Best of 2012
Role-playing games have been the backburner genre for the past few years, but things are picking up lately with some excellent titles. Some were saying that the RPG is dying in past years.Psssh.
RPGs are not dying off, and this year is evidence of that. Good things are coming from both the East and West, though the results of our nominations definitely seem to lean more toward one side. For you fellow JRPG fans out there, I’m fighting the good fight here. Needless to say, I’mveryhappy thatXenoblademade the cut.
Diablo III
Even if it’s not a perfect game, there’s something special aboutDiablo, and it’s something that keeps people playing beyond just a basic addiction to loot. That I’ve already sunk over 40 hours into the game in just over a week and I’m not even close to being bored of it yet is a testament to the magic ofDiablo, and something that can’t be ignored.
At the end of the day, fun is what gaming should be about, andDiablo IIIdelivers.
Guild Wars 2
Guild Wars 2is an MMO for people who both love and hate MMOs. Outside of living a fulfilling life entirely as a crafter (à laUltima Online), you’re able to pretty much find solace in anything you can imagine an RPG would provide.
Legend of Grimrock
Personally, when I hear the term “dungeon crawler,” I cringe a little. I think of games that are incredibly bland, repetitious, and uninspired. Luckily,Legend of Grimrockis none of these things. With clever puzzles, tactical combat, and secrets upon secrets,Grimrocktakes an old-school feel and injects it seamlessly into the modern era.
Torchlight II
If you’re a fan of hack ‘n slashes, loot fests, or dungeon crawlers, definitely pick upTorchlight II. It’s absolutely worth your time and money, and should hold your attention for quite a while. There are portions of the game that could certainly use a little bit of polish, but it’s unlikely these problems will turn you off from the game entirely. Grab the game, grab some friends, and get to clicking.
Xenoblade Chronicles
I am incredibly grateful toXenoblade Chronicles, for it has rekindled my love for console JRPGs, a love that had been systematically throttled by the likes of Square Enix and tri-Ace for the past few years. Not sinceLost Odysseyhave I been so thoroughly entranced by a Japanese role-player. As I type this, the beautifully sweeping music from the Bionis’ Leg area is washing through my head, accompanied by fond memories of successful chain attacks and expertly crafted gems. There’s no denying thatXenobladehas its low points, but those high points are some of the highest of the genre. If you own a Wii, there’s very little room to question — this is a must-have game for Nintendo’s humble little system.
Read the fullXenoblade Chroniclesreview.
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Congrats to all the nominees! We’ll be announcing the official winner on Friday, December 14. In the mean time we wantyouto tell us which game this year was the best RPG. Plus, be sure to go vote in ourCommunity Choice Awardfor your favorite game of 2012.
Check out all our other categories and nominations:
