Do you remember the first time a game's story really captured you?

I can vividly remember the first time a video game’s story got me. I remember contemplating it hours after the credits rolled. I remember actually caring about the characters and thinking about how my choices affected them. Who could have made a game that impacted me so thoroughly? I’m of course talking about the old masters of the western RPG, BioWare. Artfully crafted narratives and some of the best-written characters of gaming can be found in these ten phenomenal games.

10. Anthem (Xbox One, PS4, PC, 2019)

Anthem Multiplayer Gameplay

If you took the mission structure and party system of Bungie’s Destiny games and shoved it inside an Iron Man suit with the storytelling of BioWare and you have all the basic ingredients of Anthem. Despite not having the grandiose pedigree of other BioWare titles, the gameplay of Anthem stands out with tight controls and a pitch-perfect sense of power. Unfortunately, a rough launch caused many to overlook this title, but thanks to patches and the promise of free future content, now may be the best time to grab your friends, suit up and explore the world of Anthem.

A Javelin Unleashing a storm on its victims.

9. Star Wars: The Old Republic (PC, 2011)

 

Star Wars: The Old Republic Gameplay Trailer

A long time ago in a galaxy far far away… The Old Republic is an MMORPG where you control the destiny of the very galaxy in any of the eight unique storylines. Save the galaxy as a Jedi Knight or live out your Mandalorian dream as a fearless bounty hunter. All the twists and turns and heroic moments of any Star Wars adventure can be enjoyed in a party with friends or alone and best of all it's entirely free to play! Fulfill your destiny and may the force be with you.

A Sith Warrior striking a killing blow

8. Jade Empire (Xbox, PC, iOS, 2005)

 Jade Empire Gameplay

If you’ve ever thought how you wish there was a game that allowed you to live in your own classic kung fu movie, then this underrated gem of a game is perfect for you. High flying mystical martial arts actions set in a fully realized kingdom inspired by ancient China, if that sounds like a recipe for an amazing game, that's because it is. A gripping story and a uniquely intense real-time combat system make Jade Empire an experience that you won’t forget.

Balance and focus win the day in Jade Empire

7. Baldur’s Gate (PC, iOS. 1998)

Baldur's Gate Gameplay

Here’s a blast from the past if ever there was one. The classic grade-A storytelling of BioWare combined with the rich lore and mechanics of Dungeons and Dragons. The isometric turn-based combat took players through a world with a seemingly endless supply of player choice. This masterpiece and it’s outstanding sequel have recently been remastered and re-released for the PC and iOS so you can relive BioWare’s first major success in all its classic glory.

A Mage preparing to ruin those enemies' day.

6. Mass Effect (Xbox 360, PS3, PC 2007)

Mass Effect Gameplay

After the massive success of Knights of the Old Republic, BioWare felt comfortable enough to try their hand at their Sci-fi franchise. And boy, did they knock it out of the park with this imaginative game changer. A galaxy hopping adventure that enraptured players in its surprisingly original worlds with a fully customizable action RPG at its core. Commander Shepard’s first adventure on the Normandy struck gold and began one of the most celebrated gaming trilogies of all time.

Commander Shepard battling the Geth

5. Dragon Age: Origins (Xbox 360, PS3, PC, 2009)

Dragon Age: Origins Gameplay

When Mass Effect blew us all away BioWare was preparing to take us on another journey, one all the back to their fantasy roots. An absolutely massive RPG with unprecedented story choice and character customization. Create your fantasy hero, choosing from one of the personalized origin stories, join the ranks of the grey wardens as the last hope to slay the archdemon, and save Ferelden from the darkness. The story of building an army to combat darkness is nothing new but Origins packs so much nuance into the approach of these quests that sticks with the player long after the credits roll.

Alistair vs an ogre

4. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (Xbox, PC, iOS, 2003)

Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic Gameplay

BioWare shot for the moon and landed in the stars with their first major AAA title. For the first time you were in control of your own Star Wars story, do you want to get in blaster fights in random cantinas? You can! Want to settle a Star Wars Romeo and Juliet side quest? You can! How about CSI: Star Wars? That’s here too! All of that in the first hour alone. With an original story that hits all the notes of the classic Star Wars films, including one of gaming's biggest plot twists, this game is constantly hailed as not only the best Star Wars game ever made, but one of the greatest games ever made.

A Jedi Knight in combat

3. Dragon Age: Inquisition (Xbox One, PS4, PC, 2014)

Dragon Age: Inquisition Gameplay

The third entry in the Dragon Age franchise leaped into the unknown with an introduction of sprawling open worlds, a move which took the already massive world of Dragon Age to another level. Playing as the Inquisitor, you travel the world dealing with a world-ending crisis that wraps up loose story threads from Dragon Age 2, as well as setting up the recently announced fourth title, so you best play now to get caught up in time. On top of that, the gargantuan story mode is just the beginning with hours of bonus quests from DLC and for the first time in Dragon Age, cooperative multiplayer, so you never have to battle evil alone!

The Inquisitor and his allies prepare for battle

2. Mass Effect 3 (Xbox 360, PS3, WiiU, PC, 2012)

Mass Effect 3 Gameplay

The conclusion to Commander Shepherd’s battle with the reapers had a nearly impossible task. This one game had to follow up its predecessors and deliver a conclusion to more than two dozen storylines, be fun to play, and make all the choices of the past mean something. And it’s astonishing how well BioWare managed to pull it off. To nail it home, DLC’s like “The Citadel” brings the beloved cast of characters together for a fitting send-off, giving players the closure they desired.

Commander Shepard fighting desperately for the fate of the galaxy

1. Mass Effect 2 (Xbox 360, PS3, PC, 2010)

 

Mass Effect 2 Gameplay

Everything that makes BioWare great is on full display in this world-class sequel. The crew of the Normandy returns with a streamlined RPG experience that truly is peerless. From the jaw-dropping opening credits to one of the best final levels in all of gaming, Mass Effect 2 will grip you and never let you go. This game was praised by critics for its increased stakes, beautifully written characters, and near-perfect pacing. Mass Effect 2 stands as a reminder of why gaming is such an engaging art form and is absolutely the best BioWare game ever made.

The Crew of the Normandy is what made the Mass Effect series so incredible

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