Classic RPGs such as Baldur’s Gate and Planescape Torment, which were popular in the 90s and early 2000s, have experienced a revival in recent years. They are story-driven, have turn-based combat and offer many player choices. These games went into decline as newer, more streamlined games with better graphics prioritised action over storytelling. However, the rise of indie development, including games such as Wasteland 2 and Pillars of Eternity, has seen the return of the classic RPG with better graphics and more modern improvements. With game studios investing more in classic RPGs, it seems the genre is here to stay.

Reviving the Classics: The Return of Classic RPGs like Baldur’s Gate and Planescape Torment

Roleplaying games, or RPGs, have been around for decades, and they have undergone numerous transformations over the years. From their origins in tabletop gaming, to their evolution into video games, RPGs have been a staple of the gaming world for a long time. Classic RPGs, like Baldur’s Gate and Planescape Torment, are games that are beloved by many, and they are still being played today. However, these games are no longer in their prime, and they have been overshadowed by more modern offerings. Nevertheless, there has been a revival of classic RPGs in recent years, and this has been great news for fans of the genre. In this article, we will explore how classic RPGs are coming back, and what is driving this trend.

The History of Classic RPGs

Before we can talk about the return of classic RPGs, we first need to look back at their history. Classic RPGs are games that were popular in the 90s and early 2000s, and they share some common characteristics. They are typically story-driven, have turn-based combat, and offer a lot of player choice. Some of the most well-known classic RPGs include Baldur’s Gate, Planescape Torment, and Fallout 2. These games were incredibly popular in their time, and they set the standard for what a good RPG should be.

The Decline of Classic RPGs

Unfortunately, as time went by, classic RPGs began to lose their popularity. They were replaced by newer games that offered more streamlined gameplay and better graphics. RPGs began to focus more on action and less on storytelling, and this left classic RPGs behind. Many of the studios that were responsible for making classic RPGs went out of business, and it seemed like the genre was dying.

The Rise of Indie Development

However, there was a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Indie developers began to emerge, and they started to create games that harked back to the classic RPGs of old. These developers were able to make games that had the same depth and complexity as the classics, but with better graphics and modern improvements. Games like Pillars of Eternity and Wasteland 2 were born out of this movement, and they were very successful. It seemed like the classic RPG was making a comeback.

Remakes and Remasters

In addition to indie games, there have also been remakes and remasters of classic RPGs. Games like Baldur’s Gate and Planescape Torment have been updated for modern systems, and they have been given a new lease of life. These games still have the same great gameplay and storytelling, but they look better than ever before. This has allowed a new generation of players to experience these classic games.

The Future of Classic RPGs

So, what does the future hold for classic RPGs? It seems that they are here to stay. The success of indie games and remakes has shown that there is still a demand for these types of games. In addition, game studios are starting to take notice of the trend, and they are beginning to invest in classic RPGs once again. For example, Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind Pillars of Eternity, was recently acquired by Microsoft. It is likely that we will see more classic-style RPGs from them in the future.

Conclusion

Classic RPGs are a beloved genre of gaming, and it is great to see them making a comeback. Indie developers and remakes have breathed new life into these games, and they are still just as enjoyable to play as they were when they were first released. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for classic RPGs, but one thing is for sure: they are here to stay.