Opinion Fest 2009: RPG of the Year

Well, it's taken a lot longer than I thought, but we are finally down to the last and most prestigious award: the best RPG of 2009.

If you have been following the previous awards, you have no doubt noticed that RPGs contain a lot of different elements. Story, gameplay, music, graphics, etc. While I like to recognize games that do any of these well – and preferably with some vision – the best RPG ultimately combines all of these elements into what I like to think of as the “complete package” in order to create an experience that is both fun and memorable. The best RPGs usually have a soul or a purpose to their existence beyond making money.

The following are what I felt did the best at delivering the best RPG in 2009.

Honorable Mention: Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story – Alphadream, Nintendo – Nintendo DS

Though perhaps too casual for many hardened RPG fanatics, Mario & Luigi 3 managed to combine not only gorgeous 2D visuals with brilliantly fun gameplay, but was able to remind me what I love about Mario games in general: a charming world with a simple yet fun game premise.

Honorable Mention: Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes – Capybara, Ubisoft – Nintendo DS

As with Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlock before it, Clash of Heroes proves that an RPG built on top of a single puzzle game can be not only fun to play, but down right captivating. Though its reliance on its puzzle system to do absolutely everything prevents it from cracking the top three, its testament to well-planned innovative design makes it hard not to recommend.

3rd: Star Ocean: The Last Hope – tri-Ace, Square Enix – Xbox 360



Though not quite as fresh as fan-favourite Star Ocean 2, The Last Hope manages to simultaneously tip its hat to the series' long-time fans while telling a brand new story. SO4 ends up being more story-heavy than any of its predecessors, but does so with an interesting plot that takes several interesting turns and provides plenty of food for thought. Though I feel that the Star Ocean series still has a lot of potential to explore, it is a decent last dance.

2nd: Dragon Age: Origins – BioWare, EA – PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3



Dragon Age has been in development for a long time (it was first announced at E3 2004). What exactly went on during those roughly 6 or more years is anyone's guess, but the sheer volume of story and history present in the stand alone game itself is evidence that BioWare has been incredibly dilligent in the creation of its latest epic.

Dragon Age: Origins follows the last of the Kingdom of Ferelden's Grey Wardens – an ancient organization created to destroy the Darkspawn – as they rush to build an army against the coming Blight. Its seemingly clichéd approach to Western RPG storytelling belies its deep and thoroughly captivating tale which not only allows for the player's choice of advancement, but also changes according to it.

Those who like their RPGs traditional and of the high fantasy variety would do themselves a disservice by passing this one up.

1st: Magna Carta II – Softmax, Namco Bandai – Xbox 360



Like Dragon Age, Magna Carta II has been in development for a long time. Announced for the 360 before it even launched, the title has been on the operating table for longer than most would care to think about. However, all the time appears to have been worth it, as Magna Carta II offers what I feel is the most complete RPG of 2009.

The beginning of the tale is a familiar one. A young man named Juto has been living a peaceful, if dull life, on a small island village, despite a severe case of amnesia. When a relic of an ancient war is discovered on the island, the resulting clash of warring forces steals from him his loved ones and his home.

Despite its worn-out opening, Magna Carta II develops into a tale that is involving as it is sincere. The story and characters are remarkably human for their subject matter, and adding in a deceptively deep battle system and high production values, the game is a true ghestalt – far more than the sum of its parts. Magna Carta II was easily the most fun I got out of an RPG in 2009, and is highly recommended to anyone with a love for the genre.



Well, that's it. Though 2009's RPGs were much more sparse than 2008, it had a few good titles that arguably stood out more this year due to less competition. Now a few weeks into 2010, the new decade looks bright with quality RPGs already upon us.

Again, sorry it took so long to get these all up. We will be back to regular updates on Monday.

Best wishes to everyone in the new year, and thanks for reading Sword Machine!

Opinion Fest 2009: Most Anticipated of 2010

Though all Opinion Fest awards are based on subjective thought, the Most Anticipated award is by far the most irrational. Besides screenshots and the occasional trailer, it is rarely possible to form a truly accurate opinion of a game without actually playing it. Being heavily drawn towards the genre from a very young age, it typically takes little to get me salivating over the next RPG, big or obscure.

