Role-playing games are one of the most prolific, most successful game genres. No other genre lets you get so immersed in a fully realized gameworld. Though online RPGs like EverQuest have carved an entire new genre out of conventional computer role-playing, the traditional single-player RPG remains important and prominent. This year's lineup of single-player role-playing games perhaps wasn't as strong as in recent years. Nevertheless, at least five outstanding games were published, which are the nominees for Best Single-Player RPG of 2001:
Nominees:
Anachronox
Publisher: Eidos Interactive
Developer: Ion Storm
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Anachronox is a solid addition to the RPG genre and makes up for some rough spots with a welcome sense of humor and a lot of personality.
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura
Publisher: Sierra Studios
Developer: Troika Games
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If you're serious about role-playing games, then Arcanum is well worth the investment of time, money, and effort.
Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal
Publisher: Interplay
Developer: BioWare
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At the end of Throne of Bhaal, you'll look back over the course of the series and see how far it's come and how far you've come along with it. It finally gives a satisfying sense of closure to the story of the beloved role-playing series, which is what's most important.
Summoner
Publisher: THQ
Developer: Volition Inc.
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Summoner tells the story of a young man who's born into a prophecy of sorcery and betrayal. It is a game of hidden depth--a game with an interesting combat system, an intriguing story, and an enjoyable multiplayer mode to boot.
Wizardry 8
Publisher: Sirtech Canada
Developer: Sirtech Canada
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Wizardry 8's engaging and addictive gameplay and surprisingly good graphics and sound make it a worthy finale to the Wizardry series, as well as an excellent RPG in and of itself.
