Welcome to the next entry in a Fextralife series highlighting the Top 5 RPGs for the upcoming month. In this edition, we’re going to take a look at what we think are the Top 5 RPGs of February 2018, 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 favourites given a shiny new coat of paint.

Top 5 Upcoming RPGs Of 2018: February

Valentine’s Day is nearly hear! Get into the spirit of things with this list of single-player RPG games that will give you an excuse to ignore your loved one for days. Some ports creeps onto the list, starting with an honourable mention for Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age & a brief look at the other RPG remakes Square Enix has in store for us.

Honorable Mention: Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age

Final Fantasy XII divided opinions strongly when it was first released back in 2006. Not with critics, though. They seemed to universally adore it, hailing it as one of the best Final Fantasy games ever and the last great PlayStation 2 RPG.

On the other hand, a large number of fans of the franchise were less convinced. With its MMO-like Gambit combat system and wimpy looking lead character (Vaan), it wasn’t the traditional turn-based Final Fantasy experience that many of the hardcore fans of old were craving.

If you can look past the differences, you’re in for a treat with a world so rich that Square Enix featured it in two Final Fantasy Games: Final Fantasy Tactics on the GBA (not to be confused with the superior Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions) and Final Fantasy XII. This port marks the first time that PC gamers have been able to play the upgraded Zodiac Age version of Final Fantasy XII. So they’ll be getting the shiniest of shiny versions.

So, go on. Head on an adventure with lovable characters such as Bargain Basement Han Solo (Balthier) & Sexy Chewbacca (Fran). Will you take the trip to Ivalice?

5. Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology

Next up on the list is Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology for the 3DS. It’s been seven years since Radiant Historia was released on Nintendo DS in 2011. The new version is an enhanced retellling of the original, with Redesigned character art, new character voice-overs, a brand-new opening animation by A-1 Pictures and a new theme song.

There is also new story content: Stocke will now meet a mysterious new character named Nemesia. It’s a modern classic with old-school JRPG gameplay. So if you liked games such as Bravely Default, you should probably give this one a  try too.

4. The Longest Five Minutes

The Longest Five Minutes is a spoof of the old 8-Bit RPGs of yesteryear. The hero – named Flash Back – faces the origin of all evil, the Demon King. It was supposed to be the final battle but suddenly he loses all memories of his adventure. What is his epic finishing move? Where does he come from? Why is he trying to defeat the Demon King?

The hero must try to regain his priceless memories before it’s too late. Will he survive the longest five minutes of his life? This game earned itself an entry for its novel setup. Starting right at the end and tracking back to find out why is a nice twist. It’s kind of like a much cuter Memento.

 

3. Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet

Based on a popular anime series, this is the first entry in the series to be released on the Xbox One and PC.

Welcome back to the World of Guns. Gun Gale Online from Sword Art Online II is visually enhanced, with many landscapes to discover in an all new original story supervised by series creator, Reki Kawahara.

There are plenty of tough bosses to challenge but you don’t have to go it alone – you can engage in 4-on- 4 cooperative battles.

It features a new character: Bazalt Joe. He’s a top ranked Gun Gale Online player who likes the protagonist’s Artificial Financial Adviser System. He’s equipped with a rare “Type-X” artificial intelligence and can think, take action and provide support. Joe’s cheerful demeanor is sure to make him a popular character. When victorious, he gives valuable information and items.

2. Secret of Mana – Remake

The Secret of Mana is sure to bring back fond memories for those of you old enough to own a Super Nintendo circa 1993, but for the young ones out there they may not have any idea what all the hype is about. The Secret of Mana was, and still is, considered one of the best action RPGs of the classic era, as it featured great visuals, combined with brilliant music and story telling as well as Zelda-like combat. On top of that, it was one of the first RPGs to feature co op, as friends could pop in and control members of the three man party! For those of you that missed it, now is your chance to experience where role playing began!

The remake launches in just over a week and the remake will feature:

• 3D Graphics – Revamped visuals for the entire game; a vivid, Mana-filled world rebuilt in 3D!
• Upgraded Gameplay – The original system has been reworked in an effort to realize a modern action RPG with improved gameplay.

For those of you who own a Nintendo Switch and are feeling left out, there is some good news. Recently Masaru Oyamada, the game’s Producer, stated that all though nothing is confirmed, they were blown away by the amount of fan feedback on this issue and are considering bringing it to Switch in the future.

 

1. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

And now for the final game on our list, Kingdom Come: Deliverance. As a Kickstarter backer for this very impressive looking game, there could be only one choice for the top spot this month.

In this first-person, open world RPG, head to a realistic Medieval Europe. A simple, young blacksmith loses everything due to war. He tries to fulfill his father’s dying wish but fate has other ideas. When pulled into a conspiracy to save a kidnapped king and save the country, will you be a knight, a rogue or a bard?

We’re promised an epic nonlinear story from Daniel Vávra, who is an award-winning designer who some of you may already know from the Mafia series.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance is set in the year 1403, in the Kingdom of Bohemia, part of the Lands of the Bohemian Crown in what is now known as the Czech Republic. The level of realism is impressive and extends to the combat and armour.

It reminds me a little of a more realistic Elder Scrolls game. It is definitely one not to be missed in February.

 

That’s a wrap for the Top RPGs of February. Did I miss your favourite February RPG 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 5 RPGs of January.

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