This Year in RPGs: January

It's that time of year again, loyal reader. The time of year where every blog that's worth their salt compiles some sort of list comprised of the top blank of blank. I'm sure I'll miss some worthy entries as I count through the year's top RPGs as these kinds of list always do, but don't let that stop you from enjoying these top 12 RPG titles that made the cut (worthy of playing) this year.

Final Fantasy XIII - 2 (released January 31st, 2012)

January saw Square-Enix release a follow up to the 13th entry of their flagship franchise. Although Final Fantasy XIII performed fairly well and eventually sold many millions of copies, critics and fanboys alike derided the linear nature of the game, the underwhelming diversity of enemies and quests, and the likability of some of the characters (I'm looking at you, Hope). Others complained that the world lacked towns where adventurers could interact with NPCs, something some consider a crucial component of RPGs, and something rather vocally detested by the fanbase.

Square-Enix took all of those complaints into consideration when making FFXIII - 2. This isn't the cash grab follow up that FFX - 2 was to FFX, trying to milk a dollar by reusing assets; this is S-E trying to make up to their fans. Surprisingly they do a number of things right this time. Maybe someone at the top is listening.

A New Story

Some people said that FFXIII's story was convoluted. Others said it simply wasn't very good. Some people liked it. I say to each their own, but I did feel as if its story was presented a bit too much through cinematics. Square has made fantastic cinemas for some time now, but there's a point every game reaches where it's taking control away from the player a bit too much to the detriment of their immersion. Anyways, in FFXIII-2 you play as Serah, sister of Lightning (the protagonist of FFXIII), along with newcomer named Noel as they search for Lightning.

The combat system from FFXIII returns, which should make some people happy, but I thought it was one of the most uninteresting components to FFXIII.

Open Ended 

FFXIII - 2 (That's Final Fantasy Thirteen Two for those of you who may be perplexed by S-E's numbering system at this point. Personally I think it's a mouthful) features multiple endings like Chrono Trigger.

DLC

For the first time Square-Enix has DLC for a Final Fantasy that's substantial. Some of it is nostalgic, others fan service, but it's nice to see them getting with the program. FFXIII didn't have any DLC to speak of even though there was some request for it from the fans. Once again it seems S-E has taken their feedback into consideration.

Gotta Catch 'Em All

FFXIII - 2 features a monster capturing system that can be addicting for players that like that sort of thing. Basically you can capture any monster and have it in your party and use it to attack your enemies. At least that's my understanding of the situation.