Overview of 2024’s Top RPGs
- Banishers: Ghost of New Eden delivers a haunting RPG experience filled with impactful decisions and innovative combat.
- Dragon Age: The Veilguard offers a narrative-driven RPG experience with exhilarating combat, challenging moral choices, and diverse endings.
- Stellar Blade captivates players with its fast-paced combat, rewarding exploration, and unique side quests set in a sci-fi universe.
The year 2024 has been nothing short of phenomenal for gamers, particularly those who appreciate the RPG genre.
With an influx of stunning new titles and revitalizations of classic favorites, this genre proves to be a treasure trove for players. While RPGs often demand a great deal of time—sometimes extending to dozens of hours—this year’s offerings are particularly noteworthy.
To determine the most celebrated RPGs of the year, we conducted a poll among our team. In instances where games received equal votes, we had additional staff members weigh in to resolve the tie.
If you seek games that will engage your time meaningfully, here are the standout RPGs of 2024.
It’s important to note that the selection process for this list reflects a different methodology compared to previous years. While personal opinions may vary, the consensus from our writers has been gathered!
10 Banishers: Ghost of New Eden
A Paranormal Adventure Like No Other
Banishers: Ghost of New Eden distinguishes itself with its thrilling backdrop, which reimagines America in the year 1695.
Players assume the role of Red, a paranormal investigator—or “Banisher”—who is on a mission to assist troubled spirits in moving on to the afterlife. Despite the fascinating premise, the game’s questlines often plunge into darker themes, illuminating the tragic circumstances behind each spirit’s plight.
Your decisions throughout the game carry significant weight, allowing for multiple outcomes in quest resolutions.
Combat offers a fresh twist, enabling players to control both Red and a ghostly ally, each with distinct abilities. For those intrigued by an eerie narrative, Banishers: Ghost of New Eden presents an engaging option—even for the faint-hearted, as the scares tend to be relatively light.
9 Dragon Age: The Veilguard
The Ongoing Saga
As the long-awaited sequel to Dragon Age: Inquisition, Dragon Age: The Veilguard marks the fourth installment in this beloved franchise.
In this iteration, you take on the role of Rook, focusing your efforts on thwarting rebellious Elven deities. This journey is heavily narrative-oriented, emphasizing the importance of your choices.
With impactful attacks and a robust class and specialization system, the gameplay is both engaging and versatile.
Although the game has sparked considerable debate within the community, if you cherish narrative-driven experiences, this title might just fulfill your RPG cravings.
8 Another Crab’s Treasure
A Quirky Quest
Another Crab’s Treasure is a vibrant entry into the Action RPG genre, featuring audacious visuals, a playful narrative, and an unconventional protagonist.
You embark on a whimsical adventure as Kril, a hermit crab, determined to reclaim his beloved shell from so-called “loan sharks.”This hilarious journey is complemented by a mix of platforming elements and traditional RPG features.
While players will find themselves smiling throughout, the combat can present considerable challenges reminiscent of “souls”games.
However, with a more straightforward combat style than typical “souls-likes,”the feedback from players suggests this is a welcomed enhancement.
7 Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Addressing the DLC Factor
Let’s clarify upfront that Shadow of the Erdtree is a DLC—albeit one of such exceptional quality and depth that it could rival standalone titles. As endorsed by the Game Awards, we feel justified in its inclusion here.
This expansion builds upon the success of the lauded Elden Ring, which has cemented its status as a defining title from FromSoftware.
Players can expect intricate boss battles that unfold like awe-inspiring spectacles and uncover profound lore at every twist and turn.
The new challenges and environments showcased in this expansion are breathtaking, accompanied by an appealing array of new weaponry.
Shadow of the Erdtree redefines expectations for DLC offerings, establishing a remarkable benchmark that stands apart from annually released content.
6 Stellar Blade
A Visually Stunning Sci-fi Odyssey
This year, Shift Up shattered expectations with Stellar Blade, particularly impressive given their prior venture into mobile gaming with Goddess of Victory: Nikke.
