Believe it or not, isometric perspective gaming has been in existence since the 80s. It started with Sega’s Zaxxon, a game I have fond memories of because it helped anchor my love for gaming. The perspective has had years of graphical advancement for all genres of gaming. But specifically, I want to focus on the RPG genre and the isometric view because something about the two just mixes perfectly.
So we need to fast forward to the 90s with the release of Diablo and Balders Gate. These two games were groundbreaking, and both are now considered classic isometric RPGs. Also, there’s not much denying that both of these games spawned an entire catalog of isometric RPGs.
Over the years, we’ve had games like Fallout, Planescape, Icewind Dale, and the continuation of the Diablo series. But now it’s 2020, and the genre is still alive and well with the help of games like the enhanced Baldurs Gate, Grim Dawn, and the great Divinity: Original Sin II. But what about those RPGs that are relatively unknown. Well, that’s what this list pertains to, 6 Isometric games that you may not have heard of or played. Let’s get into it.
Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium was released on October 15, 2019, for Steam. The game is published and developed by ZA/UM and currently has a very positive rating on the platform. In the game, you take on the role of a detective in a vast city. The game offers unprecedented freedom of choice from intimidating, sweet-talking, and resorting to violence. It also has a unique skill system and a rich story. On top of all this, you even get to interrogate your suspects.
Hades
Hades was released out of early access on September 17, 2020. It’s available for Steam and the Nintendo Switch with an overwhelmingly positive rating on Steam. Also, the game was published and developed by Supergiant Games. Hades is a rogue-like hack ‘n slash RPG where you defy the gods. You’re an immortal prince who must battle his way out of the underworld with mythical weapons and powers.
Encased
Encased was released on Sep 26, 2019. It’s available on Steam but is still in early access. Fortunately, it has a very positive rating on the platform. Encased is published by Black Tower Entertainment and developed by Dark Crystal Games. The game is a tribute to the original “Fallout” series. It takes place in a post-apocalyptic sci-fi wasteland where you can craft, fight, and explore. The game is also a turn-based RPG in the tradition of Divinity: Original Sin II and the classic Fallouts.
Tower of Time
Tower of Time was released back in April of 2018. But don’t let this one fly under your radar because it is quite an adventurous game. It is currently available on Steam with a mostly positive rating. It’s aslo available on the Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox consoles. The game is published and developed by Event Horizon. Tower of Time has a fantastic story and unique real-time combat that lets you pause and stop. It even offers a permadeath mode for those who are up to the challenge.
Tainted Grail
Tainted Grail is another early access game released in 2020. You can pick it up on Steam, and currently, the game has a mostly positive rating. Awaken Realms Digital published and developed the game. This one is unique because it has a hardcore rogue-like mode, or you can just unravel the mysterious story of Guardian Menhirs. The narrative-driven open-world RPG is a reimagining of the Arthurian Legends.
Gamedec
Ok, so Gamedec hasn’t yet been released, but it does in December of 2020, so I thought I would include it. And believe me, keep an eye out for this one because it looks fantastic. The game is published and developed by Anshar Studios. And as of right now, there is an available demo out if you want to give the game a go. Gamedec is a single-player cyberpunk detective game where you gather info and get to the bottom of schemes. Check out the Gameplay trailer below:
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