Thus, the only criteria for this award are the absurdly subjective “how much I want to play it” level, and decent acknowledgement that the game will be released within the year. Ultimately, I would love to put things like “Mistwalker’s next big game” on the list, but regardless of developers’ hints, such statements tend to inhibit credibility. So anyway, check out what I want to play the most in 2010.

3rd: Arc Rise Fantasia – imageepoch, Ignition – Nintendo Wii

Though turn-based RPGs used to be the staple of the genre, they have become increasingly rare. And good turn-based RPGs are nearly extinct.

Arc Rise Fantasia is one such surviving turn-based title that looks to cater directly to fans of the traditional JRPG. Its bright look and emphasis on traditional JRPGaming has my interest piqued, despite its overly-lengthy delay here in North America.

2nd: Final Fantasy XIII – Square Enix – PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

If there is one JRPG series that anyone can recognize, it is Final Fantasy. In generations past, Final Fantasy was synonymous with quality RPGaming, and most other RPGs could only hope to hold a candle to it.

Times change, and though the Final Fantasy name is more recognizable than ever before, many longtime fans feel betrayed or disillusioned. Final Fantasy XIII, the latest official numbered installment is nearly upon us. Though the game is hoping to win back lost faith in the series, and has indeed revived my interest, I am not holding my breath.

1st: Tales of Graces – Namco Bandai – Nintendo Wii

After playing Tales of Vesperia, I had a hard time imagining I could ever care about a Tales of title in standard definition again. But then Tales of Graces appeared and has made me a believer. From Mutsumi Inomata’s character designs down to classic monsters and artes, Tales of Graces appears to be indeed be worthy of the latest main installment.

Though the game hasn’t received an official confirmation for North America at the time of writing, the existence of an English version of the main theme (which you can check out here) is a strong sign that its publications could be more than a groundless dream.

Opinion Fest 2009: Best Story

Though I have been playing video games since the NES era, it was not until I discovered that a precious few games under the then extremely obscure genre known as ‘RPG’ not only had interactive quests, but also had meaningful characters, human emotion, and complex and interesting plots. From the revelation that games could be about more than just “save the princess,” my interest in gaming became solidified, and my love of the RPG genre was set in stone.

With less time now than ever before, a game must prove its worth to me much more rigorously than when I was 12, and much of that relies on its story. In fact, if I have to force myself to stay interested in a game’s story, it’s likely the game won’t stay in my console for long.

Thus, the Best Story award is not one I give lightly, and is probably the second most prestigious award (next to RPG of the Year).

Honorable Mention: Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor – Atlus – Nintendo DS

The Shin Megami Tensei series has built its name on doing things different, particularly in its narratives. Where most RPGs are anxious to tell you a story about knights and princesses and dragons, MegaTen would rather tell you about a kid on your block who becomes possessed with a demon through the internet and somehow survives the end of the world because of it. And Devil Survivor is no exception.

Following a group of high school students who receive possessed DSes (they aren’t called that in the game, but it’s fairly obvious) with days to live, they must figure out how to avert fate and possibly prevent the end of the world. For RPG fans who don’t mind reading more than playing, Devil Survivor is a well-told story.

3rd: Black Sigil: Blade of the Exiled – Studio Archcraft, Graffiti – Nintendo DS

Despite its sickeningly high encounter rate, Black Sigil promised an epic tale, and an epic tale it told. With frequently engaging writing and a refreshingly original take on the classic RPG formula, Studio Archcraft has proved that even if it doesn’t know what gamers are looking for in terms of a game, they do understand what makes for an interesting plot.

Black Sigil’s story proves that solid, well-thought-out writing can make a game stand out even despite its otherwise deal-breaking flaws. Now if there were some way to get it in book form so I didn’t have to actually play it…

2nd: Magna Carta II – Softmax, Namco Bandai – Xbox 360

To anyone who only played an hour or so of Softmax and Namdai’s latest RPG, this award may seem like a mistake. Magna Carta II’s premise is, after all, just about as clichéd as you can get: a reluctant amnesic hero is thrown into the midst of a war when his hometown is destroyed and his loved ones are slaughtered. And at the beginning of the game, I would have agreed with you. Pretty presentation and interesting battle system aside, the game was shaping up to be another cliché-fest.

