Portal 2 ($9.99) Portal 2 may be the perfect game. It’s a puzzler at heart, but it injects those. The Best RPG Games for Mac: Retro-styled In recent years, there’s been a trend of games playing homage to the 8/16 bit days of gaming, both in graphics style and gameplay. The following are two of our favorite RPGs in that category.
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If you’re a Mac gamer and a fan of Role Playing Games (RPGs), you’ve never been at a loss for AAA titles.
Even during the dark days of the late 1990s/early 2000s, when we wondered whether gaming on the Mac would survive, top tier RPGs continued to be released on our favorite platform.
Thankfully those dark days are long gone, but the pedigree of the best Rpg Games for Mac has continued unabated:
Game | Name | Genre | Requirements | PC Metascore | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pillars of Eternity | Pillars of Eternity | Role-Playing | ⚠️️ Medium | 89 | Check Price |
The Witcher 2 | The Witcher 2 | Role-Playing | ⚠️️ Medium | 88 | Check Price |
Divinity: Original Sin | Divinity: Original Sin | Role-Playing | ⚠️️ Medium | 94 | Check Price |
Darkest Dungeon | Darkest Dungeon | Role-Playing | ✅ Low | 84 | Check Price |
Diablo 3 | Diablo 3 | Role-Playing | ⚠️️ Medium | 87 | Check Price |
The Banner Saga 2 | The Banner Saga 2 | Role-Playing | ✅ Low | 82 | Check Price |
Undertale | Undertale | Role-Playing | ✅ Low | 92 | Check Price |
Hyper Light Drifter | Hyper Light Drifter | Role-Playing | ⚠️️ Medium | 84 | Check Price |
Star Wars KOTOR 2 | Star Wars: KOTOR 2 | Role-Playing | ✅ Low | 85 | Check Price |
Wasteland 2: Director’s Cut | Wasteland 2: Director’s Cut | Role-Playing | ⚠️️ Medium | 87 | Check Price |
Of all game genres, Mac RPG games arguably provide the greatest embarrassment of riches, so much so that picking a top 10 is sure to leave some great games out in the cold. That said, we’re going to give it a shot (with a little cheating), and if we left your favorite RPG off our list, let us know in the comments.
Let’s face it, when I say Role Playing Game you think Dungeons & Dragons, right? And there’s some truth to that, as many of the games on this list are in that fantasy, medieval, dungeon crawling, monster fighting genre. The following are our favorites, and as you see, even within that category, there is plenty of variety.
Pillars of EternityLink
Pillars of Eternity (PoE) was one of the first high-end RPGs to get funded on Kickstarter (raising close to $4 million). While a little late to release, PoE delivered on its promise of a return to old-fashioned RPG for Mac gamers. Featuring an almost ridiculous amount of customizability for your character, including a large number of classes and races, PoE features a large (though not completely open) world to explore, an engaging story, multiple side quests, and a real-time with pause combat system.
As with most RPGs in this category, the story is a variation of good vs. evil; you play good, gathering your party (some have even managed to create a party just made up of polar bears) and going on your quest to defeat evil and return good and light to the world. With a deep main quest and myriad side quests to choose from or ignore, PoE offers some of the longest play time and greatest replayability in the genre.
PoE requires a fairly modern and powerful machine thanks to its higher-end graphics:
⚠️️ Requires a recent Mac with average specs.
Minimum System Requirements: MacOS 10.6.6, 2.53 Ghz Intel Core i5, 4 GB RAM, 14 GB HD space, Radeon HD 6750M or NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M with 512 MB of Video Memory.
The Witcher 2Link
As the title indicates, The Witcher 2 is another sequel and, like several others in this list, is considered one of the best RPGs of modern times.
While earning its Mature rating for various reasons including nudity, The Witcher 2 also manages to play like a classic fantasy RPG. As in the original, you play as The Witcher Geralt of Rivia, and the game features a solid story continuing from the events of the original, interesting characters, and notably good voice acting and graphics. Plus, it features combat mechanics far better than the original. The Witcher 2 will keep you as gripped as the original, and might even make you forget that the Mac has not (yet?) received a port of The Witcher 3.
