courtesy of ign
The PlayStation 2 is undoubtedly the best system to own if you're a role-playing fan and the number of games available in the category continues to increase year after year. This particular season could be the biggest ever -- with the number of high-profile releases and titles aimed at the hardcore audience tallying almost 20 in all. But which RPGs are the right ones for you and which ones are better left on the store shelves? To help you decide, we've put together this handy little guide to highlights every single PS2 RPG of 2006. Of course, these are only the titles confirmed for an American release, do don't be surprised when you notice games like Rogue Galaxy or Code Age Commanders aren't on the list yet. To make things even clearer, we've broken down their potential value into three categories -- Decent, Strong, and Outstanding.
Now that the small talk is over, we hope you sit back and enjoy as we present to you the PlayStation Kingdom of 2006!
.hack//G.U. RESURRECTION (Part 1)
Developer: CyberConnect2
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Category: Futuristic Real-Time Hack 'n Slash
Release Date: TBA 2006
Company Line: "System managers have no control over what is happening..."
Synopsis: The year is 2017 and it's been seven years since Kite and Blackrose battled against Cubia and the other digital baddies that had taken over the make-believe MMORPG known as "The World." But in Namco Bandai's upcoming three-part follow-up G.U., the story takes a much more interesting turn when players assume the role of "Player-Killer" known as Hasao. Somehow a master of ALL weapon and armor types, Hasao sets out on a mission of revenge fueled by the "data-draining" of one of his closest friends... that is, until he becomes b the target of another all-powerful player-killer himself.
Potential: Strong. The .hack series has always done a great job of telling a story, and the new premise for the next collection of games already sounds a lot more intriguing than before. The fact that CyberConnect2 has also revamped the battle system (complete with special moves and tension gauges) is exciting too, and the promise of extra goodies if you have data flags from the last titles is great news.
Atelier Iris ~Eternal Mana 2~
Developer: Gust
Publisher: NIS America
Category: Mystical Turn-Based Alchemy
Release Date: Q3 2006
Company Line: "Taking synthesis to a new level..."
Synopsis: Eden and Belkhyde were friends once... that is, until the great catastrophe. Afterwards, the Mana-rich land of Eden turned away from the more traditional kingdom of Belkhyde. But it wasn't an action or demand that separated the two peoples, but rather a fear that contact with each other would bring about another tragedy. Not too long afterwards, the powerful alchemist known as Chaos resorts to an ancient power to save his sister, and now it's up to two young heroes named Felt and Viese to stop the Chaos from letting power overtake him and to save Eden from a fate even worse than before.
Potential: Strong. At this point we're not quite sure where the storyline of Eternal Mana 2 is actually going, but even if the game were just a copy of last year's entertaining original with a new setting it would still garner our attention. Luckily, the next Atelier Iris introduces a number of new features to the series -- including improve 2D visuals, an all-new chain attack and break system, and a deeper assortment of customizable items and weapons.
Final Fantasy XI: Treasures of Aht Urhgan
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Category: Massively Multiplayer Online Upgrade
Release Date: April 2006
Company Line: "The world of Vana'diel will be even livelier..."
Synopsis: Veteran players are set to discover all-new unexplored areas in the next big Final Fantasy XI expansion pack, Treasures of Aht Urhgan. Among them is the capital of Mamool Ja (Mamook) where a fear of parasites forces the population to burn down and rebuild their structures every few years and Al Zahbi a massive and powerful landmass that houses the Aht Urghan empire. Also new to Vana'diel is the treacherous Arrapago Reef (the last stand for a civilization long gone) and the added Corsair and Blue Mage character classes.
Potential: Decent. Final Fantasy XI has definitely proven that it has some staying power over the years and this newest (and rumored to be last) add-on kit should keep the engine going for at least a little longer. Four large unexplored areas, two brand new classes, and several unique enemies and equipment mean more to do for FFXI diehards, but will it be enough to bring back those of us who have already had enough? Probably not.
Final Fantasy XII
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Category: Androgynous Quasi-Turn-based Evolution
Release Date: Q4 2006
Company Line: "Groundbreaking real-time graphics that push the envelope..."
