Isometric Games: Discover The Magical Top-Down World
The Fan-Made Guide to The Greatest Isometric Games
Legend of Zelda, Diablo, Fallout, Final Fantasy, and Baldur’s Gate – what unites these different gaming franchises? Surely, they have different settings, mechanics, and storytelling. But the one thing in common makes them so special – all these great video gaming series include isometric games among major installments. Millions of fans adore their top-down perspective and mind-blowing worlds capable of capturing gamer’s attention for hours. Let’s learn more about this interesting and truly unique point of view through the history of the gaming industry.
Isometric Games: Definition
The term “isometric” refers to the game’s graphics and point of view. You can easily recognize isometric view games because of side or top-down perspective. The assets in such projects are mostly motion-rendered with 2D backgrounds (though, this trend slowly moves to fully 3D environments). In such a way, a player is fully immersed in the gaming world with a three-dimensional illusion. That was a thing back in the 1980s and 1990s when the best installments in this genre were released.
How Do Isometric Games Work?
Isometric can be also interpreted as a map visualization and organization defined by equal measures, proportions, and sizes. Isometric mapping is used for building 3D worlds meaning all the shapes of such maps have the same relations in a 2D environment. This combination of methods creates an illusion that there is a fully immersive 3D world. Such an illusion is achieved using an orthographic projection.
A bit of mathematics to remember. A projection is a math formula converting each point in a 3D environment to a flat 2D space. This technique is very useful for isometric video game developers who look for simple ways to create a realistically looking 3D world with a limited budget.
There are a few types of mathematical projection used in video gaming development – orthographic, oblique, and perspective. The perspective projection with a vanishing point creates an illusion where close objects seem bigger while distant objects seem much smaller. The orthographic projection doesn’t have a vanishing point where all lines are parallel with a whole distant view and angled camera to look at the in-game object evenly from all its sides (120 degrees on each dimension).
Summing up, isometric video games are complex projects with deep and sophisticated gameplay. If you want to become one of the top-down game developers, make sure to learn more about this genre, with all its benefits and pitfalls.
The Most Popular Genres of Isometric Games
There are three major categories of modern top-down isometric games (mostly based on orthographic projection):
- Isometric action games. If you like classic Legend of Zelda’s installment, you understand what these projects look like. Action-packed and breathtaking combat systems define the best gems in this category – Tunic, Death Door, Hades, Ascent, and Moonlighter, to name a few;
- Isometric RPG games. Probably the most popular category for top-down isometric games. RPGs often offer enormous open worlds to explore and conquer. The angled isometric view deepens the immersive experience and exploration abilities;
- Isometric strategy games. Tactical and strategy games with top-down perspective allow players to build something enormous starting with a single base and few units and gradually growing into whole cities and armies. Think of SteamWorld Build, Tropico 6, SimCity, and Cities: Skylines;
Surely, in addition, to these 3 major groups, there are many awesome isometric shooter games ( Fallout, Divinity: Original Sin, Ruiner ) and isometric survival games ( Rimworld, Frostpunk ). But they mostly belong to the vast and exciting category of indie games that can boast creativity but may lack some posh elements of AAA projects.
A Brief History of Isometric Games
The 1980s
The “boomer” generation should remember the first use of isometric graphics and top-down perspective. The history of this genre began with 2D isometric games released on such platforms as DECO Cassette System – the first thing that comes to mind is Treasure Island (1981). The first international release of isometric 2D games was Sega’s Zaxxon (1982) – a basic shooter where a spaceship pilot flies through the scrolling levels. Later a few interesting projects with a classic isometric perspective were released – Q*bert (1982), Blue Max (1983), Ant Attack (1983), Highway Encounter (1985), Batman (1986), and Head Over Heels (1987).
The 1990s – 2000s
This is the era of 3D isometric games meaning that 3D objects in a 2D environment created an illusion of “realistic” 3D worlds. Most of the Western projects were released with a fixed top-down perspective slowly transforming from 2D to true 3D. To name a few games – Syndicate (1993), SimCity 2000 (1994), X-COM (1994), Diablo (1996), Civilization II (1996). All of them used 3D polygonal graphics with a fixed 2D perspective that still make a great combination and are widely used by the fans of these retro installments. Also, this era was specific due to the console release of numerous Japanese role-playing games with a top-down perspective – examples include Front Mission (1995), Tactics Ogre (1995), Vandal Hearts (1996), Breath of Fire III (1997) and Final Fantasy Tactics (1997).
