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[Durante]

As in 2014 and 2015, I've created an RPG thread to talk about, well, RPGs. It was quite popular, often interesting, and mostly civil throughout the year in each of those - which is what motivated me to continue - so let's try to keep that up.

The idea is to serve as a repository of RPGs set for the year, to allow discussion of games in the genre that don't have a thread, as well as general discussion of the genre. And, of course, to provide my renowned editorial listing in the OP. Criteria for inclusion: (i) officially announced 2015 english-language release, (ii) the first english-language release of the game (no ports), (iii) doesn't look like vapourware completely, (iv) considered an RPG in the broadest possible sense by Durante (no action games with a few "RPG elements", no MMOs).

This year I won't do a table, at least to start with, as I don't have the time and I think a short description with "tags" is more valuable. Another change is that I'll list games ordered by their release time, and move the "current time" through the first 2 posts so that it's always easy to see what just released and what's coming up.

Not every game will receive a writeup/screenshots at first, due to time constraints and since I don't see much point in writing negatively (or not-positively-enough for some franchises) about games which don't hold much interest for me. If you want to contribute a description/screenshots for a game, please follow the format in the OP and post it in this thread, then I'll add it. The format is:

• Release date/timeframe: Game name (if a game is on multiple platforms or regions with different [english language!] release dates, use first date)
• Quote with at most 3 images, including ideally a logo, one "world" shot and one "system" shot (look at examples to see what this means)
• list, of, keywords/tags (e.g. sub-genre, camera, gameplay, developer)
• Short textual description (try to mention developer/history/gameplay/expectations, but keep it not too long)

Entries added by other posters are [tagged] with their name in front of the description.

[=========> We are here​

19th of January: Darkest Dungeon

rogue-like, side-view, party, turn-based, Red Hook Studios, horror, stress management​

This kickstarter-funded roguelike will have spent almost exactly a year in early access when it is released. I don't know too much about it, other than the fact that people who have tried it in early access seem to have strong opinions one way or the other about it. That usually indicates that a game does at least some interesting things. Since I'm generally not too much into the rogue-like sub-genre I'll put it into the "try if I have time" tier with 5/10 Durante hype points.


2nd of February: Digimon Story - Cyber Sleuth

JRPG, turn-based, party, monster raising, random battles, Media Vision​

[KuwabaraTheMan] Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth features a fun turn-based battle system, despite being a bit on the easy side, but with the western localization promising to add new difficulty levels. The real gem of the game is the evolution system, allowing players to evolve and devolve their Digimon provided they meet requirements, a system that should appeal to players that love min-maxing, class changes, and things like SMT's fusion system. I probably spent a large chunk of my 120+ hours of the game just messing around with evolving and devolving my Digimon in order to get new ones and stronger ones. It's a very addicting feature that I think most RPG fans will be able to enjoy. Coupled with that, the game also features a pretty enjoyable story that fleshes most of the main cast out well, and from Chapter 10 on the plot moves very fast and has a lot of great twists. The soundtrack from Masafumi Takada (Danganronpa) is also very memorable.


16th of February: Pillars of Eternity - The White March - Part 2

CRPG, isometric, party, RTwP, Obsidian, dialogue trees, classes, renaissance​

The second expansion to one of my very favourite games of 2015, The White March completes (as far as we know!) Obsidian's crowd-funded project Pillars of Eternity. The base game is a fantastic modern iteration on the Infinity Engine (Baldur's Gate, Planescape, IWD) engine games, with significant improvements in terms of interface and tactical positioning. And it's not just for the hardcore either - do give it a try. I mean, how many games can you think of for which EviLore made the OT?
I haven't played the first part of the expansion as I was waiting for it to complete, but can't wait to dive back into the game when it is complete, earning it 10/10 Durante hype points.


19th of February: Fire Emblem Fates


TBA "February": Balrum

CRPG, isometric, single character, turn-based, Balcony Team, renaissance, living world, crafting​

[Sinatar] Another kickstarted RPG. This one is looking to have world as alive and interactive as that of Ultima VII. A lofty goal to be sure, but it certainly looks pretty promising. Folks into crafting should definitely check it out as you can build pretty much anything, including full buildings.


