RPGamer’s Most Anticipated Games: 2024 Edition
As we enter 2024, we come to another year set to be further stacked with magnificent RPG releases. With so many titles on the horizon it can be easy to miss the forest for the trees, so we at RPGamer have come together to help highlight some of our most anticipated titles for the year (and likely for some time beyond). Our volunteers were invited to select some of the games they are most looking forward to and tell us why, and you can read up on all of our choices below.
We hope you enjoy reading about our most anticipated games. This list certainly isn’t an exhaustive one and there will be great titles we’ve missed so please also let us know what games you are looking forward to in the coming year!
Angeline Era
Even the Ocean and Anodyne 2: Return to Dust, both created by developer duo Melos Han-Tani and Marina Kittaka, fall among my favourite games of the past several years thanks to their narratives and the ways both games wonderfully experiment with blending different forms of gameplay to provide unique, memorable experiences. Their newest game, Angeline Era, promises something akin to a classic Zelda and Ys with the player going through dungeons and fighting enemies with “bumpslash” system where attacks are executed automatically. I can’t wait to sink my teeth into it as I have no doubt that the developers have another winner on their hands. — Ryan McCarthy
Avowed
After being bought by Microsoft, Obsidian Entertainment has had a chance to spread its wings. 2022’s Pentiment is an absolute gem but there was always a desire to see the studio return to a bigger RPG project. Avowed is supposedly just that. Updates have been light recently, but what little we have heard has all been encouraging.
Initially pitched as Obsidian’s Skyrim, the game’s scope was reduced to focus on what the developer does best: writing and world-building. The potential for a proper RPG from Obsidian, one that isn’t chasing open-world trends, should be enough to get anyone excited. The fact that it’s also a return trip to Eora, the world of Pillars of Eternity, means the franchise may have more to come and that this new game will get to explore new facets of that setting. Here’s to hoping it makes its expected release this year. — Zack Webster
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden
There aren’t many games that star a pair of interplanar lovers, but Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden aims to be added to that exclusive list. The story follows Red, who is haunted by ghosts of his past, and Antea, who both work as Banishers of apparitions. The two fall in love but become separated as Antea dies and becomes a wandering spirit herself.
What excites me about this title, though, are the various permutations that can occur based on how the player decides to deal with a quest. Players can allow Antea to consume the haunting being’s soul, ascend the spirit to give it peace, or banish the spirit into the void to be tormented for all time. Focus Entertainment and Don’t Nod have each provided a steady collection of interesting titles in one way or another; here’s hoping the gamble on larger-budget action RPG pays off. — Andron Smith
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector
Citizen Sleeper was one 2022’s surprise hits. Its text-driven storytelling working superbly with its sci-fi setting, weighty subjects, meaningful choices, RPG character management, and simulation elements. Once again giving players the role of a Sleeper, a human consciousness transposed into an artificial body, and forced to make tough decisions, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector promises everything it needs for the numerous fans of its predecessor to get excited. The game is set to be another memorable and emotive experience. — Alex Fuller
Demonschool
Demonschool might have a lot of familiar concepts, but it blends them together in a fascinating way. Combining social links, tactical combat, and a delightful mix of sprite work and 3D visuals that remind one of the Sega Saturn means there’s a lot to factor in. When I first played the demo of it back in 2022, the unique combat stood out as something to watch out for.
Combat is all movement-based with the playable characters able to combo their movements on the grid together to create odd combos to take down enemies. For many years tactical grid-based combat has evoked comparisons to a game of chess for me, and with low hit point totals and an emphasis on positioning, Demonschool definitely feels like that. Spicing it up with plenty of skills, an interesting story, and intriguing characters, there’s a lot in this title that keeps it high on my list to watch for in 2024. — Ryan Costa
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
Back in 1992, when there were few options for RPGs, we got Dragon Warrior III for the NES. It took me nearly my entire summer break to clear the game, especially back when there were no online walkthroughs. You create your own party, and off you go to explore a huge world. The lore of the game ties in with its two predecessors, and I was determined to find Ortega, the hero’s father. This upcoming remake will allow gamers to rediscover this world all over again, but with new visuals in Square Enix’s delightful HD-2D graphical style and possibly new quality-of-life features. I can’t wait. — Elmon Dean Todd
Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate
At the the moment we know almost nothing about the game outside of its title, which does make its inclusion on this list optimistic to say the least. However, the Dragon Quest series is my all-time favourite so even just the reveal of its logo is very exciting to me. Dragon Quest XI alone has taken up about 400 hours of my life, beating it 3 times and getting the platinum trophy twice. I’ve also sunk more than 100 hours into Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince in less than a month. There definitely aren’t any other games I want as badly as this one. — Robert Sinclair
Dragon’s Dogma 2
It’s been twelve long years since players first stepped into the shoes of the Arisen in the original Dragon’s Dogma. Capcom could have easily phoned in its high fantasy setting with generic tropes, but mixed in a good amount of grounded mechanics and brutality, elevating it to cult-hit status.
