Top 10 Video Games Based On Tabletop Games

An simple but focused quest mixed with classic role-playing – how can you go wrong? “Eye of the Beholder”, based on “Advanced Dungeons & Dragons”, draws upon its source to tell a tale of adventurers hunting down the titular beholder creature beneath the city of Waterdeep. This first-person role-playing game adapts the party-based progression of “Dungeons & Dragons” into a three-dimensional dungeon setting, relying on a simple point-and-click interface for everything. Yet it's this simplicity, combined with a sizeable area to explore, that makes the game easy to engage with.

It might not be typical, but it's certainly interesting. As the title suggests, “Demon Stone” is set in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting of “Dungeons & Dragons”, focusing on the efforts of three warriors to stop a pair of ancient villains. In terms of gameplay, “Demon Stone” draws from the hack-and-slash school of design; players switch between each of the three playable warriors at will, combating a variety of foes with melee and ranged attacks. The action meshes well with a script by R. A. Salvatore, creating an adaptation that honours its source in its own unique way.

In the age of arcade games, this was quite the gem. Set in the Mystara campaign setting, this arcade beat-em-up featured certain innovations not seen elsewhere, such as the ability for characters to pick up useable gear and earning new spells with experience. “Shadow of Mystara” allows up to four players, selecting from six available character classes, battle through the hordes of the sorceress Synn. Featuring everything from special combat moves to collectable treasure, this title offered players plenty in the way of engaging experiences.

This game, set in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting of “Dungeons & Dragons”, has a trick up its sleeve. The premise is simple: you control a party of adventurers arriving in the city of New Phlan, only to be tasked with clearing monsters from the city. From that point, however, the game splits into two modes – a first-person exploration mode for dealing with the party and other characters, and a top-down tactical mode for combat situations. Mixing puzzles and character relations with tactics, “Pool of Radiance” is truly special.

Cold and harsh as the setting may be, Black Isle Studios' 2000 release remains compelling. “Icewind Dale”, based in the titular region in Forgotten Realms, puts players on a quest to investigate the disappearing warmth of a giant tree. The game proper blends real-time action with the rule set for the 2nd Edition of “Advanced Dungeons & Dragons”; it actively controls dice rolls and monitors statistics. The intricacies of this combat-oriented role-playing game are as impressive as they are engrossing.

Ah, the odd majesty of Planescape merged with isometric role-playing action. You are the Nameless One, a warrior awakening in a morgue with no recollection of the past. The Nameless One's player-influenced quest for answers and purpose is compelling, especially with each new and unusual companion he takes on. “Planescape: Torment” also sports balanced gameplay, offering varied options in every situation while permitting players to make their own decisions. The game having roots in the rules and systems of “Dungeons & Dragons” certainly doesn't hurt.

With respect to “MechWarrior 4: Vengeance”, we feel this is the more noteworthy title. As the expansion for “MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat”, this places you in the role of a mercenary squad, taking contracts from four distinct factions caught in a eight-year war. “Mercenaries” offers freedom of choice over missions and control over finances earned, though the star attraction is the mech-based combat – complete with an increased number of BattleMechs and other vehicles to enjoy. Being the final “BattleTech” video game released by Activision, it's a fine send-off.

Comprising about sixty hours of gameplay, this is quite the content-filled game. Developed by BioWare, “Neverwinter Nights” concerns the player's quest to stop an evil cult and find a cure for a plague that has overrun the city of Neverwinter. Said quest takes players north of the city, to handle quests both optional and mandatory while working towards the original goal. “Neverwinter Nights” also delivers in its technical details – with impressive animations, a server-based multiplayer suite that can handle up to 96 players, and widely-praised use of “Dungeons & Dragons” rules in gameplay.

Time for some strategy goodness, inspired by the “Warhammer” table top game. “Warhammer 40'000: Dawn of War” deals with the Blood Ravens chapter of the Space Marines attempting to reclaim the planet Tartarus... only to be caught in a larger conflict. This transitions into a real-time strategy game with four playable factions, a resource management system based on requisition and power, and units with varying degrees of morale to manage. Add to that an impressive level of visual detail, and thus you have a fascinating and enthralling game on your hands.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

“Warhammer 40'000: Space Marine” (2011)
“MechAssault” (2002)
“Neuroshima Hex” (2010)
“Dungeons & Dragons: Dragonshard” (2005)

There's more than a few games based on “Dungeons & Dragons” in the world, but this stands among the finest. As the sequel to 1998's “Baldur's Gate”, this picks up with the player-controlled hero and company being drawn into the ongoing troubles of the city of Athkatla. “Baldur's Gate II” draws upon its roots in the Forgotten Realms to great effect, presenting a lively world and providing easy-to-follow quests as a means of exploring it. From its painting-like visuals to its increasingly interesting storyline, its status as a classic cannot be denied.

Do you agree with our list? What are your favourite video games based on tabletop games? For more game-filled Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.