Thanks to its 2012 release date, The Witcher 2 is playable on a variety of moderately powerful Mac systems, but you will need something with a dedicated graphics card, Intel integrated chipsets are not supported:
⚠️️ Requires a recent Mac with average specs.
Minimum System Requirements: MacOS 10.7.5, 2.4 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo, 4 GB RAM, 25 GB HD space, NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M 512MB, ATI Radeon HD 5770 1GB or better with 512 MB of Video Memory.
Divinity: Original SinLink
Divinity: Original Sin, a prequel to the popular Divine Divinity, is an open world RPG featuring turn-based combat, cooperative multiplayer, and the ability to interact and manipulate the world as you desire.
In Divinity: Original Sin you play as two (or one of two if you’re playing in cooperative multiplayer mode) Source Hunters, seeking out those who use the darkest of magics, the Sourcerers (nice, huh?). A multiple award winner and one of the best reviewed computers games of 2015, Divinity: Original Sin also wins points for its voiceovers, controller support (if you’re into that sort of thing), and, it bears repeating, the ability to do just about anything you can think of in the game, things that maybe even the developers didn’t anticipate.
While the game can be challenging to newcomers of the genre, it rewards those who stick with it and are willing to explore, experiment and take advantage of the whole world they have been given.
Divinity: Original Sin requires a moderately powerful Mac with at least 10GB of free space:
⚠️️ Requires a recent Mac with average specs.
Minimum System Requirements: MacOS 10.9.5, Intel Core 2 Duo, 2 GB RAM, 10 GB HD space, Intel HD4000 or better.
Darkest DungeonLink
A classic dungeon crawler with some nice twists, Darkest Dungeon is also one of the newest games on this list, having been released in 2016.
A roguelike (think perma-death) game with turn-based combat, one of the unique elements of Darkest Dungeon is The Affliction System, where the characters in your party, in addition to suffering damage from enemies, will also suffer increasing levels of stress, paranoia and more as your quest continues, which will impact their ability to assist you in combat.
This leads to another fun and different feature, the need to rest and relax in between your battles; go into town, relax and level back up, then head back underground for more battles. Featuring a unique 2D hand-drawn style and a gothic atmosphere, Darkest Dungeon is one of the most unique looking and playing games on this list.
It’s also one of the more difficult games, so if you don’t like having your characters die and need replacing (remember, I did say perma-death) you might want to look elsewhere. But if you can take it, you’ll be rewarded with hours of gameplay and the satisfaction of defeating a truly difficult game.
Thanks to the 2D graphics, Darkest Dungeon is playable on most any Mac from the last several years:
✓ Any Mac will suffice, even an older one will do.
Minimum System Requirements: MacOS 10.9+, 2GB RAM, Open GL 3.2+ Compliant, 2 GB available space.
Diablo 3Link
Diablo wasn’t the first computer RPG, but is one of the longest running series and is the one many people think of when you mention RPGs, especially combat RPGs. And it’s from Blizzard, which means you can get your RPG fix the same day as Windows users. And though we waited 12 years for the third installment, when it came out there was pretty unanimous agreement that the wait was worth it.
Continuing the story told in the first two installments, Diablo 3 is a classic hack n’ slash RPG with all the elements you expect: dungeons, monsters, fierce bosses and a richer story than found in many RPGs. Plus, thanks to Blizzard’s “Starter Game” concept, it’s one of the few somewhat free RPG games for Mac you can try before you buy. If you’re looking to dip your toes into the waters, Diablo 3 is as good a place to start as any.
Even though it’s a few years old by now, Diablo 3 still requires a moderately powerful Mac to run.
⚠️️ Requires a recent Mac with average specs.
Minimum System Requirements: MacOS 10.8.5, 2.4 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo, 4 MB RAM, 25 GB HD space, NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT or ATI Radeon HD 2600 Pro with 256 MB of Video Memory. Microsoft desktop remote for mac.
