Video games have been around for much longer than most people think. Since the ‘70s and especially in the ‘80s they started to become very popular, whilst basic given the technology of the day they have become a global phenomenon.
Now worth billions of dollars each year, the industry is going from strength to strength, not many people can say they haven’t at some point played a video game at some time in their life. With the advent of better consoles, computers, and better mobile devices available to consumers the market is huge and better than ever.
There have been many classic games released over the years, Dungeons & Dragons amongst them. From Super Mario to Sonic The Hedgehog these are all considered to be timeless games, not just on consoles but with Dungeon & Dragons a board game also. With eleven different variations of the board game and with many different accessories being introduced during its long-running history.
These include a dice set for Dungeons & Dragons which is still a very popular game for all ages to play. Many developers have taken inspiration from the format of the game and released similar versions of the classic game. Here are three which have come close to emulating the benchmark game.
The Warlock of Firetop Mountain
Much like Dungeons and Dragons, The Warlock of Firetop Mountain started in print, but it did not take long for gaming developers to bring the concept to the video gaming world. Once the printed versions of the game stopped gamers were keen to try the role-playing game on consoles It soon became a huge hit with fans of the genre. To advance in the game you must make a series of choices as to which path you take, depending on the choice the harder or easier the game gets.
The same as the groundbreaking Dungeons & Dragons you can choose which character to use in the game. Each character has special skills that suit some people’s gameplay and not others, this only makes the game more interesting and more playable. You can receive another character upon completion of the game by using one character. The Warlock of Firetop Mountain gives hour upon hour of entertainment much the same as Dungeon & Dragons did before its release.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is a Great New Alternative to D&D
The game Baldur’s Gate was initially released in 1998 and has since had multiple follow-up games, the latest was released in 2020. Hugely popular and based heavily on the Dungeons & Dragons theme, it is incredibly popular with gamers and pays homage to the inspiration it took from the original role-playing game. Launched on various gaming platforms including PS2, PS4, Windows, Linux, Macs, and Xbox its fan base is huge.
The Baldur’s Gate series now comprises over ten different versions of the game, with no sign of its popularity waning. It is rumored that a new version is in development but as of writing the date has not been set for release but is expected in 2022. Big things are expected by the game’s loyal followers, the introduction of new weapons and new characters will only heighten the gaming experience enjoyed currently by so many people.
Pathfinder: Wrath of The Righteous a New And Exciting Game
Developed after a Kickstarter campaign in February 2020 the game was released in September 2021 initially on the Mac and Microsoft Windows platforms. In March 2022 it is expected to hit the console market, with launches on Xbox One and Playstation 4.
The game so far has been well received and there is growing excitement about the console versions. Taking inspiration from Dungeons & Dragons it is set to be a classic in its own right. The story is centered around a world that is overtaken by demons 100 hundred years ago. Destroy the demons and saving the world is your ultimate goal.
With puzzles to solve and a fighting element, it appeals to many gamers and fans of the original Dungeon & Dragons. It is very similar but a more modern version and a few new elements have been brought to the genre. With different characters to choose from to complete the missions, the game has everything for somebody.
Notable Exceptions From The Above 3 Games
Whilst many games have tried to emulate the Dungeons & Dragons series of video and board games none have been as popular. But there have been many attempts, it is not just sales but the iconic and inspirational aspect that still developers look to. Apart from the 3 named above, there are many other titles whose influence is obvious. In their own right, they are great games and have been very successful over the years. Some of these titles included are the following:
- Neverwinter, certainly one of the most popular games inspired by the Dungeons & Dragons series. Completely free to play and highly addictive, D&D fans will thoroughly enjoy spending time playing the game.
- Divinity: Original Sin, another game worth mentioning due to its similarities to Dungeon & Dragons. Using the characters the mission in this turn-played game is to rid the world of those who use the evilest forms of magic.
- Planescape: Torment, a game first released in 1999 and has remained popular amongst gamers ever since. When released it did take a bit of time for gamers to warm to the game but is now considered a cult classic.
- Dragon Age: Inquisition, 3rd in the Dragon Age series the game has been a huge success. The role-playing game has proved to be very popular since its release in 2020, following the tradition of Dungeons & Dragons with a similar format, a new update is expected soon.
- Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire, this award-winning game has been hugely popular with many people who enjoy Dungeon & Dragons. Take your ship on a mission to the Deadfire island chain and take chances with each decision you make, assemble a team, and set sail in this thrilling game.
There are many credible and popular games in this genre; these are just a few that have become very popular. With the expected release or updates of games next year, it looks very promising for gamers and the industry alike.
Summary
Dungeons & Dragons was a massive hit when it was released in 1974 as a board game. With the advancement in computer technology, it did not take long for developers to see the potential for a computer game. The sheer popularity of the board game almost ensured success, both the board game and video games are still extremely popular with gamers.
With the success of Dungeons & Dragons other board game manufacturers and software developers soon started making their own versions of this classic game with varying success. But there are many good and exciting video games and board games that have been released over the years, but yet still Dungeons & Dragons hold the biggest fan base.
The games appeal to many different types of ages still to this day, even being made into a movie released in 2020, and due to its success, another movie is planned for release in 2023. A classic game with a huge following which is sure to continue, whether it is a board game format, video game, or the big screen.
