2012 provided a blockbuster year when it came to RPGs. From the finale of the Mass Effect trilogy to Diablo 3 finally arriving. Next year might not have the power of big name titles, but there is plenty to look forward to. From the return of Lighting to the beginning of the Dark Eye franchise, 2013 might provide smash hit titles all of it owns.
1.) South Park: The Stick of Truth
Developers: Obsidian Entertainement
Publishers: THQ
Release Date: March 5, 2012
South Park: The Stick of Truth might be one the most unique games in next year’ rpg line-up. Based off Comedy Central’s hit adult animated series, South Park (of course), players take part in a basic rpg experience featuring the characters from South Park. Expect this title to be hit or miss in the both the game play department and the comedy department and might feature plenty of inappropriate themes. However, series creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker are controlling the story, so fans of the South Park series should enjoy this title.
2.) Lighting’s Return: Final Fantasy XIII
Developers: Square Enix 1st Production Department
Publisher: Square Enix
Release Date: TBA
2013 promises the return on Final Fantasy XIII. Lighting Return marks the third and final installment in the Fabula Nova Crystallis Series, only featuring title character Lighting as a playable characters, Lighting’s Return will introduce a new way of playing Final Fantasy. Lighting’s Return marks the return of ATB system and follows the events of Final Fantasy XIII-2. The game will feature a time element that will effect different plots within the game and also multiple endings based off game play. Maybe a little too much for fans of the old Final Fantasy titles, but Square Enix seems primed to take a risk to attract new fans.
3.)Dead Island: Riptide
Developers: Techland
Publisher: Deep Silver
Release Date: April 23, 2013
Dead Island: Riptide will be a open world action rpg and spin off of 2011’s Dead Island. Set directly after the events of Dead Island, the four original character find themselves deserted in a zombie war field once again. The game takes place on the Palanai in the Banoi archipelago. For anyone who enjoyed the original title (I did) then expect more of the same in Dead Island: Riptide.
2.) The Dark Eyes: Demonicons
Developer: Noumena Studios
Publisher: Kalypse Meida
Release Date: Early 2013
Fans of fantasy themed rpgs have nothing to worry about as they have The Dark Eye: Demonicon to hold them over until the next Elder Scrolls arrives. The Dark Eye: Demonicon will feature the original rule-set and game world of the Dark Eye Series. After viewing the trailer I expect fans of this genre will not be disappointed with the outcome.
1.) Tales of Xillia
Developers: Namco Tales Studio
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Release Date: TBA
Originally released in Japan in 2011, Tales of Xillia will be making its way into North America and Europe sometime in 2013. So far Tales of Xillia has been a critical and financial success in Japan, but what do you expect from a RPG with a huge loyal following. Tales of Xillia will feature the non-linear battle system fans have come to know and love. Tales of Xillia also marks the end of Namco Tales Studio before dissolving into Namco Bandai Studios.
The New Year is finally will soon be upon us and we the gamers will have many new and exciting adventures to embark on. For fans of RPGs it’s a year of the unknown. Many hit titles left to be announced but short a patience to wait for them.