The 2010s
The latest era brought true 3D successors to the games mentioned above including XCOM: Enemy Unknown (2012), Diablo III (2012), SimCity (2013), and Civilization VI (2016). Indie game developers launched a few successful Kickstarter campaigns to create classic isometric games – Shadowrun Returns series (2013-2015), the Pillars of Eternity series (2015-2018), and Tyranny (2016). Obsidian Entertainment and inXile Entertainment remain the most critically acclaimed and large companies developing “pseudo-3D” projects with a top-down perspective.
Top 5 Isometric Games of All Time (Totally Subjective)
Whether you are a Diablo, Baldur’s Gate, or Fallout franchise fan, an isometric game view turns out to be quite beneficial to represent the role-playing genre in all its glory. The following popular titles prove this point like nothing else.
Pillars Of Eternity by Obsidian Entertainment (2015)
This classic RPG masterpiece is truly one of the best 3D isometric games out there. It serves as a titular example of CRPGs handled by experienced Obsidian developers. Engage in a compelling storyline and complex combat system that adapts your playstyle. Pick between 11 classes to explore this incredible, had-crafted world, and the best thing – there is an even better sequel to play.
Final Fantasy Tactics by Square (1997)
Ah… Surely, this list could not be full without a classic Japanese RPG boasting breathtaking tactical gameplay and an interesting storyline. Released during the same year as the cult Final Fantasy 7, Final Fantasy Tactics arguably can beat it thanks to the more profound enemy AI and smart challenge in a grid-style battleground. Everything about this game screams “classic” including the combination of 3D with all the elements of top-down isometric games.
Fallout by Interplay Productions (1997)
Even though Fallout 1 was an international bestseller, its 1997 sequel captured the hearts of millions because of the more focused storyline and immersive world. Fallout is simple yet genius masterfully telling the one man’s journey to protect their home amidst the ruins of the once beautiful Earth. Make the right or wrong decisions and learn to live with the consequences of your choice.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 by Larian Studious (2017)
Before the great Baldur’s Gate III of 2023, there was even greater Divinity: Original Sin 2 created by the greatest Larian Studio. The latest Divinity installment is famous for its impeccable storyline and challenging tactical combat. You take full control over the team of interesting characters with different abilities to overcome the most basic encounters.
Disco Elysium by ZA/UM (2019)
The most unique setting title in this list, Disco Elysium by the small Estonian studio ZA/UM can be described as an “alcoholic isometric RPG game”. You can control a middle-aged cop with various voices whispering in his head his crazy or rational thoughts. The players can communicate and control these voices holding the mental state of the leading character at the edge.
And One More Thing… Diablo II by Blizzard North (2000)
Diablo IV released in 2023 became an instant successful hit gaining the attention of millions all over the world. However, a huge part of this success is the fame of its predecessor Diablo II released back in 2000. It features a nerve-wracking hack-n-slash combat system combined with a profound loot system. That’s why the title is a king of replayability.
Some of the Best Isometric Games In This Generation (Since 2020 and So Far):
Tunic by Isometricorp Games (2022)
Do you like the legendary Legend of Zelda game (no pun intended)? Then you should try to play Tunic. An independent single-man game turned to become an international hit thanks to a unique gaming experience, appealing visuals, and isometric elements. One of the key features is a hand-drawn manual written with a non-existing language that players need to gather piece by piece. Despite the cute animated characters, this is one of the hardest isometric action games just like Dark Souls or classic LoZ installments.
Baldur’s Gate 3 by Larian Studios (2023)
The third installment in the fan-favorite Baldur’s Gate franchise became a real blast in 2023. Millions of gamers all over the world once again fell in love with the enchanted world of the Forgotten Realms from the Dungeons & Dragons verse. Being a AAA project, Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a unique blend of freedom, adventure, and memorable characters. So far it is one of the best isometric games right now, simple as that. If you like smart, interesting, and gameplay-rich 3D isometric games, definitely take a closer look at this top-down RPG masterpiece.
