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The fantasy genre is unlike any other. It has the power to immerse you in an alternative universe filled with unique characters and exciting storylines. Its imaginative allure attracts millions of gamers, film buffs and readers who want to be drawn into a world different to their own.
Many of us living normal lives wants to be inspired beyond our everyday routines – and fantasy games offer a level of escapism we can’t find anywhere else. We get to step outside of our own existence for a while and explore new worlds.
That’s why hundreds of games inspired by the fantasy genre have been hugely successful. Just look at classic fantasy gaming franchises such as Lord of the Rings or The Chronicles of Narnia which, based on Hollywood blockbuster movies, have grossed billions of dollars worldwide.
Fantasy games are popular with certain types of gamers, who usually like to play alone for long periods of time – slowly working up a strategy that’ll unlock secrets and lead them on a path towards completing the game. This is in contrast with first-person-shooters, which tend to suit multi players looking for instant gratification.
Without further ado, here’s our pick of the best fantasy games from 2018.
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Available on PC, Xbox 360, PS3, Xbox One, PS4, PSVR, Nintendo Switch
All fantasy gamers will be familiar with this golden gem of a game from the award-winning creators at Bethesda Game Studios. In Skyrim, your main quest is to defeat Alduin, otherwise known as the ‘World-Eater’. This killer dragon is prophesied to destroy the world. So, it’s up to you to find him, defeat him and save Skyrim.
It’s an open world game, so you’re free to go off the beaten track and explore as much as you like. There are hundreds of areas to explore from rich forests to high icy mountains. You also have the option to learn some magic along the way, which can be used to defeat your enemies.
As you progress through the game, you build your skills, learn new spells and earn a killer list of must-have weapons, too. One of the best things about the game is that it’s full of life. It feels as though life continues around you, despite your secret mission to save the planet. Quite simply, it’s the ultimate fantasy game and one that every gamer needs to have on their gaming shelf.
2. Final Fantasy XV
Available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
The latest installment of the Final Fantasy series is a force to be reckoned with. The game is an action role-playing game from Square Enix and was released in 2016. Players explore the fictional world of Eos, which is waiting for you to come, explore and conquer it. The game starts off strong and quickly immerses you in its thrilling storyline. You can pick up side quests alongside the primary mission, which is to rescue the stolen crystal and defeat the empire of Niflheim.
The long-running Final Fantasy series has been going since 1987, but things may be changing in the future. The director of Final Fantasy XV, Hajime Tabata, has been in the headlines recently for his decision to launch a new studio named JP Games. Although it’s an exciting movement for him, many diehard fans of the franchise are concerned for the future of the game. Unfortunately, it looks like plans for a new Final Fantasy is not a major priority as of yet.
3. Millionaire Genie Slot
Available on PC, Android, iOS
If you’ve never considered playing slot games before, now might be the time. They’re more engaging than ever before – with high-quality video, audio and graphics – and there are so many of them, with new titles released almost weekly to appeal to a range of niches.
Fantasy slots are always a favorite among gamers because they allow the player’s imagination to run wild. If you want to play a game where a magic genie can make all of your wildest dreams come true, Millionaire Genie Slot is a perfect choice.
Millionaire Genie Slot is one of the most popular online slot games because of its Aladdin-themed reels. The game takes you on a fantasy journey through a wonderful, magical paradise and includes shockingly good graphics with vibrant colors. It comes with 15 paylines, wilds, scatters, sticky wilds, free spins and an exciting bonus game. It’s also got a fantastic progressive jackpot with auto-play functionality. To trigger the Genie’s Palace Bonus Game, you’ve got to hit three or more Bonus symbols for your chance to grab two magical wishes and a bunch of mystical multipliers.
Playing such an entertaining game where you have a chance of winning a big jackpot sounds like a win-win to us. While Millionaire Genie is our favorite slot game of 2019, you can find so many other exciting slots to play here.
4. The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt
Available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Upon its release, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt was an instant classic. Based on fantasy novels by Andrzej Sapkowski, it’s claimed over 250 Game of the Year awards since. It has an otherworldly atmosphere and follows the main character who hunts monsters using weapons and magic. Although it’s a fantasy game, there are many real-life elements to it that help captivate the player’s imagination at every turn.
This game is filled with magical creatures and superpowers including teleportation, spells and advanced artificial intelligence. The main mission of the game is to find the child of prophecy, who is seen as a “volatile weapon” that everyone wants to control.
The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt is a remarkable game with an intricate storyline, diverse characters and tons of magical creatures. It’s no wonder it sold over 10 million copies in the first three months of its release in 2016.
5. The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild
Available on Wii U, Nintendo Switch
The Legend of Zelda series is a beloved fantasy series for the Nintendo. It’s perfect for all ages and involves lots of adventure, fun quests and intriguing puzzles that you have to solve to unlock new levels and progress through the game.
Commonly ranked as one of the best fantasy games of all time, The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild is the latest addition. Set in the fantasy world of Hyrule, players are required to help Link remember his forgotten life by solving mysteries and exploring shrines, towers, villages and more throughout Hyrule. The Breath of the Wild is an epic masterpiece.
As you can see, there are tons of great fantasy games to choose from. Whether you want to battle the world’s fiercest dragons, explore new worlds or brush up on your sword fighting skills, you’re sure to find something that interests you within the fantasy gaming genre. If you have a favorite we haven’t included in this list, let us know in the comments below.
