One of the most beloved genres in all of gaming is the Role-Playing Game. While many have been crying that the genre is dying, especially with the popularity for First-Person Shooters and Action games, 2013 will be home to some very anticipated RPGs. Unchained Blades, Fire Emblem: Awakening, and Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of Titan, and Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch have kicked the year off, but they are just a sign of what is to come.
Let’s kick off this list of BagoGames’ most anticipated RPGs that will be released this year, in no particular order.
Dark Souls 2
Dark Souls 2 is my most anticipated game of 2013 (hopefully), although the release date is not yet set in stone. It is the sequel to one of my all-time favorite games, and all I would ask From Software to do with the sequel is to stick to the formula. The Souls series is renowned for the difficulty, but it is the atmosphere that makes them special. They manage to be so dark, bordering on being a horror title, yet captivating, interesting and wholly mysterious. I seriously cannot wait for this one, but alas, I will have to. -Tony Baines
Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness
Famous for its complex gameplay, hilarious writing that manages to deconstruct the RPG genre and anime, and of course the Prinnies, dood. Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness is set to have even more customization options, and the new master/pupil and mounts system looks to add even more depth to the combat. Plus the return of Laharl, Etna, and Flonne can only mean one thing….hilarity will ensue at every corner. -Aaron Magulick
There has been few time where I feel that games have captured the basic instinct of making you care for a character. Final Fantasy X is one of those games that will always be remembered for its diverse cast of characters that are so established and fully fleshed out that you won’t want to give up a chance to go back and play it again. It is a sad state of affairs on how the Final Fantasy brand has now been reduced to pushing out sequels instead of coming up with new and more interesting worlds for players to explore. I will always remember Square Soft as being the pinicle of game development. -Mitch Concannon
Pokemon X and Y
Announced in a blaze of excitement, Pokemon X/Y has been confirmed for a 2013 release globally on October. Making links to genetics this time around, the pocket monsters return just when you thought they’d run out of ideas. Although plagued with issues of search links to pornography, I’m honestly excited for this game. Maybe it’s because I simply love Pokemon, or maybe it’s because this game looks like a real leap forward for the franchise from new Pokemon to stunning 3D graphics. -Ben Tarrant
Soul Sacrifice
Designed by the legendary Keiji Inafune (Mega Man), Soul Sacrifice is one of the most anticipated games for the PlayStation Vita, and it is currently sitting on top of the Japanese sales charts (it managed to outsell the latest Hatsune Miku game). Featuring a dark take on magic which requires the caster to sacrifice something before casting a spell. The sacrifice could be self-mutilation or the life of another. While the choice may seem benign in a singleplayer context, it does carry weight when playing the four-player co-op online. Do you choose to sacrifice your wounded friend and take all the glory? Or maybe sacrifice yourself so your friends will have an easier time taking down a hoard of enemies? Decisions, decisions. -Aaron Magulick
These games are known for their thought out stories that often times involve several little plot points that intertwine into the bigger story. With side-quests, humorous skits, and excellent character development, Tales of Xillia is sure to please JRPG fans everywhere. This game will see the return of the “Overlimit” mechanic, seen in Tales of the Abyss and Tales of Versperia, in order to execute Mystic Artes. This game will also feature a new link system that will allow your character to perform a dual arte with one of your team mates. If that doesn’t sound spiffy enough the game will feature a behind-the-back view point, the first for the series. This game was released back in 2011 in Japan with a sequel in 2012, which can only mean that we will surely see a sequel stateside, if the numbers hold up. As for me, I’m so excited for Tales of Xillia that you might as well slap a school uniform on me, because I’m as giggly as a school girl. -Fernando Da Costa
Terraria
Terraria is one of my favorite games of recent times (2011/PC). On the surface it resembles a 2D Minecraft clone, but there is so much more to discover in this action RPG. The crafting is deep and complex, the multiplayer is wonderful, the adventure is long and challenging, and the game is simply great fun to play. Terraria is due to be released for consoles at any time now. -Tony Baines
The Elder Scrolls Online
The Elder Scrolls is an undeniably awesome series of award winning RPGs, all of which lack a crucial social aspect that many gamers are craving -multiplayer. Being the clever people that they are, Bethseda decided to to morph the world of Tamriel into an MMO world. Whilst not strictly confirmed for 2013, it’s entirely possible. The beta will start at the end of March, providing a taste of what is to come. The potential for this game is huge and has me harking back to my Runescape addiction a few years back. Killing dragons can only get better when done with friends, right? -Ben Tarrant
The Guided Fate Paradox
Created by the same development team the brought us Disgaea: Hour of Darkness comes a unique approach to the rogue-like RPG sub-genre. Equipped with a cast of what looks to be memorable characters and an entertaining story, The Guided Fate Paradox is slated to hit exclusively for the PS3 this fall. Playing as a high school who has become a god by winning a lottery in a mall (holy divinity!) He travels through a copy his world in order to manipulate things that occur in the real world to make wishes come true. No worries if the story seems confusing, because there is a host of customization features to take your mind off it, such as armor, weapons, and much more. Hey, ever wanted to race car legs? Yeah, me too! And this game totally makes that possible! The dungeons in this game are randomly generated, offering floor after floor of surprises. And for all you Disgaea fans out there, inspired over-the-top special attacks will be present and help you crush those pesky enemies. Now, excuse me while I gather my money together and throw it at NIS America as if I were at a gentleman’s club. -Fernando Da Costa
That wraps up our most anticipated RPGs that will be releasing this year, hopefully. No doubt that some have slipped past our radar, or did not make the cut (sorry Project X Zone and Pandora’s Tower), so let us know your most anticipated RPG in the comments section below!
Similar Posts From Around the Web
[…] Namco Bandai’s Tales studios, Tales of Xillia. I am REALLY excited! If you’ve read the Most anticipated RPG titles, you’d […]