In this exciting action RPG, you play as EVE, a formidable soldier on a mission to save Earth from the ominous Naytiba alien race.
The game incorporates many classic soulslike elements, allowing players to master parrying during intense battles. Cinematic set pieces enhance the experience, featuring sequences where the soundtrack reacts dynamically to player actions.
In addition to thrilling combat, exploration is richly rewarded with a plethora of optional side quests, catering to completionists eager for new outfits and challenges.
5 Persona 3 Reload
An Impressive Reimagining
Recognized for its distinct approach to turn-based RPG mechanics, the Persona series invites players into a calendar-driven world packed with activities.
As a cherished entry from over 15 years ago, Persona 3 has been revitalized in the form of Persona 3 Reload, previously exclusive to PS2 and PSP.
This remake introduces a wealth of new features, expanding your free time activities and offering additional content to discover. Combat has been modernized with the innovative Theurgy and Shift mechanics, and a completely recast voice lineup enriches the experience.
The result is a version of Persona 3 that appeals to both newcomers and returning players alike.
4 Dragon’s Dogma 2
Master Your Pawns
Set in a captivating medieval fantasy landscape, Dragon’s Dogma 2 evolves the original with an expansive map and fresh vocation options.
In this sequel, you embrace the role of an “Arisen,”battling to vanquish a draconic foe while navigating a tense geopolitical landscape.
A standout feature is the “Pawns”system, which allows you to recruit AI companions with specific skill sets, including options created by other players, adding a unique multiplayer aspect to this primarily single-player adventure.
While many recent RPGs have embraced “souls-like”mechanics, Dragon’s Dogma 2 sticks closer to the hack-and-slash style, offering a distinct alternative.
3 Metaphor: ReFantasia
Another Atlus Masterpiece
Metaphor: ReFantazio unfolds a captivating narrative set against a backdrop of a kingdom in chaos, racing to claim a vacant throne.
As the protagonist Will, you engage in the Royal Tournament for a chance at the crown while navigating a politically charged environment with repercussions for your choices.
The game draws parallels to the Persona and Shin Megami Tensei franchises, integrating a calendar system that emphasizes the value of time management.
Its flashy turn-based combat features archetypes as innovative replacements for traditional classes, adding an exciting flare to battles.
With its stylish presentation and engaging mechanics, Metaphor: ReFantazio stands as a testament to Atlus’s consistent quality while carving out its unique identity.
2 Black Myth: Wukong
A Celebration of Chinese Lore
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August 2024 |
Black Myth: Wukong made headlines upon its release in August, achieving sales of over 20 million copies within its first month, establishing it as one of the fastest-selling video games ever.
The game draws inspiration from the classic Chinese tale Journey to the West, placing players in the role of the “Destined One,” akin to the legendary Sun Wukong. While combat serves as a key attraction, the narrative unfolds beautifully alongside it.
The combat system leans towards “Souls” style while maintaining a fast-paced, fluid gameplay that feels akin to hack-and-slash mechanics. Boss encounters are high-octane spectacles reminiscent of epic battles found in popular anime.
Black Myth: Wukong stands out by honoring its cultural heritage while delivering gameplay that resonates universally, showcasing a rare balance of respect and innovation.
1 Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth (FF7 Rebirth)
An Iconic Cast Revitalized
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth garners acclaim for its audacious reimagining of one of the most cherished RPGs in history.
As the second installment in what is expected to be a trilogy, Square Enix adeptly infuses fresh elements into the storyline while remaining true to the original.
The visuals are stunning, showcasing immersive environments and a cast of characters that look better than ever. This impressive attention to detail reflects the developers’ passion for their craft.
While debate over the combat system persists—oscillating between turn-based and action elements—the hybrid model proposed seems to satisfy a wide array of players.
FF7 Rebirth strikes a chord with a mix of nostalgia and accessibility, offering an experience that welcomes both series veterans and newcomers alike to appreciate the evolution spanning five console generations.
2024 has undoubtedly been a landmark year for RPGs, leaving only one lingering question: Will 2025 rise to the occasion?
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