5 Fantasy Series That Peaked With the First Game

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Fantasy games have always been a favorite among developers, and for good reason – many classic games were inspired by Dungeons & Dragons. With so much history in the genre, it’s no surprise we’ve seen countless successful fantasy series. However, sometimes a developer truly shines with their very first game. While later installments might be good, they often struggle to recapture the magic of that initial, exceptional release.

Here are five fantasy series that peaked with their very first game.

5) Quest for Glory

The game now known as So You Want to Be a Hero was initially called Hero’s Quest. Sierra On-Line changed the name when they decided to create a series of adventure RPGs. Led by Lori Ann Cole, the first game in the Quest for Glory series was advertised as offering “three games in one,” and that’s largely accurate. The game features three distinct character classes, each with its own unique skills, puzzles, and quests, making each new playthrough feel fresh and different.

Quest for Glory was a groundbreaking game, blending adventure and role-playing in a way that really resonated with players. It was a huge success, selling well and receiving positive reviews, leading to a series of sequels. While some people enjoy the second game more, I find the tighter time limits frustrating – they make exploring the detailed city feel like a tedious task.

4) Risen

When Piranha Bytes started the Risen series, players pretty much knew what to anticipate: a detailed action RPG that might have a few technical hiccups. This was the same team behind the Gothic games, after all. Risen delivers on that expectation, offering a large and challenging game set on an island reminiscent of Sicily. You’ll have to explore a dangerous wilderness and master the game’s flexible combat system to survive.

Combat in Risen can be tricky to learn, but it’s very rewarding once you get the hang of it. You’ll have different fighting styles to choose from, and knowing when to use each one can mean the difference between victory and defeat against tough enemies. While Risen has two sequels, including a pirate-themed second game with a fantastic atmosphere, many fans agree that the original remains the best of the series.

3) Thief

I still remember when I first played Thief: The Dark Project back in 1998! It was released by Looking Glass Studios and it totally blew me away. You play as Garrett, this incredibly skilled thief, and at first, he’s just taking on jobs from a shadowy group. But things quickly get way more complicated – he ends up caught up in a huge mystery that’s much bigger than anything he bargained for.

The original Thief is a classic stealth game that received high praise from both players and critics. While two sequels, Metal Age and Deadly Shadows, were decent, they didn’t have the same groundbreaking impact. A reboot came out in 2014 and a VR game in 2025, but for the past thirty years, Thief fans have been hoping for a new game that can surpass the original.

2) Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor had the potential to revolutionize gaming. Its Nemesis System was a truly original feature that could have been implemented in many other games. However, Warner Brothers trademarked the system, which has limited innovation and prevented developers from expanding on this groundbreaking idea.

The sequel, Shadow of War, attempted to improve on the first game by expanding the Nemesis system to include your own followers. However, it immediately faced criticism for adding numerous microtransactions. While fans rightfully criticized Warner Brothers for these changes, it was the developer, Monolith, that ultimately suffered, closing down in 2025. It’s unfortunate, because Shadow of War is a truly excellent game once the team removed the microtransactions a few years later. Sadly, the publisher prioritized profit over creating a great gaming experience.

1) Dragon Age

The Dragon Age series is a prime example of a fantastic RPG. The original game is considered one of the best strategy RPGs ever made, combining exciting tactical combat with a richly detailed and immersive world. Its developer, BioWare, previously known for their work with Dungeons & Dragons, leveraged their worldbuilding skills to create a unique and compelling universe for players to explore.

Unfortunately, recent installments in the series haven’t quite lived up to expectations for many fans. While some understanding can be given to Dragon Age 2, as it was made under a tight deadline and could have been better with more development time, Inquisition and The Veilguard didn’t benefit from the same constraints. Despite having ample time in development, both games are noticeably weaker than the original Origins. Considering the disappointing sales of The Veilguard, it may be a long time before a new Dragon Age game is released.

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2026-03-25 22:40