Since the 1980s, role-playing games have been a fixture of the gaming industry. Each month, the genre typically receives a handful of noteworthy releases, whether they are high-profile titles like Hogwarts Legacy, Octopath Traveler 2, and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty or more niche projects like Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society, 8-Bit Adventures 2, or Little Witch Nobeta. There are always upcoming role-playing video games.
Due to the ambitious nature of AAA projects in this genre, they are frequently announced years in advance, which can lead to extremely high expectations. Once the hype train begins to move, it may be impossible to halt it. Which prospective RPGs are most anticipated?
Diablo 4
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Release Date |
June 6, 2023 |
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Developer/s |
Blizzard Team 3, Blizzard Albany |
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Genre |
Action RPG |
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Platforms |
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The ambiance surrounding Diablo 4 is odd. On the one hand, anticipation for the next mainline entry in Blizzard’s influential franchise is natural. Diablo is arguably the biggest name in Western role-playing games, with a legacy founded on two masterpieces and a fantastic sequel.
Diablo 3’s perplexing launch decisions and Diablo Immortal’s aggressive monetization are not, however, ancient history. Blizzard’s reputation has suffered in recent years, and while Diablo 4 will undoubtedly sell well, the developer requires the upcoming role-playing game to be met with minimal controversy.
Final Fantasy 16
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Release Date |
June 22, 2023 |
|---|---|
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Developer/s |
Square Enix Creative Business Unit III |
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Genre |
Action JRPG |
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Platforms |
PS5 |
Final Fantasy is always a major phenomenon. Despite the fact that the last numbered installment was released in 2016, Square Enix’s property has remained active with Final Fantasy 14 and spin-offs such as Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Crisis Core, Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin, and Theatrhythm Final Bar Line. Despite the quality of the majority of these titles, they are not intended to replace Final Fantasy 16.
FF16 is set in Valisthea and follows Clive Rosfield, the firstborn heir of the kingdom of the Grand Duchy of Rosaria. Valisthea is divided into numerous nations, all of which have links to Eikons’ elemental properties. When a new Eikon emerges, it upsets the homeostasis of the world. The forthcoming RPG FF16 prioritizes hack-and-slash combat with an emphasis on combos. FF16 continues the franchise’s drive into action territory. FF16 has also received a Mature classification from the ESRB.
Baldur’s Gate 3
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Release Date |
August 31, 2023 |
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Developer/s |
Larian Studios |
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Genre |
Turn-Based RPG |
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Platforms |
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Unlike other new 2023 RPGs, Baldur’s Gate 3 has been in early access for several years, making it a well-known title. Aside from spin-offs such as Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance and expansions, there has not been a mainline Baldur’s Gate game since Shadows of Amn in 2000, which is still regarded as one of the finest role-playing video games of all time.
Larian Studios has demonstrated through its Divinity series that it is more than capable of creating in-depth role-playing games, and it will apply this expertise to Baldur’s Gate 3. However, the sequel adheres to many of Baldur’s Gate’s classic concepts, systems, and conventions. The 2023 installment utilizes turn-based combat, unlike previous entries in the franchise.
Starfield
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Release Date |
September 6, 2023 |
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Developer/s |
Bethesda Game Studios |
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Genre |
Sci-Fi RPG |
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Platforms |
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Recent polarizing releases aside, Bethesda is responsible for a few of the most beloved RPGs ever. Skyrim and Fallout 3 have thriving communities, but they are not the publisher’s only successes. The fact that Bethesda hardly ever attempts its hand at a new IP helps to explain the public’s fascination with Starfield.
The science-fiction role-playing game gives players the freedom to explore hundreds of planets in an open-world setting that has the potential to be the grandest in the annals of the subgenre. Starfield supports both first-person and third-person gameplay perspectives, allowing players to swap depending on the situation. Despite the lack of available information, the game is shaping up to be extraordinary.
Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster
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Release Date |
2023 |
|---|---|
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Developer/s |
Konami Digital Entertainment |
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Genre |
JRPG |
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Platforms |
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While spin-offs kept the franchise alive for a while longer, the last mainline Suikoden game was released in 2006. Even if not every entry is regarded a masterpiece, Konami’s JRPG series maintained an admirable level of quality during the PS1 and PS2 eras. All the numbered games are worth playing in their own right, but the PS1 releases, particularly Suikoden 2, are generally held in higher regard. This game’s reputation as one of the finest JRPGs for Sony’s first home console is well-deserved.
Konami has announced intentions to release an HD remaster collection of the first two installments in the franchise, both of which feature lengthy campaign modes. Since the aim of the project is to remaster rather than recreate the games, it makes sense that most of the package’s modifications are superficial. Suikoden and its sequel, however, have aged quite well, and The Legend of Dragoon’s successful PS Plus launch demonstrates that the world is still hungry for PS1 JRPGs.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2
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Release Date |
TBA |
|---|---|
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Developer/s |
Hardsuit Labs |
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Genre |
Action RPG |
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Platforms |
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Bloodlines is the very definition of a cult classic. While a bit rough around the edges, the RPG’s writing and characters are excellent, and the game’s extensive customization options give players a great deal of creative license. In 2019, Bloodlines 2 was introduced to the globe. Since then, the game’s release date has been repeatedly delayed, and information regarding its development has been inconsistent. However, several Vampire: The Masquerade spin-offs have debuted in recent years, indicating that the IP is alive.
Bloodlines 2 is set in Seattle and allows players to construct a newly-transformed vampire by selecting their human background and preferred discipline. The success of Vampire: The Masquerade can be partially attributed to its intricate clan system, which allows players to join one of the vampire organizations operating in the city. This feature should be included in Bloodlines 2. So far, it appears that the gameplay of the sequel will be similar to that of its predecessor; therefore, anticipate first-person action with an emphasis on the dialogue system.
Like A Dragon 8
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Release Date |
TBA |
|---|---|
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Developer/s |
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio |
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Genre |
Turn-Based JRPG |
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Platforms |
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Yakuza: Like a Dragon represented a turning point in the Yakuza series, introducing a new protagonist, setting, and combat system. The latter’s turn-based battles moved the license into JRPG territory for the first time, and the series did an excellent job of recreating the magic of genre classics like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest.
It appears that Like a Dragon 8 will build upon its predecessor’s narrative and mechanical strengths. Ichiban will once more be the main character, but he will share the limelight with the return of Kazuma Kiryu.
The Elder Scrolls 6
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Release Date |
TBA |
|---|---|
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Developer/s |
Bethesda Game Studios |
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Genre |
Action RPG |
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Platforms |
TBA |
It was only a matter of time before Bethesda revealed The Elder Scrolls 6, but that is essentially all they have done. TES 6 is one of those upcoming role-playing games that merely needs to exist to generate excitement.
Realistically, Bethesda’s sequel is still a few years away from release, and the publisher will likely not begin marketing the project in earnest until Starfield’s cycle has concluded. However, it would be surprising if TES 6 did not become one of the best-selling video games of all time.
The New Witcher Saga (Polaris)
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Release Date |
TBA |
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Developer/s |
CD Projekt Red |
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Genre |
RPG |
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Platforms |
TBA |
The Witcher 3 is objectively one of the best role-playing video games in the annals of gaming. And, for the longest time, it appeared that the 2015 release would be the final mainline entry in CD Projekt Red’s franchise; that is, until 2022, when the developer announced a number of new Witcher projects.
In addition to a remake of 2007’s The Witcher, CD Projekt Red has affirmed the development of a new saga. In addition to confirming that the game(s) will use Unreal Engine 5, the developer has remained tight-lipped about the specifics.
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