However, within a few hours, these thoughts had been replaced with something that is increasingly rare in mainstream RPGs: emotion. Indeed, the further I played, the more I became aware that each of Magna Carta II’s characters were complex creatures, each with strengths, desires, and anxieties. What appeared at first glance to be a derivative plot soon revealed itself to be not only astonishingly deep, but also genuinely interesting.

1st: Dragon Age: Origins – BioWare, EA – PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

If EA’s marketing of Dragon Age: Origins was to be believed, the game was going to be about blood, sex, and goth metal music. Thankfully, that PR team should be fired for so grossly misrepresenting a deep and obviously painstakingly developed narrative about tragedy, racism, religious tolerance, and perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

As the game’s seemingly endless codex will attest, the world of Dragon Age is so thoughtfully crafted in every respect imaginable, it’s easy to forget the game is fiction. From characters reluctant to share their own fears and motivations, to simple beggars on the streets, everything and everyone is meticulously scripted together into a living, breathing universe.

Though the game’s gameplay and graphics could stand some work (for console gamers), Dragon Age: Origins’ writing is clearly a labour of love, and any RPGamer looking for a good story need look no further than BioWare’s latest masterpiece.

Opinion Fest 2009: Best Soundtrack

Though – as I mentioned previously – games are mainly a visual medium, other elements make up the overall experience. One of those elements that plays a large role in a game’s subconscious identity is its music. Music has been in games for so long that most people pay it little conscious attention, though I’m willing to bet that most of you can still hum the Chrono Trigger theme.

The winners of this award were able to not only implement memorable or ear-pleasing tunes, but were able to do so in a way that compliments the presentation and adds personality.

3rd: Ar Tonelico II: Melody of Metafalica – Gust Sound Team – PlayStation 2

Haunting and dissonant at the same time, the composers that make up the Gust Sound Team – Akira Tsuchiya, Ken Nakagawa, and Daisuke Achiwa – have again created a soundtrack that carries the sub-standard visuals that Gust is known for into fantastic and memorable worlds. The returned involvement of Haruka Shimotsuki, Takashige Inagaki, and (of course) Akiko Shikata help set the music in the Ar Tonelico series in their own field.

Though the soundtrack isn’t as memorable, as original, or as pleasant as its predecessor, Ar Tonelico II’s OST is worth listening to, and is one of the high points of an otherwise disappointing follow-up.

2nd: Black Sigil: Blade of the Exiled – Jan Morgenstern – Nintendo DS

Jan Morgenstern’s work is well-respected in many underground communities and projects, and is recognized even by mainstream outlets. It should come as no surprise, then, that his score for the unfortunately squandered opportunity known as Black Sigil, is similarly praiseworthy.

At once both fresh and nostalgic, the combination of epic scale and retro sensibilities gives much of the game an air of believability; if you didn’t know better, you might think this was once a great SNES game. Since this was the goal of the developers, its soundtrack, at least, got it right. It’s too bad that there is not outlet to buy or download the soundtrack directly at the time of writing, but I will keep my fingers crossed, as it is well worth listening to.

1st: Magna Carta II – Jang Sung-Woon – Xbox 360

At times charming. At others, evocative. Occasionally chilling. Often gorgeous. Jang Sung-Woon – though a name in music composition I am not familiar with – has done some wonderful things with Magna Carta II’s soundtrack, and the effort is recognized and appreciated.

Though, as I noted earlier, Magna Carta II’s visuals are stunning, the music really helps to solidify them in the player’s mind and give them a sense of character that carries them beyond the ending credits. I can still remember the first time I set foot into Navyblue Marsh, or the blood-stained rocks of Dunan Hill. Such is the signature of a great soundtrack: musically worthy of solo listening, but so complimentary to the game that the listener can’t help but see and feel the world from the game all over again.

Opinion Fest 2009: Best Graphics

Though gameplay and story are what every game needs, gaming is a visual medium. Indeed, many games are (often unfortunately) held up to scrutiny based on their graphics first, and the actual core of the game as an afterthought.

