Final Fantasy XVI (PS5)
This is the big one. Final Fantasy has struggled under the weight of its immense legacy in the last decade or so, with the likes of Final Fantasy XIII and Final Fantasy XV proving to be extremely divisive instalments. Final Fantasy XVI could end up walking a similar path because of its focus on all-out action combat, but we have huge faith in the development team, which is spearheaded by the veterans who transformed Final Fantasy XIV into the unstoppable force it is today. We can't wait to see how it all turns out.
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Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster (PS4)
We could have cheated and spread these games out across six whole entries, but let's just keep it short. Outside of maybe Final Fantasy II, we doubt many would argue against us saying that this is a collection of classic RPGs. Final Fantasy IV and VI in particular have stood the test of time as two beloved instalments in Square Enix's series, and being able to play them on a modern console — complete with the Pixel Remaster treatment — is going to be glorious.
Trails into Reverie (PS5)
Trails fans know just how important this release is. Trails into Reverie wraps up numerous storylines from throughout Falcom's franchise, serving as something of an epilogue to the Trails of Cold Steel series, while also paving the way for the next saga (starting with Kuro no Kiseki, which is already out in Japan). Reverie was a hit when it originally dropped in 2020, and if you're anything like us, you can't wait to see how things wrap up for Rean, Lloyd, and just about every other Trails character we've come to adore over the years.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (PS5)
Look, we know that Final Fantasy VII Rebirth probably won't release in 2023, despite Square Enix's vague promises. But can you imagine if we got Final Fantasy XVI and this in the same year? It's a mind-blowing prospect, especially since we have high hopes for Rebirth. Now, we didn't think Final Fantasy VII Remake was perfect — far from it, in some cases — but it could prove to be a fantastic springboard for an amazing sequel. More exploration, more of that superb combat system, and more memorable character moments could make Rebirth something special.
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Blue Protocol (PS5)
Blue Protocol first caught our eye ages ago when it was initially revealed, but with no promise of a PlayStation release, we quickly pushed it to one side. Fast forward to The Game Awards 2022, and this action MMORPG is set to hit PS5s worldwide in 2023. Based on what we've seen so far, Blue Protocol has bags of potential. A lovely art style combines with fluid combat and fun-looking character classes to create what could be a standout online experience.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty (PS5)
Yes, we all know that Cyberpunk 2077's launch was a disaster, but we'd give it a strong recommendation on PS5 these days, and we can't see its big Phantom Liberty expansion being anything other than a continuation (and possible evolution) of its best assets. The inclusion of Idris Elba as a central character is the mainstream headline, but we're looking forward to seeing how the DLC will tie into the game's existing Night City storylines. Getting our hands on some new weapons, perks, and cybernetic upgrades should be fantastic fun as well.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes (PS5)
Assuming it actually makes it out in 2023, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes should bring some traditional JRPG energy to this year's schedule. Starting life as a hugely successful Kickstarter project, this turn-based title channels the spirit of the old Suikoden games, and if that's not enough to pique your interest, then we don't know what its.
Fate/Samurai Remnant (PS5)
Admittedly we don't actually know much at all about Fate/Samurai Remnant at the time of writing. Described as an action RPG, it's being developed by Koei Tecmo, with Fate specialists Type-Moon supervising the project. The bottom line here is that anything to do with Fate is probably worth a look, and we're excited to find out more.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink (PS5)
Granblue Fantasy: Relink would probably win our award for 'Game Everyone Should Be Paying More Attention To' — if such a thing existed. We've seen plenty of this project over the years, and it's looked fantastic at every turn. Set to be a complete package that includes both a single-player RPG adventure and co-op-enabled combat missions, Relink could be one of the year's best — if the finished product lives up to expectations. Watch this space.
Lies of P (PS5)
Here's another action RPG that's looked very, very promising in the gameplay footage that we've seen. Lies of P might never escape the Bloodborne comparisons when it seems so eerily similar on a surface level, but the concept of playing as a mechanically deadly incarnation of Pinocchio should be enough to set it apart. Some standout enemy designs have also caught the eye.
Remnant II (PS5)
Remnant: From the Ashes was a big deal for relatively short time when it released back in 2019. A challenging action RPG with a emphasis on ranged combat — complete with some fantastic-feeling weaponry — this sequel should be an even better realisation of the property's strangely gripping post-apocalyptic world.
Sea of Stars (PS5)
Classic JRPG nostalgia is in demand these days, and Sea of Stars could be a superb call-back to the genre's golden age. Sporting some perfect pixel art and a clean looking combat system, this turn-based adventure will be on the wishlist of many enthusiasts — ourselves included. Hopefully it meets our admittedly high expectations.
Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars (PS4)
Speaking of JRPG nostalgia, how about tucking into the first two Suikoden games? Remastered rather beautifully based on what we've seen so far, this terribly named duology will hopefully give Konami's series a new lease on life. Generally regarded as two of the most memorable RPGs of their time, Suikoden I and II are more than deserving of a revival.