The Banner Saga 2Link
The second installment in the Banner Saga series (a third, concluding installment is already on the way), The Banner Saga has many of the classic RPG elements, but with some differences: rather than the classic European-esque, medieval setting, The Banner Saga takes place in a Scandinavian, Viking-inspired setting; also, like Darkest Dungeon, The Banner Saga uses beautiful, hand-drawn 2D graphics and animations; and finally, as with many of the best games on this list, The Banner Saga focuses as much on story and character as on combat, leading to a satisfying experience and true investment in the members your party.
Add in a beautiful soundtrack and The Banner Saga 2 is one of the most satisfying turn-based RPGs to be found on the Mac.
Thanks to the 2D graphics, The Banner Saga 2 can run on most Macs you’ll see around today:
✓ Any Mac will suffice, even an older one will do.
Minimum System Requirements: MacOS 10.7.5, 2 GB RAM, 256 MB Video RAM, 4 GB available space.
Honorable Mentions: There are so many in this genre, and if you’re a fan of some of the old series, the good news is that some have been updated to run on newer computers with improved graphics. Two of our favorites in this category that didn’t make our list are Planetscape: Torment Enhanced and Baldur’s Gate 2 Enhanced.
In recent years, there’s been a trend of games playing homage to the 8/16 bit days of gaming, both in graphics style and gameplay. The following are two of our favorite RPGs in that category.
UndertaleLink
Hearkening back to the days of simpler games and 8-bit graphics, Undertale features and old-fashioned look but a distinctly modern style.
You see, while you can fight your way through to victory, you can also win this game by being kind and sparing your enemies, and the way you play will affect how the game unfolds. Undertale takes place in a world where monsters were locked underground long ago after being defeated by humans. Your character stumbles through the magic barrier that leads to the Underground and the monsters and must find her way back up top.
With a minimalist, keyboard-based set of controls and an excellent soundtrack, Undertale quickly became a fan favorite and even the best Mac RPG of all time according to GameFAQs. So, if you like your RPGs games old-fashioned looking but with a modern sensibility, Undertale is for you.
Thanks to its retro graphics, Undertale can run on any Mac running MacOS:
✓ Any Mac will suffice, even an older one will do.
Minimum System Requirements: 2 GB RAM, 200 MB HD space.
Empire of ages for macbook pro. Hyper Light DrifterLink
Hyper Light Drifter pays homage to the 16-bit graphic days, though with beautiful, hand-drawn graphics and animation as opposed to the blockier 8-bit graphics of Undertale (not a judgment, just an observation). Another Kickstarter-funded RPG, the Drifters (including you) of Hyper Light Drifter have access to long-forgotten technology while your character is also suffering from an unspecified disease for which you are seeking a cure. Another twist in the game is that instead of going around finding ammo to resupply your weapons, you gain ammo by hitting opponents with your energy sword.
With beautiful graphics and sound, and a focus on tactical combat against the increasingly more powerful monsters, Hyper Light Drifter has quickly become a favorite RPG game for those looking for a good looking, retro, combat-focused 2D RPG.
Thanks to its retro graphics style, Hyper Light Drifter is great for just about any Mac you’ll be trying to game on:
⚠️️ Requires a recent Mac with average specs.
Minimum System Requirements: MacOS 10.7 and above, 1.2 GHz processor,4 GB RAM , 512 MB video memory, 2 GB available space.
If you prefer your RPG futuristic instead of fantasy, there are options for you, including the two following games whose franchises are considered two of the best in the RPG field.
Star Wars: KOTOR 2Link
If you like your RPGs to be set a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, boy have we got you covered.
The sequel to what many consider not just one of the best RPGs of all time but one of the best computer games of all time, Knights of the Old Republic II (KOTOR II) takes place, like the original, 4,000 years before the events of Episode I in the movie series. Also like the original, the sequel was very late coming to the Mac, following the Windows release by a cool ten years. That said, the game was remastered and brought to modern times last year. You can now enjoyed it with better graphics, sounds and an increased resolution.
Nonetheless, it remains, like the original, one of the best sci-fi RPG games you can find. Featuring a great story, interesting characters and pausable real-time combat, KOTOR II allows you to join the dark or the light side as you work to rebuild your connection to the Force and to find the remaining Jedi after they have been mostly wiped out by the Sith.