TBA "Winter": The Banner Saga 2


22nd of March: Stranger of Sword City

DRPG, first person, party, turn-based, Experience Inc., blobber​

A Japanese dungeon-crawler from Experience Inc., who have quite a few games in that sub-genre under their belt. I know very little about this game other than the genre and art style, but since I've never played anything by this particular developer I think I'm willing give it a try, especially if the leaked Steam release holds true. I don't expect the world, but I love blobbers and the pickings in 2016 seem somewhat slim, so it gets 6/10 Durante hype points.


29th of March: Nights of Azure


TBA "Early 2016": Cosmic Star Heroine


TBA "Early 2016": Masquerada: Songs and Shadows

isometric, RTwP, party, Witching Hour Studios, high fantasy, unique setting​

[WanderingWind] Masquerada is set in a Venetian-inspired fantasy world, which in case you're keeping score, is the second most least-utilized setting for RPGs. First most being the Kroger in Beaufort, South Carolina. But this game looks absolutely stunning. Its mix of real time with pause gameplay, hand-drawn art and a very promising setting makes this my most anticipated game of 2016, easily. 10/10 WanderingWind hype points.
[Durante] I had forgotten about this one. Am pretty hyped again now. 7/10!


12th of April: Dark Souls III

ARPG, third person, action, From Software, exploration, online, co-op, gothic​

I think most people know the Dark Souls franchise and its mix of careful exploration, deliberate combat and novel online features by now. Personally, I'm one of the fans of the franchise who loved DS2, so I hope that this new entry can keep and extend all the improvements it made to the formula (and to the PC port!), while also improving on the issues that many found so problematic.
I'm confident From Software will find a way to accomplish that, so DS3 gets a full 10/10 Durante hype points from me.


TBA "June": The Dwarves

ARPG, kickstarted, high fantasy, fuck elves ​

[WanderingWind] Are you sick of elves and humans? If you've played RPGs in the past 30 years, of course you are! Well, this Kickstarted tactical/action-adventure RPG looks to relieve our collective elven ennui. The game mixes isometric exploration, a weighty story and combat designed to look and feel like the massive battles seen in the Lord of the Rings movies.


23rd of August: Deus Ex - Mankind Divided

ARPG, immersive, first person, Eidos Montreal, dialogue, stealth, cyberpunk​

As a fan of the original Deus Ex - a seminal entry in the "immersive sim" sub-genre - I found 2011's Human Revolution to be a solid approach at creating a sequel with "AAA" appeal which still had enough depth and a sufficiently interesting setting to be worthwhile for more enthusiastic fans. I hope that with the significant delay Eidos Montreal will have the time to make Mankind Divided a similar or even greater success.
I feel pretty good about this one, and I love the genre, so it sits in "will certainly buy and play" territory at 8/10 Durante hype points.


TBA Holiday 2016: Mass Effect: Andromeda

Action RPG, science fiction, shooty bang bang, red, green, blue​

[WanderingWind] It's a new beginning for a series that captivated a generation of players. We don't know much about the game, save for that it takes place in a new galaxy, with an entirely new protagonist (Likely named Ryder/Rider). We should know more come E3, but suffice it to say, this is likely going to be this year's smash hit, a la Fallout 4. [Durante] How enticing.


TBA December: Divinity Original Sin 2

CRPG, turn-based, party, isometric, Larian Studios, co-op, simulation​

I've been a huge Larian fan even before their breakout hit Original Sin, which was easily one of my favourite games in 2014 (a fantastic year for RPGs overall). Because I know Larian I'm absolutely convinced that they'll deliver a fantastic, funny, inventive and strategic game in Divinity OS 2. And now with Chris Avellone contributing to the writing!
There's only one reason why I'm not completely flipping out about this game: because I know Larian I also know that it won't release in 2016. There's no way in hell. That's why, for now, it sits at haha-if-you-think-this-releases-in-2016-I-got-a-bridge-to-sell-you/10 Durante hype points (a reward held by Torment: Tides of Numenera in 2015).


TBA 2016: Baldur's Gate - Siege of Dragonspear

CRPG, expansion pack, isometric, party based, RTwP, Beamdog, possibly garbage​

[SInatar] Yes you are reading that right. We are getting an expansion pack for Baldur's Gate 1 (originally released in 1998) in 2016. It's being developed by the folks at Beamdog who are responsible for the Enhanced Editions of BG and IWD. On the one hand it's fucking awesome that we are getting a new 2nd edition AD&D RPG in 2016, on the other hand Beamdog haven't really shown that they have the chops to pull this off. Fingers crossed.
[Durante] Despite all my dismissiveness, I secretly really hope this works out. 5/10.