Sword Art Online: Last Recollection (PS5)
Again, not much has been shared on this RPG at the time of writing, but the Sword Art Online games tend to be quite entertaining, so we're looking forward to seeing how this new instalment turns out. Granted, Sword Art Online: Alicisation Lycoris was a bit of a bust, but we're prepared to give Kirito and the gang another chance, assuming that lessons on technical performance have been learned. If Last Recollection can measure up against Hollow Realization or Hollow Fragment, we'll have a rock solid RPG on our hands.
The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails (PS4)
From what we understand, The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails is like a mix between the Trails games and the Ys series — and that sounds bloody good to us. This is a fast-paced action RPG with a character-driven story, and it'll be made available outside of Japan for the first time ever in 2023. We're expecting a typically engaging Falcom adventure, hopefully topped off with a banging soundtrack.
And that's 30 RPGs to look out for in 2023. An embarrassment of riches, isn't it? But before you wander off into the comments section below, take a minute to vote for your own most anticipated RPGs of 2023 in our poll.
Comments 31
I feel like I've been waiting for Granblue to the point I just keeping thinking its canceled.
No Hogwarts? I’m a bit vague on what is considered an RPG these days, but several similar games are included.
I went for Ishin and FFXVI
So glad you included Sea of Stars. Don't sleep on this one!
No Atelier Ryza 3?
I could easily vote for at least 10 games on this list and even a couple that didn't make the list.
FF16 and Rebirth are easily my most anticipated. I chose MH Rise as my third but that's mostly cause it's so close to releasing. Stuff like Wo Long, Suikoden, Trails to Azure, and P4G among many others are still high up there
Yeesh it is looking like an absolutely incredible year for RPGs. 3 picks isn't enough for me!
Ishin, All the Trails games, FF XVI, Persona 3&4, Lies of P, Horizon DLC... and on top of all these RPGs I got SF6 in the same month as FF XVI!? Time is going to be at a premium this year...
Why only 3 answers 😩
@KaijuKaiser Im excited for it too but like I said Rise is so close to release. Also I can expect a quality game from the MH series and it'll be $40 vs Wild Hearts' $70. Still Wild Hearts looks super promising
Theres literally too many to pick from. It’s gonna be a wild year.
Too many great options to single out but Octopath 2 might be the one for me. Visually stunning from what they've shown so far.
@thefourfoldroot1 It ALMOST made the list, we just thought it was a teensy bit borderline and wanted a round 30 games, so it was the last one cut.
Glad you put DBZ on first because I need a hyperbolic time chamber to play all of these games!
Fair play to anyone who has the time to play and complete all 30 of these.
I gave all my votes to Square. Two Final Fantasy games and a new IP from Luminous? Thank you very much!
And I’ll be contemplating about purchasing Diablo 4 the next half year as well!
Retro picks for me, final fantasy 1-6, p3p and suikoden. Sea of stars, diablo 4 and octopath 2 runners up.
I'd love final fantasy xvi on my list, but from what I've seen so far, I'm not even sure if it's going to be an RPG.
@get2sammyb
OK. Very strange choice to drop one of the biggest name games, that is being looked forward to by millions, for “Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection” and the like, or a DLC that isn’t even a full game strictly speaking…but I’m sure you had your reasons.
I'm sure square enix won't release ff16 and ff7rebirth in the same time period, at least one will go to 2024
This article just taught me that One Piece Odyssey's combat is turn based. Very interesting, I have no preference one way or another but it's getting a bit tiring how all these anime games have very similar feeling action combat systems. Being turn bases is, at the very least, something new. Definitely more interested in the game now.
Why is there no review or article about Chained Echoes?? One of the best games of 2022 not to mention classic JRPG feel.
Hogwarts Legacy is woefully missing, wtf? That’s my #1 pick.
The second is Diablo 4!
Nice! Thanks for this. Its gonna be an amazing year for rpgs.
Still mostly excited for the hack 'n' slash 'n' loot of Diablo 4.
A lot of amazing rpgs are coming.yo its gonna be fun as usual.word up son
So I have a insane backlog and now it's 30 RPG's i think I'll go climb the Himalayas that's more doable then finishing my backlog. 🤣
It has been great for jRPGs lately, and looks like 2023 will be fantastic also.
My next combo is One Piece Odyssey on SteamDeck and Forspoken on PS5.
Final Fantasy XIV is what I am really waiting for... it looks epic. Will need to take a long weekend from work like I did for GOW.
Kinda weird to cut Hogwarts Legacy, which defines itself as an action-RPG, but keep Monster Hunter Rise, a game where all of your character progression is tied to equipment upgrades.
@UltimateOtaku91
My thoughts exactly. One of very few games I have pre-ordered
@thefourfoldroot1 i agree hogwarts should be included here considering some of the other choices they put up..where is the first descendant as that looks like its going to be wicked or are free to play games excluded too?
I'm definitely looking forward to Final Fantasy XVI & Final Fantasy VII Rebirth the most, and am still cautiously optimistic about Forspoken for now.
I'll probably also play thru the Horizon: Forbidden West DLC if I can get around to playing Forbidden West from start to finish.
Everything else on the list I'll be waiting for deep price cuts on in a few years, I've got a massive backlog with plenty of RPGs to choose from.
Is blue protocol going to be mmorpg? Coz I'm kinda confused. I know it was originally planned as an mmo, but then I heard it changed to being co op multiplayer. So yeah confused. I would prefer it if it was an mmorpg.
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