RPGamer's Top RPGs for 2008

The year is halfway over. So far, 2008 has shown a lot of promise. RPGamer has had some big name titles released and some really exciting RPGs still on the way. Here at RPGamer, they have decided to celebrate the first half of the year while looking forward to the second half.

To do that, they have voted on their top five most wanted titles for the rest of 2008. That's not where the fun ends though. Along with their top picks for the rest of the year, a few individuals felt like sharing their highlights from the first half along with their picks for the rest of 2008.

[Breakfast]

No PS3 games on this list

[Tommy Vercetti]

Who the hell is hit disagree? Either they can't read, or they are completely irrational fanboys because FACT there are no PS3 games on the list! Also a FACT The PS3 is sorely lacking in the RPG department. It will get better (FFXIII and White Knight are coming) but in the interim there is no need to deny the obvious.

EDIT ok which one of you little girls hit disagree and won't explain why? That goes for my comment and breakfasts!
HOMICIDE: You are correct I should have been more clear I meant NO PS3 Exclusives on the list.

[Homicide]

Read Bloodmask's comment. Fallout 3 is coming out for the PS3, and it's on the list. Also The Last Remnant is coming out for the PS3, but not this year. BTW, I didn't click disagree.

[RememberThe357]

I love it when people disagree with facts like their opinions. The truth is that the PS3 needs more RPG development. Any one who disagrees with that either doesn't like RPGs or is in denial.

[jwatt]

Yea they need to make it so you can see who disagreed becuase it's rediculous. I mean if there's no ps3 rpg on that list so f@ck!ng what, why do you need to disagree.

[chaosatom]

I want quality over quantity.

[jwatt]

Yea White Knight has very impressive graphics and fighting mechanics.

[socomnick]

yea but in order to have quality you need to have those rpgs come out. They dont seem to be doing that.

[Panthers]

I think Disgaea might surprise. Im looking forward to it.

[sumfood4u]

Gotta get my skill on til FFXIII hits but I'm luvin every moment $hit talk they tell me when i snipe out their team one by one!

[CaptainHowdy]

Where's
Disgaea 3
Sacred 2
White Knight Chronicles
Fable 2
Rise of the Argonauts
Persona 4
Elveon
Valkryia chronicles
????
Fallout @ numero cinco? CRAZY!!! epic fail

[tojfs7931]

There haven't BEEN any.

[BIoodmask]

are coming out for PS3. TLR won't come out until some time next year most likely though. I am looking forward to Infinite Undiscovery, Fable 2, and Tales of Vesperia.

The retro remakes are also very nice for the DS.

[LaChance]

You dont have the quality nor the quantity.

I prefer quality AND quantity.

[Sez]

i can't wait for most of these games to be released this year. i'm almost finished with LO and NG2. so i need some new rpg to play.

[Homicide]

They must've wrote this before Persona 4 was announced for this year. Persona 4 is my must have RPG for this year. The list is pretty nice though.

[TruthbeTold]

Should definitely be one of the best for this year.

[MK_Red]

Horrible list. They should change the name of the list or their site to "J-RPG Fanboys". Seriously, no Fable 2? Fallout 3 at 5th and behind JRPGS!? Joke of the Year is here!

[socomnick]

Something tells me that fallout 3 will be mostly a shooter with some rpg elements. Kinda like stalker. hope its good but If it isnt isometric its not a fallout game to me it isnt a rpg either.

[MK_Red]

I know what you mean and it definitly will be ages behind Fallout 1 & 2 but even then it will be better than most other games. Also, lack of Fable 2, Persona 4, White Knight Story and Valkyrie Chronicles in the list is simply unforgivable.

[mepsipax]

I remember 15 years ago when I actually liked JRPG's but I stopped liking them the day I realized they haven't changed in 15 years, they're so stale, and linear. Fallout was amazing for me, it's the best RPG ever, because it's an actual RPG, I really don't think I've played any RPG's in a while to think about it, while I love games like Mass Effect, it still wasn't really an RPG in my eyes, in an RPG there should be little skill involved, when I say this I mean it should be stat based like fallout, not saying fallout is easy I mean everything you do is governed by your stats, weapons, trading, you name it, everything, today the world is full of action RPG's, but yeah, terrible list, seeing as all the JRPGs on that list are pretty much identical (IMO) they'll all have the same basic gameplay mechanics, and it will be one big borefest.

[MK_Red]

Absolutly agreed mepsipax and bubbles for you.

Real RPGs should indeed be based on stats not skill. In Fallout, Baldur's Gate and other real and pure RPGs, there was no tactial shooting, mini-game or other thing.

[Panthers]

Well I am not looking forward to Fable 2 at all. I was so hyped for the first one and it let me down big time. No way am I going to get excited for this one.

