Single Player RPG recommendations- Action

This list was quite difficult to come up with. I've played many action RPG franchises over the years, but barely any of them were noteworthy enough to place on this list. If you're looking for an RPG that focuses on action filled combat instead of the slow-paced affair that defines the role-playing genre, take a look at these recommendations. Bear in mind that these games are in the order that I prefer them, but not necessarily the best.

Single Player Action RPGs

1. The Elder Scrolls

When this guy jumped me I gave him a stern telling off. Then I sheathed my sword. In his head.

Between Morrowind, Oblivion and Skyrim; It would be a travesty to not put the Elder Scrolls franchise in this list. With a vast open world and first person combat, these games are a perfect blend of RPG and action. Use a sword, bow, or magic to take down your enemies in spectacular fashion. If you haven't played any of these games yet, be sure to get Skyrim or Oblivion at your earliest convenience. The RPG elements are extremely involving and the action is entertaining and addictive. If you get a copy on the PC there are countless mods to expand the games too.

2. The Witcher 

The Witcher 2 is much better than the first game, but if you want to know the entire plot you'll have to start at the beginning.

I've always been a fan of the Witcher games. They are far from perfect, but one of the most rewarding series to play if you can get into it. I haven't found an RPG with more satisfying combat yet. Geralt is an awesome main character, and he wields a sword like a champion. You have several magical spells at your disposal, all with different uses. The story starts off slow but fills with tension the further you go. It's not all good, you have to deal with some inventory management issues and other problems. However, if you're looking for a game with brutal third-person action and a rich world with lots of lore to dive into, look no further.

3. Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Deus Ex is widely known for giving you lots of choices.

Deus Ex focuses more on shooting and stealth than RPG aspects, but it's a great blend of genre nonetheless. This title has a great story with some epic moments, and almost every problem has more than one solution. You can approach each goal in many different ways, and you can upgrade the main character to open up different routes and techniques. It even has multiple endings. I really like the customization on Human Revolution, it's possible to build yourself like a terminator or a sneaky ninja. The hacking mini-games are also pretty awesome. It's also worth giving the first two Deus Ex titles a try if you can handle the old graphics.

4. Fallout 3 and New Vegas

The landscape really brings a convincing post apocalypse story to Fallout.

Although I haven't completed either of these two titles yet I've played enough of them to know they are iconic games that probably deserve a place higher on the list. Although Fallout is an FPS you don't have to aim your gun once if you don't want to. Using the VATs system the game allows you to target specific body points and shoot at them automatically. The game has a solid RPG base to it, with dozens of perks and plot choices to make. Whether you're blasting at the giant scorpions or that guy in a bar who gave you a dirty look, Fallout is a post-apocalyptic wasteland that will bring you many hours of fun.

5. Borderlands 2

I thought Borderlands 2 would be more of the same, and I was right. But it's got flair and a good story this time.

I'm adding this game in the final place with a fair amount of skepticism. Borderlands 2 is meant to be enjoyed on co-op with a friend or two. However, unlike the first game it's actually reasonably fun if you play it alone. The plot is a key part of the game, it's intriguing and the villain is quite good. Aside from that, Borderlands 2 is essentially a first-person shooter with some simple RPG mechanics. There's no way you will have as much fun playing it alone when compared with playing it with your mates, but it's still a pretty good game with loads of content to sift through.