20. NieR Replicant Ver. 1.22474487139... (PS4)

Partway between a remake and a remaster, NieR Replicant is essentially an enhanced version of the cult PS3 action RPG. Combat has been tweaked for the better, but the game's memorable characters and unique atmosphere remain. It's not quite as fleshed out, or as refined as NieR: Automata, but there's an undeniably weird charm to almost everything that Replicant does, especially in the storytelling department.

19. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Special Edition (PS4)

Bethesda's eternal open world RPG got a much needed update on PS4 thanks to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Special Edition. The original PS3 version was a technical mess, but the sprawling adventure is, as you'd hope, much improved one generation later. Featuring enhanced visuals (and a steady framerate!), it's still so easy to get lost in the snowy setting of Skyrim. It might be riddled with decade-old jank, but its gameplay systems are still super addictive, constantly rewarding you for exploring what is a lovingly crafted fantasy world.

18. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut (PS5)

Disco Elysium stands as a truly great achievement in role-playing. Attempting to crack a dangerously suspicious murder case as an amnesiac cop, you're tasked with interrogating the locals while trying to work out just who the hell you're supposed to be. Engrossing from start to finish, Disco Elysium is built on a foundation of fantastic writing and brilliant characters, as you carve your own unique path through the atmospheric city of Revachol. Its methodical pace won't be for everyone, but if you're looking for a deep and brain-bending RPG, you won't find anything better on PS5.

17. Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice (PS3)

Striving to propel the tactical RPG series to new heights, Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice brought a fresh army of antiheroes to PS3 in 2008. While the property's core gameplay remains intact, this third instalment tries to make some aspects of the experience more approachable, without compromising the crazy amount of depth that the franchise is known for. All in all, it's another solid entry in NIS America's series, complete with over-the-top characters, a suitably daft story, balance-breaking gameplay modifiers, and near infinite content to grind.

16. Undertale (PS4)

Undertale might not look like much, but it tells one of PS4's most memorable stories. You've fallen into the sealed-off land of monsters, and embark on a quest to get home, but you also hold the key to breaking the barrier between worlds. The story is carried by a brilliant supporting cast of characters that help and hinder you on your journey, and the unique combat turns the RPG formula on its head. Subversive, ingenious, and dripping with personality, Undertale is not to be missed.

15. Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue (PS4)

Before you dive into the big third entry, consider playing this essential game for the Kingdom Hearts plot. The gameplay remains much the same, but Kingdom Hearts III assumes you have knowledge of 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, so you'll want to soak up everything this shorter title has to offer.

14. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (PS3)

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is the game that catapulted Bethesda into mainstream popularity. The high fantasy RPG didn't have the uniquely imaginative setting of Morrowind, its predecessor, but it did give players a genre-defining open world to explore, which was absolutely peppered with cities, settlements, and dungeons — an incredible achievement at the time. Objectively speaking, Oblivion hasn't aged especially well — its visuals are far too bloomy, its combat is super-jank, and its voice acting is a meme — but there's simply no denying its wonky charm. Perfect if you're looking for a laugh to go along with your role-playing.

13. South Park: The Stick of Truth (PS4)

With all the humour of a typical South Park TV episode, this short but oh-so-sweet turn-based RPG is well worth playing. Explore South Park, completing quests and meeting characters from the show. With a sequel also available, this roughly 10-hour adventure is a fantastic palette cleanser.

12. Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana (PS4)

A real high point in what is a consistently solid action RPG series, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana is a certified Falcom classic. This time around, series protagonist Adol finds himself shipwrecked on a mysterious island — but it's not long before he's recruiting fellow survivors and exploring every inch of this forgotten kingdom. Fast, fluid, and addictive combat is the crux of the experience, but there's also some engaging two-pronged storytelling to keep you invested. Life on an abandoned island has never been so fun.

11. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (PS5)

There's no denying that Final Fantasy VII Remake is one of the best Final Fantasy games in years, and Intergrade is the icing on the cake. Yes, it's only one part of the story, and yes, a few of the, er, changes are going to annoy some fans forevermore, but there's a healthy helping of Final Fantasy VII magic at the heart of Remake. Whether it's in the way that the characters have been re-realised or the outstanding boss fights (and excellent combat system), charging through Remake is a rewarding experience — especially if you're big on nostalgia.