Hades by Supergiant Games (2020)
This 2020 rogue-like blockbuster was developed by the indie studio Supergiant Games. In Hades, players take control over Zagreus, the son of the ancient Greek God. The young man tries to escape the Underworld depth to become an inhabitant of Mount Olympus. Each attempt requires one to go through a labyrinth of rooms stuffed with nasty enemies and sweet rewards. Players may use a combination of weapon attacks and special abilities like dash or magic moves to defeat enemies. Prepare to die and start again as many times as you need.
The Upcoming Isometric Games (2024):
The Thaumaturge
It seems that another great Polish RPG is coming up following the successful titles – The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077. The Thaumaturge is set in the early 20th century, in dystopian Warsaw. Your character has to define mysterious creatures (Salutors) to get their supernatural powers.
Titan Quest II
The long-awaited sequel in the beloved Diablo-like series from Grimlore Games is finally coming a few years after the critically acclaimed SpellForce 3. Prepare to defend Ancient Greece where the creature’s gods from Greek myths are more than real.
The Bustling World
This isometric strategy game includes both RPG, tactical, and life sim elements. Explore the vast world of Ancient China becoming a wealthy merchant, a romantic adventurer, or even the king of your kingdom.
Burden of Command
Green Tree Games studio (supported by Chris Avellone) delivers a tactical role-playing title where a player follows the story of the 7th U.S. Infantry Regiment a.k.a. the Cottonbalers with 18 exciting missions based on real historical events.
Path of Exile 2
The free-2-play Diablo-inspired franchise has a sequel that is going to be a huge expansion to the large world of Path of Exile. Players should expect a breathtaking hack-n-slash experience with a brand-new story campaign, boosted visuals, and revamped mechanics.
Grim Dawn: Fangs of Asterkarn
The third installment in the popular Grim Dawn series is coming somewhere in 2024. The events in the Fang of Asterkan are set in the same fan-favorite realm where the Kurnian tribes once again try to confront their bloodthirsty enemies.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Heartless Symphony
Coming in the second half of 2024 (though, the delay is possible) this free-2-play RPG installment in the popular gaming franchise focuses on the intense storyline with an eternal feud between vicious vampire clans.
No Rest for the Wicked
The legendary Moon Studio brought us wonderful Metroidvania titles – Ori and the Blind Forest followed by Ori and the Will of the Wisps. The new installment promises to be a hardcore, visceral creation in the genre of isometric action RPGs. Conquer an unholy plague as a Cerim from the group of holy warriors with mythical powers and exceptional will. And prepare to die over and over again because this path won’t be easy. It is definitely, one of the most beautiful and expected isometric 3D games of 2024.
Surely, there are dozens of isometric 2D games by indie developers like Pinkcrow coming in 2024 and 2025. And so many titles are yet to be announced by AAA studios and independent enthusiasts. Follow IGN, official Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo channels to find out when you can play them.
Isometric Games: Frequently Asked Questions
- What is exactly the isometric view in gaming titles?
Debunking the common myth, most developers use a 45-degree angle as the major isometric view angle in their creations. They follow the “45-45 rule, ” meaning the in-game world is tilted exactly 45 degrees. To achieve such an unusual angle the camera starts flat and then is aligned with the ground to coordinate axes. After the calibration, the camera is rotated 35 degrees vertically and 45 degrees horizontally.
- Are isometric RPG games better than other role-playing titles?
It is purely subjective, though top-down role-playing titles do offer a few advantages. For example, they give a clear view of the world and a wider perspective to search and loot. Also, the characters in such gaming creations tend to look more detailed.
- Why do some games have only isometric maps?
Because such map designs turn out to be more realistic than flat maps. Isometric 3D maps offer a better visualization because of the angled axis. Such a perspective allows for emphasizing certain buildings, streets, and NPCs.
Conclusion
If you have never played isometric games, now is the best time to start! Dozens of classic 2D gaming masterpieces and hundreds of new top-down projects are waiting for you to explore their captivating worlds with eye-catching graphics, deep combat systems, and remarkable characters.
