5 Upcoming RPG Video Games for Fall and Winter 2010

The holiday season of 2010 is a great time to a Role Playing Game fan. This fall and winter's video game releases are full of eagerly anticipated RPGs. From traditional to crossovers with other genres, there's one for every taste. Here are five promising RPGs coming in the next few months.

Fallout New Vegas (PS3, Xbox 360, PC)
New Vegas is set in the post nuclear world of 2280. The nukes didn't directly hit Vegas. It is a somewhat functioning city, much more so then the wasteland of Washington D.C. in Fallout 3. Players are a courier who is attacked and left for dead in the desert. This game is a RPG blended with elements of First Person Shooters. The V.A.T.S. targeting system from Fallout 3 is returning, as well as Karma. A Reputation system similar to the second game will be incorporated as well. The biggest addition is the Hardcore mode. In this difficulty level, your character must sleep, eat, and drink in order to survive. The highly anticipated New Vegas will be released on October 19.

Two World II (PS3, Xbox 360, PC)
This fantasy RPG sequel takes place five years after the events of the first one. The hero is imprisoned. All hope for saving his sister seems lost until he is rescued by an unlikely group. The game features an open world and no combat classes. How your character develops is up to you. Players can also allocate items to the D-pad, making them available quickly. Although the first game received mixed reviews due to glitches, Two Worlds II promises better graphics, gameplay, and a more finished product. It is set to be released October 5.

Arcania: Gothic IV (PC, Xbox 360)
Gothic IV happens 10 years after the last action centered RPG game. Players are a new character seeking revenge on those who destroyed his homeland and killed his friends and family. The combat is streamlined and happens in real time, instead of being turn based. There are three branches of magic to learn, fire, frost, and lightening. Players can pick from three different classes, archer, warrior, and wizard. This is the first game in the series to be released for consoles. Gothic IV is scheduled for release on October 14 2010. A PS3 version isn't coming out until 2011.

Fable III (Xbox 360, PC)
The series returns with the anticipated Fable III. The game starts out 50 years after the second installment. Players are the evil King's sibling and it's up to you to gain the trust of Albion's citizens in order to overthrow him. Once that happens, the decision to keep or break the trust of the citizens is your choice. Beyond the character morphing is location morphing. If you choice to let crime run rampant, the city will reflect that with houses and people looking more desperate as time goes by. Another new feature is the improved drop in co-op. Instead of the second player being a sidekick, both players' heroes can be used at the same time. Fable III has improved combat and players can build their own swords, making them available online for others to purchase. It will be released for the 360 on October 26 and in November for the PC.

Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland (PS3)
While the game was released in Japan over a year ago, American fans have to wait until September 28. This the eleventh title in the popular RPG series. Players take the role of Rorona, a worker at an alchemy store. When the royals threaten to close the shop, Rorona must save it. There are 12 tasks that need to be completed. Each task has a three month time limit and if players fail to complete it, they will have to start over again. The anime style graphics are cell-shaded for the first time. The combat system is turn based and much of the game's focus is on item synthesis. In order to experience all the different plot lines, the game must be played several times.

The fall and winter seasons of 2010 are filled with anticipated RPGs. Whether it's games like the popular Fallout New Vegas or ones at are being completely overhauled like Two Worlds II, there are plenty to pick from. This holiday season is a great one for RPG fans.

Sources:

http://lionhead.com/Fable/FableIII/

http://fallout.bethsoft.com/eng/home/home.php

Two Worlds II at ign.com

http://www.arcania-game.com/?lang=en

Atelier Rorona on ign.com