Our 10 Most Anticipated RPGs Of 2017

Now that a new year is in full swing, it's always exciting to get an idea of how you'll spend it as a gamer. 2017 is full of promising titles, so much so we've been breaking them down by genre so you can see what's in store for your favorites. We recently showcased what's on deck for the action and shooter genre, and now it's time to shine the spotlight on the RPG genre. So far it looks like it's going to be a big year for RPG fans with tons of different experiences on tap, from humorous romps such as South Park: The Fractured But Whole, to exciting remasters such as Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age and Kingdom Hearts 2.8: Final Chapter Prologue. We had a hard time getting our list down to just 10 games, and as some of you may have noticed, we had some genre crossovers that ended up on the action list like Horizon Zero Dawn and Nioh. These are the 10 RPGs for 2017, ranked from 10 to 1, that we're most anticipating.

10. Valkyria Revolution 
Platform: PS4, Xbox One, Vita
Release: Spring
We fell in love with Valkyria Chronicles, naming it one of our top 10 RPGs of last generation, so we're interested in what Valkyria Revolution has in store. The game is a "revolution" from what we've come to expect from the Valkyria games, taking place in an alternate time, continent, and universe. The biggest shake-up is the gameplay; previously the series has been focused on turn-based strategy, but now it's a straight-up action/RPG. While changes can be scary, we're curious if they're for the better. Revolution has you building up your base, forming relationships with your squadmates (permadeath is possible!), and customizing your companions' A.I. and weapons to fit certain battle roles. A bonus? Legendary composer Yasunori Mitsuda (Chrono Trigger, Xenoblade) is behind the score.

9. Cosmic Star Heroine
Platform: PS4, PC, Mac, Vita
Release: Spring
So far we've been impressed with what we've seen from Cosmic Star Heroine in demos. This fun, 16 bit-style throwback takes cues from JRPGs such as Phantasy Star, Suikoden, and Chrono Trigger, and comes from a two-man team that has already made a name for itself: Zeboyd Games, the developer behind Cthulhu Saves the World and episodes three and four of Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness. The story, which is inspired by sci-fi films such as Blade Runner and Alien, follows Alyssa L'Salle, a top galactic agent who uncovers a government conspiracy. The turn-based RPG also lets you recruit characters and build up your own headquarters in your fight.

8. The Bard's Tale IV
Platform: PC, Mac
Release: October
The CRPGs of yesteryear are making a big comeback! After successfully crowdfunding Wasteland 2 and Torment: Tides of Numenera, inXile Entertainment (founded by Interplay's Brian Fargo) looked to see what fans wanted next. It turned out demand was high for a revival of The Bard's Tale, the very series that put Brian Fargo and Interplay on the map over 30 years ago. A Kickstarter campaign raised over $1.5 million for a sequel to the trilogy. The Bard's Tale helped define the role-playing genre, and now inXile wants to modernize it for a new generation of gamers, keeping intact all the things that made the trilogy special. The party-based dungeon crawler will have rich exploration, dangerous fights, and challenging puzzles and riddles. inXile even turned to hardcore fans for feedback along the way.

7. Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom
Platform: PlayStation 4
Release: TBD
Regardless of how you felt about the original, you can't deny the power and beauty of being transported to a Studio Ghibli world. That's why we're interested in how Bandai Namco will follow things up with a sequel. We're hoping it can only improve on the previous formula, making the combat just as enticing as the fantastical backdrop. Not much has been revealed about the game, but in an interview with IGN Japan, director Akihiro Hino said the team is "giving it all their might" and "the scale has gotten huge." Unfortunately, Studio Ghibli will not have any involvement in the sequel, but the art style shown in trailers still look on point - vibrant and gorgeous.

6. Nier: Automata
Platform: PlayStation 4, PC
Release: March 7
Coming off a fun and well-received demo, Nier: Automata's release date is drawing near, making us excited to see the game in all its glory. The original Nier captured a dedicated fan base with its fun characters and emotional tale. Thankfully, series creator Taro Yoko, producer Yosuke Saito, and composer Keiichi Okabe are all back for Automata, and it's also bringing in new talent with Platinum Games heading development. One of the criticisms lodged at the first game was its combat, so we're hoping Platinum Games can bring the stylish action it's known for to bolster this entry.

[Click to the next page to see what made our top five....]

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