RPG Codex recently declared their Game of the Year through forum member voting, and to the surprise of many, Baldur’s Gate 3 didn’t actually win like they have been doing everywhere else. Jagged Alliance 3 of all games won it, with Baldur’s Gate 3 coming second, and Colony Ship: A Post-Earth Role Playing Game coming third.
I did participate in the voting myself, and from what I remember, I gave JA3 a 4 out of 5, BG3 a 3 out of 5, and Colony Ship a 2 out of 5. So, my personal voting lines up pretty well with the general outcome. Now, there is some controversy here, as many don’t view Jagged Alliance 3 as an RPG, but I would argue it is one since it has quests and lots of C&C (choice & consequence) with a pretty good turn-based combat system. It relies on stats and your party levels up after accumulating experience points – just as any other RPG. This issue goes back all the way to Jagged Alliance 2, as people have been opposing that game being an RPG on Codex forever. My assumption is that’s a continuation of that sentiment.
Another point to make, outside Baldur’s Gate 3 and Colony Ship, I can’t remember that many pure RPGs being released, which limits the games to pick from. A final issue that has been brought up with the voting, is that this result is the effect of the current zeitgeist culture war. However, from what I gather, these “illegal” votes level out from what people have calculated. If you want to read up on more about this, there is a huge thread on Codex about it – lots of fun butthurt to be had, let me tell you!
To celebrate the occasion, I drew this little picture. Congrats to all winners, especially Jagged Alliance 3!
It’s going to be interesting to see what 2024 brings in the way of RPGs, because right of my mind, I can’t think of any classic cRPGs coming out soon. So, it’s going to be an interesting GOTY for sure. Thanks for reading.
/Thomas
Tom’s Gaming Vault 