Despite being an older title, the game requires a relatively modern Mac running at least Mavericks (MacOS 10.9):
✓ Any Mac will suffice, even an older one will do.
Minimum System Requirements: MacOS 10.9.5, 2.2 Ghz Intel Core i3, 4 GB RAM, 10 GB HD space, NVIDIA Geforce 330M, ATI Radeon HD 3870, or Intel HD 3000 with 256 MB of Video Memory.
Wasteland 2Link
Perhaps you’re not a fan of the Star Wars universe but you are a fan of sci-fi RPG games.
Wasteland 2 may just be for you. Yet another Kickstarter-funded RPG, it followed the original Wasteland by a mere 26 years. An isometric game featuring turn-based combat and set in a post-apocalyptic western United States, Wasteland 2’s strong points include customizability, large parties, decisions that really make a difference (one of my favorite things in an RPG), good dialog and obviously improved graphics over the original.
Set 15 years after the events of the original game, you again lead a party of Rangers in a post-nuclear world, attempting to provide some law and order to a world gone monster crazy. Wasteland 2 features plenty of violence and a Mature rating. If you prefer your RPG games futuristic instead of fantasy, Wasteland 2 is, without doubt, one of the best RPG for Mac you can find (and Wasteland 3 is coming for Mac also).
A relatively recent game, Wasteland 2 requires a fairly powerful Mac with a decent graphics card:
⚠️️ Requires a recent Mac with average specs.
Minimum System Requirements: MacOS 10.5, 2.4 Ghz Intel Core i5, 4 GB RAM, 30 GB HD space, NVIDIA GeForce 300 Series or Radeon equivalent (512 MB).
Honorable Mention: Looking for a sci-fi RPG that still has that fantasy feel? Shadow Run: Hong Kong, the latest in this long-running series, may be for you.
Hopefully, this list has shown you that RPG can mean a lot more than sword and sorcery, although there’s also plenty of that if you want it. And even within the “traditional” RPG style, there’s plenty of variety, from story-focused games to hack and slash action RPGs that allow you to kill monsters early and often. Whether you prefer a game focused on story and character or just want some action, there’s no shortage of excellent games for any level of gamer. Sci-fi or retro, 2D or 3D, the Mac has an RPG game for you. If you’re an RPG fan you’ve probably found several games on this list for you. But even if you’re not, this list probably has a game or two you should try.
And with our embarrassment of RPG riches on the Mac, we may very well have left your favorite off our list. I know that while our fearless leader Ric and I had very similar lists, there were a few differences. So let us know in the comments which of your favorite RPG game(s) we left off. I look forward to the discussion.
This article comes from Steven Marx, one of Mac Gamer HQ’s most loyal writers.
The post The 10 Best RPG games for Mac appeared first on Mac Gamer HQ.
This post first appeared onMac Gamer HQ: Mac Games News, Guides, Videos, And, please read the originial post:here
Mac isn’t a gamer’s go-to platform, due to obvious reasons. But, thanks to some awesome developers and publishing platforms like Steam, Mac users have a decent selection. So, even if you cannot enjoy GTA V on your brand-new MacBook Pro, there are some cool strategy games in Mac.
In this article, we have listed some of the best strategy games for Mac. While some of them are heavy with graphics, some work on low-end devices. We have also mentioned system requirements along with each of the titles.
Most of the games are available via Steam. However, if you are interested, you can find standalone versions as well. Shall we check out the list, then?
Read: 20 Best Simulation Games for Android (2018)
Best Strategy Games for Mac
#1 0 A D
Let’s start with something completely free. 0 A D is an open-source strategy game for Mac. When you start the game, you’re a leader who is up for the challenge. Using the resources around, you have to set up your civilizations and beat down enemies ahead. Quite interestingly, the game brings a battle between 2 different civilizations — one from 500AD and another one from 500BC. It’s still under development and there may be a few bugs. Still, 0 A D is a must-check out.
