Octopath Traveler
Best RPGs of 2018 So Far
Square Enix’s breakout hit on Nintendo Switch has already sold over 1 million copies since launching a few weeks ago, like selling candy to a baby in the realm of great RPGs. It’s a testament to how fantastic this new RPG really is, and it shows no sign of slowing down. The captivating tale that revolves around eight different main protagonists lets you explore its expansive narrative at your pace, offering separate story arcs for you to unravel for each individual character.
Coupled with the finest traditional role-playing game trappings, it offers gorgeous “HD 2D” sprites and 3D environments that offer a classic aesthetic with a modern twist. It’s a charming, impeccably structured adventure that die-hard RPG loyalists owe it to themselves to check out, as it’s currently the crown jewel of the Nintendo Switch’s role-playing selection.
Monster Hunter World
Best RPGs of 2018 So Far
There’s a reason Monster Hunter World is now Capcom’s best-selling game of all time, and that’s because it’s captivating in all the right ways. It’s accessible for newcomers, while still offering a menagerie of different features and quests for veterans. It opts for a new structure beyond that of older Monster Hunter games and opens things up to new open world areas, with an improved combat flow and a suite of other changes that just make it feel better.
New and challenging beasts await, with familiar weapons, a great new matchmaking system to pair up with other hunters, and a gripping story that’ll have you eagerly tearing through missions. It has received nearly universal acclaim since its debut, and the PC version will end up seeing a whole new swath of players joining in on the fun as well. If you haven’t played it yet, you should absolutely consider doing so.
Shining Resonance Refrain
Best RPGs of 2018 So Far
Shining Resonance Refrain is one of the first games in the Shining series to have made its way west in nearly a decade, and it has gone through a number of changes over the years. The party-based action RPG is evocative of other games of its ilk, and yet still wholly engaging. Following a boy named Yuma, who’s been captured and experimented on due to the fact that his body is considered the living vessels of the legendary Shining Dragon, its narrative has plenty of twists and turns to keep fans entertained.
Beyond an exciting combat system and even a miniature “dating system” where you can take party members on dates, Shining Resonance Refrain also shows off a great-looking anime-inspired art style, accompanied by a peppy and memorable musical score. It’s high time we got a new Shining game in the west, and this entry does plenty to cement the series as a must-play for years to come.
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana
Best RPGs of 2018 So Far
One of the latest entries in the venerable Japanese role-playing series Ys, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana is also one of the franchise’s best. Following protagonist Adol Christin as he wakes up one day shipwrecked on a cursed island, it finds him meeting up with a memorable crew while dreaming of a young blue-haired woman who’s the key to solving the riddles of the island.
The traditional RPG will find you exploring every nook and cranny of the island while figuring out who this blue-haired woman is (the titular Dana, obviously) and rescuing all the castaways located on the island. Its comfortable yet brisk pace, action-packed combat system, and well-written narrative that’s full of intriguing plot developments make it a contender for one of the best Ys games, period, and certainly one of the most engaging role-playing adventures you could take this year to date.
Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom
Best RPGs of 2018 So Far
The first Ni no Kuni was a solid adventure from developer Level-5 and Studio Ghibli, offering a storybook-like journey that appealed to fans of classic films like My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki’s Delivery Service. The sequel, while devoid of Studio Ghibli’s direct influence, manages to improve on it in nearly every single way, proving that Level-5 has done its due diligence in working to create a product that looks and feels like its predecessor in every single way.
With a new set of characters, a gorgeous and eye-popping art style, and a completely overhauled combat system, Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom is a massive improvement on the original game in every way, with unique elements that set it apart from the rest of the titles on the market. If you’re into elegant animation, touching storylines, and an overall wholesome feel, you can’t go wrong with this sprawling tale.
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