If the previous few years of gaming tell us anything, it’s that story-based Role Playing Games are still in demand more than ever. From real RPGs to hybrids like Action-RPG, Turn-based Strategy RPG, or even shooter and tactical combat with RPG elements, the genre is greatly expanding at a steady rate. People play video games to forget about real life and immerse themselves in the game world – that’s why RPG is always at the forefront whenever gaming is mentioned. In this list, we are going to assemble a line up of best RPG titles that are going to be released this year
10 - Granblue Fantasy: Relink (PS4)
Based on popular mobile game Granblue Fantasy from Cygames, Granblue Fantasy: Relink would be a spinoff action RPG for the PS4. The game would include various characters from the main cast of the series going on a completely new adventure in a different location from the mobile game altogether. The soundtrack of the game would be handled by Nobuo Uematsu, composer of Final Fantasy series, with Platinum Games of Devil May Cry fame working on the combat mechanics. There would be up to four players coop mode, with the empty slots filled by AI. The game would be released sometime in 2020.
9 - The Legend of Heroes: Trails of the Beginning (PS4)
Falcom has been trying to localize and port all Trails games to PC, with Trails of Cold Steel 4 still on the work. However, they have wasted no time moving on to the next game. Trails of the Beginning is going to be the most ambitious entry of the series, as it is aimed to be a turning point for the grand conclusion of the series. There would be a lot of old and new characters getting featured in Beginning, from all related games like Trails in the Sky, Trails of Cold Steel and more. Gameplay-wise, the Trails series is more or less the usual JRPG, with everything a JRPG should have, and more. The Japanese version of this game should be available in Sept 2020.
8 - Ys IX: Monstrum Nox (PS4)
Another title from Falcom, the next installment of the famous Ys series, Monstrum Nox, is planned for a Sept 2020 release in the west. Based on the developer’s localization trend and the quality of the previous works, it just makes sense that they took some time to polish the thing before shipping. YS IX’s gameplay is pretty much the same system in the previous games but modified. It is a third-person hack & slash with a lot of RPG elements and customization. Players will step into the shoes of protagonist Adol Christin on a journey to the prison city to investigate a mysterious disappearance.
7 - Tales of Arise (Xbox One, PS4, PC)
The most ambitious Tales game to date, Tales of Arise would focus on two worlds called Rena and Dahna and the conflicts between their inhabitants called Shionne and Alphen. There isn’t much information available about the game yet, but from what’s already revealed, we have nothing to worry about. Tales of Arise would keep the successful Linear Motion Battle System from the previous title and port the entire thing to Unreal Engine 4. The game is going to look fantastic.
6 - Cyberpunk 2077 (PC, PS4, Xbox One)
One of the biggest releases this year, Cyberpunk 2077 and the Cyberpunk franchise are going to be CD Projekt Red’s trump cards for lots of years to come. The game is an FPS/RPG hybrid set in the futuristic Night City, in which crime, corruption and technology reign supreme. As Protagonist V, players would carve for themselves a path to the top of the city, with their choices affect the fate of the world around them. Cyberpunk 2077 will be released on Apr 16 for both console systems and PC.
5 - Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord (PC)
The long-awaited sequel to Mount & Blade, Bannerlord, is finally getting out of development hell. It would be released into early access on Steam in March 2020. There are a lot of things to look forward to, as you would be able to further customize classes for your soldier and modify them with points. A marriage system is also introduced, as you would be able to raise your son to take your place if you die. Gameplay-wise, Siege warfare and dialogue options are improved, as you can get more out of building siege engines. The game would have the same vibe as the original Mount & Blade, but with added complexity.
4 - Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot (PS4, PC, Xbox One)
Goku and friends return in yet another video game remake of Dragon Ball Z. The game would be covering everything in the original manga of Dragon Balls, from the Raditz Saga to the Buu Saga. Along with the introduction of the action RPG elements, you would be taking on missions, battling, training and powering up… all to beat the story missions. Unique powers like Super Saiyan or Fusion would be unlocked during missions. Experience the whole Dragon Balls Z again with Kakarot – the game will be released on Jan 17.
3 - Final Fantasy 7 Remake (PS4)
The remake for the most famous Final Fantasy Game is finally getting a release date. Final Fantasy 7 remake is the first part of the original Final Fantasy game, with gameplay changes and reimagined storyline. The combat would be a version of FF 15’s battle system – there would be some turn-based options but they would not affect the gameplay much. The mini-games and events would make a comeback as well, as you would have to beat them to get special items and bonuses. Final Fantasy 7 Remake would be released on March 3, exclusively on the PS4.
2 - Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition (Switch)
Xenoblade Chronicles, which was originally launched in 2012 for Wii, is going to be ported to Nintendo Switch as Definitive Edition. The game would feature completely remade visuals, from player models to textures to environment assets. Previously removed contents from the original game are also getting added back in the definitive edition. Based on the initial reveal trailer, the adventure of Shulk and Fiora would continue some time in 2020.
1 - Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 (PS4, Xbox One, PC)
An unlikely sequel to the original masterpiece Vampire Masquerade, Bloodlines 2 would take players back to the World of Darkness, but this time, the events of the game would occur in Seattle. You would start your adventure as a clanless Thinblood, and rise through the ranks during the course of the Vampire War to the top of the food chain. Your decisions and actions would affect the fate of the city and the world itself. Gameplay-wise, it’s an excellent RPG, with amazing customization on both characters and story choices. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 would be released next year for PS4, PC and Xbox One.
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