

Conclusion

More than a decade after Wrath of the Lich King’s release, its impact on World of Warcraft and the MMORPG genre as a whole remains undeniable. The atmosphere, story and innovations of the add-on set a high bar that subsequent addons have never been able to surpass. WotLK is deservedly considered the best addon in the history of WoW, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of millions of players.

Every year, the gaming industry awaits the largest awards ceremony. The Game Awards 2024 was no exception. Among many contenders, the game Metaphor ReFantazio stood out, winning the title of the best RPG of the year. This project from Atlus combined a unique artistic style, innovative mechanics and a deep story. It became an example of what a next-generation role-playing game should look like.

A well-deserved victory at the annual ceremony is not just recognition of the developers’ efforts, it is a signal for the entire industry: the RPG genre continues to evolve. A mixture of fantasy, social elements and non-linear storytelling created a product that competed on equal terms with the most famous games of the year.

Why Metaphor: ReFantazio became the best RPG game of the year

The victory was not an accident. The concept set new standards of quality, offering unique mechanics and an amazing atmosphere. Created by the creators of Persona and Shin Megami Tensei, it absorbed the best of Japanese role-playing traditions, adding modern elements that made the gameplay more exciting and dynamic.

An important feature was the deep plot, intertwining themes of power, loyalty and the struggle for ideals. At the center of the story is the main character, who must overcome obstacles in a fantasy kingdom full of magic and intrigue. Each decision affects the development of the plot, and the non-linearity allows you to experience unique events with each new playthrough.

The opinions of critics and editors of leading gaming publications, such as Gamespot, agreed on one thing: the game Metaphor: ReFantazio became the best RPG of the year due to the quality of development and a unique combination of tradition and innovation. The atmosphere holds attention until the final credits, and the characters are remembered for a long time.

Mechanics and gameplay of Metaphor: ReFantazio

The project is based on a turn-based battle system, but with elements of strategy and tactics. Players are given a wide range of options for customizing heroes and their abilities. Using combinations of attacks, magic spells and special techniques allows you to create an individual combat style. Each fight requires careful planning and analysis of the enemy’s weaknesses.

The world consists of several kingdoms, each of which has its own culture, political systems and secrets. Exploring these locations allows you to open new quests and find unique artifacts. The gameplay includes elements of a social system, where interaction with NPCs affects the development of the plot. The user can form alliances, participate in political intrigue and influence the outcome of key events.

Artistic style and atmosphere of Metaphor: ReFantazio: features of the best game

The character design is made in a recognizable manner, which is combined with a dark and mysterious environment. The kingdoms are filled with details: from architecture to vegetation, which creates the feeling of a living and breathing world.

Particular attention is paid to animations and spell effects. Each use of magic is accompanied by bright flashes of light and dynamic movements of the heroes. Such elaboration makes the battles spectacular and exciting. The artistic style emphasizes the contrast between light and darkness, creating a unique atmosphere of struggle and hope.

The musical accompaniment also plays an important role. The composer uses orchestral arrangements with elements of electronic music to convey the emotional intensity of the events. In each episode, the melody emphasizes the mood – from anxious tension to triumphant joy.

What makes Metaphor: ReFantazio stand out from the competition

At The Game Awards 2024, in addition to Metaphor: ReFantazio, such hits as Final Fantasy XVI and Baldur’s Gate 3 competed for the title of best RPG game. Each of these projects has high quality, a detailed world and exciting gameplay. However, it was Metaphor: ReFantazio that was able to combine unique elements that took it to a new level and ensured a well-deserved victory. Why?

1. Deep nonlinearity. Every decision made has a direct impact on the plot and the world of the game. The developers from Atlus created a system where choices are not limited to obvious “good” or “evil”. The protagonist’s actions lead to unexpected consequences that manifest themselves in the development of characters, the discovery of new locations and final scenes. For example, alliances with different factions can completely change the political landscape of the kingdom. This approach allows for a unique experience with each new playthrough, and the plot forks encourage you to explore all possible options for the development of events.
   Innovative combat system.
2. The mechanics combine classic elements of turn-based battles with a deep strategic component. Each fight requires careful planning and analysis of the enemy. The player can combine attacks, use magic spells and activate the unique abilities of their characters. Tactical depth is manifested through a system of enemy weaknesses, positioning on the battlefield and the ability to combine attacks to create powerful combos. Unlike standard turn-based battles, here the dynamics are maintained due to the constant need to make decisions and adapt to the situation.
3. Social mechanics. Interaction with NPCs goes far beyond standard dialogues. Social mechanics in the project allow the user to form relationships, enter into alliances and influence the fate of the heroes. The development of these connections opens up new storylines, side quests and even unique abilities for comrades in arms. For example, helping a certain character can result in them becoming an ally at a critical moment or providing access to rare resources. These elements are reminiscent of the bond system from the Persona series, but implemented on a larger scale, affecting the fate of entire kingdoms.

While many RPG games focus on dynamic action scenes and spectacular special effects, the best game by far, Metaphor: ReFantazio, focuses on storytelling and character development. The storyline dives into emotional and philosophical questions, forcing you to think about the consequences of your decisions.

Who else won at The Game Awards 2024

Many projects received well-deserved recognition at the ceremony. In addition to the triumph of Metaphor: ReFantazio, the following best games took home awards:

1. Astro Bot — winner in the Game of the Year category.
2. Black Fantasy — best project with outstanding design.
3. Baldur’s Gate 3 — victory in the Best Multiplayer Game category.

The concepts showed a variety of genres and approaches. Each victory became a symbol of the developers’ achievements and their contribution to the development of the industry.

Conclusion

The victory of the best game Metaphor ReFantazio at The Game Awards 2024 is recognition of a new era of RPG. The project showed that the genre continues to evolve, offering players deep stories, innovative mechanics and stunning visual style. This triumph inspires developers to create even more ambitious projects, and users – to new exciting adventures.