Though many "mainstream" gaming publications like to talk about technical things like framerate, lighting, anti-aliasing, and bump mapping, graphics - in my mind, at least - are most important in their creation of a game's look and feel. Any readers familiar with my observations of games will know that I will take a beautifully styled title over one with "realistic textures" or "cutting-edge bloom lighting" any day of the week. With that in mind, check out what I thought the most graphically impressive RPGs were in 2009.

Honorable Mention: Borderlands – Gearbox, 2K – PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

With the myriad of brown and grey post-apocalyptic shooters on the market right now, Borderlands needed a facelift - something to make itself stand out. When it resurfaced last year with a new cell-shaded look, it was the talk of the town, and for good reason. With a colourful, more imaginative feel about it, Gearbox was able to give Borderlands the identity boost it needed, and its success speaks for itself. That said, the game could really use some variety in its locales. Beautifully painted or no, a wasteland still looks like a wasteland.

3rd: Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story – Alphadream, Nintendo – Nintendo DS

Generally speaking, DS graphics are awful. Blocky models with low-res textures over ugly environments are, unfortunately, the rule on the system. Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story, however, is not a subscriber to that rule.

With detailed and colourful sprites, complimented by imaginative and lively environments, not to mention fluid and fun animations, Mario & Luigi 3 really exemplifies what can be achieved on the DS hardware. 2D graphics are not dead, and, as this award proves, can compete with even high-def console offerings, given the right care to detail and commitment to quality. If only games like this were the standard for DS rather than the exception.

2nd: Magna Carta II – Softmax, Namco Bandai – Xbox 360

Like Tears of Blood before it, Magna Carta II’s developers have proven that they have an eye for beauty and detail. From the stitches and embroidery on the townspeople’s clothing to rolling hills, mystic swamps, and cursed mountains of the continent of Lanzheim, Magna Carta II is teeming with variety and life.

Though occasionally awkward character animations keep this title from the gold, the visuals here are as beautiful as they are artistic. Magna Carta II is one of the most gorgeous looking RPGs of 2009.

1st: Muramasa: The Demon Blade – Vanillaware, Ignition – Nintendo Wii

I have always been a firm believer that any game with enough style – and enough courage to stand behind that style – could stand out above even games employing the most powerful / most expensive technology on the market. Vanillaware’s Muramasa: The Demon Blade is a testament to that. Using “obsolete” 2D graphics, and running in inferior standard definition, Muramasa exudes art and beauty out of every pixel.

As is to be expected from the creator of Odin Sphere and GrimGrimoire, Muramasa looks and moves like an interactive painting. Gorgeous sprites beautifully animated on top of a variety of picturesque locales not only prove that 2D still is a force to be reckoned with, but can outshine even the biggest budget titles. Muramasa: The Demon Blade is by far the most aesthetically pleasing game of 2009. (Now if we could just get it in HD…)

Opinion Fest 2009: Most Innovative

Many critics of the RPG genre like to complain that the RPG formula (especially the JRPG formula) has become stale and outdated. Though this criticism may hold true for some games, it is my experience that many developers are constantly trying to refine and innovate within the genre. The Most Innovative award seeks to recognize those games that rocked the boat the most this year. Even if the games themselves aren't as highly venerated as other, more pedestrian titles, these games will build stepping stones for more creative content in titles to come.

Honorable Mention: Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story – Alphadream, Nintendo – Nintendo DS

Mario & Luigi 3 takes ideas from its predecessor and expands on them to create a truly enjoyable little title that utilizes the DS in almost every capacity. From blowing fire with the mic, tapping the touchscreen to execute special attacks, and timing different button presses to knock things back and forth, Bowser’s Inside Story is a title that proves that Nintendo is still finding new things for the DS to do, even in a relatively stiff genre, like RPGs.

3rd: Half-Minute Hero – Opus, XSEED – PSP

The demon lord is planning to destroy the world, the princess has been kidnapped, and the fate of humanity rests on your shoulders alone. Sure, the plot of Half-Minute Hero sounds like about as cookie-cutter as you can get; why does it deserve an award for Most Innovative?

