I have, in many other topics, mentioned the SaGa series as an example of experimental JRPGs, games that, while JRPGs, broke many genre conventions (and, in fact, some of them straggle the JRPG/WRPG liek).

What I am wondering is, what experimental WRPGs are out there? Basically, I'm looking for WRPGs that:
* Are recognizably WRPGs rather than JRPGs
* Are not typical of the genre
* Have interesting mechanics that you don't often see
* Must not be too similar to a WRPG that a non-WRPG gamer would likely have heard of (so this includes things like Elder Scrolls)

It feels like Darklands could possibly fit, but what other good examples are there?

One game that came to mind was Hard Nova, a space role-playing game where you can travel to and on planets. CRPG Addict wasn't too impressed with it though.

I haven't played it myself, but would Disco Elysium fit the description, perhaps?

Albion I think qualifies. Perhaps Dwarf Fortress' adventure mode as well.
Not sure though, only briefly played both.

Edit: Knew I was forgetting about something. Sunless Sea definitely, and the experiment payed off big time imo. Come to think of it, pehaps the time has come to attempt another run :)
It still has the best writing I've ever seen in a game, which is a large part of the lure.

King of Dragon Pass is pretty different.

Unlimited Adventures was different for back in the day for the first? game to release the toolkit/adventure maker for an RPG.

The Bard's Tale Construction Set (1991) begs to differ.
But Unlimited Adventures outlived this smug bastard! ;)

I think it would. It appears to meet my definition of an RPG (specifically the part about the success of actions being based on the character's skill, not the player's), but is missing one feature that's expected in an RPG, namely combat.

(It is, however, an interesting edge case to consider when trying to define the term "RPG".)

Roleplaying games don't need combat, just the ability to roleplay. Doesn't need looting or leveling or any kind of progression system for that matter.

Bro hard nova is dope i have it running on dosbox

Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones and Death Trash are both also kind of experimental

I am bad boy