10 Best RPGs In A Modern Setting
2. Mother 3
The Mother series is regarded by many as the start of the RPG set in the modern-day subgenre. Whilst the original two games have a lot to say on the topic, Mother 3 just has so much more to say.
The game starts out in a traditional fantasy setting, and all is happy, yet as the Pig Army introduces modern elements to society, things start to worsen.
Whilst the game isn't simply saying "present-day bad" Mother 3 definitely has a negative outlook on what modern-day capitalism and society as a whole has done to us.
Other than the games' setting being used as commentary, it's also frequently used for humour. Using pamphlets, yo-yos, and frying pans as weapons in a genre where you usually have swords is just really funny.
The present-day setting is also used to inspire the enemies. There's the Road Block enemy which is just a roadblock and there's an enemy that is just a men's bathroom sign. Those and the less humorous and more depressing mechanical versions of animals really highlight the themes of the game, where tech is taking over, something we can all relate to.