While the story of the long-awaited Dragon’s Dogma 2 takes place in a parallel universe to the original, everything we loved from the first game is still intact, as well as some new additions. Chief among the returning fixtures is the much-loved Pawn system, which allows players to customize their NPC traveling party and is returning with some improvements. Pawns now have even more uses, with some providing specific quest details based on their background, abilities that can clear environmental obstacles, and even the ability to occasionally save the Arisen before they fall off a cliff. We’re super excited to return to this universe after so long, even if no co-op play is available yet. — Andron Smith
Dread Delusion
It’s not really clear if Dread Delusion will see a full release this year. The Early Access title’s most recent update was in October and there wasn’t much of a hint regarding a final date for 1.0. I’ll hedge my bets and say that if it does arrive this year, it will be one of its more compelling releases. Best described as a surreal, horror-tinged Morrowind, the game features a compact open world of floating islands populated by lurking terrors and low-fi weirdos. The early days of 3D have been enjoying their moment in the indie scene these last few years and Dread Delusion looks to be on the more ambitious side. If it can manage to balance its tone and exploration, it should be one of this year’s more distinct offerings. — Zach Welhouse
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
As a die-hard fan of the Suikoden franchise, particularly of its earlier entries, I’d be quite foolish to overlook Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes. The pedigree of the creative minds behind it and the style it is evoking with its visuals are simply awe-inspiring, and the idea of the team able to work without limitations is promising. Seeing how all these 100+ characters intertwine their stories into one big narrative should be a joy, and its flashy and familiar combat it looks like a much wanted update to a franchise I’ve adored my entire gaming life. Eiyuden Chronicle may end up setting a new standard for spiritual successors. — Ryan Costa
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
The original Fantasy Life on the 3DS by Level-5 was an amazing hybrid of action RPG and life-sim mechanics, and we finally get to have a follow-up. Players could choose and switch amongst the various life classes, along with taking on quests that pertain to each class, such as mining or slaying creatures. There was also a co-op feature that allowed up to three friends to play together (provided each had a game cart and a 3DS). For those wanting a colorful RPG world with many optional activities and relaxing life-simulation mechanics, Fantasy Life i might be the answer. — Elmon Dean Todd
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Final Fantasy VII introduced me to the magical world of RPGs when I was a child, so I was extremely excited when the remake was announced. As the first part of a planned trilogy, Final Fantasy Remake was a terrific game that managed to create a deeper and mesmerizing version of Midgar and its citizens. After spending a fair amount of time in this enormous city, I am excited to explore the rest of this captivating world and see how it reimagines the lifestream in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
The freedom promised to players in this lengthy entry is utterly alluring. The reworked activities such as racing and breeding Chocobos look spectacular. The inclusion of Zack’s story also promises to add more touching moments to an already gripping set of events. I can’t wait to visit the new Gold Saucer and explore towns including Cosmo Canyon, as well as recruit Vincent, Cid, and Cait Sith. — Luis Mauricio
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail
After wrapping up the Hydaelyn and Zodiark saga with Endwalker, Final Fantasy XIV faces the unenviable task of setting up a brand new story. Square Enix’s Creative Business Unit III has elected to style Dawntrail as a bit of a summer vacation, offering some deserved refreshment after the emotional roller coaster that both players and the Scions of the Seventh Dawn have been through. It remains to be seen how well the expansion helps to inject a breath of fresh air into the game and what new elements and story direction it brings, but given how things have gone so far, there’s every reason to have faith in the Final Fantasy XIV team to keep things going strong. — Alex Fuller
Even given I’m as a big a fan of FFXIV as I am, I’m super stoked about seeing the new story that the team is bringing with Dawntrail. We’re seeing a new continent with new peoples, new cultures, new technology, and more. I’m super stoked with what’s been shown so far and we still have one more FanFest to go where the final job class will be introduced. Here’s hoping this is a fine start to a brand new eight-to-ten-year epic. — Robert Albright
Hades II
Following 2017’s Pyre, one might’ve expected developer Supergiant Games’s next title to carry on with another slower-paced RPG. However, the developer went in the exact opposite direction with a fast-paced, sometimes controller-breakingly tough roguelike named Hades. Hades won the hearts of many players when it was released in Early Access in 2018 and continued to win big with multiple awards, including our own Game of the Year, after its release in 2020. Hades II was thus almost inevitable, and we’ll get our first taste of it in 2024.
