The Steam Deck was introduced on February 25, 2022, marking the onset of a new era in portable gaming. It now allows individuals to enjoy their extensive Steam game collections on the go, eliminating the need for a gaming laptop. While not surprisingly flawless, the console's initial reception has been respectable, earning a considerable amount of acclaim alongside valid criticisms that could potentially be addressed in the future.
Since its launch, Valve has been systematically testing games and designating them as "Deck Verified," signifying that they run smoothly on the Steam Deck. Naturally, this undertaking will require time due to the sheer volume of titles on Steam, but numerous prominent games have already received confirmation. What are the top RPGs available on the Steam Deck?
Baldur's Gate 3
After enjoying a successful run in Steam's early access program, Larian Studios' Baldur's Gate 3 officially made its grand debut in August 2023, receiving enthusiastic acclaim and applause from almost everyone. Despite the upcoming release of several noteworthy RPGs in the coming months, BG3 is certain to stand out as one of the genre's top additions for 2023 and one of the year's standout games overall. The game quickly received Deck Verification status and performs quite well on Valve's portable gaming system. While those with gaming desktops might prefer the larger screen experience, using the Steam Deck remains a viable option.
Baldur's Gate 3, a turn-based tactical RPG, draws inspiration from Larian's Divinity: Original Sin 2, making it a familiar experience for fans of the latter. However, for most people, the 2023 release marks their initial foray into this subgenre, and it couldn't be a better introduction. The game offers extensive customization, an intricately crafted world, flexible storytelling, and a complex combat system that demands strategic thinking and a thorough understanding of each party member's strengths and weaknesses.
Tales Of Arise
For over twenty years, Bandai Namco's Tales series has consistently delivered enjoyable action-packed JRPGs, and the franchise is currently enjoying a period of remarkable success. Tales of Arise stands as a strong contender for one of the franchise's finest games, a statement not made lightly. It unfolds in a world marked by discrimination, where Arise follows the journey of two individuals from opposing sides of the conflict, drawn together by fate, embarking on a challenging quest to bring about change in Dahna.
Both the storyline and characters in Arise are robust, with the characters standing out in particular. Nevertheless, a compelling narrative alone wouldn't suffice if the gameplay weren't enjoyable. Fortunately, Arise excels in its combat system.
During September 14's PlayStation State of Play, Tales of Arise debuted a new trailer for its forthcoming story DLC, Beyond the Dawn. It also confirmed the Tales of Arise DLC would release on November 9, putting it just two months away.
The Witcher 3
While there are numerous outstanding RPGs, only a select few can be credited with having had a transformative impact on the genre, hopefully for the better. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt serves as a prime example of a relatively recent release that reshaped the gaming landscape by establishing a new benchmark of excellence.
Since the game's launch, it appears that RPGs in general have made a more concerted effort to ensure that side quests offer more substantial and engaging experiences. While it's true that The Witcher 3 wasn't the initial game to deliver exceptional supplementary content, it can arguably be considered as having perfected this aspect. The overall package is equally impressive, whether it's the expansive open-world, the main storyline, or the quality of voice acting. That being said, opinions on the combat system may vary, but it tends to come together more cohesively as players become acquainted with its mechanics.
Hogwarts Legacy
Since the inception of the Harry Potter film series, video games based on the franchise have consistently followed suit. Typically, these games have adhered closely to the plots and characters found in the novels. While there have been some commendable games over the years, the Harry Potter gaming franchise hasn't always been synonymous with top-notch quality. What's more significant is that the success of Hogwarts Legacy suggests a broader interest in the rich universe of the franchise beyond just Harry's individual journey.
Avalanche's open-world RPG is set approximately a century before the events in the books, and it follows the story of a transfer student enrolling at Hogwarts. While the storyline has its positive aspects, the primary allure of Hogwarts Legacy lies in its ability to let fans immerse themselves in the Wizarding World and explore some of the most iconic locations from the series. While the RPG isn't without its flaws, it manages to get many things right, particularly considering that it represents Avalanche's initial venture into the Harry Potter license. Hopefully, any potential sequel will build upon the strengths of the 2023 game.
Yakuza: Like A Dragon
After over ten years of delivering beat 'em up action with the iconic character Kazuma Kiryu, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio decided to take a bold step by making significant adjustments to the Yakuza series. Like a Dragon introduces a turn-based combat system reminiscent of the classic Dragon Quest games and introduces a new central hub.
Despite these substantial changes, at its core, Like a Dragon preserves the essence, wit, and innovation that the series is known for. The game takes ambitious swings and, aside from a few initial challenges, manages to achieve great success.
Elden Ring
Launched concurrently with the Steam Deck, Elden Ring served as the ultimate benchmark for testing the capabilities of the handheld system. Could Valve's platform effectively handle a massive open-world RPG with an abundance of content that could entertain players for hundreds of hours? The answer was a resounding "yes," and experiencing Elden Ring on the go is just as breathtaking as embarking on The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild adventure on the Nintendo Switch.
FromSoftware's title from 2022 immerses players in the expansive and nightmarish world known as the Lands Between, which beckons for thorough exploration. With its robust customization system, numerous epic boss encounters, and rich lore, Elden Ring is truly remarkable.
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