Not that many brand new RPGs are getting a huge push, it is mostly game series of universes that we are already very familiar with. There is a pretty good amount of RPGs comes out on every gaming platform, from PC, to Xbox 360, and the PlayStation 3. This list contains some of the best yet all-time favorite RPG.
Here is our list of ten of the top RPGs to look for in 2011:
Dragon Age 2
Dragon Age 2 is the second “official” title in the series, but some would argue that it is actually the third with the Dragon Age: Origins expansion, Dragon Age: Awakening. Dragon Age 2 drastically changes the combat mechanics with a newer and more dynamic version of combat when you choose your character of a warrior, rogue, or mage. The game is similar to the previous ones in that it has an atypical and nonlinear story-within-a-story narrative style. Players will be able to delve deeper into the Dragon Age world and storyline by encountering areas that have previously only been touched on in the other games.
Fable 3
The third game in the Fable series that is developed by Lionhead Studios and published by Microsoft Game Studios. The game was released for consoles on October 26th, 2010 but we’re throwing it on our 2011 list because it isn’t released for the PC until May 17th, 2011. This game is set fifty years after the events of Fable II. It focuses on the player forming alliances and building support for a revolution to overthrow the King of Albion. The game has received mostly positive reviews so far with praise being given in the final segment of the game involving your role as a king or queen.
Mass Effect 3
This game marks the third and final chapter in the Mass Effect trilogy. Developer BioWare and Publisher Electronic Arts have stated the release is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2011. Many gaming websites are calling it one of the most anticipated videogames of 2011. It is a single player action RPG in which the developer has stated the combat will be similar to that of Mass Effect 2. The story begins with Shepard on Earth for trial as a result of events that occurred in the previous game. During the trial, Earth is attacked by Reapers and Shepard is forced to flee the planet and begin his adventure.
The Witcher 2
This game is the sequel to the first game in the series and is being developed by CD Projekt RED STUDIO and published by several different companies throughout the world. Unlike the first game which used a modified version of Bioware’s Aurora Engine, this game has its own engine developed for the game. The game is being developed exclusively for the PC and is to be released on May 17th, 2011. There is a small chance that it may be released on consoles afterwards depending on what the developer decides.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks, this game is the fifth installment to The Elder Scrolls game series. It is scheduled for a November 11th, 2011 release (11-11-11, if you have a hard time remembering). The game is set two hundred years after the events of Oblivion. The player character is the last Dovahkiin (Dragonborn), a dragon hunter anointed by the gods to help fend off the threat Alduin poses to Skyrim and Tamriel.
Two Worlds 2
Although this game was originally released in mainland Europe for PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 on November 9th, 2010, it makes our 2011 list due to the North America release being done on January 25th, 2011 for the same platforms. The game has been regarded as a big improvement over the first in the series and has received positive comments for the vast amount of content, weapon upgrade and magic systems. The official expansion pack for the game, Pirates of the Flying Fortress, is due out in September of 2011.
Star Wars: The Old Republic
Star Wars: The Old Republic is one of the most anticipated MMORPGs in recent memory. It has a tentative release date for 2011, but with the way release schedules go for MMORPGs this could get pushed back to 2012. The game is being developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts. It takes place in the fictional Star Wars universe shortly after the establishment of peace between the re-emergent Sith Empire and the Galactic Republic. It is being touted as a potential “WoW killer” due to the anticipation and praise the game has received.
Dungeon Siege III
This third installment in the game series is being developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Square Enix, which are both different than the previous game developers and publishers. The game focuses on the 10th Legion and is returning to the Kingdom of Ehb. The original creator of the Dungeon Siege game, Chris Taylor, will serve as an advisor during the development of the game.
Diablo III
The game is the much anticipated third in the series being developed by Blizzard Entertainment. It takes place on Sanctuary, the dark fantasy world of the Diablo series. The gameplay is similar in style to its predecessor and but it incorporates Blizzard’s custom in-house physics, which is a change to the original Havok physics engine. Blizzard’s goal is to make the game available to a wide range of computer game systems. They have stated that DirectX 10 will not be required for this version of the game.
Guild Wars 2
This game is currently being developed by ArenaNet and published by NCsoft. It has a potential release date for 2011, but no specific date as of yet. It takes place in the Guild Wars fantasy world of Tyria. The timeline is 250 years after the players defeat the Great Destroyer in the Eye of the North expansion, the last of the first Guild Wars game. Alpha and closed beta are taking place in 2011, so expect the actual release date to be the end of 2011 or possibly 2012 if the game has setback issues.