Role playing games have been a staple in the industry since the days of the NES and 2016 looks to be no different. Role Playing Games have historically been games that deliver some of the best stories, characters, and worlds in gaming and if the following games are any indication; the next year and a half will be no different.
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#1 Kingdom Come: Deliverance
A first person, open-ended RPG set in the 15th century, Kingdom Come: Deliverance allows you to choose your own class simply by playing how you want. Engaging in brutal combat will lead you down the warrior path while playing stealthily will create a thief. With a stunningly realistic world to explore, this title looks like it will take many hours away for us, and we have no complaints.
#2 World of Final Fantasy
An adorable new spin-off in the Final Fantasy franchise, the story revolves around two twins who enter the mysterious world of Grimoire, which plays host to all of Final Fantasy's memorable characters and monsters. Featuring the series' tried and true ATB system and a host of memorable characters, both new and old, this title promises to add something new to the storied franchise.
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#3 Deus Ex Mankind Divided
A direct sequel to 2011s Deus Ex Human Revolution, Mankind Divided continues the story of Adam Jensen as he uses his Augmented Abilities to stop the actions of enhanced terrorists. Like its predecessor, the game can be played completed stealthily or brutally. Much like the combat, the story's progression is also left largely up to the player. Complete with a beautifully bleak cyberpunk aesthetic this sequel looks to top the first game in every way.
#4 Project Setsuna
First announced at E3 2015, Project Setsuna is a currently unknown new IP from Square Enix. The title will focus heavily on themes of sadness and melancholy and all we have seen is a piece of concept art. It depicts a cloaked figure standing in a forest blanketed in snow with the red and browns of greens peeking through. Whatever this title is, here's hoping that it's a revolutionary title in the RPG genre like Final Fantasy was 20 years ago.
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#5 Horizon: Zero Dawn
One of many surprises to come out of Sony's E3 show, this new title from Guerilla games looks to leave the lineage of the Killzone games behind. Set in a world 1000 years after an apocalyptic event, mankind has started anew and is now a race of skilled hunters, surviving against the vicious machines that roam the wilderness. Graphically stunning, and featuring open-ended encounters this title will be a big player for Sony in 2016.
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#6 Nier 2
After garnering a small, yet strong following, Nier is set to return. Under the capable watch of Platinum games, the action RPG sequel will feature at least 3 playable characters, and will primarily star new characters. The new game has been in development for about a year and is still a year or so out. The first Nier was a strong action game, and Platinum's involvement and a new vision for the series may just push it to greatness.
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#7 Bravely Second: End Layer
2013's Bravely Default was a surprise hit for Square Enix, and it's not hard to see why. The game was very reminiscent of a classic Final Fantasy game; a robust job system, a unique combat system, and a vibrant world to explore. Bravely Second looks to continue everything that the first game did great and create another addicting handheld RPG
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#8 Fire Emblem: Fates
Thanks to the surprise success of Fire Emblem: Awakening, the classic strategy RPG series is back for another turn-based adventure on 3DS. The player will have to choose between two versions of the game, with each version representing a different family to side with. You can either join the family that raised you or, your blood relatives. Who you choose will drastically change the outcome of the story.
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#9 Tom Clancy’s: The Division
Tom Clancy's The Division is still a very mysterious thing. Set in a post apocalyptic New York during Christmas, the MMO-RPG shooter looks to redefine the console MMO. While combat takes place in real time, there are many smaller aspects for RPG fans to sink their teeth into. With a release date currently slated for March 2016 we don't have too much longer to wait.
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#10 Kingdom Hearts 3
The wait is almost over. It's been almost 10 years since the release of Kingdom Hearts 2 and fans are growing anxious. We've seen some stunning footage, showcasing the new Tangled world, and Sora's new keyblade transformations. With Tetsuya Nomura only recently joining the project full time, it's likely that we still have quite the wait for this much-anticipated crossover RPG.
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#11 Dark Souls 3
Prepare to die for a third and final time in the conclusion to the brutally addictive Dark Souls Series. The finale to Hidetaka Miyazaki's acclaimed series will thrust the player into the apocalypse in a suitably beautiful, and twisted manner. No matter what, one this is certain. You will die repeatedly, and you will love it.
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#12 Persona 5
The Persona series has only grown in popularity since the release of Persona 4. Because of this, Persona 5 is set to be a JRPG juggernaut. Once again setting up a teenage story of supernatural intrigue, the newest entry in this Shin Megami Tensei Spin-off will shake things up a bit. Not much is known about the plot other than that it will take place in Tokyo, and the main heroes will be moonlighting as stylish vigilantes. Look forward to lots of J-pop and memorable social links.
#13 Mass Effect: Andromeda
While little is known about the next entry in Bioware's space opera other than its name, there is no doubt that it will live up to the franchises high standards. The question is, can there be a mass Effect without Commander Shepard? Bioware believes that there can be, and promises a massive new galaxy with a large focus on the RPG aspects, and cutting edge graphics. Whatever awaits us, we can't wait to save the galaxy again.