Bethesda's "Starfield," one of the biggest games of the year, is finally available for folks with a reasonably powerful PC or an Xbox Series X/S console. The hype is undeniable, and the review scores have been pretty high, but I can't quite shake the feeling like there is some slight disappointment that it isn't more ambitious.
If you're a die-hard Bethesda fan, or you simply have a Game Pass subscription, go enjoy yourself. It's more of what everyone has come to expect from the folks behind "Fallout" and "Elder Scrolls" — there's a built-in audience there, and I'm not knocking it. For the rest of us though, September is a good time to play "Baldur's Gate 3" or tackle that big ol' backlog.
If you're a PlayStation or Switch gamer looking to scratch the RPG itch right now, I've put together five older games that you absolutely should play instead of "Starfield."
Final Fantasy VI — Pixel Remaster
If you're going to call out a single "Final Fantasy" for its story, it has to be "VI." It's the pinnacle of the golden age of RPGs — matched only by the likes of "Chrono Trigger." And since this just got a superb remaster, it's earned the priority in the backlog.
Specifically, there's a lengthy opera scene in this game that received a delightful reworking in the HD-2D style first popularized by "Octopath Traveler." That's worth the price of admission alone.
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Switch, Mobile
Nier: Automata — Game of the YoRHa Edition
This stand-alone follow-up to the original "Nier" has so much to say about personhood, community and perpetual war all while being packed into a delightful sci-fi action-RPG by none other than Platinum Games ("Bayonetta," "The Wonderful 101").
From the user interface to the end credits, it's packed with surprises, but you need to keep going once you hit the first ending. If you're not going all the way to ending E, don't even bother playing.
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Switch, Xbox
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
This package is easily the best deal in all of video games. You get all three games with almost all of the DLC in one affordable package. They've been given some fine-tuning and a fresh coat of paint, so they won't feel so damn old when you jump in.
Just keep in mind that the decisions you make in the first game will have ramifications in the second and third, so don't be too hasty. You might end up losing one of the best characters by accident.
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
While "Starfield" and other Bethesda games are all about interacting with a massive open world, "Disco Elysium" goes for depth instead of breadth. You're only exploring a small part of the city and some of the outskirts, but the game is jam-packed with characters and activities to keep you busy.
The game initially shipped with only select lines voice acted, but "The Final Cut" covers pretty much everything while adding in some additional quests to boot.
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Switch, Xbox
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Complete Edition
In terms of AAA RPGs, "Witcher 3" set the bar exceedingly high. The base game itself is massive with dozens of hours of intricately-written quests, and the two expansions included in the "Complete Edition" add in so much more to enjoy. Not until "Baldur's Gate 3" has a game with similar production values come even close to matching it.
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Switch, Xbox
I also rounded up some excellent under-loved sci-fi games to satiate you if you're not playing "Starfield." Check 'em out.
[Image: IGN, Mass Effect, Nintendo]
