2023's Longest Games: A Year of Epic RPG Adventures
Exploring the year's longest RPG games, their impact, and what's in store for the future of long-form RPGs.
Introduction
The year 2023 brought with it a wave of epic RPG adventures, captivating gamers with immersive storylines, rich gameplay, and hours of exploration. HowLongToBeat, a leading website for tracking game completion times, recently unveiled its end-of-the-year results, shining a spotlight on the longest games of the year. These results, excluding 'endless' titles, showcased the dominance of the RPG genre in the realm of extended gameplay experiences. From action-packed adventures to captivating dungeon crawlers, the RPG genre reigned supreme in 2023, offering players a diverse array of expansive titles to sink their teeth into.
Among the notable RPGs of 2023, hits like Baldur's Gate 3 and Alan Wake 2 took center stage, garnering accolades and acclaim at The Game Awards 2023. While fast-paced action may be the hallmark of some gaming genres, RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 provided players with a more contemplative and immersive experience. The allure of these lengthy RPGs lies in their ability to offer profound and rewarding journeys, captivating players with their depth and complexity.
Twitter article posted by HowLongToBeat
The Lengthy Epics: Unveiling the Top RPGs
The results revealed by HowLongToBeat showcased the monumental achievements of RPG games in 2023, with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom claiming the top spot as the year's longest game, boasting an average completion time of 110 hours. Following closely behind was the epic adventure of Baldur's Gate 3, offering a captivating 105-hour journey that captivated players with its depth and intricacy. Octopath Traveler 2, Starfield, and other titles also carved their places in the annals of lengthy RPGs, each offering a unique and immersive experience for gamers seeking extended gameplay.
It's important to note that these completion times are based on data from HowLongToBeat's website, thus representing the experiences of users who logged their playthrough times. The list not only highlighted the sheer length of these RPGs but also shed light on their critical acclaim and impact on the gaming community. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, in addition to its staggering length, garnered a Metacritic score of 96, solidifying its status as a critically acclaimed masterpiece that captivated both fans and critics alike.
The Future of Epic RPG Adventures
As 2023 drew to a close, the world of long-form RPGs set its sights on the horizon, teasing the arrival of highly anticipated titles in 2024. Games like Avowed, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth sparked excitement among fans, promising to deliver immersive and expansive journeys that would continue the legacy of lengthy RPG adventures. While fans eagerly await the next wave of epic RPGs, the impact of 2023's longest games continues to reverberate, with players diving into the depths of Baldur's Gate 3 and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, uncovering new secrets and immersing themselves in the rich worlds crafted by these monumental RPGs.
The legacy of these lengthy RPGs extends beyond the realm of gameplay, with titles like Baldur's Gate 3 earning top honors at The Game Awards 2023, securing multiple accolades and affirming the enduring appeal of narrative-driven, expansive gaming experiences. As fans look ahead to 2024, the promise of new adventures and the potential for groundbreaking RPG narratives fuels excitement and anticipation, setting the stage for a new era of epic RPG adventures that will captivate players with their depth, complexity, and immersive storytelling.