TBA 2016: Battle Brothers

SRPG, isometric, hex grid, turn based, Overhype Studios, incredible depth​

[SInatar] A dark horse for 2016 GOTY, if you're into strategy RPG's you absolutely need to look into this game. Incredible depth on all systems, great challenge, and the developers really seem to have a solid head on their shoulders. To give an example of the crazy awesome shit this game is doing, look at this dev update.


TBA 2016: Expeditions: Viking

CRPG, turn-based, party, Logic Artists, historical, survival, choice & consequence​

[His Majesty] 2016 will (most likely) see the sequel to Expeditions: Conquistador which dropped us in The New World, a setting often ignored in video games. This time Danish based Logic Artists have chosen for more familiar territory and move the setting to Scandinavia. The game will keep the same spirit from the original while also improving certain aspects. Expeditions: Vikings will expand upon the gameplay in Conquistadors, with things like an upgradeable home village, overland travel and combat integrated into the same layer, smooth transitions from exploration to turn-based combat encounters, and visible representations of the player-character in all parts of the game.
[Durante] I enjoyed the original greatly, until I grew tired of the samey-ness of battle encounters. If they can do something about that they could have a hit on their hands. I don't know if they'll manage, but I'm certainly willing to give it a try for 6/10 Durante hype points.


TBD 2016: Horizon Zero Dawn

ARPG, science fiction, tech-fantasy, Guerrilla Games​

[WanderingWind] The surprise hit of last year's E3, little is known about this title at this point. How much of an RPG it will turn out to be is still up in the air, but director Mathijs de Jonge assured gamers that questing would be a major component of the game. From what we've seen, it could very well be the start of a new franchise.


TBA 2016: Mount & Blade 2 Bannerlord

sandbox, action, party, Taleworlds, historical​

[Steel] Fans of Mount & Blade Warband might be interested to know this game takes place 200 years before its native campaign, and the map is also 3 times bigger than Warband's. Additionally, from the dev blog descriptions, Taleworlds is actually going to try to flesh out the world beyond canned NPCs this time.


TBA 2016: Nier: Automata

ARPG, third person, action, Platinum Games, insane​

The original Nier was one of my favourite surprises of the previous generation of consoles. Its combination of gameplay from a great variety of genres (ranging all the way from bullet hell shooters over fixed-camera horror to text adventures) with great characters and a unique story and world building as well as fantastic music was a rare feat, and it didn't look like it would ever be attempted again (at least in this franchise). You can imagine my excitement when this game got announced. However, whether justified or not, I'm a bit concerned whether this sequel developed by Platinum (rightly respected for their action gameplay) will keep up the mixture of genres that played a part in making the first one unique. Even with these concerns, the game sits in "if I really have to I'll even buy a proprietary box to play this" territory for me, which equals 9/10 Durante hype points.


TBA 2016: Setsuna

JRPG, isometric, party, turn-based, Tokyo RPG Factory​

[Kyoufu] Developed by Tokyo RPG Factory, an internal studio formed by Square-Enix, Setsuna harks back to older Japanese RPGs with a party-centric, turn-based battle system. The story, set in a land gripped by perpetual winter, follows an unnamed mercenary and his charge, a maiden named Setsuna who must offer herself as a sacrifice at a sacred shrine to appease hostile demons. The story's central theme is sadness. The gameplay, which is deliberately designed to evoke role-playing games of the 1990s, uses an Active Time Battle system based on Chrono Trigger's ATB 2.0. This gets 7/10 Kyoufu Hype Points.


TBA 2016: StarCrawlers

Dungeon Crawler, first person, party, turn-based, procedural dungeons, Juggernaut Games, blobber, sci-fi​

[Sinatar] After a successful kickstarter and launching in Early Access in March of last year, this should be finishing up development pretty soon. The early access version is very promising, so this should be a good time. Bonus points for being a blobber set in a sci-fi setting.


TBD 2016: The Technomancer

ARPG, cyberpunk, Spiders (developer), science fiction​

[WanderingWind] Created by the indie developers who brought the interesting, if not entirely overwhelming, Mars: War Logs to players in 2013, Technomancer is one of the more unique games on the horizon. Few RPGs tackle science fiction settings, and while Mars didn't set the world on fire, it had plenty of unique ideas. If Technomancer can continue to break new ground with this near-future sci-fi meets dark magic romp, it may end up being a sleeper hit.