Besides, I like JRPGs much more. Leveling up multiple people in battles that just feel a lot more epic.

[MK_Red]

Dude, even for a J-RPG fan the list is horrible. Where is Level 5's RPG, White Knight Story? Where is Valkyre of Battlefield? Where is PERSONA 4!!?!!?!??

[nirwanda]

have you given lost odyssey a try seriously, don't be put off by the standard looking jrpg style it's the best translated japanese story ever, not the badly translated childish rubbish you usually get,
you can pick it up really cheap now.

[Spike47]

for MK_Red? The list is truly horrible.

[theusedfake]

aside from final fantasy iv
i'm not really looking forward
to any on the list.
i'll definitely give them
a shot though

[MK_Red]

Well, apperantly there are just too many J-RPG fanboys and not many Western / PC RPG fans.

Also, where the HECK is Persona 4!? It's gonna pwn ALL of those J-RPGs.
Fallout 3 = Biggest W-RPG
Persona 4 = Biggest J-RPG

[power of Green]

I dissagreed with #1 in the gamerzone first and I didn't even read anymore than the header for this story and his post(multi platform RPG's will most likely be on the list considering they make up some of the Top RPG's coming in 2008 lol.

Still have not read the list and will not due to knowing what is coming lol.

Tommy Vercetti: I'm dissagreeing with you because your post is nonsense If I could; I would have replied asking why people were agreeing with breakfast *and* you because Breakfast was wrong. Once again I hit dissagree on your comment because your point was moot to start out with.

[Obama]

No white knight story and ff13? Do they even play rpgs?

[Breakfast]

N4G...what's happening to you??

2008.

[socomnick]

Wks will most likely come out next year. Ff 13 will not come this year I doubt it will make it to the states in 09 it takes a while to translate the game to English.

[Obama]

Well white knight story is coming out this year in Japan at the very least. Also ff13 may come out in dec too.

[eddierivera]

I know that Final Fantasy might not be out in the US, but its still coming out this year. Also, I too would prefer quality over quanity, I would rather play Final Fantasy 13 than all of the games on the list put together. Also, Tales of Vesperia and Fable 2 are better than those on the list. Lets not forget Valkyria Chronicles, Infinite Undiscovery, and Final Fantasy Versus. To my understanding, Vs. is coming out before 13. I cant believe they put a Wii game on the list. This article is totally retarded.

[mepsipax]

where the hell is alpha protocal? that game is looking sic, it's all stupid JRPGs with the same boring storyline, some darkness is rising in the east/west/north/south and a modest but brave boy/girl must set out on an adventure to stop the ultimate evil, that's why I like REALISTIC rpgs, like Deus Ex, Fallout, where you aren't fighting some invisible evil, or some magic being, but trying to save your friends from starvation (until those bastards kicked me out) or trying to stop a corrupt government from spreading a deadly virus.

[MrWeymes]

..could make a turn based RPG that doesn't revolve around the story you just specified. In fact, they already have. Look at Shadow Hearts, Parasite Eve, and the Persona series. I happen to love turn based combat, but like any style of gameplay, it will get boring if you play too much, or play one game after another. I love western RPGs as well. I don't really dislike any genre. I like to have a good selection. Right now, I'm playing Zelda: Twilight Princess, and the Ninja Gaiden 2, and Metal Gear Solid 4.

[MK_Red]

Dude, I Alpha Protocal is a 2009 game. Same as Borderlands.

[mepsipax]

yah, I know I forgot, oh and I'm not saying every JRPG has the same story but the majority of them do, I am not a fan of a particular type of turned based fighting usually used in JRPGs the one in which you only select your attacks/defense/spells whatever, I like the grid based Fallout turn based, I love old school turned based strategy games, like fallen haven, and steel panthers and fallout had the same base style, whatever don't try to point out a good JRPG I have long since given up on the genre, because they all look the same to me.

[MK_Red]

I'm definitly with out mepsipax. Classic PC RPGS were THE best and among them, Fallout 1 & 2 were the kings.

Some classics will never be repeated. Fallout 3 is behind Fallout 1-2. BioShock is behind System Shock 1-2. Dues Ex 3 will be behind Deus Ex 1. Even outside RPG real, the classics will remain untouched. Doom 3 was ages behind Doom 1-2. WarCraft 3 was behind WC2 (IMO). Red Alert 3 will be behind RA2...

[LeonSKennedy4Life]

Love the System Shock 2 avatar...

Behind every good developer is a phenomenal game that didn't receive enough praise.

