Summary
When it comes to video games, the RPG genre serves somewhat as an umbrella term encompassing titles that allow the players to become anyone, beingrebel leaders, royalty, or any of the millions of customizable possibilities. Even though it is a genre with not-so-defined standards, most installments share an appealing plot, a set of complex characters, and diverse items that, altogether, make up for an immersive role-playing experience.
Although optional quests, rare weapons, and convoluted lore are usually a part of the genre, every once in a while an RPG that is a bit more straightforward and less overwhelming comes along. These can be games with fewer side quests or with predominantly mandatory missions, but also installments that are somewhat linear or that are more guided by the main objective. Overall, such games don’t require the player to spend endless hours on additional content that doesn’t add much to the overarching narrative or their character.
Kicking off theManafranchise,Final Fantasy Adventureholds apivotal spot within the seriesas it introduces the world and an emotional story at a polished pace. Despite some aspects failing to withstand the time test and its technological restrictions, the combat still stands out alongside its narrative-centered playthrough.
The game is not a part of the officialFinal Fantasyfranchise, despite its name, containing only a couple of special appearances to make it somewhat of a spin-off collection. In the game, the players follow a young gladiator who escapes and discovers his true destiny as he goes on an exciting adventure. As one of the shortest titles in theManaseries,Final Fantasy Adventureis an RPG with little to no side quests or optional journeys that rarely diverge from the main plot.
Among theFalloutgames,Fallout Tacticsoffers a distinct experience as the first spin-off of the series. Exploring the Chicago wasteland in 2197, the game joins grid-based combat with a customizable crew in a narrative that sets some of thefranchise’s canon elements.
Despite some extra content, players advance one task at a time, having to return to the main bunker, mission after mission, to receive their next objective. Sometimes the player is asked to choose between two quests, but all missions are required for the story, so the order is the only thing that is actually optional in theFallout Tacticsstoryline.
It is no wonder whyDeus Excontinues to be one of thebest cyberpunk games, despite its dated visuals and older elements. This immersive sim helped make the genre popular with some ideological discussions and a narrative filled with conspiracies that make the story more enticing.
Although it does have some optional objectives, the game does not have side missions, with most of the actions taken by the player affecting the story in some way.Deus Exdoes have three different endings which come from the decisions made by the player, with each ending showcasing different repercussions.
Based on the satirical adult cartoon, this turn-based game has the same creators of some of the most prestigious RPGs out there. Despite the show being known for its longevity, containing over 25 seasons, the game itself is one of theshortest RPGs to complete, keeping the humor and providing extra development for the beloved characters.
With around 20 side missions, the game does have optional content for players who want to expand on the main story. However, they are usually very simple and don’t take long to complete, with the extra content only taking around three extra hours in addition to the approximately twelve hours of the main narrative.
Dressed as a parody of U.S. culture and bringing a more modern setting,Earthboundmade its mark among RPGs shifting its features but alsoinspiring so many other installments. The game does not take itself too seriously, providing the genre with a normality that stands out among the sword fighting and potion crafting in so many RPGs.
However, what makesEarthboundunique and one of themost innovative RPGsboils down to it not having a true range of side quests within its linearity and overall simplicity. There are optional items or specific interests that bring an even lighter tone to the game, yet they are not necessary for completing the game, nor are they supposed to advance the player’s character or their skills in any way.
The journey of the protagonist and their party is a focus in many RPG games, butGrandia2takes it to another level. Not only that, the game brings the perfect mix of distinctive combat with a plot propelled by its characters, keeping players enthralled by its simplicity.
Throughout the game, the player moves forward through plot points, without being sidetracked by optional missions or content. With predominantly impactful quests that progress the storyline,Grandia 2has an optional dungeon that gives players a taste of expansion without deviating from the main objective.
