Nothing is more versatile than the timeless greats of the role-playing genre. RPGs transport us to different worlds, giving us the chance to explore and shape a journey on our own terms.
2023 gave us some noteworthy adventures, with the likes ofBaldur’s Gate 3andFinal Fantasy XVIimmediately coming to mind. That said, one can only wonder what 2024 has in store for the genre. So, as we celebrate the titans of this year and look to the next, I’ve rounded up 10 RPGs that I would definitely keep watch on in 2024.
#1: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Ryu Ga Gotoku/SEGA)
Release Date: January 26 (Trailer)Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
Ichiban and the gang are off to the United States.Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealthis a turn-based action RPG picking up whereYakuza: Like a Dragonleaves off. Next year’s follow-up sends Ichiban on a dangerous journey to Hawaii to find his mother. Luckily, Kiryu Kazuma, the series’ main protagonist, is still here to help as he reckons with his cancer diagnosis.
This one looks as wild as the series is large. I mean, you can ride a dolphin to your ownAnimal Crossingisland, for goodness sake! If you’re still on the fence, the upcomingLike a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Lost His Namecomes with ademoto try out. It looks likeInfinite Wealthmaintains what the series does best: striking a balance between seriousness and fun that you can’t help but enjoy.
Release Date:February 2 (Trailer)Platforms:PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S (Xbox Game Pass)
Shin Megami Tenseiis a staple of the genre, which extends to its spinoff series,Persona. However, we haven’t seen it brought to the new generation of consoles. This is wherePersona 3 Reloadcomes in. As a remake of the 2006 PlayStation 2 game, it looks like everything that made the original great. From its turn-based gameplay to the life simulation, Reload takes oldP3staples and modernizes them, includingrefreshing the cast.As someone who playedPortableon Xbox Game Pass, I can’t wait to see how the world really feels instead of text blocks and pointers. Regardless,Persona 3 Reloadis shaping up to be the next big RPG that fans and newcomers alike can enjoy.
#3: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (Square Enix)
Release Date: February 29 (Trailer)Platforms: PS5
It’s no secret thatFinal Fantasy VIIis one of the best games of all time. Check any list of the best RPGs, andyou’re sure to find it in there. So, of course,Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the second part of theFinal Fantasy VIIRemaketrilogy, is among the most anticipated.
Taking place afterRemake, Cloud and the AVALANCHE gang are out of Midgar and ready to stop Sephiroth. As a huge lover ofRemake, believe me when I sayRebirthis high on my want list. The gameplay looks spectacular, still utilizing open combat, and its vast landscapes are exciting. Plus, Cloud canride a segway. What more could you ask for? WhileFinal Fantasy VII Rebirthmay chart its own path with the story, I’m 100% along for the journey.
#4: Unicorn Overlord (Vanillaware/Atlus)
Release Date: March 8 (Trailer)Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S
The creators behind13 Sentinels: Aegis Rimare back with a medieval take on thetactical RPG.Unicorn Overlordis set to be Vanillaware’sbiggest game yet, and it’s easy to see why. Story-wise, we follow Alain as he reclaims his rightful place on the throne with the help of the mystical Unicorn Ring. The gameplay feels reminiscent of Fire Emblem and other strategy games, not to mention a beautiful 2D art style. PerhapsUnicorn Overlordmight be a sleeper hit, much like13 Sentinelswas in 2019. However, there’s a reason Vanillaware is among the masters of the genre.
#5: Avowed (Obsidian/Xbox)
Release Date: TBA (Trailer)Platforms: PC and Xbox Series X/S (Xbox Game Pass)
Tired ofSkyrim? You may want to keep an eye on this one.Avowedis a first-person action RPG from the team behind TheOuter WorldsandPillars of Eternity. You play as an envoy holding the power to change the course of the Living Lands forever. The gametakes place in Eora, which is also wherePillars of Eternityis, so fans of it will feel right at home. Already masters of their craft at open-world narratives, Obsidian bringing thatclassicElder Scrollsflairto players way beforeElder Scrolls 6is a bit of a power move.
#6: Black Myth: Wukong (Game Science)
Release Date: Summer 2024 (Trailer)Platforms: PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S
The Journey to the West is becoming a Souls-like RPG.Black Myth: Wukong, with its beautiful graphics and AAA quality, is actually from indie Chinese studio Game Science.Announced in 2020, the game shot to popularity due to its stunning visuals, and for good reason.
The gameplay looks similar to your typical FromSoftware game but is filled to the brim withChinese mythology. You play as Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, as he fights a number of vicious foes. Being that he’s one of the most powerful warriors, it won’t be a walk in the park. WithElden Ringstarring as the belle of the ball for peak combat, it might be time forBlack Myth: Wukongto usurp it from the throne.
#7: Hades II (Supergiant Games)
Release Date: TBA (Full) Q2 2024 (Trailer)Platforms: Consoles (unknown) and PC
It’s a good day in Hell: 2020’s best indie game is getting a sequel.Revealedat last year’s Game Awards,Hades IIis a rogue-like RPG that follows Zagreus’ sister Melinoë. As Princess of the Underworld, you’ll use your dark magic to destroy the forces of the Titan of Time. Fans of the original will be pleased to know that the gameplay and mechanics willremain the same.
Is moreHadesa bad thing? No, no, it isn’t. You know it’s something special when this is Supergiant Games’ only sequel. It’s the same team that madeBastionandTransistor, yet they gaveHadesanother game. If the studio is confident enough to do another game, it must mean it’s got something really special.
#8: Metaphor: ReFantazio (Studio Zero/Atlus)
Release Date: TBA (Trailer)Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S
The creators ofPersona 3,4, and5are venturing into new territories withMetaphor: ReFantazio. From thetrailershown in June’s Xbox Games Showcase, the game looks like a mix of open-world and turn-based combat, much like its spiritual successors.Metaphormarks the first original game Studio Zero has made since its establishment in 2016. Story details are a bit vague at the moment, but its medieval and fantasy-inspired setting feels reminiscent ofFinal Fantasy XVandTreasure Planet(especially with the floating skateboard).
#9: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo)
Release Date: TBA (Trailer)Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Ready to return to the world ofPaper Mario? 20 years after its release, arevivalofThe Thousand-Year Dooris making its way to Nintendo Switch. It’s unclear if this is a remake or remaster, but the story seems to remain intact, as Mario must save Peach from the alien group X-Nauts and find a long-lost treasure.
I’ve never gotten the chance to play the classic, yet when it was revealed, I still held a strange sense of nostalgia. Just looking at the bright colors, crafty art direction, and playful aesthetic put me right back into the GameCube’s heyday. The 2004 original waslauded by criticswhen it launched, so hopefully, this one is just as good of a time.
#10: Rise of the Ronin (Team Ninja/PlayStation)
Release Date: TBA (Trailer)Platforms: PS5
WhileGhost of Tsushima 2is in development, another swordsperson enters the arena. This time, though, we’ve got guns.Rise of the Ronin,announced in 2022, is an action RPG set during the end of the Edo period. As a ronin, you’ll carefully choose alliances and live the life of a freelance samurai. Developer Team Ninja created titles likeNiohandNinja Gaiden, so the team knows how to craft a good action game. There’s not much on the Edo adventure out there yet, but from what we’ve seen,Rise of the Roninlooks to fill that sword-swinging fantasy niche perfectly.
