RPG is one of the most varied genres in video games, as it ranges from everything likeaction RPGs such asSkyrimand tactical RPGs likeWasteland 3to simplified RPGs likePokemonandPaper Mario. Because of this, RPGs often take elements from other genres like action-adventure, blurring what is and isn’t an RPG sometimes. Overall, though, this is a good thing because no two RPGs will be delivered exactly alike.
Ultimately, 2021 has been an odd year for RPGs. There wasn’t much of a western presence, many JRPGs took center stage, and a lot of RPGs experimented and dabbled in other genres. Nonetheless, RPGs are a core part of the industry, and 2021 showed up like any other year (as seen below in alphabetical order).
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Bravely Default 2
Bravely Default 2is set in a new world, with a brand new story and cast of characters, yet it maintains the classic turn-based RPG style of past games. It also updates the Brave Point System, features the Brave and Default combat system, a customizable party of characters, and classic RPG classes like the White Mage, Black Mage, Monk, Thief, and so on. Overall, as we wrote in ourBravely Default 2review, “turn-based battles with a twist, an intricate and intersectional job system, and a ragtag group of heroes are all key components that make the experience memorable.”
Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights
Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knightsis a 2D dark fantasy RPGthat dabbles in elements of Metroidvanias, action-adventure games, and more. It’s quite impressive for any game, let alone an indie title, to bring all of these elements together cohesively, butEnder Liliesdoes just that. In attempting to solve/save a kingdom destroyed by the Rain of Death, players can defeat bosses and then recruit them as allies, utilize an intricate combat system, acquire skills from their foes, equip relics, and ultimately determine how the story ends (withEnder Lilieshaving three endings) through action-oriented choices.
Loop Hero
Loop Herois unique, combining ideas of an endless RPG with the concept of a zero-player game. In it, instead of taking on the role of a hero trying to save the world, players essentially become the recreator of the world. It combines roguelike and deck-building elements with unique choices as an RPG, where players must build the world around their hero as they loop through it. The overarching goal is to restore the world via memories of sorts anddefeatLoop Hero’s lich. Recreating mountains, forests, buildings, and more is fun, but they can also upgrade their hero with smart choices.
Monster Hunter Rise
Monster Hunter Riseis an action RPG with a focus on action. Using a variety of weapons, RPG systems like a rideable Palamute, and more, players are able to refine build and tackle their builds. The combat inMonster Hunter Rise, and indeed in allMHgames, is its defining trait, but that lends itself to RPG elements when players can acquire specific loot from said monster and turn it into new weapons and armor.Monster Hunter Risefollowed the wildly successfulMonster Hunter World, which was no easy feat, but really made a name for itself. Now, fans can look forward to the upcomingMonster Hunter Rise: Sunbreakexpansion.
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin
TheMonster Hunterfranchise may be viewed as a one-trick pony, but the truth is, it can do it all. Nintendo fans got a real treat this year in seeing it doing just that. WhereasMonster Hunter Riseis a continuation of the franchise’s primary RPG mechanics,Monster Hunter Stories 2takes players down a different path. It utilizes turn-based combat, a classic element of RPGs, and throws in the ability to use Monsties in combat too. More than that, though, as implied by the name is a bigger emphasis on thestory thanMonster Hunter Risetoo.
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NieR Replicant ver 1.22474487139
Nier Replicantwas originally only available in Japan, but this re-release finally saw the game make it to the west—followingNIERin 2010. This worldwide re-release also came with several upgrades such as a complete graphical overhaul, reworked movement and combat, rearranged soundtracks, new locations, weapons, and an ending, and more. Overall, it may be many folks’first time withNieR Replicant, but it’s the definitive experience for sure.
Scarlet Nexus
Scarlet Nexusis a third-person action RPG where players must defend New Himuka and defeat the “Others.” Players can use close-range weapons but also excel in the use of their psychokinesis, which can be upgraded via theScarlet Nexus' “brain map” (read skill tree). Players also get to meet new companions and eventually “brain link” with them, unlocking the ability to personally use their skills too.
Shin Megami Tensei 5
Combining RPG elements with strategy and adventure elements,Shin Megami Tensei 5is the latest in a beloved JRPG franchise. As a high school student, players must adventure throughout Tokyo and the post-apocalyptic future of it, eventually ascending to godhood (of sorts) as the Nahobino. Players can raise and fuse demons, make important choices in the story, increase their stats and work on their character progression, and more.
Tales of Arise
The ‘Tales Of’ franchise has been going for quite some time, really being a definitive JRPG experience. This year, though, the release ofTales of Arisewent in another direction. It maintains many of the JRPG skills, weapons, and character systems of past games, including theTalesfranchise’s beloved skits, but it adds in a darker, more Western-oriented story. In combining the best of both worlds,Tales of Ariseset a new standard for futureTalesRPGs.
Wildermyth
While it is not a necessary component of every RPG, choice-based systems and stories are one of the biggest draws when really diving into its role-playing elements.Wildermythdelivers that unlike any RPG this year and unlike most in past years. In a character-driven, party-based tactical RPG,Wildermythsees players take their charactersand build their legend. Unique heroes are born in every game, with their own unique personality and history, but the player defines their future. Players can let them die in a blaze of glory, or pull them back with a maiming that changes their future. Combining a unique and beautiful papercraft world, extreme character depth, and endless replayability,Wildermythis an RPG where every game has untold potential.
