BEST CRPG Games Ranked | Quality vs Quantity

Baldur's Gate III is shaping up to be quite the CRPG, so before we analyse and review its place among the other similar titles, let's take a look and Rank the games within the CRPG genre that came before.
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Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:59 Number 15
02:09 Chart 15
02:28 Number 14
03:43 Chart 14
03:57 Number 13
05:15 Chart 13
05:33 Number 12
06:51 Chart 12
07:06 Number 11
08:25 Chart 11
08:40 Number 10
09:49 Chart 10
10:08 Number 9
11:15 Chart 9
11:34 Number 8
12:45 Chart 8
13:02 Number 7
14:20 Chart 7
14:30 Number 6
15:50 Chart 6
16:08 Number 5
17:19 Chart 5
17:34 Number 4
18:44 Chart 4
19:01 Number 3
20:22 Chart 3
20:40 Number 2
21:47 Chart 2
22:05 Number 1
23:46 Chart 1
24:03 Outro
#baldursgate3 #gaming #listvideo #games #gamingvideos

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Seeing as many of you ask where some of your favourite tiles end up on the Ranking, here is the full list of the titles analysed for this video and where they ended up on the Ranking. 1 Baldur's Gate II: Shadow Of Amn 2 Divinity Original Sin 2 3 Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous 4 Divinity Original Sin 5 Neverwinter Nights 6 Pillars Of Eternity 2: Deadfire 7 Pillars Of Eternity 8 Baldur's Gate 9 Dragon Age: Origins 10 Neverwinter Nights 2 11 Icewind Dale 2 12 Wasteland 2 13 Fallout 2 14 Planescape Torment 15 Icewind Dale 16 Wasteland 3 17 Arcanum: Of Steamworks And Magick Obscura 18 Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic 19 Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic 2 20 Temple of Elemental Evil 21 Disco Elysium 22 Solasta: Crown of the Magister 23 Torment: Tides Of Numenera 24 Chrono Trigger 25 Shadowrun Hong Kong 26 Tyranny 27 Encased 28 Spellforce 3 29 Fallout 30 Lionheart: Legacy Of The Crusader 31 Age Of Decadence 32 Gamedec Thanks for all the support!!!

[@ohauss]

Sorry, but ranking the Neverwinter series that massively atop the likes of Fallout, Fallout 2 and Planescape: Torment suggests to me there's a massive problem with the metrics. And ranking the first Neverwinter Nights above DA:O is likewise questionable. And Icewind Dale barely worse than Planescape:Torment? Something is seriously off there.

[@mattcat83]

The methodology behind the rankings unduly favors longer over shorter games.

[@Gaming_Analytic]

The model has evolved quite a bit from this early version, now works on a weighted system (slanted towards the aggregated review scores).

[@Ahreman_egy]

Honorable mentions: Solastas crown of the magistar Tyranny

[@John_962]

I appreciate that you used the music from each game (at least from what I could tell based on the two I've played). It really helped show what the mood would be of each game along with your review.

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Thanks for that John. Not allot of viewers noticed that. I reckon cRPGs have some, if not the best, music. I remember getting goosebumps a couple of times while putting this video together.

[@Bobby3OOO]

@@Gaming_AnalyticI wish more reviews did this! - thanks

[@OLONOODLE]

Unsurprisingly bg2 sweeps the field. Simply one of the best games ever developed from gameplay and story to atmosphere and music.

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Couldn't agree more.

[@domokun845]

Literally, I just did a 100% bg1, tosc, bg2, and am almost done with tob in preparation for bg3.

[@dpk6294]

@@domokun845 damn dude... How long did those playtroughs take you?

[@domokun845]

@dpk6294 Well, I started in March, lol. I wasn't doing it religiously or anything but wanted to refresh my memory since it been quite a while since the last time I'd played them.

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Commitment, love it. Your definitely ready now :) Hope the titles ended up roughly in the order you would rank them.

[@silverjohn6037]

If you haven't tried it, Arcanum of Steamworks and Magic Obscura deserves to be on the list. Made by Troika in it's short run it's a game set in a fantasy world that's going through a Steampunk/Victorian industrial revolution. It doesn't just rely on the gimmicky scenario either and has Fallout level quest writing and combat.

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Thanks for the recommendation! That's sound cool AF... I will definitely check it out!!!

[@abraxis59]

I agree Arcanum was terrific!

[@petemarshall3512]

One of my favourite games. It hasn't aged well, but it's absolutely worth persevering with.