TBA 2016: Torment: Tides of Numenera

CRPG, turn-based, party, isometric, InXile, dialogue, choice, science fantasy​

The spiritual successor to the greatest game of all time, in development at inXile entertainment. I was certain that this wouldn't make 2015 - I'm not even certain that it will make 2016, but probably at least some form of it will. This is a game that will succeed or fail primarily on the strength of its writing. I'm still positive that it could at least approach the greatness that was its inspiration, and as such I'm ready to hand out 10/10 Durante hype points.


TBD 2016: Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor - Martyr

ARPG, isometric, diablo clone, Neocore games, science fiction​

[WanderingWind] Yup, it's another WH40k game. But it's the series first modern foray into proper role playing. Well, so we're told. This thing is being kept under tighter wraps than Mass Effect: Andromeda. There is a very real chance it's not going to see 2016, but hell, if Torment can make this list, so can Inquisitor! Watch the teaser and dream of what may come to pass. Meanwhile, check out this trailer on IGN, which seems to be the sole source of info on how this is shaping up.


TBA 2016: Earthlock: Festival of Magic
TBA 2016: Eitr
TBA 2016: Final Fantasy XV
TBA 2016: Kingdom Come: Deliverance
TBA 2016: Star Ocean - Integrity and Faithlessness
TBA 2016: Megadimension Neptunia VII
TBA 2016: Persona 5
TBA 2016: Shadowrun: Hong Kong Mini Campaign
TBA 2016: World of Final Fantasy

I expect (in fact, I know) that I'm missing a lot of games, but if you post about that please make sure to read the criteria for inclusion, particularly the part about the officially announced 2016 english-language release. At minimum, include the release date/timeframe and name, ideally an entry formatted according to the spec above.

 

[Durante]

[reserved in case the OP runs out of space over the course of the year]

 

[Dennis]

So is it cool to post now?

 

[Servbot24]

I'm in for Fire Emblem Fates, Dark Souls III, Persona 5 and Final Fantasy XV.

 

[Dennis]

I have Kickstarted Divinity II as I did for the first game that I have yet to play.

Of the games mentioned in the OP the one I am most anxious for to be good is Mankind Divided.

 

[Durante]

So is it cool to post now?

It's totally cool. Encouraged, even.

 

[Jumeira]

From that list Dues Ex is the only one id consider.

 

[BrokenFiction]

The return of my favorite thread!

 

[MatrixMan.EXE]

Didn't take part in the thread last year, but this year is looking to be so crammed full of RPG's that I feel obliged to. Aside from Digimon Cyber Sleuth, which I've played already (well, half of it), I can't really think of any I plan to pick up any new RPGs until Stranger of Sword City. Waiting for the Vita version of Darkest Dungeon.

 

[Maxwood]

R.I.P wallet.

So much cool stuff coming out. I still haven't even touched a lot of awesome games from 2014!
That's not saying much, though. That year was insane.

This seems to come pretty close. So much sequels to awesome franchises.
Exciting times.

Great OT, as alway's.

 

[Canis lupus]

Best RPG year since the 90s?

 

[Kyoufu]

Does Mankind Divided have deeper RPG systems/elements than Human Revolution? I thought HR was essentially an action/stealth title with RPG elements here and there.

 

[Cyrano]

It's totally cool. Encouraged, even.

Out of curiosity (and basically lack of knowledge), is the new Deus Ex going to be more of the same, something entirely different (open-world?), or some mix? I'm kind of always hoping for games like Deus Ex to just be modernization of Vampire The Masquerade but nothing has really come close to the videogame. Human Revolution was kind of... ok, but felt more like an action game and less like a Deus Ex game. I mean, maybe with the revisions and the limited edition SE finally "got it", but it seems like too little, too late from my perspective (not a fan of colored endings).

 

[DaBuddaDa]

One I have been looking forward to for a while should drop in 2016

TBA 2016: Cosmic Star Heroine (they now say "early 2016" on their Kickstarter page).

From the guys at Zeboyd games, Breath of Death/Cthulu Saves the World/Penny Arcade dudes.

 

[Hasphat'sAnts]

Persona 5.

Then everybody else.

 

[Durante]

Out of curiosity (and basically lack of knowledge), is the new Deus Ex going to be more of the same, something entirely different (open-world?), or some mix?

Well, I expect it to be a refinement of their previous formula. But I don't have all that much information to go on myself, so if anyone else does...

I mean, maybe with the revisions and the limited edition SE finally "got it", but it seems like too little, too late from my perspective (not a fan of colored endings).