Hades II will also take the Early Access route, with the developer noting the sequel will have at least as much content as the original at its initial launch. What excites us, though, is exploring more of the world established in the first as the Princess of the Underworld. While not much has been revealed of its story just yet, the goal this time is to deal with the Titan of Time. In addition to an all-new story, there will be new locations to plunder, various upgrades, and surely some fun dialogue with NPCs that will become instant favorites. — Andron Smith
Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road
It’s been nearly eight years since Europe last received a proper Inazuma Eleven title in the form of the series’ fifth installment Inazuma Eleven GO 2: Chrono Stone, while North America has had to make do with only the first game. Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road has been a long time coming after initially being announced as Inazuma Eleven Ares back in 2016, with Level-5 seemingly not managing to find the right direction for it or finding it tough to translate the series’ gameplay to non-dual screened handheld systems.
However, the game now forms one of the developer’s planned blitz of titles in 2024, and it’s about time. The series has always filled a fun space with its morning cartoon/shounen anime take on the sport that has been built on the back of highly enjoyable speedy gameplay, with plenty of flashiness behind its presentation. I’m looking forward to seeing how its flexible implementation works for its range of systems, as well as hopefully another corny theme song. — Alex Fuller
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Since I can’t afford a trip to Hawaii right now, I suppose the next best thing will be to spend it with himbo darling, Ichiban Kasuga. I am so excited for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth as not only is it the continuation of Ichiban’s story, but players will get to explore a new location in the form of Honolulu City, Hawaii. We also get to see how the events will unfold for Kazuma Kiryu after Like a Dragon Gaiden, and given how it ended, I am ready to see how his story will progress.
On top of the fact that we are in for some great storytelling and silly shenanigans, we also get an upgraded turn-based combat system, new mini-games, and even a life-sim element that will likely be integral to the story. Not only can RPGamers expect some fun gameplay, but it will be exciting to see who the new Poundmates are, and who the new Sujimon will be to catch! I cannot wait to check into the Happy Resort Dondoko Island later this month and see what adventures await me in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. — Sam Wachter
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Both what’s been shown so far and the staff behind its development have quickly seen Metaphor: ReFantazio become one of my most anticipated games of 2024. Atlus has become almost synonymous with top quality in recent years, and the key developers working on this game have been part of some of my all-time favorites. The tournament for the throne, the hybrid battle system, and the main cast promise a memorable journey. All these features will be accompanied by a peculiar visual style that is very alluring. I am also eager to listen to what Shoji Meguro has composed for this game and what style he takes on, since I am a big fan of his music. Metaphor: ReFantazio promises to be a spectacular game. — Luis Mauricio
Persona 3 Reload
Persona 3 marked the beginning of the modern-era Persona titles, so it makes sense why it is getting the full remake treatment, despite having been remade once before. From the gorgeous updated visuals to new story events, and even a new rearranged soundtrack, Atlus has truly crafted a remake that will be a feast for the eyes and ears. The SEES crew has been overdue to be revisited, and it feels like Reload has the potential to be a fantastic starting place for newcomers to the series, while feeling like hanging out with old friends for veteran players. While some notable elements are missing such as the inclusion of content from Portable and The Answer, I still find myself hyped up to play Persona 3 again, and thankfully February will be here before we know it. Now, if only Mitsuru would return my text messages… — Sam Wachter
Pry Into the Void
I’ve noticed a pattern in my most anticipated games: they are bleak. I swear I like happy-go-lucky cute things too, but Pry Into the Void is not one of them. Players absorb creatures through a series of Shin Megami Tensei-like conversations to create a team of monsters that help beat down those in your way. Players control Master Josef, an enigmatic man with the ability to pry into the hearts of men and monsters as he dreams of a future in a bleak society. Whether that future is beneficial or not seems up to the player, as there are many moral dilemmas to dive into in this world that blends water-colour palettes, high-stakes combat, all set to death metal. — Ryan Costa
SaGa Emerald Beyond
There aren’t many game series that I keep on my “must buy” list, but SaGa is right at the top. So I was pleased to hear that the next in the series, SaGa Emerald Beyond, was announced for an April release. As an apparent turn to form in the mold of SaGa Frontier, we’ve seen footage of an eclectic range of worlds and an oddball cast of characters. When one’s choice of heroes includes a vampire prince, a witch moonlighting as a magical girl anime protagonist, a pop idol hiding the fact she’s actually a pint-sized droid, and a girl-power buddy-cop duo, it’s obviously going to be an interesting experience, no matter how it turns out. — Michael Baker
Stellar Blade
It feels odd for an upcoming sci-fi action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic future, starring a curvy female protagonist, and questioning ethical boundaries, to somehow not involve Yoko Taro of NieR fame, but here we are. Stellar Blade was initially expected in 2023 but will hopefully arrive sometime in 2024.
