Costume Quest

Costume Quest is actually a westernized console-style, or JRPG style game. It's well known that this sub-genre has a wide collection of good RPG games. For PC users, they used to be a dream or something to pray for, but not anymore.

This is a fun little title with a kiddy-style story, simplistic gameplay, decent humor and with a great gimmick (Halloween costumes become real!). It's not the kind of game that will drain hours of your life or take you on an epic journey. Think of it as a carnival ride: it sucks you in, gives you a fun thrill and it's over pretty soon, yet you still want more.

If you like this, you might also enjoy: Costume Quest 2, Citizens of Earth (may require grinding), South Park: Stick of Truth (humor can be over-the-top for some)

Borderlands

Some would call it a shooter, but I say it's a cross between hack&slash RPG and FPS. It's a great idea, that could've gone wrong on so many levels. Except, it didn't. Gearbox Software knew what they were doing when they made it. You got your unique characters, you got your skills and mountains of weapon drops. All of which influence how powerful/weak your character is, yet still your aim matters (headshots really make a difference). They hit the nail on the head. Plus, the freaky, over-the-top comic book, post-apocalypse style really helps the game stand-out.

Keep in mind, it can get very tedious if played strictly single-player.

If you like this, you might also enjoy: Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, Deus Ex (though it's much more story driven with lots of stealth)

There really is no bigger and wider genre than RPG for PC. Over the years it has grown and spread so much that nearly every other genre borrows elements from it (kind of like rock music). Let's try a little game here: What would be your most original (yet effective) take on the RPG genre?