[@yeetman1344]

@@Gaming_Analytic its cool but kinda janky

[@Gaming_Analytic]

@@yeetman1344 I could work my way through some jank, as long as its not to the level of pulling my hair out.

[@willhack]

Putting Neverwinter Nights ahead of NWN2 makes this method of ranking a little bit confusing. Also having Planescape Torment near the bottom - it's an interesting list, but I wouldn't say it's useful for someone deciding what to play.

[@fanmovie357]

It is weird, is basically just a list of CRPG with most content and least amount of filler, but having Torment so down just shows how lenght is not a very good metric overall.

[@Leony_Ruby]

haven't played a lot of CRPG's yet but i think i found a few i might give a try here also really nice video ^-^

[@Gaming_Analytic]

It's my favourite genre, but also requires allot of time investment. But if your into deep story telling, and complicated gameplay systems, you can't go wrong with a good CRPG. Glad you enjoyed, thanks for the support!

[@TheDonkeyJote]

I'd suggest that if we're going to consider Dragon Age Origins a cRPG (which I think is fair), then Kotor and should probably have been included in the list as well.

[@Gaming_Analytic]

KoToR 1 and 2 just barely missed out on the top 15 (at 17th and 18th place). Its a fairly competitive field, and both (but especially 2) are some of my favourite games ever palyed.

[@jole8723]

Great video! If I can add a touch of advice. You have a really good voice. You should lower the music a touch so that it enhances and doesn’t overpower your voice.

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Thanks mate, when I listened back at it I also felt the music was way to loud... got a bit carried away listening to all those beautiful orchestral soundtracks. Thanks for the comment, I will make sure I check this more thoroughly before publishing next time.

[@Terron29]

Subbed. Fantastic List. My order is different of course but BG2 ranks Number 1 for me also. Wrath of righteous actually takes the second spot for me. Absolutely loved it (bar the crusade mechanic)

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Thanks for the support Terron, stoked that you enjoyed the content. Dont think we will ever align exactly on these type of rankings, just so much of our anecdotal experiences influence each games place in our top 10s! Now that your subbed and if your interested in winning a copy of Startfield, please send me a mail to [e-mail]!!!

[@oilslicknl]

WOTR is my nr1 and i also think the crusade mechanic was the weakest part. If that was just as good as the other parts of the game it would probably be my fav game of all time.

[@MicrophoneAssassin13]

Number 4 initially shows Pathfinder, bit DOS. Pathfinder i found tough to wrap my head around, not unlike Pathfinder itself. I have to study up before i go back, but it felt better than DOS. Any in the bottom youd go back any play again?

[@Crimsonfangg]

It is certainly the most complex of all the CRPGs and given that they also have the highest difficulty, you probably don't want to go in blind unless you want to put the difficulty down to story mode. No judgment if you do. Wrath of the righteous was definitely the greatest time I ever experienced in a CRPG( except for some custom built NWN worlds), so it's worth the effort.

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Pathfinder does require allot of prep, I learned my lesson, so I've been studying D&D (more seriously) for the past almost 2 years to be ready for BG3. Dragon Age Origins... for sure!

[@mattcat83]

Planescape Torment is over a hundred hours long for completionist runs.

[@PincheHugo_130]

yep, I own em all and strongly agree with the list!!! is there a list of the not so popular crpg's that one can easily miss......???

[@Kimfakkel]

Great list Arcanum of Steamworks and Magick Obscura is higher on my list :) and now Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader and bg3 are in my top 10. But would never judge them on on length. I prefer quality over quantity.

[@gabrieldarkwind5866]

I'm suprised that Wasteland 3 didn't make the list. The only one I do not agree is Divinity original Sin. Overall cool video.

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Appreciate it Gabriel. From memory, Wasteland 3 was bare off the top 15. It was a fairly close race though. :)

[@AlexGorskov]

Hi, how did you get updated graphics in IWD 2 ?

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Enhanced edition...

[@AlexGorskov]

@@Gaming_Analytic Man! I didn't even know!!! Thanks!

[@MicacoGames]

I absolutely love those pre-rendered isometric backgrounds, they look beautiful and immersive. I found new crpgs with 3d BG often ugly and horrible to navigate, cameras also generally to close and clipping everywhere.

[@strykerhalo]

Bards Tale Trilogy, and the Atari 1040ST version of Dungeon Master was my faves back in the day.

[@azku]

Which 1 is the best for steam deck?

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Sorry mate... I have no idea.

[@mikeg5039]

This list is literally my entire teen to now game log lol

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Hahaha... completely. These worlds are so dope, feels like I have lived in so many of them for a lifetime.