Synopsis: Airships and magic is what the world of Ivalice is all about, and in Final Fantasy XII, it's the city of Dalmasca that will introduce you to it. One night while burglarizing a place he definitely shouldn't be in, main character Vaan meets the beautiful Princess Ashe (sole survivor to the throne who had previously been thought missing) who just may end up being the woman to help him finally get off the streets. Following an unforeseen event that means no turning back, the pair teams eventually up with Vaan's girlfriend Panelo, the Sky Pirate Balthier, and a mess of other characters as they set off to save the world and their souls from certain badness.
Potential: Outstanding. FF12 has been in development since before the First World War, and with a development crew that has some seriously impressive credentials (Vagrant Story / Final Fantasy Tactics) this brilliant-looking adventure could breathe new life into a series that has seen only minimal upgrades in the last few installments. Of particular note is the battle system that not only takes place in semi-real time, but is also powered by adjustable AI companions.
Grandia III
Developer: Game Arts
Publisher: Square Enix
Category: Airborne Wheel-based Fantasy
Release Date: February 2006
Company Line: "Dynamic Battles and Lush Environments..."
Synopsis: All Yuki ever wanted was to do was to follow in the footsteps of his hero, Sky Captain Schmidt. With the help of his friends and his own determination, the young boy finally realizes a chance at his dream of being just the second man to fly across the ocean. On the night of his big journey, however, Yuki spots a beautiful Communicator named Alfina as she flees from fire-wielding pursuers -- from that moment on, the pair's fates are intertwined as they band with other young heroes in a quest to save the world.
Potential: Outstanding. Grandia has always been one of the best kept secrets in RPG land, and this third installment looks like it could be the one to finally lift the franchise into the mainstream. Its strength is that unlike most role-playing games that usually sacrifice story for gameplay (or vice-versa), Game Arts has paid equal attention to both major aspects of the experience. The lack of random encounters, cool combos, and excellent graphics don't hurt either.
Kingdom Hearts II
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Category: Keyblade Swinging in the Magic Kingdom
Release Date: March 2006
Company Line: "One remarkable, innovative, original property..."
Synopsis: Picking up where the GBA's Chain of Memories left off, Kingdom Hearts II follows Sora , Donald, and Goofy as they continue their search for Riku and the missing King Mickey. It doesn't take long before a trip to Hollow Bastion brings the team face to face with the XIII Organization and the Nobodies for a second time, and it's soon revealed that in addition to looking for lost friends, the heroic group must also seal the keyholes of every world to protect them from those who wish to harm them.
Potential: Outstanding. Tetsuya Nomura's blend of Disney and Final Fantasy proved to be one of the most enjoyable RPGs on the PlayStation 2 thus far, and this second go-round appears to be even better. The reasons why are numerous, not the least of which is the fact that the camera has been totally fixed and can finally be controlled with the right analog stick. The improved battle system, complete with special, cooperative, and Fusion Drive attacks, makes the action-based gameplay deeper as well, and the more mature storyline means more interesting plot twists.
Marvel Legends
Developer: TBA
Publisher: Activision
Category: Digital Marvel Mayhem with XP
Release Date: TBA 2006
Company Line: "A huge ensemble cast of Marvel characters..."
Synopsis: The most mysterious entry of this year's entire role-playing lineup, Marvel Legends is the next big comic game from the same publisher responsible for such titles as Spider-Man, X-Men Legends, and Fantastic 4. Unfortunately, no details about the game have been revealed at this point other than the fact that it's an RPG and will be coming out this year. Even the status of the game's developer is unknown (but is believed to be the X-Men Legends team at Raven Software), though we hope to learn a lot more about it in the coming months.
Potential: Strong. The last two X-Men Legends titles were good fun and a similar title to that pair starring a huge cast of characters sounds very cool. Having the massive roster of superheroes that the Marvel license brings with it also means that the storyline possibilities could be just as impressive and the possibility of online and multiplayer access makes it sound any better. Now if only we knew that any of those features were actually going to be in the game, we'd be getting somewhere...