Well, take that basic concept, and then squeeze it – and just about every other classic JRPG cliché you can think of – into 30 seconds, and you suddenly have something so different, no one else has ever done it! Not to mention that saving the world in 30 seconds gives gamers with less time on their hands something interesting to do on a quick break. ;)

2nd: Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes – Capybara, Ubisoft – Nintendo DS

The Kingdoms of the world are on the brink of war as an army of demons threatens the world with destruction. With all the legendary heroes slain in a surprise attack, the next generation of the champions of justice have only one choice: match up three 16-bit sprites of the same colour so they can charge up a few turns and hopefully get to the top of their opponent’s puzzle screen. Obviously.

Clash of Heroes combines linear RPG storytelling with unit-based puzzle combat that extends beyond Puzzle Quest’s “match up coloured gems” for something that feels incredibly fresh, and manages to stay interesting both in and out of battle.

1st: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers – Square Enix – Nintendo Wii

By now, waggle controls are old news. Most core gamers are tired of and maybe even a little vexed by the term “motion controls,” mainly due to the seemingly constant stream of waggle-based mini-game compilations.

But what if there was an RPG with high production values, a legitimate storyline, and motion controls that were actually made for the title, and not just tacked on? That is what Square Enix set out to do with The Crystal Bearers, and while it not be as epic as the upcoming FFXIII, its clever and meaningful utilization of the Wiimote to do everything from butt-battling to throwing huge boulders at monsters stands as a testament to legitimate motion-controlled RPGaming.

Opinion Fest 2009: Best RPG Console

As any fanboy could tell you (even if you didn’t ask), not all gaming platforms are created equal. With different media formats, different storage methods, different processing methods, and different feature sets, no two consoles are the same. However, what really separates consoles from each other in most gamers’ minds is just one thing, that rarely has anything to do with the console itself: the games.

This award goes to the platforms that had the most and best RPGs released in 2009.

3rd: Nintendo Wii

Though the Wii has received the stigma of a console for little kids and senior citizens, its respectable lineup of RPGs this year has proven that it is far from irrelevant for gamers. From sleeper hits like Rune Factory Frontier, to mainstream attention grabbers like Crystal Bearers, the Wii has done a lot to keep up with the best of them. Still, the abnormally long wait between Japanese and Western releases, and the delay of several titles we really should have seen this year (Fragile? Arc Rise Fantasia?) kept the console from moving higher on the list.

2nd: Nintendo DS

Still the undisputed king of RPG exclusives, the DS seems not to be aware of any economic slowdown that other consoles have been feeling in 2009. With titles ranging from quirky to innovative to downright fun, the DS may be the ugliest duckling in the pond, but has plenty going on for it to keep it ahead of the pack.

1st: PC

Though many PC gamers may have felt forgotten in years past, it is difficult to believe so this year. With superior (and less expensive) versions of the majority of big name RPGs this year, the PC proves it still has a lot to offer. Additionally, with the most accessible development tools in the industry, and an outlet for almost anyone to earn some spotlight, the PC also has plenty of original content to keep even the most obsessive RPG fan content.

If there was ever a year to finally get around to upgrading that old graphics card, 2009 was it.

Opinion Fest 2009: Best Battle System

Though it is rare for an RPG to be remembered for its battle system only, a good battle system can push a good game into greatness, while a poor battle system can drive away fans. This year’s Best Battle System award recognizes those games that made monster killing both fun and interesting.

Honorable Mention: Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier – Banpresto, Atlus – Nintendo DS

Besides the copious fanservice, Endless Frontier is really only notable for its battle system. Giving players the opportunity to unleash a flurry of gravity defying attacks, and encouraging them to prevent their enemies from ever being able to touch the ground again is surprisingly entertaining. With wonderfully animated sprites and cool-looking attacks, Endless Saga’s battle system never got old for me, though almost everything else eventually wore out its welcome.

3rd: Magna Carta II – Softmax, Namco Bandai – Xbox 360

As I previously mentioned, Magna Carta II has made a huge effort to correct the issues of its previous title, the main problem being its battle system. Unlike Tears of Blood, Magna Carta II leans more on the side of an action-RPG, giving the player full control of all party members. However, unlike most action-RPGs, characters cannot attack indefinitely, forcing the player to either wait for their character to “cool down” or, ideally, chain attacks with other party members.

