Epic Adventures Await: The Best RPG Game Reviews of 2023
1. Baldur’s Gate III
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Release Date: August 3, 2023
Baldur’s Gate III is a masterclass in storytelling and turn-based combat. Developed by Larian Studios, it builds upon the legendary Dungeons & Dragons universe, offering players rich character customization, branching narratives, and intricate decision-making. The game features a total of six playable classes and a plethora of races, each providing unique skills and abilities.
The highlight of the game is its compelling, multi-faceted characters. Players encounter companions with distinct personalities and backstories, leading to immersive interactions that deeply affect the game’s outcome. Graphically, the game shines with stunning environments and character models that bring the world of Faerûn to life.
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2. Final Fantasy XVI
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PC (Windows)
Release Date: June 22, 2023
In 2023, Final Fantasy XVI took a bold step away from traditional turn-based mechanics, opting for real-time combat that delivers exhilarating battles. Set in the realm of Valisthea, it tells a dark tale of power, betrayal, and destinies intertwined. Players follow Clive Rosfield, the protagonist, on his journey through an intricate plot that includes high-stakes politics and mystical beings known as Eikons.
The graphics are breathtaking, showcasing lush landscapes and detailed cities, backed by an unforgettable musical score. The combat system is fluid and engaging, offering players rich customization options as they explore the various Eikons and their powerful abilities.
3. Starfield
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S
Release Date: September 6, 2023
Starfield is a groundbreaking space RPG from Bethesda Game Studios, known for its expansive open worlds. Set in the year 2330, players can explore over 1,000 planets, each with its ecosystem and lore. The freedom to craft your spacecraft adds to the immersive experience, allowing for personalized journeys across the cosmos.
Character customization is extensive, focusing on player agency in skill sets and exploration mechanics. The narrative is layered, with factions vying for control of the galaxy and players deciding their allegiances. Starfield’s atmospheric visuals and attention to detail make it a must-play for fans of sci-fi RPGs.
4. Lies of P
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Release Date: September 19, 2023
Lies of P reimagines the Pinocchio story, crafting a dark, Belle Époque-inspired world teeming with automatons and moral ambiguity. Players assume the role of an android named P, delving into a city plagued by a mysterious affliction. As P, players must navigate a challenging combat system reminiscent of the Souls genre, where precision and strategy are key to survival.
The dark narrative invites players to make moral choices that affect the storyline and gameplay. The artistic design blends intricate architecture with eerie landscapes, creating an immersive environment where every corner hides secrets waiting to be uncovered.
5. The Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Release Date: August 25, 2023
FromSoftware’s return to the franchise with Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon revives the mech combat genre. This installment introduces a more extensive customization system, allowing players to tweak their mechs with a variety of weapons, armor, and systems tailored to their playstyle.
The single-player campaign is replete with challenging missions that test players’ skills and strategies. The multiplayer mode supports intense mech duels that enhance replayability. The visual aesthetics and dynamic environments create a thrilling atmosphere that captivates players while engaging in high-stakes battles.
6. Dragon Age: Dreadwolf
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Release Date: TBD 2023
Dragon Age: Dreadwolf brings players back to the vibrant world of Thedas. While the full narrative is still shrouded in mystery, early glimpses showcase a conflicted realm facing new threats and moral dilemmas. Players can expect deep character interaction, a rich lore that intertwines with decisions made in previous titles, and an evolved combat system blending tactical elements with real-time action.
The character creation process remains robust, giving players the freedom to create their ideal hero or heroine. The game promises a gripping story that challenges players to choose sides in intricate political landscapes, with the weight of those choices echoing throughout the gameplay.
7. Witchfire
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Release Date: Early Access on September 19, 2023
Witchfire offers a unique blend of first-person shooting and rogue-lite elements, set in a dark fantasy world where players battle witches and explore procedurally generated environments. Crafted by the creators of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, the game emphasizes a narrative driven by atmospheric storytelling.
Combat feels fluid, with spell and weapon combinations that encourage creative playstyles. The ability to collect and upgrade mystical powers adds layers to the experience, ensuring players remain engaged as they delve deeper into a foreboding landscape filled with secrets and challenges.
8. Assassin’s Creed Mirage
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Release Date: October 5, 2023
Returning to its roots, Assassin’s Creed Mirage focuses on stealth mechanics and parkour in a richly detailed environment. Set in 9th-century Baghdad, players take on the role of Basim, whose story intertwines with the Assassin Brotherhood. The narrative explores the themes of freedom, loyalty, and betrayal, providing players with a fulfilling experience as they progress through a larger-than-life world.
The game emphasizes immersion, with a vibrant, bustling city that breathes life into each mission. Players can hone their stealth tactics, utilizing a mix of gadgets and skills to overcome obstacles and navigate the intricate political landscape of the era.
9. Persona 5 Tactica
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Release Date: November 17, 2023
A tactical twist on the beloved Persona 5, this spin-off introduces players to strategic combat mechanics while retaining the series’ hallmark style and character-driven narratives. The game takes place after the events of Persona 5, requiring players to strategize and utilize the unique abilities of various characters from the original game.
The visual design is slick, featuring vibrant, hand-drawn art that encapsulates the essence of the franchise. Players can engage in rhythmic battles, harnessing characters’ social links to unlock powerful abilities and delve deeper into this tactical adventure.
10. Fable
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S
Release Date: TBA 2023
The much-anticipated reboot of Fable brings the beloved franchise into modern gaming without losing its whimsical charm. Set in the fantastical world of Albion, players set off on adventures filled with humor, quests, and moral choices that shape the world around them.
Character customization plays a crucial role, allowing players to craft distinct avatars as they embark on quests. The enchanting visuals and delightful storytelling promise an experience that captures the spirit of the original series while providing fresh elements tailored to new audiences.
Final Thoughts
2023 has been a landmark year for the RPG genre, with games pushing boundaries in narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, and world-building. From epic space odysseys and dark fairy tales to modern reboots of cherished franchises, players are bound to find an RPG that resonates with their gaming desires this year. With gripping stories, engaging characters, and immersive worlds, epic adventures await in the remarkable titles of 2023.
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