Western-developed console RPGs really took off during the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 era with popular series like Dragon Age, Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Mass Effect and Witcher leading the way. The genre is also looking good so far on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. So which western-developed console RPGs are we most anticipating? Find out in our list below.
5. Lords of the Fallen
The Japanese-developed Souls series became one of the biggest franchises last gen with Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls and Dark Souls 2. Lords of the Fallen takes the same approach while adding a few twists on its own. For instance, the combat is going to be more combo-based and faster. The story in the upcoming release is going to be more important as well.
Lords of the Fallen is available on the 28th of October for the two next-gen consoles in addition to the PC. It will most likely end up being one of the best sleeper hits of 2014. Preorder it right now on Amazon.
4. Mass Effect 4
Bioware has been revealing little bits and pieces about Mass Effect 4 even though a full unveiling has not yet occurred. What we do know is that it won’t be a direct sequel to the first three videogames, Shepard is no longer the lead character and the plot won’t be set in the same timeline as the first trilogy. On the other hand, the studio has hinted that gamers should hold onto their saves from the previous games.
Mass Effect has one of the most fully-realized worlds in gaming. So there should be plenty of stories left to tell. Mass Effect 4 is being built on Frostbite 3, so the technical issues from the first three games should, hopefully, be resolved.
3. Fallout 4
Fallout 4, or what Bethesda decided to call it, has not been officially announced but is all but confirmed at this point thanks to a leak of a casting call. We know the place (Boston), time (21st Century) and main character (an ex-Army vet with a wife and infant son). Otherwise, the videogame is most likely going to remain a mystery until it is finally revealed.
With that said, Bethesda does deserve the benefit of the doubt after Fallout 3 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. If Fallout 4 lives up to its potential, then we could see something very special. Thanks to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, the potential console version should not be vastly downgraded when compared to the PC release.
2. Dragon Age Inquisition
Dragon Age II was one of the most disappointing games of last gen after the excellence of Dragon Age Origins. Bioware seems to have taken all of the complaints to heart with the third game, Dragon Age Inquisition. The sequel has more varied and open environments while adding more tactical elements to the combat. Saves from the previous games can also be imported although the special Dragon Age Keep application is needed.
Dragon Age Inquisition is available on the 18th of November after being delayed from an October launch. The little bit of extra wait should be worth it for fans. If you haven’t already, you can preorder the western-developed RPG with this link.
1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
One of the first next-gen games announced was The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. CD Projekt RED will be taking their award-winning RPG formula to new heights with the new open-world setting. The team is also making sure that every little decision made by the gamer matter. For instance, a villager could changed dramatically in the future based on what you did earlier in the story. The side quests should also have meaning and purpose.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has all the makings of being an instant classic when it launches on the 24th of February next year. If you don’t want to miss out on the next big western-developed console RPG, you should go ahead and preorder it right now on Amazon.