Freedom, immersion, choices, and storytelling. These are only a few of the many things that make RPGs so appealing. Besides being the biggest genre in video games, RPGs have allowed creators to expand and explore new additions with each incredible release. Bigger worlds to roam, never-before-seen mechanics, unique art styles, and most of all, incredible voice acting. Now, there’s no shortage of RPGs out there that have featured voice-acted characters, but what about the protagonist?

When it comes to having a fully voiced protagonist, it’s a two-way street for RPG fans. Some prefer to have a silent lead, feeling that giving them a voice ruins the immersion. That’s a perfectly sound and justified reason. Though there are plenty of RPGs that would be better off with a silent protagonist, there are just as many that wouldn’t be what they are today without a talented voice actor behind them.

9 Fallout 4

“Everything Can Change in An Instant, Whether or Not You're Ready.”

Each Fallout game has followed a different protagonist into the wasteland of a post-apocalyptic America. Though the locations and gameplay may change, all of them have had a silent lead who could only speak through dialogue boxes. That is, until Fallout 4, the first to break away from the norm by having the choice to play as a fully voiced male or female lead.

It’s no secret that many fans were unhappy with this decision, not helped by the fact that Fallout 4 arguably has the weakest writing for its limited dialogue choices and rather bland story. Yet its saving grace comes from the performances by Courtenay Taylor and Brian T. Delaney. If there’s one thing the Fallout games all have in common, it’s that their voice actors always give a good performance.

The author of this list also prefers Fallout games with silent protagonists, but still respects Taylor and Delaney for their voice acting talent.

8 Dragon Age: Inquisition

“Could One Thing in This World Just Stay Fixed?!”

The first Dragon Age followed the traditional dialogue system of a voiceless hero. It wasn’t until Dragon Age II when this was phased out in favor of a fully voiced lead with a Dialogue Wheel. Needless to say, players had mixed reactions over this decision. Although Dragon Age: Inquisition continues the trend of having a fully voiced protagonist, it found a way to expand on the idea and offer players more customization options.

For this game, players can not only customize the race, class, and appearance of their lead Inquisitor, but even their voice. Instead of having a single voice for a male or female character, BioWare added four different voices to select from. Between two male and female voices, you’re free to choose the voice you feel is more fitting for your Inquisitor.

7 Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

“You Don’t Need a Title to Be a Leader.”

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II takes players into the 15th century of medieval Bohemia. Civil war has broken out, and as Henry of Skalitz, you’re on a quest for revenge. Along with the RPG’s incredibly nuanced gameplay, you control a fully voice-acted protagonist with dialogue choices. However, unlike other games, the dialogue skills work a bit differently.

Certain dialogue checks depend on your charisma, speech skill, reputation, or even the quality of your armor, too. It might be tricky to get into, but it works well with Kingdom Come: Deliverance II’s immersive experience. Plus, say what you want about silent protagonists versus voiced protagonists, but it just wouldn’t be the same playing as Henry without hearing his rural, Midlands English accent.

6 Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

“I Once Thought I Could Save the World. Now Look at It.”

From Human Revolution to Mankind Divided, the Deus Ex prequels follow the story of Adam Jensen, an augmented human who didn’t ask for this. Set in an atmospheric future rife with corruption, conspiracy, transhumanism, and discrimination, Adam’s flawless portrayal by Elias Toufexis captures a complex character trying to balance being a strong-nerved cyborg and a man struggling to retain his humanity.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided’s grim narrative puts Adam’s skills and beliefs to the test as he’s tasked with tracking down augmented terrorists, all while trying to stop a secret society that's plotting to control the free will of mankind. The only problem with getting into these games is dealing with the unfortunate truth that Adam Jensen’s story has yet to get a full resolution. If and when Eidos Montreal can finally make a follow-up, the stories have to be taken with a grain of salt as they are.

5 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

“For Those Who Come After, Right?”

Though it was made with limited resources, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is proving to be one of the best RPGs in recent years. Along with its incredible gameplay and astonishing fantasy setting, the game features a company of likable characters with a strong voice cast, including its main character, Gustave, who is played by Charlie Cox.

Yes, the same actor who plays a certain red hero in Marvel’s Daredevil. Despite some occasional jankiness and issues with lip-synching at times, the voice acting is top-tier as you follow their harrowing journey into the unknown. Just another reason as to why Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a must-play for all fans of RPGs.

4 Final Fantasy VII Remake

“I Don’t Dance.”

You can’t talk about RPGs without mentioning Final Fantasy. It wasn’t until 2001 when voice acting was first introduced to the series in Final Fantasy X. So, when a remake was announced for the masterpiece that was Final Fantasy VII, of course, voice actors were going to be added. As one of the biggest stars in the franchise, Cloud Strife’s English voice was previously done by Steve Burton for different projects.

For the 2020 remake, however, the role was given to Cody Christian. If there was one word to describe Cody Christian’s portrayal of Cloud Strife, that word would be... fitting. Though Cloud is remembered for his stoicism, Cody nails in adding some range to the character, showing a Cloud with a bit more sass and an uptight attitude, which makes the psychological and emotional journey he goes through all the more enthralling.

3 Cyberpunk 2077

“I Just Want the World to Know I Was Here. That I Mattered.”

Cyberpunk 2077 indeed had a rocky start, but enough time has passed that players have given it another chance. However, even before its major issues were patched and updated, one thing has remained unchanged since the day it launched. The story and voice acting are outstanding, especially that of its protagonist, V.

In a city full of cyber killers and corrupted companies, you need a voice of grit and steel to back up your skills and street cred, and V’s voice actors do a spectacular job bringing the character to life. The voice acting is only made better when paired with the amount of dialogue choices throughout the game, including ones locked behind your Build Attributes. For example, a higher Intelligence means a smarter V, whereas higher Strength means a more threatening V. It’s just another layer that makes every build for each playthrough feel unique.

2 Mass Effect Legendary Edition

“I'm Commander Shepard and This Is My Favorite Store on the Citadel.”

For the Mass Effect Legendary Edition, comes a phenomenal trilogy starring one of the all-time best RPG protagonists around, Commander Shepard. With three long adventures created around a fully voiced hero, players can ask questions and make decisions using the Dialogue Wheel, a mechanic that was first invented by this very series.

With writing that balances science-fiction, philosophy, and humorous banter, you can be in the middle of a dire exchange to decide the fate of the galaxy, or shooting the breeze with your alien teammate, talking about straws—or Emergency Induction Port as they call it. Play as a Paragon or a Renegade and forge Shepard’s story your way. Sure, some players have different opinions over which voice they prefer, but when it comes to customizable characters in RPGs, Commander Shepard remains the most iconic, even if they are the worst dancer in the galaxy.

1 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

“Wind's Howling.”

There’s an argument to be made that some games on this list would be better off with a silent lead. However, if there’s any RPG series that absolutely needs a fully voiced protagonist, it’s The Witcher. Because in a world riddled with monsters, you don’t need a hero, you need a professional, and a professional must have the right voice. The Witcher 3 just wouldn’t be the same without Geralt’s unforgettable voice when delivering his many badass quotes.

When players think Geralt of Rivia, they think of white hair, a scarred face, two swords and the rugged voice of Doug Cockle. Even though Witchers are supposed to be mutants stripped of emotions, the voice actor perfectly conveys a character who possesses dry wit, a stern temper, and eclectic wisdom. Of all RPGs, Geralt takes the gold for being the best fully voiced protagonist in gaming.