Price: Free, Open Source
System Requirement: You should have an Intel-based Mac released after 2006
#2 Democracy 3
Democracy 3 is a wonderful political strategy game for Mac. It’s available via Steam and it has lots of extra downloadable content too. One of the popular simulation games too, Democracy 3 wants you to be a leader. The story is set in a western industrialized nation and you have to address all sorts of issues, from crime to climate change. It has a wonderful User Interface that enhances the strategy gaming experience. In this game of politics, each of your decisions matters.
Price: Democracy 3 is priced at $24.99
System Requirement: 2Ghz Processor, 1GB RAM, 256MB Graphics and 500MB Storage space
#3 XCOM: Enemy Unknown
If you are looking for a strategy game with tactical gameplay, make sure you play XCOM: Enemy Unknown. As the head of a paramilitary organization, you have to protect the world from a potential alien invasion. A graphic-intensive game, you have to take part in on-ground combat, action and strategy. There are also some Role-Playing elements in the game, in case you are interested. The game features a huge number of missions you can keep playing.
Price: XCOM: Enemy Unknown is priced at $29.99
System Requirement: 2GHz Processor, 4GB RAM, 20GB Storage, 256MB Video Memory
#4 Civilization V
Civilization V is where you become the ruler of a civilization that travels from old ages to the current one. As you guide the people, you will discover more people and technologies. You have to use your strategies when it comes to building your space as well as combat. It comes with an impressive UI that lets you manage your world easily. You can keep downloading new maps to explore so that you never get bored with Civilization V.
Mac os names. Price: Civilization V is priced at $29.99
System Requirements: Intel Core 2 Duo, 2GB RAM, 8GB Storage Space, 256MB Video Memory
Great Rpg Games For Mac
#5 StarCraft II
If you want to extend your game to an interstellar scenario, StarCraft II is one of the best strategy games you can get for Mac. Once you have constructed your base, you can start building the army. After that, you have to lead the army to beat the opponents and conquer the galaxy. There are three different races in the game, who play in different modes. It does not matter which one you choose, you need the right strategy to lead your team and win.
Price: StarCraft II is free to play
System Requirements: Intel Core 2 Duo, GeForce GT330M or ATI Radeon HD4670 or better, 4GB RAM, 30GB Storage space
#6 This War of Mine
This War of Mine is an awesome Mac game that wants both strategy and survival tactics. Instead of being a super-soldier with weapons, you are made a civilian. Making your way through radars and aimed snipers, it is your duty to protect you and others. The decisions are important here, because you have to keep everyone on the hooks. It comes with impressive graphics and one of the intriguing gameplay experiences. There is additional downloadable content too.
Price: This War of Mine is priced at $19.99
System Requirements: Intel Core 2 Duo or later, 2GB RAM, 512MB Graphics
Best Rpg Games For Mac 2019
#7 Total War: Rome II – Emperor Edition
Total War: Rome II – Emperor Edition is definitely one of the best strategy games for Mac. It’s set during the early civilization of Rome, where you take up the role of the emperor. From political decisions to action-rich battles, you have to take decisions based on strategy. Versatility is one thing that gamers love about Total War series, and Total War: Rome II – Emperor Edition offers better. Every decision matters, depending on what you build at the end of the day.
Price: Total War: Rome II – Emperor Edition is priced at $59.95
System Requirements: 1.7GHz Core i5 or better, 4GB RAM, 25GB Storage Space, 512MB Video Memory
#8 Sproggiwood
Even if you’re not an expert in Finnish mythology, you would love Sproggiwood. It has been packed with an awesome design and storyline. You start off as a farmer but you come across a spirit and a rivalling group of civilization. What happens next depends on your actions and decisions. Sproggiwood lets you nurture various classes and prepare them for battle. It’s a roguelike game and you have the standard features like looting as well as building options.
Price: Sproggiwood is priced at $14.99
System Requirements: 1GHz or faster, 512MB RAM, 350MB Storage Space, Any Graphics Card after 2004
#9 Mount & Blade: Warband
Are you ready to travel towards the throne of Calradia? To do that, you have to prepare your team for never-ending battles and combat. Mount & Blade: Warband is one of the most graphics-rich games for Mac, and it brings 64-player online gaming battles as well. Being a king, you have to take both personal and political decisions, even your marriage. In short, it has some impressive RPG elements too. You should consider this title if you are into high-end gameplays.
