The fantasy genre, whether it is in literature, movies, or video games, is one of the most diverse when it comes to storytelling and creating worlds. In movies and films, fans of the genre can easily identify pure high fantasy like that seen inTheLord of the RingsandWillow. Then there are dark fantasy settings like those seen inThe Witcherand theGame of Thronesseries.
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Heck, even theStar Warssaga is classified as science fantasy. And this broad spectrum and blending of genres work just as well in gaming. With this in mind, we are taking a look at several games from different genres that operate in a fantasy setting that may have been underrated and overlooked when it comes to their Metascore.
10Risen (Metascore 60)
Released as a spiritual successor to theGothicRPG series,Risenis a fantasy RPG released for the PC and the Xbox 360 in 2009 and 2010 respectively. It was developed by Piranha Bytes, the same studio behindGothicimplements many of the same mechanics and qualities of that series.
While the combat mechanics are quite janky and the visuals don’t match up to the likes ofThe Elder Scrolls,it’s easy for players to get lost in its intricately developed world. The island of Faranga is based on Sicily, and there is a surprising amount of references to real-world events and history that happened on the Mediterranean Island.
9Castlevania: Lords Of Shadow 2 (Metascore 63)
Released in 2014 for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and the PC,Castlevania: Lords of the Shadow 2was the direct sequel to the rebooted fantasy horror adventure series developed by MercurySteam. The game had a troubled development and there were some mechanics in the gameplay that felt off, like the stealth and the modern-day aspects.
However, those willing to overlook a few design missteps will be in for a treat when it comes to the game’s combat mechanics and monster designs. Additionally,Lords of Shadow 2is an excellent conclusion to the story backed up by an amazing voice cast featuring Robert Carlyle, Richard Madden, Patrick Stewart, and Jason Isaacs.
8The Order: 1886 (Metascore 63)
Released exclusively for the PlayStation 4 in 2015,The Order: 1886is a third-person action cover shooter in the same vein as theGears of Warseries. The game’s story uses medieval Arthurian legend in a Victorian London setting, and also throws vampires and werewolves into the mix.
While it’s true thatThe Order: 1886doesn’t offer its players much in the way of replay value due to its linearity, it’s a fun ride from start to finish. It has incredible production values, with some of the best graphics of a generation, and an interesting story. Furthermore, the game can be picked up for a reasonable price and it’s easy to achieve the platinum for trophy hunters.
7Berserk And The Band Of The Hawk (Metascore 66)
Berserk and the Band of the Hawkis a hack and slash action title developed by Omega Force, who is perhaps better known for itsDynasty Warriorsseries. The game was released on the PlayStation 4 and the PC in 2017, and it is based on theBerserkmangaand anime fantasy series.
Just like the otherWarriors/Musuogames developed by Omega Force,Berserkis a true power fantasy for the player. OnlyBerserkis a much a bloodier and brutal game than the other games in theMusuoseries. It has a deep combo system, and the sword fighting mechanics feel suitably weighty. However, it’s the game’s story that really stands out as one of the best developed by Omega Force.
6Viking: Battle For Asgard (Metascore 68)
Released in 2008,Viking: Battle for Asgardis a fantasy hack and slash title based around Norse mythology. It was released on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 and was developed by Creative Assembly, who is better known for theTotal Warseries.
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WhileBattle for Asgarddoes have large scale battles like theTotal Warseries, the combat has more in common with Omega Force’sDynasty Warriorsseries. Just like that series, some may find the combat repetitive, however, many fans will never tire of the large scale battles (which are reminiscent ofThe Lord of the Ringsmovies) still look fantastic to this day.
5Conan (Metascore 69)
Released in 2007 for the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3,Conanis an action-adventure hack and slash videogame with similar mechanics to the originalGod of Warseries. The game is based on the Robert E. Howard books of the same name and is considered by many to be the original swords and sorcery anti- hero. Unfairly passed off as a poor man’sGod of War,Conanis one of the most criminally overlooked action games of the last generation.
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Conanhas a fantastic counter and parry system, a huge amount of weapons to choose from, and the game looks like a Frank Frazetta painting that’s come to life. Furthermore, the voice acting, with Ron Perlman as the titular Conan, is top-notch. And the story, which is loosely based on Robert E. Howard’s short storyQueen of the Black Coast,is an entertaining ride from start to finish.
4Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone (Metascore 71)
Released in 2004 on the original Xbox, PlayStation 2, and PC,Forgotten Realms: Demon Stoneis an action RPG that is based in theDungeons & Dragonsuniverse.Demon Stoneis one of the most criminally overlooked hack-and-slash RPG games from the PS2 era.
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The game’s scope and cinematic flair hold up beautifully even by today’s standards, and with its BAFTA Award-winning voice work from Patrick Stewart and the late Michael Clarke Duncan it feels like an AAA game. Furthermore, the game’s script was penned by famed fantasy author R.A. Salvatore, who also wrote the story forKingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning.Demon Stoneoffers a surprising amount of replay value with its unlockables and reasonable campaign length that doesn’t outstay its welcome.
3Lords Of The Fallen (Metascore 71)
Released in 2014 for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and the PC,Lord of the Fallenis a fantasy action RPG developed by Deck13 Interactive. Just like theDark Soulsseries, it is set in a dark fantasy world with well-designed, interconnected environments, and its visual style helps set it apart.
While the story is fairly forgettable and it’s not as good as Deck13’s science fictionSouls-like seriesThe Surge,the gameplay inLords of the Fallenis great, it feels weighty, and every fight feels like an accomplishment. In addition, the boss fights and enemy designs are definitely good enough to satisfy the most seasoned Souls fans.
2Dungeons & Dragons: Heroes (Metascore 72)
Released exclusively for the original Xbox in 2003,Dungeons & Dragons Heroesis a hack-and-slash dungeon crawler that plays similarly to theBaldur’s Gate: Dark Allianceseries, which was also set in the same universe.
Just likeDark Alliance,is an isometric action-RPG that can be played either in single-player or with another player for some great couch co-op action. The game is filled with enough monsters and references to theDungeons & Dragonsuniverse to keeps fans of the lore entertained.
1Attack On Titan 2 (Metascore 74)
Released on the PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One, and the Nintendo Switch in 2018,Attack on Titan 2is a hack and slash action game developed by Omega Force. It’s based on the very gory fantasy anime and manga series of the same name, and the game more than lives up its source material.
The originalAttack on Titan 2’sstory spans the first two seasons of the anime show, and the expansionAttack on Titan 2: Final Battleincludes the third season. The Titans themselves are just as horrific and as weird as they look on the show, and the battles feel epic and fast-paced with its brilliant combat system.
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