Metal Saga
Developer: Success
Publisher: Atlus
Category: Customized Mechanical Wasteland Hunting
Release Date: March 2006
Company Line: "A full-scale RPG with unprecedented freedom..."
Synopsis: In the future mankind is desperate to save itself from the dangers of pollution and have constructed a giant supercomputer codenamed Noah to help solve the problem. Unfortunately for humankind, the AI's solution was to exterminate its creators and in a matter of days people all over the world were killed by weapons and monsters in the event known as "The Great Destruction." Years later, the survivors banded together and destroyed Noah but its offspring still survive... and it's up to you to stop them.
Potential: Decent. Despite its somewhat dated look and rather standard designs, Metal Saga does have a pretty robust number of options. More than 800 events and quests are available to players in all and a number of different customizable vehicles (including tanks) allow you to destroy whatever robo-critters stand in your way. There are even user-created items and the ability to participate in 12 mini-games. But will the story and battle system support these kinds of features? We just don't know yet.
MS Saga: A New Dawn
Developer: BEC
Publisher: Bandai Games
Category: Interchangeable Big-headed Robo-questing
Release Date: February 2006
Company Line: "A rich science fiction world of Mobile Suits..."
Synopsis: Long, long ago the "G System" was created and it was thought that it would better the world forever. But one day, an energy surge engulfed the Earth and almost everything was destroyed. It was because of the G System. From that day forward, the device had to be isolated so that its survivors would never again be victims to another "Great Fall." In the aftermath, those who are left must rebuild -- but first, have to overcome another devastating circumstance that is secretly brewing...
Potential: Decent. With the rich history that Mobile suit Gundam provides, there's plenty of source material to work with in this original RPG. But with an unproven role-playing developer at the helm and a traditional turn-based battle system fueling it, we're not sold yet on its possible greatness. That said, a large number of customizable mobile suits and a strong artistic design could still pull it in the right direction.
Phantasy Star Universe
Developer: SEGA Studios
Publisher: SEGA
Category: Interplanetary Online Field Fighting
Release Date: Q3 2006
Company Line: "Ambitious role-playing built to please..."
Synopsis: It all begins on a day of celebration, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the formation of the commonwealth. Ethan, PSU's 17-year old main character, and his younger sister Lumia, both human, are viewing the festivities at Guardians Colony, an interstellar base for a peace keeping force called the Guardians, of which Ethan is a new member. Guardians Colony is also Ethan's home. As the celebration turns to an air show involving a fleet of Guardian ships, a great meteor shower suddenly fills the sky, striking the ships and bringing fire to the ground below. It turns out that this wasn't a case of bad timing; the meteor shower is actually a group of mysterious aliens called "SEED." They proceed to attack all of Guardians Colony in hopes of taking out the Guardians. Lost amongst the debris is Lumia, and Ethan's quest begins!
Potential: Outstanding. Playable online and off, PSU offers two completely different adventures for two unique kinds of tastes. Regardless of which method players use to explore their universe, however, there are still three different planets to travel to in addition to 20 different dungeons, several controllable vehicles, and massive character customization options. If it ever comes out (the game has been delayed three times) it could be truly epic.
River King: A Wonderful Journey
Developer: Marvelous Interactive
Publisher: Natsume
Category: Fishing... lots of it
Release Date: March 2006
Company Line: "Don't let this one get away..."
Synopsis: This latest in a long line of popular Japanese fishing RPGs puts players in control of a family of four that come from a long line of fisherman. Their mission? To set out on a search for the legendary "Master Fish" and become the most famous anglers in all the lands. During their exploits, the family must travel the world and fish its many bodies of water while traversing towns, meeting people, and collecting hundreds of exotic fish types.
Potential: Decent. The idea behind River King is certainly an intriguing one, and it fits right in with Natsume's series of farming RPGs Harvest Moon. Luckily, players aren't just limited to fishing either -- as they'll also be able to participate in cooking contests, undertake sidequests, and participate in trivia challenges against multiple animals. Sounds weird, but it could be fun.