Magna Carta II succeeds at creating a battle system that is both dynamic and strategic, adding plenty of variety for players who prefer to change things up with multiple fighting styles, special attacks, and magic spells. The only thing that holds it back is the sometimes “clunky” feeling that comes with the turn-based elements.

2nd: Muramasa: The Demon Blade – Vanillaware, Ignition – Nintendo Wii

Unlike Vanillaware’s previous action-RPG, Odin Sphere, Muramasa is distinctly focused on combat over story, and it shows. Even with no experience going into the game, the player will be able to easily pull off elaborate combos and special moves, sending enemies flying in all directions.

Muramasa does an impeccable job of making the player feel awesome about his or her skills (or even lack thereof). With multiple weapons, tons of different combo variations, and over-the-top awesome special moves, Muramasa’s battle system continues to be fun, even once you realize there’s not much story to back it up.

1st: Star Ocean: The Last Hope – tri-Ace, Square Enix – Xbox 360

While tri-Ace may not always tell the best story in the business, they have proven many times over that they know how to make RPG combat (typically remembered for its monotony) fresh, fast, and fun. Star Ocean 4, while perhaps not their most innovative battle system, gives the player so much variety and strategy, while simultaneously cranking up the speed, it’s hard to really hold anything else up in comparison this year.

If jumping behind a giant dragon robot, pummeling it with a sword, punching it up into the air, shooting it millions of times over, blowing it up with an eruption of fire, then sending a flaming hell beast to rip its face off is wrong, frankly, I don’t want to be right.

Opinion Fest 2009: Most Improved

Well, now that the bad is out of the way, let's take a look at what was good about 2009. It was a much leaner year for most people, and the gaming industry is no exception. Consequently, a lot of smaller games have managed to take home bigger prizes this year than if they had competed in past years.

This year I have started a new award: Most Improved. This award goes to a game that manages to improve itself over its forerunner(s) in any given series. Obviously, a game coming from a long line of garbage is going to have an easier time improving than a series of highly-acclaimed titles, but I really think it's important to let developers know when they've had the ability and foresight to fix their own mistakes.

Honorable Mention: Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon - Atlus - PlayStation 2

Though not enough to place in the top, Devil Summoner 2 tweaks the formula to the demands of fans everywhere, producing a title that is definitely an improvement. Whether or not it is enough improvement to make the Devil Summoner franchise as relevant as some of Atlus' other series remains to be seen, but the effort is certainly there.

3rd: Star Ocean: The Last Hope - tri-Ace, Square Enix - Xbox 360

Star Ocean 4 is really what Star Ocean 3 should have been. Though it still fails to live up to SO2 - maintained as still the best game in the series - SO4 proves that tri-Ace is humble enough to recognize fans' displeasure with SO3, and make the necessary corrections. Improved combat, related story, and a coherent ending really do go a long way. The loss of actual character recruitment and meaningful Private Actions, however, keep the game from acheiving its full potential.

2nd: Magna Carta II - Softmax, Namco Bandai - Xbox 360

Magna Carta: Tears of Blood, Korean developer Softmax's first game to find its way out of Korea, had high-end graphics, a beautiful soundtrack, and an involving plot. It's downfall was its game-breakingly awful battle system, which managed to alienate nearly everyone but the most committed (and possibly masochistic) RPG fan.

Magna Carta II, though not exactly the second game in the series, has the same commitment to high production values that graced previous installments, but this time goes out of its way to provide a more accessible experience. The final result is a game that not only blows its predecessor out of the water, but also nearly single-handedly establishes the Magna Carta series as top tier franchise.

1st: Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes - Capybara, Ubisoft - Nintendo DS

Quick, name the last installment of Might & Magic! No looking at GameFAQs for help!

Don't worry about it if you don't know off the top of your head. Might & Magic, though perhaps among the oldest of Western RPG franchises, has fallen into relative obscurity, and certainly lost relevancy with the majority of gamers. Enter Clash of Heroes, an anime-ish puzzle-RPG for the DS, and a possible new direction for the series.