[mepsipax]

people always says its nostalgia that makes me love these games, while that may be a factor in it, I can still play Deus Ex, System Shock 1-2, Fallout 1-2 (and I like tactics) and still find them better than todays over hyped, over expensive, tech demos, that are really just pushing some "innovative feature" Hmm.. let me think, number one level in a game would have to be Hong Kong in deus ex, show that to one of today's twitch gamers and he would not be able to figure out how to beat it. Or the sheer tension in SS2 when you knew there was some insane pipe/wrench wielding maniac somewhere up ahead, or just going off wandering in Fallout and stumbling across a small village or secret cave these games are true legends and they don't require "awesome 32 player online, 8 player co-op" a true testament to a game developer is to make a singleplayer game that you can go back to over and over again.

[Charlie2688]

Wait for me guys I was almost late for the nostalgia reunion!

@MK_Red and mepsipax: your 9.4 and 9.6 comments are 120% accurate and they didn't required any special perk nor any bionic implant nor a huge amount of nanites or cybernetic modules :P

[mepsipax]

good conversation guys, and heres hoping Deus Ex 3 and System Shock 3 won't make me bash my head on the keyboard repeatedly while I'm still looking forward to fallout 3 my expectations are low, I really, really, really hope System Shock 3 is made, and that will be amazing, not just EA trying to copy Bioshock, that would suck. And as for Deus Ex 3, I don't know, Invisible war wasn't bad, it just wasn't Deus Ex, it was dumbed down, not as open, a dissapointment, Ubi could turn it around, but without warren I'm still skeptical, well at least us with a good enough PC have Starcraft II and Diablo III to look forward too.
well so ends my limited bubbles, I think I was up to 6 but got in a nasty scuffle with a bunch of Halo fanboys today.

[MK_Red]

Great conversation indeed my friends. I was wondering when would you show up Charlie2688. Always spot on.

LOL, just saw my previous comments. "I Alpha Protocal is a 2009 game" or "I'm definitly with out mepsipax"... Must have been really sleepy :D
As for System Shock 3, I don't have high hopes. BioShock was made by the same team and we all know how it turned out. Remember how in the beginning, BioShock was a pure and deep RPG (4-5 years ago that it was first announced)? I think SS3 could be the Thief 3 of Thief franchise at best.
As for Deus Ex 3, I just think it would be IMPOSSIBLE to recreate the greatness of the original. In a way, Deus Ex is even more uinque than Fallout and I seriously doubt it will ever happen again. Same for Fallout but at least, they did manage to make Fallout 2 :)

[zagibu]

I agree with this train of thought. I think devs can't spew out the same gameplay quality as in the 90s anymore, because they target the mass market. This means gameplay mechanics are simplified and development focus is shifted on shiny graphics.
Games like UFO, Dune 2, Deus Ex, etc., which have defined their genres, are rare today, indeed. But noone stops you from replaying these old classics (I still play them every two to three years, to check if they still work. Dune 2 still works, despite it not even having a "rectangle-select" feature...).

[juuken]

...Stupid list.

[LeonSKennedy4Life]

Fallout 3 is the only one on that list worth mentioning. Everything else looks like a rehash of PS2 RPG's that didn't quite make it to the top.

[Sonics020]

360 does have a better RPG lineup this year, however; PS3 RPG fans will not be bored with titles such as Fallout 3, Valkyrie Chronicles, Disgaea 3, and Persona 4(PS2) there will plenty to do. Next Year the PS3 will have the much better RPG lineup with White Knight Chronicles, FF13, The PS3 Tales game (Rumored),the PS3 version of Last Remnant, and possible FFv13.

[thenickel]

How do you know PS3's lineup will be better next year when MS has yet to announce there 2009 plans? Why don' you wait instead of predicting things.

[pumpkinpunker]

sony usually announces their games 2-3 years in advance while with Microsoft there typically is a 1 year window for their announcements. so for a PS3 fan to list off upcoming 2009 exclusives for the PS3 and compare them to the 360 in 2009 is just silly because Microsoft usually keeps their cards closer to their chest.

[ThatCanadianGuy]

What about..
Both the final fantasy's.
White knight
Valkryia chronicles?

OOOOHHHH bloodmask..that explains it.

[Angelitos]

Poor Xbots

Poor Xbots, this writer already failed, he wrote,"no Persona 4" for 2008, when It was already confirmed for early December. Poor Xbots, White Knight Chronicles could release this year, this guy already made a 2008 list, he must suck too much grease. Poor Xbots, you make me laugh you make me laugh.

Poor Xbots

[Sez]

must be laughing at the one rpg that sony has coming this year. and yes he did forget some like. fable2, star ocean4,Tales of Vesperia all exclusive for the 360. and guess what they are coming this year. have for masterbating to pic of White Knight Chronicles and FF75 or whatever number they are on. while i will be playing this year.