Players take on the role of Eve, a paratrooper who is tasked with saving the remaining remnants of humanity from a malicious entity called NA:tive. As they learn more about the mysteries of the world, this mission becomes less straightforward than it first appeared. What really excites me about Stellar Blade is the frenetic flashy combat on display that developer Shift Up claims will require strategy to learn enemy attack patterns and counters. While it’s not clear yet if gameplay will be more like NieR: Automata or a Soulsborne title, I’m sure as heck excited to give it a shot! — Andron Smith
Stray Children
Anyone who knows anything about the weirder side of Japanese role-playing games has experienced something connected to developer Love-de-Lic, or its current descendant Onion Games. The people who brought the world deconstructions of Dragon Quest, tiny cleaning robots, industrial satire, and kissy-face life adventure simulators are following up the weirdness with one more RPG, Stray Children. It looks like a Burtonesque romp through a world where adults are incomprehensible eldritch forces against whom children struggle for understanding and appreciation, and I’m on board with that. At the very least it won’t be dull. — Michael Baker
The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak
After the five games of Rean and company, we finally get to move on to a new part of Zemuria. While the joint Erebonia and Crossbell saga is rightly revered, it’s more than time for us to learn about and experience a new part of the world. Trails through Daybreak allows just that with a brand new hero, cast, and country for us to fall in love with all over again. We can rest assured that Nihon Falcom will provide more of the exemplary world-building and another of the deep casts that has won them devoted fans the world over. Trails through Daybreak also offers an exciting revamp of The Legend of Heroes’ turn-based combat system, including both turn-based and action-based systems for players to switch between. — Alex Fuller
The Time I Have Left
I happen to like psychological and philosophical quandaries quite a lot. It just so happens that their use in video games predominantly comes in the form of horror. The sense of characterization and bleak atmosphere found in The Time I Have Left brings about vibes of Parasite Eve and more horror tones like Silent Hill. The protagonist Aline has six hours to escape an underground facility where a mysterious entity has marked her for death; every step looks to bring new oddities into a world that grows more harrowing by the second. Will time travel be a part of it? How much of it is focused on trying to piece together the correct way to escape the facility? There are so many questions but with a fascinating premise and distinct visuals I’m intrigued to learn more about Aline’s journey. — Ryan Costa
The Thaumaturge
I won’t lie, The Thaumaturge makes this list largely due to its premise. In early 20th-century Poland, a man named Wiktor Szulski is able to commune with and command Salutors, spirits that can possess humans and interfere with their lives. He looks to help the people around him evade the spirits’ influence all while ingratiating himself in Warsaw’s criminal underworld. It looks to be an interesting mix of horror elements, dark comedy, and a dash of a historical fantasy. It’s a novel setting, one the game hopes will help separate it from its contemporaries. The combat also looks to be a neat twist on Pokémon as Wiktor wields the Salutors’ powers to help him overcome enemies. The game’s story will probably end up being the key factor in its quality, but hopefully the choice-based narrative will keep players compelled to see it through to the end. — Zack Webster
Unicorn Overlord
After the success of 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, there are no doubt some high expectations placed on whatever Vanillaware comes out with next. While its games have always been readily identifiable with a trademark visual style that is always a feast for the eyes, great effort is taken to make sure they are distinct from each other. While 13 Sentinels played with something of a science fiction sandbox, Unicorn Overlord features a more traditional fantasy setting joined with RTS-esque combat and a character bonding system. The game has a lot to live up to but I have confidence that Vanillaware can deliver. — Ryan McCarthy
Visions of Mana
It’s been more than fifteen years since we’ve had a mainline instalment of the Mana series. The first game on the Game Boy resembled an action Final Fantasy game and was even titled Seiken Densetsu: Final Fantasy Gaiden in Japan, coming complete with Moogles and Chocobos. Since then, the series sprouted into its own identity and is known for its colourful graphics and multiplayer co-op options in the Super Famicom releases. With original series creators at the helm, Visions of Mana will once again offer players action combat with a colourful, semi-open world to explore. I’m looking forward to experiencing the next Mana game, and if it happens to have a multiplayer co-op feature, I’d be more than thrilled. — Elmon Dean Todd
We hope you enjoyed reading about our most anticipated games. Please let us know what games you are looking forward to in the year (or further) ahead either through the comments, social media, or our dedicated Discord server!
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