Saturday, 21 Dec 2024

2015 RPG Of The Year Awards

This year was filled with an abundance of captivating role-playing games to immerse ourselves in. Games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Pillars of Eternity, and Fallout 4 garnered much attention and praise. While handheld RPGs didn’t shine as brightly as in previous years, titles such as Tales of Zestiria and Xenoblade Chronicles X left fans wanting more. Notably, unexpected gems like Undertale and Legends of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel emerged from obscurity and made a significant impact on the RPG scene. Let’s delve into what made this year’s RPGs stand out amidst the highs and lows of the genre.

Best Narrative: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3 captivated players with its exceptional writing, demonstrating that not everything in the game’s world is as straightforward as it may seem. CD Projekt Red skillfully explored choices and situations, presenting complex characters and memorable outcomes. From the intriguing Bloody Baron storyline to unraveling the trustworthiness of vengeance-driven Dijkstra, the narrative introduced players to different shades of gray. The game also displayed a tender side to its protagonist, Geralt, as he embarked on a quest to protect Ciri from the relentless Wild Hunt. The Witcher 3’s narrative expertly intertwines with captivating locations, captivating players with its dark and immersive world.

The Witcher 3

Best Combat System: Legends of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel

Legends of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel showcased one of the series’ finest combat systems to date. Falcom, known for its prowess in combat design, did not disappoint with their efforts in this game. The traditional battle system required players to consider multiple elements in their strategies, including turn order, placement, elemental properties, special craft attacks, and linking combatants. Battles became intense and rewarding, leaving players with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

Best Setting: Fallout 4

Fallout 4 captured players’ imaginations with its retro-futuristic ambiance, adding excitement to every discovery. The game’s setting centered around the iconic city of Boston, meticulously recreating its well-known landmarks such as Fenway Park and the Massachusetts State House. Bethesday’s attention to detail extended beyond the urban landscape, allowing players to explore the wilderness surrounding the city. Fallout 4’s immersive world drives players to explore, showcasing the developer’s talent for creating captivating and expansive environments.

Fallout 4

Best Tactical RPG: Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance

Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance continued to solidify itself as one of the best tactical RPG franchises available. The game’s over-the-top strategy and RPG elements provided players with an unforgettable experience. Making its debut on the PS4, Disgaea 5 introduced new features such as a revenge system and alliance attacks, adding new layers of depth and excitement to battles. The game’s humor, insane customization options, and creative ways to defeat enemies remained true to the franchise’s roots, making Disgaea 5 a standout title in the strategy RPG genre.

Best Cast: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

One of the most remarkable aspects of The Witcher 3 was the ensemble cast that joined forces to aid Ciri in her time of need. Whether it was the intense battle at Kaer Morhen or the heartwarming bonding moments, the game’s characters captured players’ attention. The introduction of complex characters like the complicated Yennefer and the strong-willed Ciri added depth to the story. Familiar faces like Dandelion, Zoltan, and Vesemir gave players a sense of building a family within the game. The Witcher 3 allowed each character to face their own dilemmas, providing moments of tragedy and laughter throughout the journey.

Best Remake: Etrian Odyssey Untold 2: The Fafnir Knight

Etrian Odyssey Untold 2: The Fafnir Knight breathed new life into the franchise, satisfying both longtime fans and newcomers alike. This remake focused on enhancing the characters and story, addressing previous criticisms while making the mechanics more accessible to all players. The game’s additions, such as cooking and town-building mechanics, injected fresh elements into the formula, resulting in a successful remake that surpassed expectations.

Best Sidekick: Nick Valentine From Fallout 4

Nick Valentine, the charming private eye from Fallout 4, quickly became one of the most memorable NPCs in the game. His intriguing backstory and smooth talking charmed players, with lines reminiscent of iconic protagonists from ’40s noir films. Nick’s presence as a frickin’ robot detective added a unique dynamic to the game, making him an unforgettable sidekick.

Biggest Surprise: Undertale

Undertale, an indie title that seemingly appeared out of nowhere, became one of the most talked-about games of the year. This clever game defied RPG conventions, leaving players pleasantly surprised. Undertale’s shining moment lies in the way it weaves everything together, providing a thought-provoking experience that lingers even after the credits roll. It pays homage to classic SNES-era games while offering a unique and engaging gameplay experience. Undertale is a must-play for anyone seeking a fresh take on the RPG genre.

Best Side Quests: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3 excelled in delivering meaningful and engaging side quests, a challenge that many games struggle to overcome. The game offered a wide variety of quests, from monster contracts and treasure hunts to dynamic events unfolding before the player’s eyes. Each side quest added depth to the world and allowed players to influence the course of events, providing valuable backstory on characters and political struggles. Some of the most memorable moments in The Witcher 3 came from these story-driven side quests, which presented players with difficult dilemmas and ripple effects that echoed throughout the game world.

Best MMORPG: Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward

Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward built upon the success of its predecessor, A Realm Reborn, by delivering a compelling expansion packed with new content. The expansion introduced features like flying mounts, three new jobs, and challenging raids. It also allowed players to explore the long-awaited Ishgard, a location with its own captivating storyline and revelations.

Best Replayability: Fallout 4

Fallout 4 offers an endless array of activities and quests that keep players coming back for more. Bethesda crafted a game world rich with interesting NPCs and discoveries waiting around every corner. The addition of settlement-building and a wide range of choices, along with the constant search for new weapons and gear, ensures that players always have something to engage with. The game’s expansive world offers countless worthwhile side quests and locations to explore, providing a high level of replayability.

RPG of the Year: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3’s ambitious and innovative approach to open-world RPGs made it the standout game of the year. CD Projekt Red dared to create a vast landscape filled with impactful choices, and they executed it flawlessly. The game’s storytelling, intense battles, and diverse range of activities raised the bar for RPGs. It not only earned the title of RPG of the Year but also secured Game of the Year accolades from Game Informer. The Witcher 3 represents the pinnacle of role-playing games, offering players an unforgettable and immersive experience.

For more details on the best games of 2015, check out our action, shooter, and adventure awards.

FAQs

Q: Where can I play The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt?
A: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Visit the official website of Wqaindia to find out more.

Q: Are there any expansions or DLCs available for Fallout 4?
A: Yes, Fallout 4 offers several expansions and DLCs that further expand the game’s content and provide new adventures for players to enjoy. Check the official Wqaindia website for more information.

Q: Are there any other games in the Disgaea series?
A: Yes, the Disgaea series consists of several titles, each offering unique gameplay and memorable characters. Visit Wqaindia’s website to discover more about the Disgaea franchise.

Conclusion

The RPGs of 2015 showcased the immense talent and creativity within the genre. From compelling narratives to innovative gameplay mechanics, these games offered unforgettable experiences. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt stood out as the RPG of the year, with its exceptional storytelling and immersive world. However, other titles like Legends of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel, Fallout 4, and Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance captivated players with their unique features and gameplay. Whether you enjoy strategy, exploration, or narrative-driven experiences, the RPGs of 2015 had something for everyone.