[@jivkodjamiarov8508]

Planscape Torment on 14-th place. Nope, nope, nope!

[@da_ocsta1452]

Waar in SA bly jy my broer? Edit: Love the channel. CRPGS forever baby.

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Hi my maat. Bly op die oomblik in Australia. Ons het so 6 jaar terug getrek uit SA uit, maar jy weeet hoe dit is... die hart het verseker agter gebly.

[@sechu2]

number 1 Pathfinder Wotr, number 2 BG2 number 3 Pathfinder kingmaker number 4 BG3 number 5 NVW 2

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Kingmaker at 3...interesting

[@sechu2]

@@Gaming_Analytic This game is very deep, also very hard, a lot of great builds u can do. Great story also, I have a little problem playing it beacuse of language, but when at least i try... this is smth unforgettable.

[@abraxis59]

Great list! I agreed with all of them with the exception of the Neverwinter Nights games. I really hated both of those games and, in my opinion, moding should not affect the score at all because if the players have to make the content that makes it worth it to play it doesn't count. I call it the Skyrim affect😀 Even though I really loved Skyrim even without the mods, its legendary status is due greatly to the player base that still supports it. To replace them I would have included Tyranny and Arcanum

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Yo abraxis, you must be lawyer. 1000% agree with your points. And the Skyrim effect is totally a thing, I wish more developers would be pro modding, I still play Jagged Alliance 2 from time to time thanks to the community constantly adding and tweaking the base game.

[@abraxis59]

@@Gaming_Analytic LOL not a lawyer. Just a sales guy that works with big companies so I have to slog through MSAs (Master Service Agreements) a lot. So I guess I just got very precise in my wording 😀 Seriously though I discovered you recently and I am subscribed. Keep up the great work.

[@Alessandro90933]

Couldn't agree more on the first position.

[@Gaming_Analytic]

One of the most epic games... And perhaps the most iconic cRPG ever made.

[@ShadowDragonXXI]

Amazing how many titles on this list I've played. Still even have copies of a few of them. I noticed you forgot to mention one title though. For such a definitive list, neglecting to mention Pool of Radiance ROMD is simply unacceptable. I mean honestly, such a work of art... Yeah okay no I can't keep it up. That game was a total dumpster fire, but I still love to play it. It just makes such lovely colors as it burns. Next list should totally be the best of the worst CRPG's we love to hate.

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Damn dude, you had me going there, felt my eyes get bigger and bigger as I was reading. Great video suggestion, keep and eye out... it may just be coming your way before you know it.

[@michaellopate4969]

I have one issue with this list: the review scores of a game are influenced by its length, especially in this genre, and as there is a relatively narrow range of review scores (all of these games reviewed well, that's why they're on the list to begin with) the length of the game basically dominates the overall ranking, and that doesn't seem right. Icewind Dale over Chrono Trigger? That doesn't pass the smell test, it's an immediate signal that there is something wrong with the measure.

[@Gaming_Analytic]

That is a very good point.

[@know_not_wickedness]

Amazing and accurate list. Because you left that streaming pile of crap, BG3, off the list I gave you a like and subscribe. Thanks for all your hard work.

[@SeventhheavenDK]

Yeah, my favorite ones are top 10. Divinity Original Sin 2 Dragon Age Origins Divinity Original Sin

[@cloudazrael458]

where is throne of darkness ?

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Never heard of it... Any good?

[@douglastaylor43]

Wouldn't the old Final Fantasy games be on this list or possibly even pokemon?

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Oef its a tight call, but I would personally say no.

[@jotarokujo4088]

Not crpg

[@ernestisom5878]

Tactics probably would but not normal ff games. Crpgs just means computer rpgs but most people classify them from distinct details like isometric, real-time/pause, turn base strategy, ect. Pokémon and final fantasy are just rpgs. Their turned based but everything is streamlined and simplified compared to crpg. Most people wouldn't mind including ff but I don't think anyone would include Pokémon except fans. Pokémon is mostly a insult to true crpg buttsniffers because it strips everything away to bare bones simplicity even a baby could play it.

[@michaelmackrill6917]

Where you from

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Originally... South Africa. Did you pick that up. :)

[@mqsiti8849]

i m so lazy.... can someone just show me the name of the games and timestamp plz

[@Gaming_Analytic]

There needs to be a bit of mystery...

[@via_negativa6183]

I agree with every title being on.this list but completely disagree with the order. Quite subjective.

[@chuvito718]

my favourites are bg3, poe2 and planescape torment

[@Gaming_Analytic]

I wonder where BG3 would have ended up on the list if it was out at the time of ranking. Very likely on top.