The ending was the weakest part, I agree, but I did enjoy the journey sufficiently for it not to matter that much. (And it wasn't ME3-tier bad)

 

[Steel]

Lotsa good RPGs this year.

I'm in for Mount & Blade 2, Persona 5, already in for Darkest Dungeon, Torment, and whatever other RPGs I have time for and some interest in.

Best RPG year since the 90s?

I can't get hyped for Square games. I'll probably pick up Star Ocean if it doesn't fall flat in reviews, and I'm avoiding FF XV.

Still with stuff like Mount & Blade 2 coming, it's definitely a great year.

 

[Vulcano's assistant]

Trying to reduce my expectations of Torment is useless, I'm too hyped, more than what I know I should be just in case.

 

[Durante]

One I have been looking forward to for a while should drop in 2016

TBA 2016: Cosmic Star Heroine (they now say "early 2016" on their Kickstarter page).

From the guys at Zeboyd games, Breath of Death/Cthulu Saves the World/Penny Arcade dudes.

Heh, I had it in both the 2014 and 2015 thread, missed it this time around. I've added a name-only entry for now.

Mount & Blade 2

Does it have a release date/timeframe?

 

[Bits N Pieces]

Not a fan of JRPG's or the dungeon crawler genre either.

My hopes are going to depend on me getting a PS4 for Horizon or Mass Effect actually releasing next year. I'd say it's a 50/50 on both right now

 

[Pinko Marx]

Divinity 2 4player is going to be the stuff of dreams.

 

[Steel]

Question: Do we consider Sunless Sea an RPG? Because it does have the Zubmariner expansion coming out this year and definitely uses stats for convos in the way the most hardcore of RPGs do.

 

[Sinatar]

Dungeon Crawler, first person, party, turn-based, procedural dungeons, Juggernaut Games, blobber, sci-fi

After a successful kickstarter and launching in Early Access in March of last year, this should be finishing up development pretty soon. The early access version is very promising, so this should be a good time. Bonus points for being a blobber set in a sci-fi setting.

CRPG, isometric, single character, turn-based, Balcony Team, renaissance, living world, crafting

Another kickstarted RPG. This one is looking to have world as alive and interactive as that of Ultima VII. A lofty goal to be sure, but it certainly looks pretty promising. Folks into crafting should definitely check it out as you can build pretty much anything, including full buildings.

 

[silva1991]

JRPGs line up is insane

Persona5, FFXV, Star Ocean 5. Tales of Berseria?,Fire Emblem and Nier i one year.


it will be awesome if Ni no Kuni 2 comes out this year.

 

[Steel]

Heh, I had it in both the 2014 and 2015 thread, missed it this time around. I've added a name-only entry for now.

Does it have a release date/timeframe?

One of the devlopers is quoted as saying its slotted for 2016, and it was originally slotted for 2015.

https://www.reddit.com/r/mountandblade/comments/3i0pp2/did_the_guy_in_the_red_shirt_say_bannerlord/

He says it in the youtube video that's in that post that it's coming autumn 2016.

 

[120v]

any word on Underworld Ascendant? thought that was a shoe in for this year

 

[Durante]

Dungeon Crawler, first person, party, turn-based, procedural dungeons, Juggernaut Games, blobber, sci-fi

After a successful kickstarter and launching in Early Access in March of last year, this should be finishing up development pretty soon. The early access version is very promising, so this should be a good time. Bonus points for being a blobber set in a sci-fi setting.

Right, have to add that one. With no official word I'll file it under TBA for now.

any word on Underworld Ascendant? thought that was a shoe in for this year

It's a KS with a Nov 2016 date during the campaign. No way it makes 2016.

 

[Lanrutcon]

I want Divinity 2 so badly. Larian are rock stars.

 

[Khrae]

Not familiar with Earthlock or Eitr, will keep an eye out for those. Otherwise I am cautiously optimistic about 2016.

 

[Kyoufu]

There's one game not in the OP which is coming to the west in 2016: World of Final Fantasy. I'm really excited to play it. I think it will surprise many who are willing to try it out.

 

[Dio]

Trails of Cold Steel II (PS3/Vita):

US art:

Japanese logo:

Not only was Trails of Cold Steel one of the best RPGs this year and hit at the end of 2015, we have Trails of Cold Steel II coming in 2016 via XSEED, which continues where the first title left off. Incredibly in-depth worldbuilding, political upheaval, tons of character-driven story beats, awesome music, great combat system, etc.

