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One genre that might take up the majority of a gamer’s backlog space is RPGs. Think about it: most of these games take at least 40 hours to finish, and over a hundred if you want to see everything there is. Finishing all the new ones in a year is a herculean task. And with 2024 having so many RPG bangers, here at The Nerd Stash, we’ve picked our favorite 10 games that are a must-play for new and veteran fans alike.
10. Dragon’s Dogma 2
Julio La Pine, Staff Writer: After many years of waiting, Dragon’s Dogma finally got its well-deserved sequel, and its reception was a bit mixed. While the combat and questing is vastly improved from the first game, and the map was gorgeous and intricate, the plot and some performance issues brought the overall experience down. Still, we can all agree that Dragon’s Dogma 2 offers one of the most immersive experiences in the RPG genre, making it one of the best 2024 has to offer. The only thing that is missing is a proper DLC or a Dark Arisen version to truly make it shine. But even then, the base game is terrific and something everyone has to experience at least once.
9. Granblue Fantasy: Relink
Julio La Pine, Staff Writer: Anime-themed RPGs have always been a bit hit or miss, but Granblue Fantasy: Relink proved it could take a different direction and work on some of the staples that are usually crutches in anime role-playing games. Granblue Fantasy: Relink might not have the most groundbreaking story, but the epicness of how it’s presented is unmatched. Furthermore, the combat system is one of the best and most addictive, making way for interesting builds and team compositions. In addition, the extensive roster it features is quite unique, and all characters feel different when using them, which not a lot of games can pull off. While there aren’t a lot of players questing these days, it’s gratifying as a single-player experience with some casual grinding on the side.
8. Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Patrick Armstrong, Staff Writer: Though in some ways a departure from Inquisition‘s gritty world, The Veilguard took Dragon Age in bold new directions. Its story emphasized inclusiveness and the power of found families, while its deep character creator let everyone find somewhere they belonged. Its pyrotechnic combat, meanwhile, rewarded us with dazzling SFX and crunchy finishers. Whether we played a Reaper, Evoker, or Saboteur, Veilguard treated us to an adventure as grand as any D&D campaign. Whether we collared the Dread Wolf or let him howl at the moon, Solas’s story changed Thedas forever. Dragon Age has arguably never been grander.
7. Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
Nat Collazo, Senior Writer: I have a bit of an intimate relationship with Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes. For starters, it was developed by a team led by the original creator behind the Suikoden franchise and came to fruition via a successful Kickstarter campaign. I was among those who backed the project, getting the chance to actually be a part of its history. Regardless, Eiyuden Chronicles combines the charm of late 90s JRPGs with modern gameplay features and elements to create a visually gorgeous and narratively compelling game.
6. Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance
Julio La Pine, Staff Writer: While Shin Megami Tensei V isn’t a new game, its Vengeance version made it feel like such. Providing a completely different story route, a plethora of QoL features, and many new combat options for players, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is at Persona 5 Royal levels of greatness. If you never got the chance to play the base game, this is the ultimate way to jump into Shin Megami Tensei V. In a way, you’re getting two games for the price of one, which is quite generous in today’s gaming landscape. Even if it doesn’t have the school-life sim like Persona or the kingmaker antics of Metaphor: ReFantazio, it’s brimming with excellent content that anyone will love.
5. Unicorn Overlord
Julio La Pine, Staff Writer: Undoubtedly, Unicorn Overlord is the quintessential tactical RPG experience of 2024 and one of the best we’ve had in years. Vanillaware created yet another gaming gem by bringing everything fans of the genre love. Difficult choices that affect the story and character recruitment options? Check. An excellent combat system with a lot of customization options and replayability? Check. An in-depth story with memorable characters? Check. Unicorn Overlord is everything you want and more. Even after you finish it, there’s a lengthy endgame portion and a new difficulty for you to tackle, so you’ll be spending hundreds of hours crafting the best formations, building the best units, and romancing everyone in this war-torn realm.
4. Persona 3 Reload
Nat Collazo, Senior Writer: Although Persona 3 Reload is not a brand-new experience for some gamers, it would be wrong not to add it to this list. The remake carefully follows the same story beats as its predecessor, but with the modern art style and user interface we’ve come to know and love from director Takuya Yamaguchi and his team. Persona games don’t follow an ongoing story, and so even if you’ve never had the chance to dive into the latest franchise installment, Persona 5: Royal, you can jump into Reload with ease. You’ll only have to worry about deciding on your love interest, which afterschool clubs you want to join, and judging Junpei’s decisions.
3. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Julio La Pine, Staff Writer: What can we say about Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth that hasn’t been said already? It’s a perfect nostalgia-fueled journey that, despite its changes in the plot, has attracted new and old fans alike. The side content is akin to that in many Yakuza games, making the memorable journey even more fun. The combat, while it only had a few additions, is extremely flashy and highly customizable. In a few words, it is the perfect Final Fantasy experience and one that’s raised the bar for remakes considerably. The only downside is that the wait for the third installment is killing all of us. Fortunately, there are so many things in Rebirth that you’ll spend a few hundred hours riding your Chocobos before you say goodbye to Cloud and the gang for a while.
2. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Patrick Armstrong, Staff Writer: Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu in Hawaii. What more do you need? If you answered “hundreds of hours of side quests, minigames, soap opera drama, arcade combat, and resort building,” you’re in luck! Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth had all of that and more. In a series already known for its over-the-top plot and sprawling optional quests, Ichiban’s latest outing outdid itself. It’s not only one of the deepest Yakuza games but also one of the most heartfelt. With a plot that ties together The Man Who Erased His Name and other loose threads, Infinite Wealth comes incredibly close to delivering infinite fun.
1. Metaphor: ReFantazio
Julio La Pine, Staff Writer: Many might’ve seen it coming, but Atlus’ latest RPG, which is also a completely new IP, is, hands down, the best RPG of 2024. Yes, I’m talking about Metaphor: ReFantazio. This hundred-hour game (and that’s skipping a few optional things) compiles everything that has made the RPG succeed for many years. It has an amazing cast of characters, a superb narrative, excellent music, and intricate turn-based combat. Heck, it even modernizes the genre with a few small things, such as letting you defeat enemies on the overworld. Beyond that, you have a Persona-like system of day and night activities where you need to increase stats, improve relationships with your followers, and just try to become the ruler this realm needs.
