2019 was yet another memorable year in gaming overall, which saw some particularly terrific RPGs ranging from the majestic Disney-infusedKingdom Hearts 3to the first person action rompThe Outer Worlds. Yet, 2020 looks to easily outshine it in terms of promising RPGs.
With the upcoming slew of lavishRPGs on both the Western and Japanese front, there will be no shortage of interesting role-playing games to choose from this year. This is the case whether it comes to the all-new awe-inspiring projects or the vibrant remasters/remakes of old classics.
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With that said, let’s go on a journey and examine 5 of the RPGs of 2020 we’re most excited about, in addition to 5 that aren’t quite doing it for us…
10Looking Forward To: Trials Of Mana
Many Western fans of Square Enix got to experiencethis gripping SNES RPGfor the first time in its original form as part of theCollection of Manatrilogy on Switch. But fans of this addictive,Zelda-esque APRG were evenmorepleased to learn that this game would be given the revamp treatment in full, gorgeous 3D.
The game utilizes the same enjoyable action-laced combat that fuses thrilling fast-paced gameplay with RPG nuance, enhanced by a detailed class system. This remake will adhere to the enriching narrative and various elements of the first classic, while fleshing out the already lavish scene to fit modern sensibilities. Fans will be able to get lost in this Mana-laced fantasy world once again whenTrials of Manareleases on Windows, Switch, and PS4 in April of 2020.
9Not: Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
Don’t get us wrong, this breakout hit for the Wii turned out to be one of the best, most detailed RPG experiences for the Wii when it released a decade ago. But one can’t help but feel thata remaster ofXenobladefor Switchis somewhat unnecessary.
Not only does the occasionally convoluted gameplay and crude presentation feel a tad dated now, but italreadyreceived a rerelease on the 3DS not long ago. And considering the majesticXenoblade Chronicles 2on Switch already streamlined the gameplay and introduced a more fun and intuitive battle system, revisiting this original yetagainfeels a bit pointless.
8Looking Forward To: Tales Of Arise
Bandai Namco’s underratedTalesseries has always been known for its charming, colorful presentation and its addictive combat, which blends thrilling action with role-playing depth. This anticipated sequel looks to build on this great formula by providing a duo of contrasting protagonists, while painting a darker, more Western-inspired theme, oscillating between Medieval fantasy and sci-fi futurism.
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The game’s touted “Linear Motion Battle System” will largely adhere to the same fast-paced combat while coming with refinements and alterations that are sure to keep the formula feeling fresh. We can’t wait to embark on this epic adventure within the dual worlds of Dahna and Rena whenTales of Ariselaunced on Windows, PS4, and Xbox One sometime in late 2020.
7Not: Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris
Anime fans - particularly those who count themselves gamers - have regardedSword Art Onlineas one of the more imaginative and entertaining shows in recent history, with its coolMatrix-meets-fantasy premise. On the videogame front, though? It’s a bit of a different story…
That’s not to say that there haven’t been some decent games based on this beloved series, but for whatever reason, it hasn’t translated too well, which is ironic given its gaming motif. Given the convoluted, dull, and disjointed experiences that have comprised some past entries, it’s tough for us to get too excited forAlicization Lycoris, set to release in May of 2020.
6Looking Forward To: Elden Ring
How can younotbe excited about this epic-looking APRG byDark Soulsgreats FromSoftware - especially if you happen to also be aGame of Thronesfan? That’s right, this RPG isn’t just spearheaded bySoulspioneer Hidetaka Miyazaki, but it’s also getting what’s sure to be a lavish worldbuilding treatment by renowned fantasy writer George R. R. Martin.
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Elden Ringpromises to take the already solidSoulsformula and flesh it out further, featuring an in-depth character creation mechanic, vast, open worlds, andZelda-esque horseback riding. Considering it’s been in development for three years, we’re almost surely in for a deep and rich adventure when itreleases on PS4, Xbox One, and Windows in the second half of 2020.
5Not: Rune Factory 4 Special
Given the grandiose scale and depth that comprise many modern RPGs, it’s tough to get too thrilled by a remaster of this somewhat dated RPG sim. This is especially the case when we’ve got some stellar modern examples that are similar, likeStardew Valley. Even if you do happen to be a fan of the charmingRune Factoryseries, it’s tough to get too giddy over a remaster whose major new features mostly include HD visuals and a new difficulty mode.
Being on Switch, it could be neat to be able to play this game both as a console experience and on-the-go, and the added “Newlywed Mode"mightprove reason enough to revisitRF4. Yet, there are certainly more exciting RPG prospects than this which are slated for 2020.
4Looking Forward To: Final Fantasy VII Remake
If ever there was an epic remake to be excited about,thislooks to be the one, particularly to the many fans who fell in love with the original captivating odyssey of Cloud Strife. The original PlayStation phenom won over the hearts ofFinal Fantasyfans with its unique character-driven narrative, dynamic combat, and cool industrial settings.
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This long-anticipated PS4 revamp, however, looks to further enhance the cinematic experience with a sleek new coat of visual paint, more streamlined action, and a presentation that looks to further engross players. This truly looks likeFFVIIthe way it wasmeantto be played! After well over a decade of waiting, fans can finally play this behemoth of a JRPG when it hits on March 2020.
3Not: Digimon Survive
Given the pretty tepid release ofPokémonSword & Shield, it’s difficult to get too giddy over the launch of the seemingly similarDigimon Survive, even if itdoeslook to be an interesting enough game in its own right.
Still, it’ll take quite a bit for this one to be captivating in the long run, given that it seems to rely on slower-paced tactical combat, which isn’t for everyone. It also doesn’t help matters that there’s been an abundance ofDigimongames churned out in recent years, whichalreadybear resemblance to the more belovedPokémonseries.
But who knows? Perhaps this overlooked tactical RPG will giveSword & Shielda run for their money.
2Looking Forward To: Cyberpunk 2077
As the voice of rockstar Johnny Silverhand, Keanu Reeves himself, recently noted -Cyberpunk 2077looks to offer a “breathtaking” RPG experience. The fast-rising CD Projekt Red, developers of the renowned WPRGTheWitcher 3: Wild Hunt, looks set to undergo the tough task of outdoing themselves with this gripping dystopian sci-fi epic.
You’ll be traversing expansive open worlds and bustling, neon-glowing cities with your personally customized mercenary hero as you take part in tons of missions that help shape your character and story arch.Cyberpunk 2077looks to take the breath away of RPGs fans the world over when it explodes onto the scene in April 2020.
1Not: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Remastered Edition
This little-knownFFspinoff has the misfortune of being a remake that’ll undoubtedly be eclipsed by the titan that isFinal Fantasy VII. Still, even on its own merits, the originalFF Crystal Chroniclesdidn’t exactly light the world on fire. It didn’t help that it came with such an odd, cumbersome system of navigation, a short campaign, and some rather shallow gameplay.
Unlike the bombastic, belovedFFVII, there just doesn’t seem to be any reason for this strangeFFside venture to be redone. Though the original GameCube release was exciting, being the first Square release on Nintendo platforms in many years - the studio’s since gone on to create far better RPGs for their fans, andCCfeels all weaker as a result.
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