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You may be shocked to discover that there’s a different type of role-playing out there, less about nurse uniforms and cheerleader outfits and more about involving storylines, epic battles and umpteen hours of turn-based gameplay via a PlayStation, Xbox or PC. Dave Kozicki gives us the lowdown on the most influential role-playing games ever made…

Mass Effect

Developer: BioWare
Year: 2007
The Hook: Humanity’s future rests in your hands as you track down a rogue agent who has devastating plans for the galaxy.

Mass Effect shook up the traditional RPG world with revolutionary graphics, a smart and accessible menu system, branching conversation arcs and Star Wars-esque run-and-gun shenanigans that heralded the arrival of the action/RPG hybrid. The ability to tailor the experience was groundbreaking.

Virtually everything can be customised—from your preference for good or evil, to gender, body shape and the personality of your character. You can decide which weapons or telekinetic powers you have, and even fine-tune your crew relationships onboard the intergalactic cruiser, Normandy.

Those who prefer to stick to the main storyline could probably finish the game in 12 or so hours, but that’s not the point; every planetary nook and cranny begs exploration, as do the countless side missions. Don’t be surprised if your final log-in time edges closer to the triple-digits mark.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Developer: Bethesda
Year: 2006
The Hook: A classic fantasy tale on a similar scale to Lord of the Rings.

Game plots don’t get any bigger. You’re charged with restoring a royal bloodline in order to seal the Oblivion Gates and prevent an ancient evil from destroying the empire of Cyrodiil.

With 200+ assorted dungeons, swamps, towns and cities to play in, its size is breathtaking. Every fantasy enthusiast’s whim is catered to. Fancy a first-person view to immerse yourself, or third-person, to see the cool bits of kit your warrior has collected? You got it. It’s like having every skillset of every Dungeons & Dragons character. Plus, you can play a knight, assassin, thief, gladiator, or even a vampire, at the same time! Pick the guise that fits the situation. ‘Epic’ doesn’t come close.

Fable II

Developer: Lionhead Studios
Year: 2008
The Hook: You decide the fate of Albion and its subjects in a decidedly British fantasy romp.

If you are new to RPGs, this is the best place to start. While few games concentrate on developing relationships with NPCs (Non-player Characters), Fable II revels in it. Camaraderie is almost as important a component to the game as the missions.

You can play as either male or female, get tattooed, dye your hair, make weapons, work in a bar, buy real estate, have sex… Oh, yes. Not only can you enjoy a virtual bonk (hetero or same-sex), you can even have kids!

You begin your quest as a child on the mean streets of Albion, where you must face a series of tests to discern your alignment early on. Protect the weak and become their champion and your character will reflect that decision—a halo will appear over your head and light will emanate from your body. Turn to the dark side and you become horribly disfigured, your body mimicking the evil inside you.

With its exaggerated, cartoony graphics, Fable II boasts an undeniable charm and allure.

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