Skyrim (+ Oblivion & Morrowind). Best RPGs available on GamePass in 2022

Before Bethesda started creating a high-budget space opera, before even buying the rights to Fallouts, they were primarily known for the Elder Scrolls. The first part has already fallen into oblivion, while the second, despite the incredible momentum with which it was created, is almost completely unplayable today. The third in turn, Morrowind, still enjoys quite a large following of people creating new mods that significantly improve the graphics, allowing us to relive the well-known adventures once again. And no wonder – although the mechanics have visibly aged, the game seems much stronger than its successors in terms of plot.

Oblivion revolutionized the series in terms of both the character leveling system and the graphics. The latter made an unbelievable impression at the time of its release. I remember spending hours upon hours walking across Cyrodiil and staring at the views. The enormity of the world and the amount of activities not related to the main plot (which was very underwhelming, we have to say) allowed you to dive in the world of Oblivion not for dozens, but for hundreds of hours. In my case, the counter stopped at around 320. How much time did you spend in Cyrodiil?

I would also like to ask the same question about Skyrim. The fifth installment of the series, which celebrated the tenth (!) anniversary a few months ago, turned out even more extensive, complex and easier to mod. Thanks to this, it managed to maintain not only some vitality of the story, but also gain really good graphics, constantly improved by fans. The scenario turned out to be only a bit more interesting than in the case of Oblivion, but who would deal with such nonsense as the main storyline lasting several dozen hours, when you have a hundred caves to loot, alchemical ingredients to collect, glass armors to enhance, dragon swords to forge, unloved jarls to rob and houses to build. And, of course, Lydia to recruit.

The Forgotten City is a mod for Skyrim that has managed to evolve into a standalone game, also available on Game Pass. Character development has been significantly curbed here, but in terms of the plot, it's as powerful as any RPG out there. So we have morally ambiguous choices, plenty of NPCs that have a lot to say, and a few possible endings. All in the mood of mythological antiquity mixed with the idea of time travel.

1. Skyrim in our encyclopedia

Pillars of Eternity 1 & 2

Created by Obsidian Entertainment, Pillars of Eternity revolutionized the genre, making players realize that certain stories are better told without visual frills. Plus, it's just easier to control a team if you're looking from isometric perspective. The production was financed on Kickstarter and it hit the bull's-eye, surpassing the biggest rival in terms of sales – Torment: Tides of Numenera, created by inXile.

Pillars finally produced a wall of text that was impossible to break away from. Superb writing, sensational dialogues and descriptions along with romantic, melancholic music and bold ideas for morally ambiguous characters contributed to the unique atmosphere of Eora. The first Pillars can can be absorbed, lived and experienced, not just played. This game is more like a charming, philosophical discourse with tactical combat than a computer game in the typical sense.

However, not everyone has to like it. Taking into account the voices of critics, Obsidian decided to take a slightly different approach in the sequel. The pirate-themed Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire is definitely less melancholic, more gameplay-oriented, and not as literary as the first installment. Is that good? I think so. After all, we can get to know this universe in two different ways. And each of them remains just as satisfying.

Jade Empire is a production not so much referring to the classics as having released on Xbox during the golden era of RPG, in 2005. We have an epic story of a young martial arts adept, an atmospheric universe of ancient China enriched with fantasy elements and a great combat system.

1. Pillars of Eternity in our encyclopedia