Thursday, 25 Jul 2024

2015 RPG Of The Year Awards

This year was filled with a multitude of captivating role-playing games that took gamers on unforgettable journeys. From the highly acclaimed The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt to the gripping Pillars of Eternity and Fallout 4, there was no shortage of immersive experiences. While the handheld RPGs may not have been as strong as in previous years, unexpected gems like Undertale and Legends of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel emerged, capturing the hearts of players. Let’s delve into what made these games stand out in a genre filled with ups and downs.

Best Narrative: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt shines with its exceptional storytelling and thought-provoking writing. CD Projekt Red once again proves their prowess in presenting complex characters and morally ambiguous choices. The narrative takes players on a thrilling journey as they follow Geralt’s quest to protect Ciri from the Wild Hunt. The richly crafted world immerses players in a dark and gritty atmosphere that stays with them long after the game ends.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

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

Falcom showcases their mastery in combat mechanics with Legends of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel. The game’s traditional battle system incorporates multiple elements, such as turn order, placement, and elemental properties, offering strategic depth to every encounter. The satisfaction of outsmarting opponents and securing victory is a testament to the game’s well-crafted combat system.

Legends of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel

Best Setting: Fallout 4

Fallout 4’s retro-futuristic world captivates players with its immersive ambiance. Set in post-apocalyptic Boston, the game recreates iconic landmarks and blends them seamlessly into the game world. From exploring historical sites like the Paul Revere Monument to surviving in the wilderness, the game offers a captivating mix of urban and rural exploration. Bethesda’s attention to detail in creating a compelling backdrop makes Fallout 4 a truly unforgettable experience.

Fallout 4

Best Tactical RPG: Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance

Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance stands as a prime example of a tactical RPG done right. The game packs a delightful blend of strategy and humor, keeping players entertained for hours on end. With its over-the-top battles, unique customization options, and creative combat mechanics, Disgaea 5 delivers a depth and excitement that sets it apart from other strategy RPGs.

Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance

Best Cast: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt assembles a memorable and diverse cast, each with their own compelling storylines. The interactions between characters, especially during moments like the battle at Kaer Morhen, create a sense of camaraderie and loyalty. Meeting complex characters like Yennefer and witnessing Ciri’s journey adds depth to an already captivating narrative. The Witcher 3 succeeds in making players feel like they are part of a family, with each character leaving a lasting impression.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Best Remake: Etrian Odyssey Untold 2: The Fafnir Knight

Etrian Odyssey Untold 2: The Fafnir Knight beautifully revitalizes the earlier games in the series. While maintaining the franchise’s core challenging gameplay, it introduces new systems, such as cooking and town-building mechanics, to enhance the experience. The remake addresses criticisms of the original game while adding fun and refreshing elements that attract both newcomers and long-time fans.

Etrian Odyssey Untold 2: The Fafnir Knight

Best Sidekick: Nick Valentine From Fallout 4

Nick Valentine, the robotic detective in Fallout 4, quickly became one of the most memorable NPCs in the game. His charismatic demeanor and witty dialogue pay homage to the iconic characters of classic film-noir detective stories. Having Nick as a sidekick adds an extra layer of charm and entertainment to the game, making him a valuable companion in the post-apocalyptic Commonwealth.

Nick Valentine from Fallout 4

Biggest Surprise: Undertale

Undertale, an indie gem, emerged as a game that defied expectations and left players captivated. Its clever gameplay mechanics and unconventional storytelling turned RPG conventions on their head. Undertale’s ability to leave players pondering long after completing the game is a testament to its innovative approach. Delve into this unique and thought-provoking experience to truly understand its brilliance.

Undertale

Best Side Quests: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt sets a new standard for side quests in role-playing games. The game offers a plethora of quests that not only add depth to the world but also provide meaningful and impactful stories. From monster contracts to event-driven quests, each side quest feels like a fully realized narrative with its own set of choices and consequences. The Witcher 3 excels at delivering side quests that rival the quality of the main storyline.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Best MMORPG: Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward

Building upon the success of A Realm Reborn, Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward delivers a compelling expansion that keeps players engaged. The addition of flying mounts, new jobs, and challenging raids elevates the MMO experience to new heights. Stepping into Ishgard, the long-awaited location, brings a sense of wonder and discovery. Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward offers a wealth of content that ensures players will continue to log in and explore its vast and captivating world.

Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward

Best Replayability: Fallout 4

Fallout 4’s extensive content and endless possibilities make it a game with unparalleled replayability. The vast open world is filled with unique characters, intriguing quests, and hidden treasures. The ability to build settlements and customize weapons adds a layer of creativity and personalization to the game. With countless choices to make and places to explore, Fallout 4 offers an immersive experience that keeps players coming back for more.

Fallout 4

RPG of the Year: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’s ambition and innovation set it apart as the RPG of the Year. CD Projekt Red crafted an open world with impactful choices that resonate throughout the game. The memorable characters, intense battles, and a vast array of activities make it a standout game in the genre. The Witcher 3’s achievements go beyond being the best RPG of the year; it is a masterpiece that deserves recognition as one of the greatest games of all time.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

FAQs

Q: Is The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt a standalone game?
A: Yes, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt can be played without any prior knowledge of the series.

Q: Can I play Fallout 4 without playing the previous Fallout games?
A: Yes, Fallout 4 offers a standalone experience that can be enjoyed without prior knowledge of the series.

Q: Are remakes like Etrian Odyssey Untold 2: The Fafnir Knight worth playing if I’ve played the original games?
A: Absolutely! Remakes like Etrian Odyssey Untold 2: The Fafnir Knight offer new features and improvements that enhance the overall experience, making them a worthy play for fans of the original games.

Conclusion

The RPGs of 2015 provided a diverse range of experiences that captivated players. From the remarkable narrative of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt to the tactical battles of Legends of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel, these games pushed boundaries and offered unforgettable journeys. Whether you’re a fan of exploration, engaging combat, or intricate storytelling, the RPGs of 2015 had something for everyone. Embark on these adventures to discover the magic and wonder that awaits in these immersive worlds.