Staff Picks
Role-Playing Games That Will Keep You Gaming
- Bryan B.
- Monday, January 13, 2020
Collection
These RPGs are long and immersive experiences, each with their own rich world and characters. Ranging from delightful reimaginings of well-known video game icons, to notoriously difficult and dark Action-RPGs, this list has something for everyone.
Atelier Firis. The Alchemist of the Mysterious Journey [PlayStation 4].
Published in 2016
"The second entry in the 'Mysterious' saga follows the adventures of the enthusiastic Firis Mistlud and her loving older sister Liane Mistlud. The Mistlud sisters have lived their entire lives in the isolated town of Ertona where Firis uses her unique ability to see where crystals of materials are buried. By way of a fateful encounter Firis learns of the Alchemy Exam and decides to take her first step into the outside world setting off on a grand journey to become a certified alchemist and discover the mysteries that life has to offer!"--Builderdepot.com.
Atelier Lulua. The Scion of Arland [PlayStation 4].
Published in 2019
Atelier Rorona marked the beginning of the Arland series. And now, following the events of Atelier Totori and Atelier Meruru, comes an all new story. The latest title is set in a world proceeding the story of Atelier Meruru. The title depicts how characters and locations have changed over time. Set in a world both nostalgic and new, the curtain lifts on another adventure for the alchemist.
Dark Souls II [Xbox 360]
Published in 2014
Afflicted by an ancient curse of the undead, explore a world of grave danger and clash with other players in online play.
Digimon Story. Cyber Sleuth [PlayStation 4]
Published in 2016
"Set in the not-too-distant future, the line between the real and digital worlds is blurred. Logging into cyberspace is part of everyday life. For one teenager, a harmless on-line chat spawns a chance encounter with a mysterious hacker. Little did this teen know, this brief meeting would lead to a digi-monumental adventure. In Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth, scan, raise, and train your faithful Digimon companions to battle by your side against a group of hackers. Do you have what it takes to crack this digi-case?"--From www.metacritic.com.
Dragon Quest XI
Echoes of an Elusive Age [PlayStation 4].
Published in 2018
"Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age tells a captivating tale of a hunted hero and is the long-awaited role-playing game from series creator Yuji Horii, character designer Akira Toriyama and composer Koichi Sugiyama. While it is the eleventh mainline entry in the critically acclaimed series, Dragon Quest XI is a completely standalone experience that features entirely new characters, a beautifully detailed world, finely tuned turn-based combat, and an immersive story that promises to appeal to longtime fans and franchise newcomers alike."--provided by Metacritic.com.
The Elder Scrolls V
Skyrim [PlayStation 4].
Published in 2016
"Epic fantasy reborn. Dragons, lost to the passages of the Elder Scrolls, have returned to Tamriel and the future of the empire hangs in the balance. As Dragonborn, the prophesied hero born with the power of The Voice, you are the only one who can stand amongst them"--Container.
Final Fantasy XV [XBox One]
Published in 2016
"Reclaim your throne. Out on the road with his closest friends, Prince Noctis hears unsettling news: his homeland has fallen to the empire, with his father, his fiancée, and he himself reported dead. Unsure of what to believe, he knows only one thing--he must make his way home and take back what is rightfully his"--Container.
Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMix. [PlayStation 4]
Published in 2017
"Celebrate 15 years of Kingdom Hearts with this essential collection. Remember and relive 6 adventures from Kingdom Hearts Dark Seeker Saga before the release of highly anticipated Kingdom Hearts III ... More than 150 hours of gameplay in one disc. Get immersed in the compelling and action-packed Kingdom Hearts stories with 4 games and 2 HD remastered cinematics! Help Light overcome darkness by teaming up with your beloved Disney and Final Fantasy characters!"--amazon.com.
Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX [Playstation 3]
Published in 2013
A new collection of the first three Kingdom hearts titles in gorgeous high-definition.
The Legend of Heroes
Trails of Cold Steel II [PlayStation 4]
Published in 2019
"Among the nations on the Zemurian continent,the mighty Erebonian Empire has been quick to outwardly stake its claim militarily; yet politically, ugly bouts of internal conflict between the upper class and commoners attempting to rise to power have been steadily intensifying day by day.The Noble and Reformist Factions have been none too kind to one another over the years, and tensions between the two only stand to worsen if compromises aren't made in the very near future."--Publisher's description.
Lightning Returns Final Fantasy XIII [Xbox 360]
Published in 2014
"With 13 days until the end of the world, complete Lightning's saga to discover her true destiny."--Container.