 

[His Majesty]

TBA 2016: Expeditions: Viking

CRPG, turn-based, party, historical, survival, choice & consequence

2016 will (most likely) see the sequel to Expeditions: Conquistador, which dropped us as a conquistador in The New World, a setting often ignored in video games. This time Danish based Logic Artists have chosen for more familiar territory and move the setting to Scandinavia. The game will keep the same spirit from the original while also improving certain aspects.

Expeditions: Vikings will expand upon the gameplay in Conquistadors, with things like an upgradeable home village, overland travel and combat integrated into the same layer, smooth transitions from exploration to turn-based combat encounters, and visible representations of the player-character in all parts of the game.

"We are very excited to return to our roots in the RPG genre, and as developers from the Nordic region, to make a game in a setting that is a lot closer to home than anything we've done before," Logic Artists Creative Director Jonas Wæver said. "We're improving on the Conquistador formula with deeper and more dynamic systems for character progression, combat abilities, role-playing, choice and consequence, and expanding on our favorite part of Conquistador: camping and wilderness survival."

 

[Durante]

TBA 2016: Expeditions: Viking

I wanted to write about this one myself actually, but I'll use yours and just add to it a bit.

Edit: added.

 

[Sinatar]

TBA 2016: Expeditions: Viking



CRPG, turn-based, party, historical, survival, choice & consequence

2016 will (most likely) see the sequel to Expeditions: Conquistador, which dropped us as a conquistador in The New World, a setting often ignored in video games. This time Danish based Logic Artists have chosen for more familiar territory and move the setting to Scandinavia. The game will keep the same spirit from the original while also improving certain aspects.

Expeditions: Vikings will expand upon the gameplay in Conquistadors, with things like an upgradeable home village, overland travel and combat integrated into the same layer, smooth transitions from exploration to turn-based combat encounters, and visible representations of the player-character in all parts of the game.

"We are very excited to return to our roots in the RPG genre, and as developers from the Nordic region, to make a game in a setting that is a lot closer to home than anything we've done before," Logic Artists Creative Director Jonas Wæver said. "We're improving on the Conquistador formula with deeper and more dynamic systems for character progression, combat abilities, role-playing, choice and consequence, and expanding on our favorite part of Conquistador: camping and wilderness survival."

Oh yea good call. Conquistador was very cool.

 

[Canis lupus]

Oh man there is this one too, potentially WRPG of the year

Lotsa good RPGs this year.

I'm in for Mount & Blade 2, Persona 5, already in for Darkest Dungeon, Torment, and whatever other RPGs I have time for and some interest in.



I can't get hyped for Square games. I'll probably pick up Star Ocean if it doesn't fall flat in reviews, and I'm avoiding FF XV.

Still with stuff like Mount & Blade 2 coming, it's definitely a great year.

There's a very real possibility I end up liking all SE games this year. From Project Setsuna to the new Deus Ex.

I'll get Mount & Blade II just to support a game of the motherland lol, hoping the console port doesn't take too long.

 

[Zakalwe]

Very hyped for a few of these.

As someone who found it difficult to get into Planescape due to the dated UI (even with the various improvements) I'm very excited to try the successor. I know it probably won't reach the heights that mad the first so beloved, but you never know...

Human Revolution was one of my biggest surprises of the year it was released, the Director's Cut is easily one of my favourite AAA RPGs in the last decade. It shows they understand the flaws the first time it released, so I'm confident the sequel will be designed with those improvements in mind from the start. Pretty excited about this one.

Divinity OS is one of the best games I've played in a long time. The huge amount of interaction with the environment and combat nuances made this a joy to play. Hopefully the story will improve as it wasn't pulling me onward anywhere near as much as the gameplay mechanics. IF they nail a good story with the excellent gameplay this could be something truly special.

Also hugely excited for Nier and Persona 5, I've not played the original or previous games but I've read up a lot.

Currently playing Tales of Zestiria which I'm enjoying a great deal, is there any original IP announced that might be similar to this?

 

[Steel]

Mount & Blade 2 Bannerlord(TBA 2016):

Sandbox, Action, Party

(sorry for being lazy and just copying this blurb from their site)

The once-mighty Calradic Empire is in a state of decline. Warlike tribes have seized swaths of its territory. Client kingdoms have declared their independence. The Emperor has died without leaving an heir, leaving three jealous factions to scramble for power. Mercenary companies, bandit lords and nomads hover on the sidelines like vultures waiting for a meal.