Clash of Heroes drops any pretense of being gritty, hardcore, or any of those other forgetfully common themes in modern gaming, and goes for charming, fun, and likeable instead. The result is a highly accessible, highly addictive title that not only drags the Might & Magic name out of the gutter, but also opens up the series to new fans everywhere. Though a rare sentiment from me, please accept the following, Ubisoft: "Good job!"

Opinion Fest 2009: Vaporware Award

This year was considerably better than last in terms of vaporware. Even if a game doesn't have a release date, there is at least actual gameplay footage and an estimated release to go along with it.

The only notable exception is (still) Square Enix's Final Fantasy Versus XIII. Same screenshots. Same footage. Same release date: NONE.

Apparently we'll be playing it someday after Final Fantasy XIV. (And, I suspect, sometime after Final Fantasy XV too.)

But, this is all old news, so other than FFvXIII, nothing else even competes.

Opinion Fest 2009: Most Overrated

There is always a lot of confusion surrounding this particular award, so let me come out right up front a clarify this: Just because a game receives the Most Overrated award does not mean I think it is a bad game!

The Most Overrated award, instead, goes to RPGs that, for better or for worse, have received far more than their fair share of the spotlight this year. The games may be good, and worth your time, especially if you love the developer/genre/series, etc. However, even in this pathetic year, there have been enough all-around good games that have received less than half the attention these spotlight hogs have.

The following RPGs have received way more attention than they deserve this year.

3rd: Borderlands - Gearbox, 2K - PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

Though Borderlands didn't receive perfect ratings all across the board, it has demanded a lot of press attention. Don't get me wrong, Borderlands combines a very interesting mix of first-person shooting with addictive RPG elements like leveling up, equipment upgrading, and even a hint of story. But at the end of the day, it is still a shooter with heavy RPG elements. There are still better FPSes, and still better RPGs in every area. The internet should not be as obsessed with this game as it is.

2nd: Cross Edge - Compile Heart, NIS America - PlayStation 3

Cross Edge is not a good game. Mediocre is probably a better description. Sure, you've got fanboygasmic crossovers from several different developers and series, but a poorly executed mishmash is still poorly executed, regardless. Perhaps the reason this game got so much gushing is simply indicitive of the PS3 fanboy nature, which demands that any exclusive to the system be heralded as the second coming of its particular genre. Along with that, it's interesting to note the significant drop-off of fanboy love for this game when the Xbox 360 port was announced shortly thereafter.

1st: Demon's Souls - FromSoftware, Atlus - PlayStation 3

A FromSoftware-developed wannabe Western RPG with a nonsensical name, clunky animation, irrelevant story, and brutally punishing difficulty? Why, that sounds like the sure-fire recipe for a disaster! And yet Demon's Souls is the highest acclaimed RPG of the year from nearly every gaming news source I am aware of. Why is a game that has been described as "made for people with OCD" received hundreds of times more praise and attention than other, more complete titles? I have theories about that, mostly relating to PS3 fanboys and the Atlus name attached to it, but I will keep them to myself.

Whatever the cause, though the game may definitely have appeal to certain gamers, and may even be a stellar title within its territory, there is no way that it is as complete or comprehensive as many other titles this year, which you no doubt haven't heard of because the media wants you to know about Demon's Souls instead. That seems very wrong to me on so many levels that I had no choice but to grant this award.

Opinion Fest 2009: Biggest Disappointment

Yes, 2010 is almost upon us, which means it's time for another round of blatant opinions on the year in review, appropriately dubbed Opinion Fest 2009!

As with last year, we're going to get the "bad" awards out of the way first. And with those comes probably the worst of the bad, the Biggest Disappointment award. As you may guess from the name, the Biggest Disappointment award goes to the game, system, event, company, or anything else RPG related that unabashedly peed in our collective cereal this year, usually in spite of high hopes for the contrary.

Let's meet the worst offenders.

