Top 10 RPGs for Genre Newcomers

8. Fallout 3

Fallout 3 took the original two titles' more typical Western RPG formula and more or less threw them out the window, instead offering an interesting blend of real time RPG mechanics and shooting gameplay. While this may have led to a split of opinions of Fallout 3, it makes for a decent entry point for those looking to try an RPG experience.

Fallout 3 still takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, where you venture out from the 'safety' of the Vault in search of your father, who left years ago. What is outside the confines of your metal home are the effects of humanity surviving from the aftermath of nuclear fallout. As remnants of the past still stand, humans work to scrape by with what little that remains, protecting themselves against feral, mutated animals and people alike.

Given the rather bleak setting, though, Fallout 3 manages to show this world in a humorous light, and you'll probably get more chuckles out of the game's depressing setting than you would imagine. Its humor is more tongue in cheek than many other games, which enjoy beating you over the head with its jokes, which is a refreshing change of pace in terms of storytelling.

Also, for those that do not enjoy a linear type of game, Fallout 3 has plenty of ways to enjoy the story. You get a variety of options in terms of character creation, and you're given the choice of a plethora of dialogue options when speaking to the many denizens, and these responses can label you as 'good' or 'evil'. Fallout 3 offers a lot of flexibility in how you play your character in terms of both personality and playstyle, allowing players to really connect with their in-game avatars while not being completely overwhelmed by advanced, bloated mechanics.