A hero who can master the art of single combat, of leading armies in battle, of plotting ambushes and raids, and of exploiting the rivalries of noble houses and tribal clans may be able to unite this Empire -- or, alternately, to deal it the final blow that sends it crashing down. Will Calradia experience one final sunset of imperial glory, or slip into a night of chaos before a new age dawns?

(copy and paste blurb ends)

Additionally, fans of Mount & Blade Warband might be interested to know this game takes place 200 years before its native campaign, and the map is also 3 times bigger than Warband's. Additionally, from the dev blog descriptions, Taleworlds is actually going to try to flesh out the world beyond canned NPCs this time.

 

[cpp_is_king]

Can you post platforms for each game? Not everyone has every platform

 

[KuwabaraTheMan]

2016 is shaping up to be an amazing year for RPGs, between all of the titles listed in the OP, Trails of Cold Steel II, Shin Megami Tensei IV Final (not yet officially announced for the west so it doesn't qualify yet, but we all know it will come out here), Digimon World -next Order- (Japan only, but it's one of my most anticipated titles), the 3DS versions of Dragon Quest VII and VIII, and a lot more.

 

[SatelliteOfLove]

Dungeon Crawler, first person, party, turn-based, procedural dungeons, Juggernaut Games, blobber, sci-fi

After a successful kickstarter and launching in Early Access in March of last year, this should be finishing up development pretty soon. The early access version is very promising, so this should be a good time. Bonus points for being a blobber set in a sci-fi setting.

Id seen that just yesterday on RPS. Sounds witty too. Well see how this shakes out (along with alot of things, really).

 

[salromano]

Trails of Cold Steel II (PS3/Vita):



Pictured is the Japanese logo of the game that's been out for a year in Japan, we don't know what the CSII logo looks like in the west.

Not only was Trails of Cold Steel one of the best RPGs this year and hit at the end of 2015, we have Trails of Cold Steel II coming in 2016 via XSEED, which continues where the first title left off. Incredibly in-depth worldbuilding, political upheaval, tons of character-driven story beats, awesome music, great combat system, etc.

Yeah, we do!

I feel like they should make the roman numeral 2 more prominent. At least by adding the lines up top and on the bottom.

OP, you're missing Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth on February 2!

 

[Durante]

Dungeon Crawler, first person, party, turn-based, procedural dungeons, Juggernaut Games, blobber, sci-fi

After a successful kickstarter and launching in Early Access in March of last year, this should be finishing up development pretty soon. The early access version is very promising, so this should be a good time. Bonus points for being a blobber set in a sci-fi setting.


CRPG, isometric, single character, turn-based, Balcony Team, renaissance, living world, crafting

Another kickstarted RPG. This one is looking to have world as alive and interactive as that of Ultima VII. A lofty goal to be sure, but it certainly looks pretty promising. Folks into crafting should definitely check it out as you can build pretty much anything, including full buildings.

Added both of these, thanks!

Can you post platforms for each game? Not everyone has every platform

I left platforms out on purpose, too often it just dilutes discussion. If anyone sees a game that looks interesting to them and wonders about the platforms they can google it.

 

[halfbeast]

south park fractured but hole should be 2016, right?

 

[Dio]

Yeah, we do!

I feel like they should make the roman numeral 2 more prominent. At least by adding the lines up top and on the bottom.

Oh shit! I'll edit the post.

 

[Durante]

Yeah, we do!

I feel like they should make the roman numeral 2 more prominent. At least by adding the lines up top and on the bottom.

OP, you're missing Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth on February 2!

I'll add those.

south park fractured but hole should be 2016, right?

I don't think it has an official release date or timeframe.

 

[WanderingWind]

TBD 2016: Horizon Zero Dawn

Action RPG, science fiction, tech-fantasy, Guerrilla Games, PS4​

[WanderingWind] The surprise hit of last year's E3, little is known about this title at this point. How much of an RPG it will turn out to be is still up in the air, but director Mathijs de Jonge assured gamers that questing would be a major component of the game. From what we've seen, it could very well be the start of a new franchise.

