Role-Playing (RPG)

Spyro: Shadow Legacy introduces role-playing elements to the beloved Dragon Realms, offering fans an "RPG light" experience packed with fresh gameplay features. Players earn experience points by defeating creatures, which can then be used to improve Spyro's strength, magical powers, and martial arts combat abilities as they progress through the adventure. Developed by Amaze Entertainment and published by Sierra Entertainment, this Nintendo DS title blends traditional platforming with progressive character building. Players navigate a shadowed realm, mastering new skills and combating unique foes to save the dragon world in a single-player journey.

✦ Best for fans wanting a portable rpg-light adventure in the dragon realms.

Pokémon Red Version is a landmark role-playing game developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo. Players embark on a grand journey across the Kanto region, capturing, training, and evolving dozens of unique creatures to become the ultimate Pokémon League Champion. Featuring strategic turn-based combat, open-world exploration, and the groundbreaking ability to trade monsters with friends using a Game Link Cable, this iconic title established a multi-billion-dollar franchise and defined a generation of handheld gaming.

✦ Best for retro gamers and rpg fans seeking classic monster-collecting adventures.

Pokémon Diamond Version is a classic role-playing adventure set in the sprawling Sinnoh region. Players choose a starter Pokémon and set out to catch, train, and battle various creatures while thwarting the nefarious plans of Team Galactic. Featuring dual-screen utilization on the Nintendo DS, this installment introduced global trading and battling via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, dynamic time-of-day mechanics, and the Underground mining minigame for discovering rare items and fossils.

✦ Best for rpg fans seeking a classic creature-collection adventure in the sinnoh region.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the Kanto region, capturing, training, and battling classic Pokémon to become the ultimate Pokémon Champion. Pokémon FireRed Version enhances the beloved original Game Boy experience with modern conveniences, vibrant visuals, and expanded post-game areas to explore. Test your skills in turn-based strategic battles, trade with friends, and uncover the mysteries of the Sevii Islands. Whether you are a nostalgic veteran or a newcomer starting your journey, this masterpiece delivers endless role-playing excitement and timeless creature-collecting gameplay.

✦ Best for fans wanting a faithful, enhanced return to the kanto region.

Pokémon Gold Version is a landmark role-playing game that introduced players to the Johto region, expanding upon the beloved formula of the original generation. Players capture, train, and battle numerous creatures on their quest to become the ultimate Pokémon Champion. Featuring a real-time clock system, day and night cycles, and the ability to travel back to the Kanto region, this classic title offers depth, exploration, and timeless turn-based strategy mechanics for fans of all ages.

✦ Best for rpg fans and retro gamers wanting to explore johto and kanto.

Step into the vibrant world of Hoenn in Pokémon Ruby Version, where you capture, train, and battle dozens of unique creatures. Explore diverse environments ranging from lush forests to volcanic ash-covered routes while uncovering the sinister plots of Team Magma. Test your strategic prowess against gym leaders, complete the Hoenn Pokédex, and trade or battle with friends using the Game Boy Advance Game Link Cable. Experience the introduction of Double Battles, abilities, and natures that deepen the tactical depth of every encounter.

✦ Best for rpg fans seeking deep turn-based strategy and team building.

Pokémon HeartGold Version is an acclaimed role-playing adventure that invites players to journey through the nostalgic Johto and Kanto regions alongside a Pokémon that follows behind them everywhere they go. Featuring updated graphics, an expanded soundtrack, and modern gameplay mechanics built upon the foundation of the Generation II classics, it delivers a rich and immersive handheld experience. The game introduces innovative features such as the Pokéwalker accessory, allowing trainers to take their favorite Pokémon with them into the real world to earn watts and level up. With legendary encounters including Ho-Oh and Lugia, intense turn-based battles, and robust multiplayer connectivity for trading and battling with friends, it remains a high point in the storied franchise.

✦ Best for rpg fans wanting to explore two regions with a following pokémon.

Virtua Quest is a sci-fi action role-playing game developed by Tose and Sega AM2, published by Sega. Players embark on a grand adventure inside a vast virtual reality network known as the Nexus, interacting with classic characters from the Virtua Fighter and Virtua Cop franchises while unraveling an intricate digital mystery. The gameplay blends traditional role-playing elements with real-time martial arts combat, allowing players to collect and utilize Virtua Souls to execute devastating special moves. Experience a unique fusion of fighting mechanics and dungeon exploration exclusively on the PlayStation 2 console.

✦ Best for fans of sega classics and ps2-era action rpgs.

Pokémon White Version introduces players to the vibrant Unova region, inspired by modern urban landscapes, featuring over 150 brand-new Pokémon to discover and train. Experience dynamic seasonal changes that affect the environment and the appearance of certain Pokémon in the wild. Engage in thrilling triple battles and rotation battles that add deep tactical layers to the traditional turn-based combat system. Journey alongside the enigmatic character N as you explore the conflicting ideals of truth and ideals in an unforgettable story.

✦ Best for rpg fans wanting a fresh roster of over 150 unova pokémon.

Pokémon Black Version takes players on an adventure through the culturally diverse Unova region, inspired by modern New York City. Alongside your childhood friends and rivals, you will uncover the mysteries of the legendary Pokémon Reshiram while confronting the villainous Team Plasma. Featuring over 150 brand-new Pokémon that cannot be found in previous generations, this entry introduces dynamic seasonal changes, animated battle sprites, and triple and rotation battles that add unprecedented depth to the traditional turn-based combat system.

✦ Best for rpg fans seeking a mature story and 150+ new pokémon.

Pokémon SoulSilver Version is an acclaimed role-playing adventure that invites players to journey through the nostalgic Johto and Kanto regions alongside a faithful Pokémon companion that follows right behind them on the screen. Featuring updated graphics, an expanded soundtrack, and modern gameplay mechanics, this enhanced remake of the classic Game Boy Color title delivers a rich, immersive experience for both returning fans and newcomers alike. Players collect gym badges, battle the villainous Team Rocket, and capture legendary Pokémon such as Lugia while utilizing the innovative Pokéwalker accessory to train their monsters in the real world. With robust trading, competitive battling capabilities, and classic turn-based strategy, SoulSilver remains a high point in the storied Pokémon franchise.

✦ Best for rpg fans wanting massive exploration and a walking pokémon companion.

Pokémon Platinum Version expands upon the beloved Generation IV experience, introducing the mysterious Distortion World and enhanced features. Players explore the snow-swept Sinnoh region, capture legendary Pokémon, and battle formidable trainers on their quest to become the Pokémon League Champion. Featuring updated graphics, expanded Wi-Fi capabilities, and the return of the Battle Frontier, this enhanced version delivers the ultimate Sinnoh journey. Team Galactic returns with a more ambitious plot, driving a richer narrative that challenges players to save the world from total distortion.

✦ Best for rpg fans and monster-taming enthusiasts seeking the definitive sinnoh adventure.