As the year winds down, many of us look back on our favorite adventures and 2019 delivered some of the best RPGs of 2019 that reminded us why we fell in love with the genre in the first place. From massive console epics to genre-defining indies, this was a year when quality far outpaced quantity. Let’s revisit the standout titles that kept us glued to our screens and set the stage for an exciting 2020.
1. Kingdom Hearts III Reclaims the Spotlight
When Kingdom Hearts III finally arrived after a 13-year wait, it did so in spectacular fashion. Fans jumped back into the familiar Disney-meets-Square Enix worlds, exploring larger environments, unleashing dazzling combo attacks, and reuniting with beloved characters. Director Tetsuya Nomura kept enough mysteries alive to build hype for the upcoming Re:Mind expansion, making this entry feel both triumphant and tantalizingly unfinished.
2. Shadowbringers Elevates Final Fantasy XIV
Square Enix followed up Kingdom Hearts III’s success with Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers, its strongest MMORPG expansion yet. With breathtaking music, the haunting realm of Amaurot, and punishing boss mechanics, Shadowbringers set a new standard for live-service RPGs. As reviewer Dan Tack put it, it’s “the best expansion for Square Enix’s MMORPG so far.â€Â
3. Fire Emblem: Three Houses Sparks New Fandom
When Fire Emblem: Three Houses landed on Nintendo Switch, it breathed new life into the series. You step into the shoes of a house professor Black Eagles for life! and guide students through tactical battles, social interactions, and branching story paths. Its blend of school-life sim and battlefield strategy hooked both veterans and newcomers, proving this franchise is here to stay.
4. Disco Elysium: A Detective Unlike Any Other
Disco Elysium surprised everyone by redefining what an RPG could be. Playing as a deeply flawed detective, you navigate a richly detailed city through dialogue-driven skill checks and surreal inner monologues. Its sharp writing, intricate worldbuilding, and fearless exploration of mental health put it squarely in the year’s GotY conversation.
5. The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III
Falcom continued its epic saga with Trails of Cold Steel III, delivering hefty boss fights, tight character bonds, and jaw-dropping plot twists. Introducing a fresh Class VII and refined combat upgrades, it balanced nostalgia with modern conveniences, making it a must-play for JRPG purists.
6. The Outer Worlds: Retro-Style Space Noir
Obsidian’s The Outer Worlds leaned into its Mass Effect and Fallout inspirations and that was perfectly fine. Its biting humor, memorable companions, and branching moral dilemmas in a crumbling colony made it one of the most entertaining Western RPGs of the year.
7. Pokémon Sword & Shield Break New Ground
As the first mainline Pokémon entries on a home console, Sword & Shield introduced the Wild Area’s open-world feel and Dynamax battles. While opinions were split over regional Pokédex cuts, the gyms-as-stadiums concept and new adventures in Galar kept longtime fans engaged.
Honorable Mentions
- Romancing SaGa 3 and Scarlet Grace finally saw Western releases, giving fans classic JRPG action.
- Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth delighted 3DS owners, and remasters like Tales of Vesperia and Catherine Full Body refreshed old favorites.
- Shenmue III may not have lived up to its legend, but its release was a victory for fan passion.
- Don’t overlook Dragon Quest Builders 2 its joyful building gameplay won plenty of hearts.
What’s at the Door for 2020
With a new console generation looming, 2020’s lineup looked lean on announcements but heavy on promise. Heavyweights like Final Fantasy VII Remake, Cyberpunk 2077, and Nioh 2 were poised to push the genre forward. Add Tales of Arise, Trials of Mana, Wasteland 3, and Persona 5 Royal to the mix, and the year ahead suddenly feels packed with potential.
As we celebrate the best RPGs of 2019, it’s clear the genre remains vibrant. Whether you’re seeking heart-pounding combat, narrative depth, or open-world freedom, these games offered something unforgettable. Here’s to another year of epic quests may your save files never corrupt!