Welcome to the Top Upcoming RPGs of January 2019! In this series we highlight the Top 5 RPGs for the upcoming month. In this edition, we’re going to take a look at each of the titles, talk a little about each, and then explain why we think they deserve to be on the list. So join me now and find a mixture of some hidden gems and old favorites given a shiny new coat of paint.

Top 5 Upcoming RPGs Of January 2019

As 2018 closed out with Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden taking our top spot with its unique hybrid animal characters, 2019 brings some more quirkiness with some remakes and remasters. January has a few classics that make their way to new platforms as well gaining a graphics upgrade. With some titles celebrating an anniversary and a new title or two, we’re starting off the New Year right with some upcoming RPGs. Without further ado lets get into the month of January 2019!

Honourable Mention – Resident Evil 2 Remake

While not exactly an RPG we thought this one would be worth the mention as it’s a remake of a classic Resident Evil title. The Resident Evil 2 Remake will feature the suburb of Raccoon City. When the secluded Spencer mansions in the Arklay Mountain suffers a grisly occurrence, things quickly change the urban city into a living nightmare. After 20 years after the original release, we get to return to Raccoon City in this survival horror game. Resident Evil fans may remember the sequel to the original title making its appearance in 1998 on the first PlayStation. It was one of the first to break into the survival horror genre, introducing horrifying zombies and bio organic weapons.

But 20 years later Capcom sets to bring the title into the present with powerful RE Engine that was used to create it’s other title in the franchise, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. The  Remake also sets new perspectives as players will now be able to peer over-the-shoulder of main protagonists Leon and Claire. Along with returning familiar faces there will be some new ones adding fresh interactions to the game. Players will be able to follow two separate story-lines with Leon and Claire.

Resident Evil 2 Remake releases on Playstation 4, Xbox One, PC on January 25th 2019.

5. Xenon Valkyrie+

Xenon Valkyrie+ is a platformer that is part rogue-lite mixed in with some RPG elements. It’s the remake of the original Xenon Valkyrie that was available for PC by Diabolical Mind. The title developed by COWCAT adds some improvements to gameplay and more features.

Players must make their way to the deepest part of the moon to stop the evil plans of a wicked witch. Collect as many weapons as possible as you venture through the randomly-generated worlds, each time you play. Choose from three different heroes with unique skill sets, encounter over 100 items and discover several endings as well as a few secrets.

Xenon Valkyrie+ will be available on Nintendo Switch on January 1st 2019

4. Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition

After 10 years of its original release Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition celebrates its anniversary. Follows a tale of struggle of a civilisation that has become reliant on an ancient technology called the Blastia, that is being controlled by the empire. It is up to two friends who’s paths although begin separate are entwine in an adventure that endangers their world.

The definitive edition brings upscaled screen resolution, news characters, events and additional content that has never been released outside of Japan. Two new fully playable party members have been added which include Patty Fleur, a young pirate in search of her lost memories as well as Flynn Scifo.

Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition releases on Playstation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch and Xbox One on January 11th 2019.

3. Smoke and Sacrifice

The open-world narrative-driven RPG Smoke and Sacrifice makes its way to console this January. Following the story of Sachi, who lives in a farming community which survives on the last patch of fertile land. The town that devotes their lives to the blazing Sun Tree, after the sun has darkened. She sacrifices her first born to the Sun Tree but discovers a darker secret that lies beneath the aura of its benevolence. Will you be able to venture into the secret underworld to unfold the truth hidden within? Or perish in the smoke that clouds the world?

Players will be able to craft, fight, survive and explore the large open world which is depicted in a hand-painted art-style. The game has a complex ecosystem where creatures will mate, breed, forage and prey on each other. You’ll need so solve puzzles that involve taming these creatures. This gothic adventure RPG will let you discover each character’s tale.

Smoke and Sacrifice will release on PS4 and Xbox One on January 15th.

2. Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet Complete Edition

Bandai Namco welcomes you to the world of Gun Gale Online. A third person shooter action-RPG based the original novels, this version is visually enhanced and contains a diverse world developed with Unreal Engine 4, full of landscapes to discover in an all new original story which has been guided by the series creator, Reki Kawahara.

Take on tough bosses in a sci-fi themed action game that gives a range of personalisation options. The title sets to bring realistic and heroic gun play with uniquely designed weapons with a range of skills to create. The complete edition contains Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet base game, expansions Ambush of the Imposters, Betrayal of Comrades, Collapse of Balance and expansion pack Dissonance of the Nexus.

Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet Complete Edition will be making its way to Xbox One, PC and PS4 on January 19th 2019.

1. Kingdom Hearts III

Set to be the most star studded entry for the action-RPG Kingdom Hearts franchise, the latest entry returns with talented artists such as Kristen Bell and Josh Gad. Kingdom Hearts III brings the characters from Hercules, Frozen, Big Hero 6 and more in a Disney crossover that sets out to trump them all.

Focusing on the power of friendship, the story follows main character Sora as he embarks on an adventure with his trusty band of friends. Players will be able to cast powerful magical spells and use new abilities from Keyblades as they battle the Heartless. Team up with Disney Pixar friends for support, summoning all-new “attractions” which takes its inspiration from theme parks. As you battle your way through the world scale cliffs, dive underwater and even experience freefalling through the air. The title also includes 20 minigames which is inspired by classic Disney short films.

Kingdom Hearts III will release on January 29th 2019 on Playstation 4 and Xbox One

That’s a wrap for the Top RPGs of January. Did I miss your favorite January release? What games are you most looking forward to this year? Please let us know in the comments below.

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You can also check out the Top RPGs of December 2018.

So, do you want more? If so, you can find more Top RPGs for 2018 here.