7 Really Good Video Games that D&D Influenced
Written by Jack Durkin
From settings to mechanics to licensing, Dungeons and Dragons and video games have had a symbiotic relationship since their creation in the 70s. The genre of RPG video games has been undeniably influenced by one of the original tabletop RPGs. Reflexively, the influences of video games can be felt in each of D&D’s iterations. This is a list of 7 video games that owe their existence to the undeniable king of RPGs: D&D. I won’t offer judgment on which is best and there are many games I’m missing (please direct all anger to the comments). But here’s a list of some good D&D-related games:
The Iconic – Baldur’s Gate Series
Each game in this series could deserve its own entry, even while its most recent release Baldur’s Gate 3 is still in Early Access. These isometric RPGs were originally developed by Bioware from 1998 to 2000 and arguably set that studio on the map with its epic storytelling, compelling characters, and an isometric engine that would be used and imitated for countless RPGs (including a few more on this list). Its newest entry is led by Larian Studios, whose work on the Divinity series has been lauded as one of the best recent entries into this genre. And BG3 will now let you shove people off cliffs. This is a good game already and can only get better from here.
The Old-School – Legend of Grimrock
This game hearkens back to the early age of video games trying to capture the dungeon-crawl thrills (and struggles) of older editions of D&D and its video-game interpretations. You’re not dealing with intricate characters or a complex world here. It’s a challenging game that throws you (and a party of your own creation) into a dangerous dungeon from a first person-perspective and demands you navigate all the mazes, puzzles, and monsters ahead of you with little handholding. Oh, and if you turn on the “Old School” setting the game will not offer you a map and encourages you to draw its labyrinthine maps with your own pen and paper. The game has a high difficulty curve, to say the least. But if you don’t mind that (or just finished killing another Elden Rings boss without any equipment again) there might be something here for you.
The Weird – Planescape Torment
A much more cerebral entry, this game has become a cult classic due to its writing and unique premise within the Dungeons & Dragons license. The setting itself is a city populated by every single plane in existence (we weren’t calling that a multiverse in the ‘90s, but it’s the best comparison I have now). As The Nameless One (your blue-skinned protagonist), you’re an amnesiac immortal trying to piece their past lives back together and find peace with whatever happened back then and right now. Your first companion is a floating skull. As the header states, it is weird. But it is beautiful. And intensely philosophical, especially for its time. It taps heavily into the idea that D&D conflicts can be resolved by conversation instead of combat and features an alignment system that bases itself on the character’s actions in a more complex method than good/evil.
The JRPG – Persona 5
There’s a good argument that the Dragon Quest series might be more fitting here, but this is my list. Both are games that take clear influence from D&D when it comes to leveling, combat strategy, and assembling your party, but the Persona series takes that formula and brings it into the modern world quite literally. You have dungeon crawling, bosses, and a host of Personas (physical manifestations of someone’s psyche) that can be summoned, captured, and crafted. But you’re also a high school student who attends classes, makes friends, and must manage your time alongside all the supernatural crisis that composes the game’s main story. You’re not just saving the world with crazy demon magic, you’re trying to live your best life, bonding with your new friends, and helping them out with their own issues. While also fighting demons with them. And going to school. It’s the blend of fantastic action and life simulation that’s made this series as regarded as it is, and its most recent entry is regarded to be one of the best.
The Murderhobo Simulator – Vermintide 2
Is this an RPG? There’s level progression, so technically but not really. It’s a first-person survival co-op game more akin to Left 4 Dead or similar titles with an emphasis on melee combat. Is it a D&D title? No, it’s under a different fantasy license that thrives on an atmosphere notoriously described as “grimdark”. But do you want to kill a bunch of rats and zombies and demons in a fantasy setting? Right now? Yes? Then you might enjoy this. It’s set in a world undergoing a never-ending apocalypse where you can fight for the forces of a (questionably good but definitely less evil than the other guys) ragtag alliance with all sorts of fantasy firepower at your disposal. And there are unlimited hordes of enemies to slash, bludgeon, burn, blast, and stab into oblivion with an increasingly absurd about of fantasy weapons. There’s obviously a stretch when it comes to a D&D connection here, but if you want to turn your brain off and click on heads in a fantasy setting there are few better titles on the market.
The Arcade Version – Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles Of Mystara
For a truly arcade-style D&D experience this is easily the best interpretation of an “old-school” design in more ways than one. Take Capcom in its ‘90s beat-em-up prime, then throw in an official D&D license. You’ve already got a recipe for button-mashing enjoyment and a tour through one of the oldest official settings of D&D. And it really does go old-school in that regard, featuring the characters of Cleric, Dwarf, Elf, Fighter, Magic-User, and Thief (which you can give their own names if you clear the first level). The gameplay itself is smooth as butter, allowing for combos that can be elevated to absurd levels. And with multiple story routes, level progression, and magical loot there’s plenty of replayability to be found. Arguably the best experience is on an arcade cabinet with 3 friends, but it’s also available for couch co-op to enjoy at home with said friends. This is what Castle Crashers was inspired by, I may be biased but I think that alone is enough of a recommendation.
The Post-Post-Modern – Disco Elysium
While not a D&D-official game, this recent gem takes the systems of Baldur’s Gate and Planescape and drags them kicking and screaming into the present. You’re a cop who just went on the mother of all benders and has to pick themselves back up while trying to solve a murder case in a city filled with crime, espionage, and a political system that’s fully realized and has a fascinating history yet is currently on the verge of tearing itself apart. It features the same dice rolls and isometric interface as Baldur’s Gate and the conversation-heavy gameplay as that of Planescape, but also dives into the character’s head at times to build their Psyche, which can itself inform future interactions with other characters. Or yourself. Alongside a number of surreal, gritty, and insightful moments you get to experience this world however you want, for better or worse. It’s a heady game that delves into some heavy subjects, but it’s absolutely worthwhile.