2017 is coming to a close and it was a definitely a great year for games all around. All three platforms from Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo each had something to offer in their own unique way, and they certainly delivered.
We’ve had a ton of great games this year, but the RPG genre definitely had the most to offer. We were hit with a bevy of gorgeous titles and burned hundreds of hours on this specific genre alone. So lets cut to the chase and talk about some of the best RPG titles to come out in 2017!
NieR: Automata
Publisher: Square Enix | Developer: Cavia | Release Date: February 23, 2017
From our review: “It caught my attention from start to finish and it made me yearn for more when it ended.” – 9.0 / 10
Lets start off with something that definitely took us for a ride. Developed by Platinum Games and published by Square Enix, this is a game that’s well worth your time. You play as both 2b and 9s, two combat androids that are tasked of retaking earth from machines that nearly wipes out humanity.
This is one of those games that has great characterization, fluid combat, amazing music, and a well developed combat system. Not only does it have the standard RPG elements, it has other sections such as platforming and 2d side-scrolling hack and slash action!
The game’s story is one wherein you will definitely feel for the characters, and it has multiple endings! You’re sure to get a laugh or even empathize with the characters as you make your way through the plot. If you haven’t played this game yet, then you owe it to yourself to pick up a copy.
Nioh
Publisher: Koei Tecmo, Sony Interactive Entertainment | Developer: Team Ninja | Release Date: February 7, 2017
From Nioh review: “This is a game that’s worth your money and time. I would happily go back into it to kill another yokai.” – 10/10
Who knew that a man from the west would make a great samurai during the Sengoku period? Team Ninja definitely outdid themselves with this as it’s a very engaging and action-packed RPG. You take control of William, an Irish sailor, who is thrust back in time to slay yokai (Japanese monsters) and save something that belongs to him.
The combat mechanics here are very deep as you can rack up combos in a variety of ways; all of which you can do with the different weapons and styles this game has to offer. It’s one of those titles where the mechanics are simple to understand, but hard to master. The hack and slash combat is definitely part of the fun factor, and utilizing what you’ve learned to beat both yokai and humans alike is a ton of fun! The game’s main story is no slouch either; You wouldn’t want to miss out on anything as the plot’s concept is as outrageous as you think it is. And with multiple missions and side missions, this game offers a ton of replayability. Buy the game, pick it up, and play until you master it.
Divinity: Original Sin II
Publisher: Larian Studios | Developer: Larian Studios | Release Date: September 14, 2017
From our Divinity: Original Sin II review: “Divinity Original Sin 2 is a fun game from start to finish. It’s a game for the people, by the people, and of the people. It’s a game that’s rich with stories that you help create.” – 10/10
If you’re going to play an RPG on the PC, then this is definitely it. Larian Studios did everything right with this game as it’s vastly superior to its predecessor. While the story isn’t the game’s strong point, it’s the combat that has everyone reaching for their own copy.
The battle mechanics have so much depth that there are a multitude of strategies you can come up with. You can decide to tackle everything alone, or you can have 3 party members to make things easier. You can have your party group up together or you can separate and control them individually. You can mix and change your skills to what best suits your playstyle. The possibilities of this game are endless!
But one of the best features that this game offers is the ability for you to mod it! How you mod it is up to you, but it definitely wouldn’t hurt to acquire a mod for additional party members. This game is totally worth your money and if you haven’t tried it yet, then it’s best that you do.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Publisher: Nintendo | Developer: Nintendo | Release Date: March 3, 2017
From Breath of the Wild review: “Not many games are able to emulate the sense of adventure and wonder that Breath of the Wild has.” – 10/10
Let’s get one thing straight, I know that this is technically an action-adventure game. The thing is, it has so many elements that make it an RPG that it’s hard not to put it on this list. Nintendo put a lot of work into their first major title for the Switch, and it really shows.
Everything from the environments, the interactions, the enemies, are all beautiful in their own way. How one traverses the land is an experience that many Switch owners definitely enjoyed. You’d think that Nintendo had run out of ideas for Link, but this game shows he has way more to offer. There’s a wide variety of weapons you can craft, food you can cook, and items to obtain. The combat mechanics feel so right that swinging your blade around to slice enemies feels so fluid.
One of the coolest things about this game is how you can take out enemies. There are so many different ways to do it; You can either make it look really cool, or really hilarious.
It’s immersive and it’s fun so if you have a Nintendo Switch, get this game immediately.
PERSONA 5
Publisher: Atlus | Developer: Atlus, Deep Silver | Release Date: September 15, 2016
From Persona 5 review: “At its price point the game is totally worth it and even more. I am even willing to spend for this game’s DLC.” – 10/10
HORIZON: ZERO DAWN
Publisher: Guerrilla Games | Developer: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Release Date: February 28, 2017
From Horizon: Zero Dawn review: “Horizon: Zero Dawn is the game that perfected the open-world RPG genre, there are still a lot of secrets that I have yet to uncover in the ruins beyond the land of the tribes.” – 10/10
This is the one game that has blown people away from its initial release, all the way up till now. PS4 owners definitely got the most out of their consoles with this amazing piece of gaming art. Nearly everything about this game is beautiful.
The fact that the world is so gorgeous and expansive, the plot containing so many twists and turns, and possibly the finest tuned combat mechanics of any RPG to this date makes this the game that definitely stood out from the cream of the crop.
You’d think that the setting of a post-apocalyptic world run by machine-like beasts would sound outrageous, but Guerilla Games made everything work. The main female protagonist Alloy is a breath of fresh air in terms of character, and the people she meets along her journey are also interesting in their own unique way.
Everything feels so immersive and slaying gigantic mechanical beasts feels so rewarding. The graphics are top notch and the soundtrack really captures the tense moments of battle, emotional moments of plot development, and the environmental atmosphere of every area that you enter.
If you don’t have this game in your PS4 library, then you’re missing out on one of the greatest gaming experiences of 2017.
2017 was definitely a good year for RPG’s, but we still have 2018 to look forward to. Next year is going to be a great time to be a gamer, and I know that we’re all excited. So now that this year is coming to a close, all we have to do is wait; the time will come for when we get to play more amazing RPG’s, and that’s sooner than most people think.