The most influential isometric RPG, ranked

Key things

• Isometric RPGs like Disco Elysium and Pillars of Eternity shape the genre through unique storytelling and innovative gameplay.
• Games like Fallout and Planescape: Torment set new standards with deep stories and compelling choices that influence future titles.
• Titles like Divinity: Original Sin and Wasteland 2 redefine the genre through strategic depth and environmental interaction, ensuring their relevance in the gaming market.

The isometric RPG genre plays a pivotal role in the gaming market, creating narrative and mechanical standards that have shaped generations of gamers. Since their inception, these games have offered rich and immersive experiences, excelling in their focus on detailed exploration, complex decision-making, and innovative combat systems that have become indispensable to the development of RPGs as a whole.

Both older and more recent entries have influenced the genre in unique ways, introducing new approaches to deep stories and strategic mechanics. These games continue to redefine the industry, combining creativity with innovation. Thus, isometric RPGs remain relevant in the gaming market, attracting fans and developers in search of remarkable and different experiences.

8 Disco Elysium

An isometric RPG focused on dialogue rather than combat

Although many isometric RPG franchises are known for their combat systems, whether turn-based or real-time with pauses, some games have dared to change that, such as Disco Elysium. Due to its unique approach, the title managed to attract the attention of many fans due to its incredible writing.

Many battles in Disco Elysium is fought in this way; the characters do not use firearms or similar weapons, but confront each other with words. Fortunately, the game's legacy carries forward, with many titles being created using similar settings and gameplay philosophies, showing just how influential this release was.

7 Fallout

A milestone of significant possibilities in the genre

Released in 1997, Fallout is one of the most influential games in the isometric RPG genre. Its 1950s-inspired post-apocalyptic world featured a non-linear story full of decisions that directly affected the story. With a turn-based combat system and advanced themes, the game brought an innovative approach to the genre.

Post original Fallout games transcend their time and inspire other incredible games like it Arcanum and Wasteland. Their focus on narrative freedom and deep choices set new standards for isometric RPGs. Even current titles like Encapsulated try to replicate the recognized formula, ensure that the original isometric Fallout the games, despite changes in formula, left a legacy that continues to influence the industry.

6 Planescape: Torment

Isometric RPG focused on deep stories

By exploring deep themes such as identity, mortality and redemption, Planescape: Torment it offers deeper narrative depth compared to many other CRPGs. The journey of The Nameless One offered a choice- and dialogue-centric experience, boasted a dense and compelling story, and set a new standard for storytelling in the genre.

The focus on character interaction and moral dilemmas increased player engagement and set it apart from other isometric RPGs of the time. Planescape: Torment it deeply influenced the narrative design of subsequent games and established itself as one of the most influential isometric RPGs of its generation.

5 Wasteland 2

The return of the forgotten franchise that helped shape Fallout

Originally released in 1988, Wasteland was one of the pioneers in the post-apocalyptic RPG genre and a direct inspiration for its creation Fallout. Despite its initial impact, the series was forgotten for decades until it was revitalized by the release Wasteland 2 in 2014, saving his heritage and post-apocalyptic setting.

First Wasteland did not use an isometric perspective due to technical time constraints. However, with Wasteland 2the series adopted this approach, modernizing its gameplay and providing a more immersive experience. The combination of turn-based combat and significant options brought the title relevance, cemented the series as a milestone for fans of isometric RPGs, and strengthened its historical influence.

4 Divinity: Original Sin

This game established several of Larian's core philosophies

Divinity: Original Sin was a turning point for the isometric RPG genre. Its turn-based combat system coupled with environmental interaction brought new layers of strategic depth and set an innovative standard for narrative and tactical experiences. He is also credited for influencing the revitalization of the genre.

The success of the title guaranteed Larian Studios a prominent place in the RPG market. Its emphasis on co-op mode and inclusion of modding tools strengthened the community of players and creators. This impact was instrumental in the growing popularity of isometric games and paved the way for successes such as Divinity: Original Sin 2 and Baldur's Gate 3.

3 Pillars of Eternity

Responsible for the comeback and new popularization of the genre

Crucial to the new popularization of the genre, Pillars of Eternity was one of the most influential games in isometric RPGs and marked a significant milestone for many fans. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, the game drew inspiration from several other classic titles of the genre and brings new modern mechanics and a well-crafted story.

So the game's impact on isometric RPGs is how it reintroduced the genre to a new audience, proving that the game style can still be viable and relevant to players. Pillars of Eternity it also helped establish a new wave of such games and inspired other studios to develop similar titles.

2 Diablo

A milestone for action RPGs

DiabloPioneering real-time combat transformation and accessible design redefined the action RPG genre. Through its dynamic gameplay and intuitive interface, it captured a wide audience and offered an experience that captivated both newcomers and veterans of the genre. The combination of simple mechanics and strategic depth has become an industry reference.

Procedural dungeons and random loot generation ensured virtually endless replayability and is also considered one of the best games in the genre. Such success meant that the influence of the first Diablo it led not only to the release of new franchises, but also to many companies attempting to replicate the formula of this isometric ARPG.

1 Baldur's Gate

The game that popularized the Infinity Engine

First record in Baldur's Gate franchise is a landmark not only among isometric RPGs, but also in the gaming industry as a whole. With a strong focus on storytelling and character development, with well-crafted dialogue and extensive character interaction, it sets a new standard in the gaming world. His influence paved the way for a number of franchises in later years, including Dragon Age.

Another essential element contributing to Baldur's Gate's legacy is its use of the Infinity Engine, which later became the basis for other isometric RPGs of the era, enabling releases such as Icewind Dale and Planescape: Torment. In doing so, the game created many elements that are now considered essential in the genre, shaping not only the gameplay mechanics and visuals, but also the design philosophy of countless titles.