Price: Mount & Blade: Warband is priced at $19.99
System Requirements: 1GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce 8600M / ATI Radeon 2400 or better, 1GB Storage space
#10 Robothorium: Rogue-Like RPG
Robothorium: Rogue-Like RPG is the perfect combination of strategy and role-playing gaming. Just in case you wanted to be a savior for humanity, sorry. Robothorium: Rogue-Like RPG wants you to be the leader of a revolution against humanity. You have to build a robot-based attack team and conquer the silly beings on the earth. Of course, you need to have a proper strategy; otherwise, you fail. The game comes with turn-by-turn tactics, online multiplayer and more.
Price: Robothorium: Rogue-Like RPG is priced at $13.49
System Requirements: 1.3GHz Processor, 2GB RAM and 1.2GB Storage Space
#11 Europa Universalis IV
Europa Universalis IV is a strategy game that takes you through a long period of time. You have to build your civilization and see how it survives the test of time. Compared to other strategy games, Europa Universalis IV offers more freedom for your decisions. As you progress through the large-enough map, you can get used to different systems like trading and commerce. It also offers cross-platform multiplayer games where your strategy and combat are important alike.
Price: Europa Universalis IV is priced at $39.99
System Requirements: Intel Core 2 Duo, 2GB RAM, ATI Radeon HD 6750 / NVIDIA GeForce 320 / NVIDIA GeForce 9600 or higher, 2GB Storage space
#12 Total War: SHOWGUN 2
Another title from the Total War series, Total War: SHOWGUN 2 is set at a period when Japan is struggling through its hard time. You have to be the clan leaders and bring solace, through your political decisions and more. The clan will conquer places and extend the empire to other places, while you have to take the right decisions. Thanks to the larger community, you can play online multiplayer missions as well. This title has an impressive set of graphics and gameplay to offer.
Price: Total War: SHOWGUN 2 is priced at $29.99
System Requirements: 1.8GHz Processor, 4GB RAM, 256MB Graphics, 25GB Storage Space
#13 The Banner Saga 2
The Banner Saga 2 is primarily RPG in nature. However, without the right strategy and tactics, you can’t win this game. It’s based on an epic story and each character has something behind the trail. As you move along the timeline, you have to engage in battle and take some worthy decisions. While making sure that Viking clans are completely safe, The Banner Saga 2 wants you to explore sub-plots as well. It’s actually about the story than the gameplay, you know.
Price: The Banner Saga 2 is priced at $19.99
System Requirements: 2GB RAM and 4GB available space
#14 RimWorld
RimWorld is still available as an early-access title on Steam. However, this does not mean that you have to compromise features or performance. When RimWorld starts, you have three characters — survivors — who are struck in an unknown world. Each of these three survivors have different stories to play, you know. That is the best part about RimWorld: it lets you change the story depending on the slight details. If you love a lot of stories that involve strategical playing, RimWorld would never bore you.
Price: RimWorld is priced at $29.99
System Requirements: Core 2 Duo, 4GB RAM, Intel HD Graphics 3000 with 384 MB of RAM, 500MB Space
#15 Medieval II: Total War
We’d like to conclude this list with another title from the Total War series. Medieval II: Total War is set in a time when bloodthirsty battles were common. When it comes to gameplay, the graphics and choreography get better and better. You can also engage in multiplayer matches via Internet or LAN. One of the best things about this strategy game is its reach itself. You have a huge community of gamers to play with. And, nothing beats a strategy game with a large user-base, you know.
Price: Medieval II: Total War is priced at $19.99
System Requirements: 1.8GHz Processor, 4GB RAM, 256MB Graphics, 32GB Storage space
The Bottom Line
Most of these strategy games can work on the current Macs, subject to storage space and performance. So, you can focus on getting a game of your taste instead of worrying about compatibility. Also, if you think you know some other great strategy games for Mac, do let us know via comments.
Read: 20 Best Online Games for Android