From the looks of its trailer, it would appear the fantastic realm of Dungeons and Dragons is finally getting a proper action-packed videogame experience. That’s not to say titles like the Baldur’s Gate series weren’t good representations of the material, but this hack-and-slash adventure seems more appropriate for the fantasy world.
While gamers will have to just wait until summer to sink their blades and daggers into this incredibly appealing brawler, there are still ARPGs readily available to tide them over until June. From isometric dungeon-crawlers to fantasy side-scrollers, players have a veritable buffet of action-focused titles to choose from.
10 The Diablo Series
One of the most enjoyable dungeon-crawlers available for gamers everywhere, the Diablo series flavors the exploration of a D&D campaign with a healthy shake of hack-and-slash action. And with a forced entry and remastered collection on the horizon, now has never been the better time to play.
Players can choose from a variety of different classes and use different weapons, spells, and buffs to take on the hordes of Hellspawn that plague Sanctuary. Easy to pick up but hard to master, it’s a perfect entry title for an RPG binge.
9 Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance
Of course, one can’t forget the game inspiring this new adventure. The Baldur’s Gate series is essentially a full D&D campaign told through a videogame medium. This hack-and-slash campaign forgoes the turn-based combat in favor of an isometric brawler a la Diablo.
The original Dark Alliance saw players create their own adventurer from a selection of preset heroes, then set them out on a quest through the Forgotten Realms. Plenty of combat, loot, and action to be had, it’s definitely worth a revisit for even the most seasoned and hearty adventurers.
8 Dark Souls Series
The gameplay trailer for the adventure certainly has a certain familiarity to its combat, and one wouldn’t be remiss if they chose one of the Dark Souls titles to sharpen their blades. Be warned, the dreary world of Lordran might not be as inviting as the Sword Coast.
The combat is crunchy yet cruel, one wrong step or missed attack could be the difference between victory and defeat. Although it’s unlikely this game will be nearly as punishing, there’s definitely a market for Souls-inspired carnage.
7 Dragon’s Crown
Side-scrolling beat-em-ups are the pillars on which the brawler genre is built, but there are few RPG experiences more beautiful than Vanillaware’s Dragon’s Crown. If one were to combine a Dungeon Master’s Guide and Monster Manual with the hand-drawn stylings of Walt Disney, the result would be this fairytale adventure.
Swords, magic, dragons, dwarves, this game has everything any fantasy fan could possibly imagine. From beautiful mermaids to horrifying wraiths, it’s hard to believe such a display works as an action-packed beat-em-up.
6 Darksiders II
Darksiders II is perhaps the most RPG-inspired entry into this stylish series. As the Horseman of Death, players will have to fight imposing enemies and explore deep dungeons in order to clear their brother’s name and reputation. But not without slicing and dicing a few demons along the way.
It might not be as deep or lore-heavy as some of the other entries on this list, but it’s certainly a fun experience that improves on the first game tremendously.
5 Dragon’s Dogma
Easily one of the most underrated titles on this list, Capcom’s Dragon’s Dogma is a gem of a game that scratches nearly every fantasy itch. There are few moments in this ARPG that don’t look like the cover of a DM screen, why wouldn’t it be a perfect appetizer for a D&D-inspired title?
Dragons, chimeras, goblins, and more await players in this game of monsters, magic, and marvelous action-based combat. Perfect for those with a thirst for adventure.
4 Shadow of Mordor Series
If there’s one thing that looked impeccably familiar in the gameplay trailer for Dark Alliance, it was the crunchy, heavy combat between the heroes and the various orcs, goblins, and monsters. An element that was heavily focused on in the Shadow of Mordor series.
Talion might be a fallen ranger of Rohan, but he has enough skills and abilities to rival any multi-classer, and his impressive swordplay and stealth against certain Uruk-Hai generals make him an absolute thrill to play.
3 Jedi: Fallen Order
Jumping from the realms of orcs and elves into a galaxy far, far away, Jedi: Fallen Order is an ARPG that puts players into the shoes of a wandering Jedi fighting off the plight of the evil galactic Empire.
The combat might be a touch Souls-like, but it’s sharp, invigorating, and truly feels like something choreographed for the movies. Fantasy worlds are what RPGs were made for, but sometimes it’s nice to take a break from the battlefields and look towards the stars.
2 Lords of the Fallen
Yet another Souls-inspired title, but one that, while a slower burn, is definitely more fun to play. It has a similar combat and upgrade system, but its hard-hitting hack-and-slash action feels more like something out of Darksiders than Dark Souls.
What earns Lords of the Fallen a spot on this list is indeed its action, but also the dark fantasy aesthetic Dark Alliance is so obviously going for. Honestly, it’s hard not to see an armor-clad Harkyn kicking butt with the heroes of the Forgotten Realms.
1 Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning
Kingdoms of Amalur is perfect for those looking to dive into the magnificent worlds inspired by D&D. Along with its hack-and-slash combat, this game features writing from fantasy legend R.A. Salvatore, and design from Spawn creator Todd McFarlane to sweeten the pot.
The lore is rich, the combat is exciting, and the classes, spells, and side-quests are as bountiful as a dragon’s horde. The game is incredibly flexible and user-friendly, and no matter what class players choose, they will be a powerhouse of might and magic before the final boss.
NEXT: The 5 Best Things About Kingdoms Of Amalur Re-Reckoning (& The 5 Worst)
