30. Assassin's Creed Odyssey PS4

Assassin's Creed Odyssey is much more of an open world RPG than it is a traditional Assassin's Creed title. The second instalment in the series' "open world trilogy", this ancient Greek adventure may overlook a lot of the game design that defined its predecessors, but there's no denying that its interlocking RPG systems make for a deep and engaging experience. Levelling up, loot, skill trees, and randomised elements like bounty-hunting mercenaries all play a part across a truly gigantic map. The story's not bad either, as protagonist Alexios or Kassandra embarks on a branching journey to learn the truth about his or her legendary bloodline.

29. Metro Exodus PS4

Metro: Exodus mucks up somewhat by ditching its linear routes and making a case for the open world structure. It doesn't quite work out all the time, but the horrific foes you meet on the way certainly keep you engaged. With home-made weapons galore, every bullet packs a punch as you feel the machinery in your fingers start to crumble. It's the survival-tinged combat that holds this RPG-shooter hybrid together, but there's also some great world building at play, and the story — though predictable at times — will likely keep you hooked.

27. South Park: The Fractured But Whole PS4

What do you get if you cross Ubisoft, superheroes, and a bunch of foul-mouthed friends made of felt? The answer is South Park: The Fractured But Whole, of course. This sequel to the also brilliant South Park: The Stick of Truth swaps out fantasy for modern vigilante justice, as your custom character joins forces with Cartman's crew to fight evil. Featuring strategic turn-based combat, the titular town to explore, and all the absurd humour you'd expect, this is a highly entertaining game for fans and newcomers.

26. Nioh PS4

Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja's first attempt at creating a Soulslike actually worked out really well. Nioh is a more fast paced action RPG, set in a twisted feudal Japan, now overrun with all manner of monsters and demons. It's tough as nails, but an abundance of loot combined with satisfying combat makes for a moreish adventure. The story's surprisingly interesting as well, as main character William Adams comes face to face with various historical warlords.

25. Assassin's Creed Origins PS4

A stunning recreation of ancient Egypt is the backdrop for Assassin's Creed Origins — a game that redefined Ubisoft's series. Going full open world and throwing a bunch of RPG systems into the mix, Origins breathed new life into Assassin's Creed after Unity and Syndicate struggled to leave a lasting impression. Origins follows the surprisingly emotional story of Bayek, a determined mystic and warrior, who, with the help of his estranged wife Aya, establishes the Hidden Ones — the precursor organisation that would one day become the Assassin Brotherhood.

24. Yakuza: Like a Dragon PS4

A completely different approach in terms of gameplay, Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a turn based RPG that takes heavy inspiration from the likes of Dragon Quest. For the first time in SEGA's main series, Kazuma Kiryu is stripped of his duties as a protagonist, replaced by the supremely endearing Ichiban Kasuga and his party of crazy characters. While the adventure still has story ties to previous entries, Like a Dragon is something of a rebirth — and it's fantastic fun.

23. 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.

22. 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.

21. 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.