2019 was yet another memorable year in gaming overall, which saw some particularly terrific RPGs ranging from the majestic Disney-infused Kingdom Hearts 3 to the first person action romp The Outer Worlds. Yet, 2020 looks to easily outshine it in terms of promising RPGs.
With the upcoming slew of lavish RPGs 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.
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...
10 Looking Forward To: Trials Of Mana
Many Western fans of Square Enix got to experience this gripping SNES RPG for the first time in its original form as part of the Collection of Mana trilogy on Switch. But fans of this addictive, Zelda-esque APRG were even more pleased 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 when Trials of Mana releases on Windows, Switch, and PS4 in April of 2020.
9 Not:Â 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 that a remaster of Xenoblade for Switch is somewhat unnecessary.
Not only does the occasionally convoluted gameplay and crude presentation feel a tad dated now, but it already received a rerelease on the 3DS not long ago. And considering the majestic Xenoblade Chronicles 2 on Switch already streamlined the gameplay and introduced a more fun and intuitive battle system, revisiting this original yet again feels a bit pointless.
8 Looking Forward To: Tales Of Arise
Bandai Namco's underrated Tales series 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.
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 when Tales of Arise launced on Windows, PS4, and Xbox One sometime in late 2020.
7 Not: Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris
Anime fans - particularly those who count themselves gamers - have regarded Sword Art Online as one of the more imaginative and entertaining shows in recent history, with its cool Matrix-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 for Alicization Lycoris, set to release in May of 2020.
6 Looking Forward To: Elden Ring
How can you not be excited about this epic-looking APRG by Dark Souls greats FromSoftware - especially if you happen to also be a Game of Thrones fan? That's right, this RPG isn't just spearheaded by Souls pioneer Hidetaka Miyazaki, but it's also getting what's sure to be a lavish worldbuilding treatment by renowned fantasy writer George R. R. Martin.
Elden Ring promises to take the already solid Souls formula and flesh it out further, featuring an in-depth character creation mechanic, vast, open worlds, and Zelda-esque horseback riding. Considering it's been in development for three years, we're almost surely in for a deep and rich adventure when it releases on PS4, Xbox One, and Windows in the second half of 2020.
5 Not: 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, like Stardew Valley. Even if you do happen to be a fan of the charming Rune Factory series, 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" might prove reason enough to revisit RF4. Yet, there are certainly more exciting RPG prospects than this which are slated for 2020.
4 Looking Forward To: Final Fantasy VII Remake
If ever there was an epic remake to be excited about, this looks 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 of Final Fantasy fans with its unique character-driven narrative, dynamic combat, and cool industrial settings.
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 like FFVII the way it was meant to be played! After well over a decade of waiting, fans can finally play this behemoth of a JRPG when it hits on March 2020.
3 Not: Digimon Survive
Given the pretty tepid release of Pokémon Sword & Shield, it's difficult to get too giddy over the launch of the seemingly similar Digimon Survive, even if it does look 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 of Digimon games churned out in recent years, which already bear resemblance to the more beloved Pokémon series.
But who knows? Perhaps this overlooked tactical RPG will give Sword & Shield a run for their money.
2 Looking Forward To: Cyberpunk 2077
As the voice of rockstar Johnny Silverhand, Keanu Reeves himself, recently noted - Cyberpunk 2077 looks to offer a "breathtaking" RPG experience. The fast-rising CD Projekt Red, developers of the renowned WPRG The Witcher 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 2077 looks to take the breath away of RPGs fans the world over when it explodes onto the scene in April 2020.
1 Not: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Remastered Edition
This little-known FF spinoff has the misfortune of being a remake that'll undoubtedly be eclipsed by the titan that is Final Fantasy VII. Still, even on its own merits, the original FF Crystal Chronicles didn'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, beloved FFVII, there just doesn't seem to be any reason for this strange FF side 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, and CC feels all weaker as a result.