[Tacki]

Well, I don't believe the list is entirely in line with what I'd choose... but it's what THEY voted on. It's their opinion. Some people complaining that it's all J-RPG's... well what do you want them to do? Add in some western RPG's they're not REALLY looking forward to just to cater to a wider variety of tastes?

I'm not trying to call anybody out or bash western RPG's... but this is just one website's picks. They're not spreading lies or saying there's nothing else out there. And I think calling them J-RPG fanboys is rather unfair. Just because it might appear by this list that they 'prefer' them doesn't make them fanboys. I'll admit that 'prefer' J-RPG's but that's just me. There is a few western RPG's that interest me... but often they're just not my style. No one's right or wrong for liking one or the other. I could understand if the article was bashing one side... but it's not!

Oh, and those that I'm looking forward to this year...

Fallout 3
Valkyria Chronicles
Infinite Undiscovery
Last Remnant
Final Fantasy IV

EDIT: Actually now I see it kinda is in line with my choices. lol

[Asurastrike]

I am so saddened that the PS3 has turned into a FPS peice of crap console.

I am getting a 360 after the price drop so I can play the games I got my PS3 for, RPGS!

[Tacki]

The 360 has has TONS of shooters so I don't really know what you're getting at there.

I'm not saying you shouldn't get a 360. If you have the money then by all means do because there's great stuff coming out on both sides. But remember that the 360 had a year head start... and some really nice looking PS3 RPG's will arrive by early next year. You just have to be patient. I'm sure alot of these games will be worth it. Especially exclusives like White Knight Chronicles and Final Fantasy XIII. And I'm sure there will be more announced/shown during E3.

[socomnick]

What hes getting at is that the xbox 360 is the home of rpgs. So he wants to buy one. Good for you its great being a multi console owner. Best of both worlds.

[Tacki]

Well I'd still say the PS2 is the "home of RPG's". Though I will agree that this generation so far the 360 is leading the way.

I just don't understand the remark "FPS piece of crap console" when I don't really see the PS3 having an overabundance of FPS games now or a ton on the horizon. No problem with the 'crap' part if that's his opinion. I'm just hoping he'll explain a bit more on his remark.

But yes, it's great being a multi console owner. Each side has something to offer. Even if you prefer one side over another... there's still gems out there for every console! I mean, I can't wait to get it on in Gears of War 2 and SOCOM: Confrontation later this year!

[Legion]

DS games at #1 and #2... you got to be joking. I am shocked they didn't include board games on this list. What about the PC games? Or cellphone games? Lets go ahead and include those while we are at it. Idiots...

[TruthbeTold]

...since there is absolutely no way a DS game can be incredible or anything. Give me a break. You really call yourself a gamer with an attitude like that?

[Legion]

Actually NO. There is NO way a DS game can be considered incredible. Other then if you compare it to another handheld game.

It can't be innovative in visual, audio or control... so for it to be incredible it has to have so much substance put into that tiny memory limitation to make it stand out above the rest. And I have yet to see that in any handheld game over a next gen system.

I am so tired of handheld games being given same level of attention as next gen games. They don't compare anything against the next gen games but yet they list it in the same category? Give me a break!

[Isaac]

The best JRPG on 360 is Lost Odyssey, and while it is good, it is not impressive by any measures, it does not really measure up with the Final Fantasies, Dragon Quests, Kingdom Hearts and Chrono Triggers of the Past. Not even with the Wild Arms, Lufias, and several others on the list of AA or A JRPGs, if only barely.

I do not have very high expectations for the 360 JRPG games on the list, but hey, Japanese game devs can afford to put these games on 360 because it is easy to develop for and they have low production values, so if it flops they can just port it to PS3.

On the other hand, high risk projects like FF, KH, White Knight or DQ will probably never see the light on 360. If you are a JRPG fan, it is kinda pointless buying a console with no killer JRPG games, you are better off waiting with a PS2, a console that has dozens of AAA JRPGs which nobody has probably finished in their entirety. PS3 is getting the worthy games, so in the interim just use your PS2.

[pumpkinpunker]

to simulatenously live in the past (PS2 RPGS) and the future (upcoming PS3 rpgs that might release in 2009).

[Legion]

Give him a break. He is still upset that he has to play his PS2 for good RPG games because his B3yond machine hasn't caught up to the market need for good RPG's just yet. Sony is too busy trying to get into MS 1st person universe to remember they used to thrive on their RPG greatness. Oh well,,, hard to teach an old dog new tricks? Or is that old tricks? Oh well,,, whatever.

[DFresh]

Fall Out 3 is gonna be awesome!
FFXIII is coming soon so I look forward to playing this game.
Star Ocean 4 and Tales of Vesperia are timed exclusives for the 360 they'll eventually come to the PS3.