[@MasterFeidn]

​@@Gaming_Analyticbecause of total game length?

[@creamcheese3679]

Your advertisement rate is so high

[@Gaming_Analytic]

That's odd, as I was not monitized at the time when the video was published.

[@sonic-bb]

i dont understand the whole quality quantity thing

[@ChristianDeLarge]

No Disco Elysium? Feels like a mistake. Literally resparked my love for CRPG games.

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Disco Elysium ended up at 20th (which obviously the video didn't cover). Great, and on a pure quality basis would have ended up in 2nd place, but it is much shorter than many of the other games, which pushed it down in the rankings. GREAT GAME!!!

[@MasterFeidn]

I am still wondering how meh titles like Pillar of Eternity, Pathfinder and even more questionable Wasteland 2 and Baldurs Gate 1 etc. ...or even worse shit games like Dragon Age 1 can be placed over games like Planescape Torment or Arcanum which even rival Baldus Gate II in terms of peak quality (BGII is of course the longer game). Icewind Dale II over I is likewise not really sound...game length... But well all different opinions are void 😅 Edit: wait a bit, are you really using the total game length as a critical criteria for the rankings? Oh well guess if you have houndreds of battles like in BG2 to stretch the game this not really a metric which should even considered (bar some length gates like less then 10 hours etc... less then 20 hours etc.. which is too short obviously.)

[@garethelder7715]

this is truly the most cursed rating metric lol

[@Gaming_Analytic]

How so..?

[@garethelder7715]

​@@Gaming_Analyticmb i might have misinterpreted but i thought the metric as used in the vid was a straight function of metacritic rating%*game hrs without any personal input

[@remydeveraux]

have you actually played any of these games?

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Yes... The ranking is not based om my opinion though.

[@antoniovital2937]

What about Solasta?

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Solasta ended up in 22nd place...

[@lvasiescu]

So BG3 takes the crown now? :D

[@Gaming_Analytic]

I'll be doing a video soon, so we will find out :)

[@seanmahoney2671]

No mention of KotoR 1&2? Also... wow, I have never seen Planescape so low on a list.

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Kotor 1 and 2 was 17th and 18th respectively.

[@ernestisom5878]

I love how new gamers can't understand enjoying something for the time it came from and what it contributed. Sure Bg3 wins on quality but if you updated the old games to the same quality I'd prefer them. Also love how all these bg3 fans were never around for divinity original sin 1 and 2 or divine divinity. Thanks for giving us the responsibility of making the game you love possible with out contributing and than wondering why most games arent like bg3 and suck 😂

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Yeah, I know what your saying bro. Its an unwinnable situation. Soon it will be time to boot up BG2 and Icewindale 1 & 2 for me.

[@ernestisom5878]

@@Gaming_Analytic At the moment been alternating through bg 1/2, poe 1/2, both pathfinders, solastra, and rogue trader. Debating rather to buy icewind dale on ps5 or laptop. Than when burnt out on story focused games blow off steam on lies of p. On the 22 going to take break from those and focus on dragons dogma 2. I've waited forever for a second one to be made and never thought the day would come it would actually happen.

[@Gaming_Analytic]

@@ernestisom5878 Your going to be busy for a while ;). PoE might be a good option after DD2, get ready for Avowed...

[@ernestisom5878]

@@Gaming_Analytic That's the goal, not trying to complete them all again just switch between them to keep things fresh. I probably won't be able to play avowed unless they're really stopping exclusives. I really enjoy poe but 2 frustrates me sometimes with all the loading 😂

[@Gaming_Analytic]

And a F-ton of reading... Lol

[@TheKingdariusIII]

Balders gate 3 aint on here dude that game breathed new life and set a new standard for the genre

[@Gaming_Analytic]

This video was published before the release of BG3.

[@Childofbhaal]

BG3 is trash compared to so many on this list

[@eudyptes5046]

@@ChildofbhaalThank you for your detailed and unbiased review.

[@bigego503]

Not a bad list but I'm confused at not seeing Wasteland 3.

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Thanks mate! It didn't make the top 15 ;(

[@douglastaylor43]

BG3 is going to beat them all

[@Gaming_Analytic]

The scale of BG3 alone should get it into the top 5. Larian also seem to top them selves with each release. You may just be right!

[@domokun845]

It's possible, but bg2 really set the bar high. We shall see.

