The 50 Best RPGs Of All Time

15 – Diablo II

Developer: Blizzard Entertainment

Initial Release Date: June 29, 2000

Why it’s one of the best RPGs: Other games like Torchlight may try to mimic the stellar dungeon crawling formula set out by Diablo, but none will come close to its glory. While Diablo III certainly is its own brand of greatness, it built upon an excellent formula perfected in Diablo II. Taking place in three acts, Diablo II lets you choose between five (seven with the expansion) unique classes, each with their own talents, specialties, and lore. Up to eight players can play together at once through battle.net, forming parties to work together to tackle the game’s toughest bosses. Alternatively, a PvP mode exists for players to duel one another.

With a combination of story-related dungeons and randomly generated ones, tons of loot drops, and an expansion to wrap up the story, Diablo II is still a fun ride to this day. Perhaps this is why it’s still alive and well, from Deckard Cain’s rescue to the infamous Cow Level. Is a remake/update in the works? Blizzard isn’t saying just yet, but given Diablo II’s strength, it certainly wouldn’t go amiss.

Next: 14 - The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion