Top 5 RPGs to Release in the Last 5 Years

Over the course of this gaming generation, we've seen some incredible RPGs. Titles such as South Park: The Fractured But Whole, Stardew Valley, Nioh, and many more. However, some rise above the rest. Here are the top 5 RPGs to come out in the last 5 years.

THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR NIER: AUTOMATA, FINAL FANTASY XV, OCTOPATH TRAVELER, AND PERSONA 5.

5. Final Fantasy XV: Royal Edition

After numerous delays and a name change, Final Fantasy XV finally released. While the base game was well-received it was the updated Royal Edition that provided the experience gamers were waiting for. An extensive journey that tested the resolve of Noctis, Ignis, Prompto, and Gladiolus both alone and together.

The narrative itself, while not the best in the series, had an incredible antagonist that highlighting how even the "good guys" aren't always so authentic. With Episode Ardyn, in particular, providing necessary information on how the righteous people within the game's world were just as much to blame for the events that transpired. 

The beautiful and dense world of Eos housed an expansive campaign full of optional content that tested even the most acclaimed gamer. With mountain size turtles and birds that created massive winds by simply flying. Final Fantasy XV provided everything that a great Final Fantasy game needed and an excellent jumping point for newcomers to the franchise.

4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Say goodbye to the sun as you won't be seeing it for weeks once you start The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Widely regarded as one of the best open world games CD Projekt RED went above and beyond with this final installment in the Geralt of Rivia trilogy.

The story itself has numerous branching paths that lead to one of three large endings and a lot of smaller ones. And this isn't taking into account the massive optional activities available to the player. Everything from hunting monsters to locating hidden tombs. You're constantly bombarded with new activities and most have consequences that you won't see coming till hours later. Ambushes because you let the wrong person go free, hostile monsters that continue their rampage, and so many other unexpected results.

The world itself is incredible. Separated into 3 large maps, each of these environments are designed with a specific theme in mind. Whether it's a combination of green fields, large mountains, or small towns. Allowing the player to level up and develop Geralt into a specific type of fighter based on your preferences. Even with a well-equipped Witcher, research is paramount as the dossiers for each monster you fight could be the difference between life and death. With books being the best weapon against some of these creatures as they expose weaknesses that are critical to success.

And as I stated above, each of these areas is teeming with activities that provide rewards based on the difficulty of the task. No to mention the expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, which can add up to 40 quality hours each to your overall adventure. All while one of the best video game soundtracks ever composed plays throughout.

3. NieR: Automata

What does it mean to be alive? Is it your memories, purpose, or do you need to be organic? NieR: Automata isn't like most games, infusing philosophy into its narrative as you attempt to repel the aliens that forced humanity from the planet.

2B and 9S are androids who fight on behalf of humanity. Their goal is the destroy the aliens and their machines, allowing humanity to return to Earth. Things don't go as you learn of YoRHa and 2B's true purpose. Along with characters expressing their own ideas on profound topics such as life, identity, and death.

This cascading rollercoaster of a story does house RPG elements such as distinct weapons and chips that modify your attack, support, and defensive capabilities. With some builds necessary for the optional boss encounters that will make short work against underprepared players. But the bulk of NieR: Automata's appeal comes from the reality shattering story. After playing NieR: Automata be prepared to have an existential crisis.

2. Octopath Traveler

Octopath Traveler wasn't about saving the world from a great calamity or resolving some worldwide blight. Instead, it was focused on 8 individual stories, each one with a purpose and objective that character felt was the most important thing in the world. Whether it was H'aanit looking for her master or Primrose finding those responsible for her father's death.

The 2D animation style helped bolster the game's appeal and coupled with it a traditional turn-based system. While, for many, this is a turn off as active battles have become more popular Octopath Traveler went the full JRPG route. The only massive change being the charging system that builds up power each turn that can be used for offensive or defensive abilities. Coupled with a job system that had players mixing and matching abilities with different classes. A change that should be implemented within the game was shared experience among your party.

Even with this issue, Octopath Traveler was a journey back to the old days of JRPGs. With 8 fantastic characters, each with beautifully written stories that have each of the characters evolving over the course of this 40-hour adventure.

1. Persona 5

As someone who never experienced a Persona game, this was my first one and the 90 hours I spent playing was worth it. Right from the start, the game pushes you through a linear path as it teaches you the various things you can do and the ins and outs of palace infiltration. But when the training wheels come off, this is where the game becomes intense. With you constantly having to build your relationships, expand your own skills, while also trying to afford the basic items to keep yourself alive during the palaces.

Persona 5 is just brimming with style, from its outstanding visual design to the musical score. Not to mention the deep story that constantly ramps up until you reach the point where you'll wonder "How the hell did I end up here?". Persona 5 doesn't let up as you hang out with your friends, eat large burgers, and attempt to change the hearts of those in your world. All while collecting gods...I mean Personas to aid in your journey. While the equipment system is pretty straightforward, gear up with the best items you can buy, the Personas require more complex strategies. Crafting your team, which are limited to 1 Persona, while building your own team of Personas to complement the fights ahead.

Persona 5, like Final Fantasy XV, is a great starting point if you want to try the series out. As an avid RPG fan this game blew me away and after weeks of completing the game I still actively listen to the soundtrack. The only complaint I had with Persona 5 was Joker, who was just a genetic character that could do anything. 

What were your favorite RPGs that released recently? Let us know in the comments below!

Adam Siddiqui, NoobFeed
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