Megadimension Neptunia VII [PlayStation 4]
Published in 2016
The first PS4 game in the Hyper dimension Neptunia series, this installment features new characters, three worlds to save, three new stories to play, a new powerful transformation mode, extra features to the battle system, and a new dungeon mini-game. Enjoy original Japanese and English voiceovers, plus English subtitles, and experience free-roaming turn-based battles as you obtain all of the items you and your new allies need to save Gamindustri! G.C. 2015-Gamindustri has entered a precarious season known as the CPU Shift Period. During this time of social unrest, deprecating rumors about the CPUs have begun to saturate Gamindustri. Neptune and the others worry the citizens will soon call for new leaders to replace them and that their rule will end. In these critical moments for Plane tune, Neptune and Nepgear mysteriously disappear. Their destination is a divergent world, nearing its catastrophic end, called the Zero Dimension. They encounter the last remaining CPU of this world, UzumeTennouboshi, who is desperately waging a lonely battle against a colossal evil known as the Dark CPU. Will Neptune and Nepgear be able to work together with Uzumein in order to save Zero Dimension from tragedy?
Monster Hunter. World. [PlayStation 4]
Published in 2018
Play as a Monster Hunter and pursue elder dragons as they migrate to an unexplored continent.
Odin Sphere Leifthrasir [PlayStation 3]
Published in 2016
"Five interwoven tales tell of a grand struggle over a ring of power. Each chapter centers on a unique protagonist!"--Container.
Ōkami [Wii]
Published in 2008
"Play as the wolf incarnation of the Japanese sun god Amaterasu and channel your divine powers through the mighty celestial paintbrush to restore beauty and order to a bleak world overrun by evil."--Container.
Paper Mario Color Splash [Wii U].
Published in 2016
Save Prism Island when you play with Huey, your paint can partner, to solve the mystery of the Island's missing colors.
Persona 5
P5 [PlayStation 4]
Published in 2017
"A group of high school students are out to reform Tokyo society. Troubled by the deception and hypocrisy all around them, these Phantom Thieves will steal into the hearts of people and confront the problem from the inside out!"--Container.
Record of Agarest War 2 [PlayStation 3].
Published in 2012
Journey to the world of Agarest, a land teetering on the brink of destruction.
Rune Factory
Frontier [Wii]
Published in 2009
"The new life you embark on has many roles. Farmer, warrior, savior. As you cultivate land, the town around you grows, and so does the mystery in the sky above"--Container.
Secret of Mana [PlayStation 4].
Published in 2018
Long ago...the world prospered and humanity thrived thanks to a power known as Mana. However, humans soon sought to use Mana to create the ultimate weapon-a floating battleship called the Mana Fortress. This greedy arrogance angered the gods, who in turn unleashed vicious beasts into the world. A violent war between the Mana beasts and the fortress engulfed the world in poison and fire until Mana had all but disappeared. In humanity's bleakest hour, a hero wielding the Mana Sword appeared and destroyed the fortress. The world was left in shambles, and yet humanity persevered and there was peace throughout the land. But as time passes...so history repeats...
Shining Resonance. Refrain [Xbox One]
Published in 2018
"Assume the role of Yuma Ilvern and stop the Empire from exploiting the power of the ancient dragons, including the soul of the Shining Dragon within you. With the help of your friends, realize your destiny, save Astoria, and unleash the strength you've always had locked away"--from www.metacritic.com.
Star Ocean. The Last Hope [PlayStation 3].
Published in 2010
The year is A.D. 2087. In the aftermath of World War III, humanity turns to the stars in search of a new home. Edge Maverick and his crew begin their voyage in search of a new haven for humanity and a second chance.
Stardew Valley [Xbox One]
Published in 2017
You've inherited your grandfather's old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home?
Steven Universe
Save the Light ; OK K.O.!
Published in 2019
Steven Universe: Save the Light: Join Steven and the Crystal Gems on their biggest quest yet! A mysterious new Homeworld Gem has stolen the Prism, a powerful weapon that can create an entire army from light - and she's already started destroying Beach City. Only you and your team can battle back to save the light (and the world) in this hybrid RPG based on the hit Cartoon Network show.
Tales of Vesperia [PlayStation 4].
Published in 2019
A power struggle begins in a civilization dependent on an ancient technology, the Blastia, and the empire that controls it. The fates of two friends traveling separate paths intertwine in an epic adventure that threatens the existence of all. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Tales of Vesperia is one of the most beloved entries in the 'Tales of' series and returns with beautifully remastered full HD graphics, never before seen characters, expanded story, and much more!
Tales of Vesperia [XBox One].
Published in 2019
A power struggle begins in a civilization dependent on an ancient technology, the Blastia, and the empire that controls it. The fates of two friends traveling separate paths intertwine in an epic adventure that threatens the existence of all. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Tales of Vesperia is one of the most beloved entries in the 'Tales of' series and returns with beautifully remastered full HD graphics, never before seen characters, expanded story, and much more!
The Witcher III
Wild Hunt [PlayStation 4]
Published in 2016
"The world doesn't need a hero, it needs a professional. Become a witcher, one of the last monster slayers for hire. Track down the child of prophecy, a living weapon capable of untold destruction. Journey through war-torn kingdoms and slay legendary creatures. Explore towns rife with corruption and sail to untamed isles, home to clans of seafaring warriors. In a world descending into turmoil, your actions shape history"--Container.
Xenoblade Chronicles X [Wii U].
Published in 2015
Explore an alien planet and fight against ferocious life forms.