Although Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) was originally a tabletop role-playing game, the platform and setting eventually brought forth quite a few popular video games as well.
This article will detail and discuss some of the best Dungeons and Dragons video games.
Table of Contents
Pool of Radiance (1988)
The late 1980s saw the rise of D&D video games with titles such as Pool of Radiance.
Released in 1988, this game was a pioneer in adapting the D&D rule set for a computer RPG. Players explored the city of Phlan, battling monsters and uncovering secrets. Its turn-based combat and adherence to D&D rules made it a hit among fans, setting a high standard for future adaptations.
DragonStrike (1990)
Released in 1990, DragonStrike brought a new approach to the D&D universe.
Unlike the typical dungeon-crawling adventures, this game placed players in the role of a dragonrider, combining elements of flight simulation with the fantasy setting of D&D’s world of Krynn, particularly the Dragonlance campaign setting.
In DragonStrike, players controlled a dragon, engaging in aerial combat and completing various missions. The game presented three types of dragons to choose from, each with unique abilities and breath weapons: bronze (lightning), silver (cold), and gold (fire). This choice affected gameplay, as each dragon type offered a different experience in terms of speed, armor, and attack power.
Eye of the Beholder Series (1990-1993)
Eye of the Beholder was a series that combined real-time combat with dungeon crawling, released between 1990 and 1993.
It stood out for its graphics and engaging gameplay, allowing players to create a party of adventurers to explore dungeons and fight iconic D&D monsters.
Spelljammer: Pirates of Realmspace (1992)
Released in 1992, and based on the Spelljammer campaign setting, the game allowed players to explore the fantastical universe in a spelljamming ship, a vessel capable of traveling through space.
Players could navigate between different planets and engage in both space and traditional on-ground combat. The game featured various races and classes from the D&D universe, allowing for diverse party compositions and play styles. The idea of managing a spaceship, dealing with interstellar threats, and exploring distant worlds was a novel concept for D&D games at the time.
Dark Sun Series (1993-1994)
The Dark Sun video game series, consisting of Dark Sun: Shattered Lands and Dark Sun: Wake of the Ravager, took players to the harsh, desert world of Athas.
These games were acclaimed for their gritty storyline, unique setting, and departure from the typical medieval fantasy environment.
Al-Qadim: The Genie’s Curse (1994)
Al-Qadim: The Genie’s Curse, released in 1994 and based on the Al-Qadim campaign setting, inspired by the tales of the Arabian Nights, the game offered players a refreshing departure from the typical European medieval fantasy themes common in D&D.
The game follows the story of a young corsair (a kind of Arabian knight) on a quest to clear his family’s name and undo a curse that has befallen them.
The gameplay blends action-adventure elements with RPG mechanics, offering real-time combat rather than the turn-based style typical of other D&D games at the time.
Ravenloft Series (1994-1995)
The Ravenloft series, with Strahd’s Possession and Stone Prophet, introduced gamers to the gothic horror setting of Ravenloft.
These games were notable for their atmospheric storytelling and incorporation of horror elements into the D&D formula.
Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow over Mystara (1996)
Released in 1996, Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow over Mystara is an arcade-style game that combined the thrill of side-scrolling action with the rich lore of the D&D universe.
As a sequel to Dungeons & Dragons: Tower of Doom, it expanded upon its predecessor with enhanced mechanics, more character options, and a broader storyline.
Set in the Mystara campaign setting, the game allowed players to choose from several character classes, including Cleric, Fighter, and Magic-User, each with unique abilities and spells. The gameplay was a blend of beat ’em up action and RPG elements, with players battling through various levels, collecting loot, and improving their characters’ skills and equipment.
Baldur’s Gate Series (1998-2023)
The “Baldur’s Gate” series began with the original Baldur’s Gate, and is often considered a masterpiece in D&D video gaming.
It brought to life the Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting with an engaging story, complex characters, and deep gameplay.
Its sequel, Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn, expanded this further, offering a more refined experience that many consider to be one of the best RPGs of all time.
Later, Baldur’s Gate 3 was developed by Larian Studios, eventually being released in 2023.
Planescape: Torment (1999)
Planescape: Torment broke the mold with its focus on narrative and character development over combat.
This game became known for its deep philosophical themes, memorable characters, and the unique Planescape setting.
Icewind Dale Series (2000-2002)
The Icewind Dale series, with its first release in 2000, offered a more combat-focused experience.
Set in the Spine of the World, these games were praised for their challenging battles, beautiful environments, and the implementation of the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition ruleset.
Neverwinter Nights (2002)
Neverwinter Nights, released in 2002, was groundbreaking for its graphics, gameplay, and the inclusion of a robust toolset for creating custom modules.
It brought the D&D experience to a multiplayer format, allowing players to create their own stories and share them with others.
Temple of Elemental Evil (2003)
While not as commercially successful as other titles, Temple of Elemental Evil is notable for its faithful adherence to the D&D 3.5 Edition ruleset.
It offered a tactical and challenging gameplay experience, appealing to hardcore fans of the tabletop game.
Dragonshard (2005)
Dragonshard merged D&D with real-time strategy gameplay, a unique combination at the time.
Set in the Eberron campaign setting, it offered a fresh perspective on D&D video games, blending traditional RPG elements with strategic gameplay.
Dungeons & Dragons Online (2006)
Dungeons & Dragons Online, initially released in 2006, marked a significant evolution in bringing the D&D universe to the gaming world.
As an MMORPG, DDO allowed players to experience the adventures of D&D in a persistent online world, playing alongside thousands of other adventurers from around the globe.
Set primarily in the Eberron campaign setting, with later expansions adding the Forgotten Realms, the game featured a rich array of character customization options, allowing players to choose from various races and classes familiar to D&D fans.
Dungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale (2011)
Dungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale was released in 2011.
Set in the iconic Forgotten Realms universe, the game had a classic D&D style but with modern graphics and mechanics.
The game’s plot revolves around the quest to defeat the evil Rezlus and his Zhentarim soldiers in the besieged region of Daggerdale.
Players could choose from four characters, each representing a classic D&D class: Cleric, Fighter, Rogue, and Wizard. These characters embark on a journey through dungeons and landscapes filled with familiar D&D monsters and challenges.