Nothing is more versatile than the timeless greats of the role-playing genre. RPGs transport us to different worlds, giving us the chance to explore and shape a journey on our own terms.
2023 gave us some noteworthy adventures, with the likes of Baldur’s Gate 3 and Final Fantasy XVI immediately coming to mind. That said, one can only wonder what 2024 has in store for the genre. So, as we celebrate the titans of this year and look to the next, I’ve rounded up 10 RPGs that I would definitely keep watch on in 2024.
#1: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Ryu Ga Gotoku/SEGA)
Release Date: January 26 (Trailer)
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
Ichiban and the gang are off to the United States. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a turn-based action RPG picking up where Yakuza: Like a Dragon leaves off. Next year’s follow-up sends Ichiban on a dangerous journey to Hawaii to find his mother. Luckily, Kiryu Kazuma, the series’ main protagonist, is still here to help as he reckons with his cancer diagnosis.
This one looks as wild as the series is large. I mean, you can ride a dolphin to your own Animal Crossing island, for goodness sake! If you’re still on the fence, the upcoming Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Lost His Name comes with a demo to try out. It looks like Infinite Wealth maintains what the series does best: striking a balance between seriousness and fun that you can’t help but enjoy.
#2: Persona 3 Reload (Atlus)
Release Date: February 2 (Trailer)
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S (Xbox Game Pass)
Shin Megami Tensei is a staple of the genre, which extends to its spinoff series, Persona. However, we haven’t seen it brought to the new generation of consoles. This is where Persona 3 Reload comes in. As a remake of the 2006 PlayStation 2 game, it looks like everything that made the original great. From its turn-based gameplay to the life simulation, Reload takes old P3 staples and modernizes them, including refreshing the cast.
As someone who played Portable on Xbox Game Pass, I can’t wait to see how the world really feels instead of text blocks and pointers. Regardless, Persona 3 Reload is shaping up to be the next big RPG that fans and newcomers alike can enjoy.
#3: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (Square Enix)
Release Date: February 29 (Trailer)
Platforms: PS5
It’s no secret that Final Fantasy VII is one of the best games of all time. Check any list of the best RPGs, and you’re sure to find it in there. So, of course, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the second part of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy, is among the most anticipated.
Taking place after Remake, Cloud and the AVALANCHE gang are out of Midgar and ready to stop Sephiroth. As a huge lover of Remake, believe me when I say Rebirth is high on my want list. The gameplay looks spectacular, still utilizing open combat, and its vast landscapes are exciting. Plus, Cloud can ride a segway. What more could you ask for? While Final Fantasy VII Rebirth may chart its own path with the story, I’m 100% along for the journey.
#4: Unicorn Overlord (Vanillaware/Atlus)
Release Date: March 8 (Trailer)
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S
The creators behind 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim are back with a medieval take on the tactical RPG. Unicorn Overlord is set to be Vanillaware’s biggest game yet, and it’s easy to see why. Story-wise, we follow Alain as he reclaims his rightful place on the throne with the help of the mystical Unicorn Ring. The gameplay feels reminiscent of Fire Emblem and other strategy games, not to mention a beautiful 2D art style. Perhaps Unicorn Overlord might be a sleeper hit, much like 13 Sentinels was in 2019. However, there’s a reason Vanillaware is among the masters of the genre.
#5: Avowed (Obsidian/Xbox)
Release Date: TBA (Trailer)
Platforms: PC and Xbox Series X/S (Xbox Game Pass)
Tired of Skyrim? You may want to keep an eye on this one. Avowed is a first-person action RPG from the team behind The Outer Worlds and Pillars of Eternity. You play as an envoy holding the power to change the course of the Living Lands forever. The game takes place in Eora, which is also where Pillars of Eternity is, so fans of it will feel right at home. Already masters of their craft at open-world narratives, Obsidian bringing that classic Elder Scrolls flair to players way before Elder Scrolls 6 is a bit of a power move.
#6: Black Myth: Wukong (Game Science)
Release Date: Summer 2024 (Trailer)
Platforms: PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S
The Journey to the West is becoming a Souls-like RPG. Black Myth: Wukong, with its beautiful graphics and AAA quality, is actually from indie Chinese studio Game Science. Announced in 2020, the game shot to popularity due to its stunning visuals, and for good reason.
The gameplay looks similar to your typical FromSoftware game but is filled to the brim with Chinese mythology. You play as Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, as he fights a number of vicious foes. Being that he’s one of the most powerful warriors, it won’t be a walk in the park. With Elden Ring starring as the belle of the ball for peak combat, it might be time for Black Myth: Wukong to usurp it from the throne.
#7: Hades II (Supergiant Games)
Release Date: TBA (Full) Q2 2024 (Trailer)
Platforms: Consoles (unknown) and PC
It’s a good day in Hell: 2020’s best indie game is getting a sequel. Revealed at last year’s Game Awards, Hades II is a rogue-like RPG that follows Zagreus’ sister Melinoë. As Princess of the Underworld, you’ll use your dark magic to destroy the forces of the Titan of Time. Fans of the original will be pleased to know that the gameplay and mechanics will remain the same.
Is more Hades a bad thing? No, no, it isn’t. You know it’s something special when this is Supergiant Games’ only sequel. It’s the same team that made Bastion and Transistor, yet they gave Hades another game. If the studio is confident enough to do another game, it must mean it’s got something really special.
#8: Metaphor: ReFantazio (Studio Zero/Atlus)
Release Date: TBA (Trailer)
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S
The creators of Persona 3, 4, and 5 are venturing into new territories with Metaphor: ReFantazio. From the trailer shown in June’s Xbox Games Showcase, the game looks like a mix of open-world and turn-based combat, much like its spiritual successors. Metaphor marks the first original game Studio Zero has made since its establishment in 2016. Story details are a bit vague at the moment, but its medieval and fantasy-inspired setting feels reminiscent of Final Fantasy XV and Treasure Planet (especially with the floating skateboard).
#9: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo)
Release Date: TBA (Trailer)
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Ready to return to the world of Paper Mario? 20 years after its release, a revival of The Thousand-Year Door is making its way to Nintendo Switch. It’s unclear if this is a remake or remaster, but the story seems to remain intact, as Mario must save Peach from the alien group X-Nauts and find a long-lost treasure.
I’ve never gotten the chance to play the classic, yet when it was revealed, I still held a strange sense of nostalgia. Just looking at the bright colors, crafty art direction, and playful aesthetic put me right back into the GameCube’s heyday. The 2004 original was lauded by critics when it launched, so hopefully, this one is just as good of a time.
#10: Rise of the Ronin (Team Ninja/PlayStation)
Release Date: TBA (Trailer)
Platforms: PS5
While Ghost of Tsushima 2 is in development, another swordsperson enters the arena. This time, though, we’ve got guns. Rise of the Ronin, announced in 2022, is an action RPG set during the end of the Edo period. As a ronin, you’ll carefully choose alliances and live the life of a freelance samurai. Developer Team Ninja created titles like Nioh and Ninja Gaiden, so the team knows how to craft a good action game. There’s not much on the Edo adventure out there yet, but from what we’ve seen, Rise of the Ronin looks to fill that sword-swinging fantasy niche perfectly.