Early 2016: Masquerada: Songs and Shadows

Teaser trailer with gameplay

Isometric RPG, high fantasy, unique setting, PC ​

[WanderingWind] Masquerada is set in a Venetian-inspired fantasy world, which in case you're keeping score, is the second most least-utilized setting for RPGs. First most being the Kroger in Beaufort, South Carolina. But this game looks absolutely stunning. Its mix of real time with pause gameplay, hand-drawn art and a very promising setting makes this my most anticipated game of 2016, easily. 10/10 WanderingWind hype points.

June 2016: The Dwarves

Trailer here

Action RPG, Kickstarted, High Fantasy, Fuck Elves, PC, PS4, Xbox One​

[WanderingWind] Are you sick of elves and humans? If you've played RPGs in the past 30 years, of course you are! Well, this Kickstarted tactical/action-adventure RPG looks to relieve our collective elven ennui. The game mixes isometric exploration, a weighty story and combat designed to look and feel like the massive battles seen in the Lord of the Rings movies.

TBD 2016: Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor - Martyr

Teaser trailer

Action RPG, Diablo clone, science fiction, PC, PS4, Xbox One​

[WanderingWind] Yup, it's another WH40k game. But it's the series first modern foray into proper role playing. Well, so we're told. This thing is being kept under tighter wraps than Mass Effect: Andromeda. There is a very real chance it's not going to see 2016, but hell, if Torment can make this list, so can Inquisitor! Watch the teaser and dream of what may come to pass. Meanwhile, check out this trailer on IGN, which seems to be the sole source of info on how this is shaping up.

Holiday 2016: Mass Effect: Andromeda

Action RPG, science fiction, shooty bang bang, red, green, blue, PS4, Xbox One, PC​

[WanderingWind] It's a new beginning for a series that captivated a generation of players. We don't know much about the game, save for that it takes place in a new galaxy, with an entirely new protagonist (Likely named Ryder/Rider). We should know more come E3, but suffice it to say, this is likely going to be this year's smash hit, a la Fallout 4.

TBD 2016: The Technomancer
Trailer here

Action RPG, cyberpunk, science fiction, PC, PS4, Xbox One​

[WanderingWind] Created by the indie developers who brought the interesting, if not entirely overwhelming, Mars: War Logs to players in 2013, Technomancer is one of the more unique games on the horizon. Few RPGs tackle science fiction settings, and while Mars didn't set the world on fire, it had plenty of unique ideas. If Technomancer can continue to break new ground with this near-future sci-fi meets dark magic romp, it may end up being a sleeper hit.

 

[Dio]

I'll add those.

Those aren't all RPGs, he was just using an XSEED release image from their twitter, but yeah.

 

[Durante]

@WanderingWind:
Thanks, I'll add those. I already have The Technomancer in the OP but no writeup.

It's Mass Effect.

Is it? Or is it Inquisition in space? And which Mass Effect?

Those aren't all RPGs, he was just using an XSEED release image from their twitter, but yeah.

I wasn't talking about all of them

 

[KuwabaraTheMan]

I'll go ahead and do a write up for Cyber Sleuth, seeing as how it's probably going to be #2 on my GOTY list once I write it up.

2nd of February: Digimon Story - Cyber Sleuth

turn-based, party, monster raising, random battles, Media Vision

Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth features a fun turn-based battle system, despite being a bit on the easy side, but with the western localization promising to add new difficulty levels. The real gem of the game is the evolution system, allowing players to evolve and devolve their Digimon provided they meet requirements, a system that should appeal to players that love min-maxing, class changes, and things like SMT's fusion system. I probably spent a large chunk of my 120+ hours of the game just messing around with evolving and devolving my Digimon in order to get new ones and stronger ones. It's a very addicting feature that I think most RPG fans will be able to enjoy. Coupled with that, the game also features a pretty enjoyable story that fleshes most of the main cast out well, and from Chapter 10 on the plot moves very fast and has a lot of great twists. The soundtrack from Masafumi Takada (Danganronpa) is also very memorable.

 

[Kyoufu]

TBA 2016: Setsuna

JRPG, turn-based

Trailer

Developed by Tokyo RPG Factory, an internal studio formed by Square-Enix, Setsuna harks back to older Japanese RPGs with a party-centric, turn-based battle system. The story, set in a land gripped by perpetual winter, follows an unnamed mercenary and his charge, a maiden named Setsuna who must offer herself as a sacrifice at a sacred shrine to appease hostile demons. The story's central theme is sadness. The gameplay, which is deliberately designed to evoke role-playing games of the 1990s, uses an Active Time Battle system based on Chrono Trigger's ATB 2.0. This gets 7/10 Kyoufu Hype Points.