What makes role-playing games so special is that they invite their players into a new beautiful and fictional world, and allows them deeper interaction with characters and other things along their journey. Here are ten of the top games that let you step into the shoes of the protagonist in 2016.
10. Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided launches you into a cyberpunk-themed dystopian world as Adam Jensen; a returning character equipped with new technology and body augmentations. The game mixes both first-person elements with RPGs, giving you the gift of both gaming worlds. An important feature of the game is that players can complete missions however they choose: combat, hacking, stealth, and social interactions. In fact, players can beat boss battles without ever killing anyone.
With its challenging and unique world, players are invited to thoroughly explore this beautifully created world.
9. Tyranny
Tyranny is a role-playing game developed for PCs. The creators used the gameplay and engine from their previous game, Pillars of Eternity, to aid in building their newest creation. Players must direct their character through the map to restore order after the evil overlord Kyros has conquered the world. Decisions must be made on how to handle situations that lead to a more meaningful effect on the game's story.
8. Dragon Quest Builders
Dragon Quest Builders takes you back to Alefgard, the world from the original game. Square Enix's sandbox action role-playing game bares resemblance to the popular Minecraft and Terraria, as it offers gathering and building elements that must be used to rebuild the world. You're even given the responsibility to keep your characters fed. The perfect mixture of RPG and Minecraft makes this game a must try.
7. Hyper Light Drifter
It's evident that the pixelated style of Hyper Light Drifter pays tribute to 8-bit and 16-bit games from the early 20th century. As the lead developer of the RPG states, this game is a combination of Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Diablo.
Alex Preston launched a Kickstarter for approximately $27,000 to develop this title for PC players, but received an overwhelming $60,000 which allowed him to hire even more programmers and artists and expand the game to consoles. With its gorgeous visuals, sound design, and combat mechanics, it's no surprise why this game received so much positive feedback.
6. Banner Saga 2
Banner Saga 2 is a game where it's a good thing that it doesn't differ too much from its predecessor. There are minor improvements though such as new combat units. The saga has been praised for being beautifully written, and a lot of attention resting on its memorable characters and their struggles. The Banner Saga 2 offers a world that's incredibly immersive causing fans to completely invest in the game.
5. Salt and Sanctuary
Salt and Sanctuary is a 2D action role-playing game that's heavily inspired by the Souls series. Such as other RPGs, Salt and Sanctuary implements elements like leveling up and an extensive skill tree providing hundreds of combinations. This game keeps you going for a while, as the aesthetically-pleasing environment is so rich with lore to discover and items to collect.
4. Stardew Valley
This role-playing game is an indie farming simulation made originally for PCs, and soon to be released on the Playstation 4 and Xbox One. In only the first two months, Stardew Valley became one of the best-selling games on Steam.
Like The Sims, players must manage their character's time and energy when it comes to farming, raising livestock, crafting goods, and engaging in social activities that can lead to relationships. The game developers have plans to even expand this game in order to include co-op play.
3. Final Fantasy XV
For many gamers, Final Fantasy has been a staple in their video game collection since the original game's release. So, there's no surprise as to how highly anticipated the newest entry of the series was. The game has even been in development since 2006!
Fortunately for most fans, Final Fantasy XV did not disappoint. The Square Enix game focuses on its open-world environment and action-based battle system, and has been praised on its graphics, combat, soundtrack, and its characters.
2. Pokemon: Sun and Moon
If you're not living under a rock, you have at least heard of Nintendo's Pokemon. So many games have been released since its debut in 1996, including the Phone version, Pokemon Go.
Pokemon: Sun and Moon are the first installments of the seventh Pokemon generation. These entries to the franchise introduce us to several new species, a more updated battle and training mechanics, and its improved 3D graphics.
1. Dark Souls III
Dark Souls III ended up becoming Bandai Namco's fastest selling game in their history with over three million copies sold worldwide. This was after only two months of being released. Bandai Namco's action role-playing game makes for the perfect conclusion to the trilogy. Just as any other Dark Souls game, it offers its players a challenge with its extremely tough bosses. Critics often mentioned its beautiful visuals and superb gameplay mechanics.