[@Gaming_Analytic]

I'll be doing a $/Hour review on BG3 within the next couple of weeks, comparing it (amongst others like DoS games) to BG2. We will see if it has indeed surpassed it's predecessor :)

[@What_do_I_Think]

@@Gaming_Analytic If you do $/Hour, you must do inflation adjustment. Remember: Many AAA titles are now sold for $70. $60 is gone. And when BG2 came out it might have been less than $60 (I don't know, because I did buy it much later).

[@williamegan6756]

@@Gaming_AnalyticAlso remember that because of choice variability it is entirely possible to play the game over again and have a completely different experience. On replayability due to choice and consequence alone, BG3 mops the rest of the field.

[@FSVR54]

If New Vegas counts, that's my all time favorite

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Anecdotally, NV is also my favourite.

[@FSVR54]

Divinity Original Sin2 has become one of the most overrated games of all time. Didn't care for it. I think Planescape Torment is the best one on here

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Curious to hear your thoughts on BG3...

[@Dire_Strait13]

No Pathfinder Kingmaker? I know it had flaws but it was great. Same for Disco Elysium and Tyranny. Should’ve been higher IMO.

[@Gaming_Analytic]

All great games, tough field though.

[@fncruz73]

BG2 = GOAT! 🤩

[@Gaming_Analytic]

It's the best... Glad to see the series now revived with BG3

[@williamegan6756]

@@Gaming_AnalyticBG2 certainly was the GOAT…. until BG3 came out. Now, nothing compares. 😎

[@vamremMX]

Still think that Dragon Age Origins is the culmination of the path started by Baldur's Gate. It has it all the essentials, and in a complete 3D moddable engine. Then happened... multiplatform with consoles... and all the RPGs, including DA series, nerfed to be playable with limited controllers and without mods; and then, worse, wokism, introducing that modern tribal language into fantasy games, ashamed of female beauty and straight white men, but of course, diversity, especially of ugly people. Luckily most of them gone broke ending this hippie fashion pfsss... how much damage was caused between consoles and outsiders woke in videogames, fortunately there are so many games that we could pass well that long dark decade.

[@julianvalorant3440]

Tyranny deserve to be on this list tbh It's far better than even pillar of eternity in term of combat and rpg elements imo

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Hi Mate, Tyranny just barely missed out on a spot along with other very worthy contenders like Wasteland 3. We are indeed very fortunate to have such depth in this Genre to pick from.

[@domokun845]

Sad and angry fallout 2 is below iwd2...

[@Gaming_Analytic]

:D

[@zerpblerd5966]

qulatiy

[@call_me_mugi5118]

Great list, i respect it. Poe should be higher up though!

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Appreciate you being so reasonable. Its a bit of a different way of looking at these.

[@FreeFlow__]

people, just stop putting bg2 at number 1. It's simply outdated and cant keep up with modern titles.

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Do you mean Bg2?

[@nolimits9776]

Just put divinity original sin 2 on top. I have played most of those games none can compare with divinity. I played bg2 yeah sure its a great game but cant compete with dos2.

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Where do you reckon BG3 ends up?

[@nolimits9776]

​@@Gaming_AnalyticFinished also BG3 on tactician. Since DOS2 was my first Crpg it has a special place for me. Look im not gona lie i enjoyed more divinity than BG3 the music the setup the combat the camera angles for me are superior to BG3. Second place for BG3. Maybe is the 5th dnd rule that bugs BG3.

[@zerpblerd5966]

BG2 was a slog to get through and the trys to play again were worse

[@ilikevideojunk]

Terrible video and ranking. 👎 talks about Divinty original sin and shows Pathfinder. No effort.

[@Gaming_Analytic]

:p

[@Fantomas24ARM]

PoE 2 is criminally low on your chart. Dislike.

[@Gaming_Analytic]

Ok...

[@tomsetberg4746]

People are obsessed with BG3. I normally like those kinds of games and I thought BG3 was disgustingly bad. If that is the future of gaming then I guess it's just time to stop playing games.

[@Gaming_Analytic]

What about BG3 is the most off putting for you?

[@TheSectric]

You seem like the kinda guy who avoids the new restaurant in town just because everyone tells you it's really good.

[@jesucristobostero3287]

Excuse me but Dragon Age Origins should be in the top 3 at least

[@MasterFeidn]

Oh no dear sir. What kind of rpgs have you played to say so? Dragon Age was so bad - it has not even to play a role in a top 50 list. After the origins (which were a good starting spot and well written) the game was a total slog. Bad game performance and stability, superboring cliche story and dialogues, masses of boring battles with a fight System imbalanced par excellence. Even within the world there are too many inconsistencies. You can be a blood mage and Wynn is friendly to you regardless of that? Wtf?. Meaningless choices in character development.