Shadow Hearts: From the New World
Developer: Nautilus
Publisher: XSEED Games
Category: Old-school Wheel-Wielding Demonry
Release Date: March 2006
Company Line: "Addictive, strategic, and exciting..."
Synopsis: In the year 1929, an amnesiac 16 year-old detective by the name of Johnny Garland accepts an investigation to hunt down a criminal escapee. Just as Johnny zeroes in on his target, however, a huge supernatural monster appears out of nowhere and swallows the crook in a single gulp. To make matters even more disturbing, incidents like this are happening all over the country and now it's up to Johnny and his scantily-clad teammates to get t the bottom of this mystery and discover the truth.
Potential: Outstanding. The Shadow Hearts series improved two-fold with its last installment and its excellent battle "Judgment Wheel" battle system is getting even more upgrades this time. What's more is that From the New World has some of the best rendered and real-time cutscenes we've seen in a game for a very long time, and the franchise has always done a great job of balancing humor and darkness to tell one hell of a story. This one should be no different.
Suikoden V
Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Category: 108 Stars of Traditional Fantasy-Inspired Destiny
Release Date: March 2006
Company Line: "A celebration of all that is good..."
Synopsis: Surprisingly, Konami has managed to keep Suikoden V's storyline and overall premise shrouded in relative mystery, but we do know that the kingdom in which the game initially takes place (Falena) has recently been in turmoil. The populace has become unruly and tries to overthrow the queen before the power of her Sun Rune puts them in their place. Players assume the role of the queen's son a few years later and are charged with the task of uncovering the reason behind the uprising and the true nature of the Sun Rune.
Potential: Strong. Compared to efforts of the past, the last Suikoden was rather disappointing (though it was still a solid RPG). This next installment brings the series back to basics by reincorporating the six-member parties from the older titles in addition to both naval and real-time army battles between traditional combat scenarios. Multiple endings, an expandable home base, and an all-new time period also make the possibilities pretty intriguing.
Tales of Legendia
Developer: Namco
Publisher: Namco
Category: 2D Soulcalibur Role-Playing
Release Date: February 2006
Company Line: "Extraordinarily deep and furiously fast..."
Synopsis: Shipwrecked on a vessel so big it looks like an Island, Alliance Marine Senel Coolidge is on a mission to locate his kidnapped sister Shirley from a mysterious enemy that's convinced she can control the world with her mind. With the help of Sheriff / Historian Will Reynard, Senel teams with heroes from all over the "The Legacy" in his quest to recover his beloved sibling.
Potential: Decent. Tales of Legendia is already out, so we can tell you that its battle system is one of the coolest and fastest of its kind. The characterization and artistic design behind Legendia is top notch too, and the appealing soundtrack is certainly worth listening to in and out of the game. Sadly, the AI of your opponents is rather poor and most of the storyline falls flat. It's a classic case of having great combat with a poor foundation.
Wild ARMs 4
Developer: Media Vision
Publisher: XSEED Games
Category: Cowboys with Cannons and Platforming Puzzles
Release Date: January 2006
Company Line: "A celebration of all that is good..."
Synopsis: Jude Maverick has grown up in a town so isolated, it floats high above the ocean in a protective bubble. But when the day comes that an invading army decides to bust through the shield in search of a legendary "ARM," Jude is forced to team up with a rag-tag band of adventurers to explore the land of Filgaia and discover the true intentions of the army (while growing up a little along the way)
Potential: Decent. Released last month as the first RPG for 2006, Wild ARMs 4 is a great "starter RPG" for genre newbies looking for an introduction to the genus. Because of its easy accessibility, however, the storyline doesn't win any awards and the overall challenge is far too easy. That said, the battle system is great fun and the characters are definitely likeable (there are plenty of cool puzzle and platforming sequences too).
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There you have it, 15 role-playing games coming soon or already available for PlayStation 2 owners this year. Being that this is only the second month of 2006, we expect to see plenty more RPGs announced before the end of the year -- so stay tuned and stay ready for more as the season pushes on!
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