3rd: Ar Tonelico II: Melody of Metafalica - Gust, NIS America - PlayStation 2
Persona 4 was a good game, but my hopes for the last great PS2 game were riding on the overdue sequel to the obscure sleeper hit Ar Tonelico. With a winning gameplay formula and shamelessly interesting story, Ar Tonelico's sequel should have brought the series into the limelight it so rightly deserved.

Instead, however, we were given a buggy, uninteresting game with amazingly less features than the original and shamefully terrible localization (even for NIS). The game felt like a giant middle finger to anyone who still held faith that small developers could make great games, and that the PS2's extended life was worth it. The sad truth was painful to experience.

2nd: Black Sigil: Blade of the Exiled - Studio Archcraft, Graffiti - Nintendo DS
After years upon years of waiting, Studio Archcraft's 16-bit revival was finally upon us. With everything from the graphics to the gameplay drawing on classics like Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VI, there should have been no way for Black Sigil to do anything but conquer the market.

But with game-breaking bugs, a painfully gimped battle system, and a ludicrous encounter rate, the hoped-for title alienated itself from virtually everyone. Anyone looking for a lesson in how to botch a seemingly bullet-proof formula for success need look no futher than Black Sigil.

1st: 2009 in General

2008 was amazing. Certainly the best year for RPGs since the 7th generation began. With solid titles releasing at least every month, and many modern masterpieces among them, many felt they had died and gone to RPG heaven.

By contrast, 2009 has been an utter dearth, with the precious few RPG releases not even holding a candle to their 2008 counterparts. Though a few notable exceptions stand out, the majority of 2009 should frankly just be forgotten. There haven't been many years this disappointing in a long time, and I personally hope this is the last time I will have to endure such torture.

Opinion Fest 2008: RPG of the Year

Well, here it is, the RPG of the Year Award.

This award goes to the best overall RPG released in North America during 2008. The recipients of this award provided some of the most compelling, memorable experiences in the genre this year.

Since so many games came out during 2008, it was impossible to sum up the year in just 3 recipients. Instead, I have expanded the category to 10 RPGs.

Before I get into the list, I’d like to mention that I never was able to get around to Sega’s Valkyria Chronicles or Namco Bandai’s Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World, though both look to be noteworthy titles this year.

10th: AWAY: Shuffle Dungeon – Mistwalker, Artoon, Majesco – Nintendo DS
A fresh take on dungeon crawling and the Soul Blazer style adventure of “free the trapped villagers to rebuild the city,” AWAY’s puzzle and action-RPG mix make for a fun, if frustrating, adventure that sets out to try something new. It’s not for everyone, and certainly isn’t a Lost Odyssey-caliber epic, but it is a title worth noting this year.

9th: Fallout 3 – Bethesda Softworks – Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
A massive post-apocalyptic world to explore and shape, Fallout 3 has earned a lot of critical acclaim for its sandbox-style gameplay (which all the hip kids are into these days). Whether you choose to follow the story, go dungeon crawling, or just explore the wastes, Fallout 3 is full to overflowing with content. And if you have the 360 or PC versions, there are more helpings of post-apocalyptic questing heading your way soon. Not my favorite game this year, but notable for the sheer volume of stuff to do.

8th: Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia – Konami – Nintendo DS
The third DS entry into the age-old Castlevania series, Ecclesia presents another excuse to go vampire hunting in the role of sexy (but emotionless) protagonist, Shanoa. Gathering glyphs and combining powers can be fun, but I mostly liked it for its platforming take on action-RPGaming. The story isn’t overly compelling, but it does enough to keep you interested in between your 2D adventuring.

7th: The Last Remnant – Square Enix – Xbox 360
Despite being labeled an “RPG for the World,” The Last Remnant is not an RPG for everyone. It is steeped in “hardcore” RPG mechanics and is plagued by noticeable texture pop-ins (and apparently other bugs if you don’t install it). However, it manages to apply some new and interesting mechanics into the tried-and-true turn-based JRPG affair, and has high production values, even for Square Enix. If you can handle wild swings in difficulty and some occasionally odd design choices, you will be rewarded with a delightfully different, and in many ways, refreshing experience.

6th: Mana Khemia: Alchemists of Al-Revis – Gust, NIS America – PlayStation 2
Only the fourth of Gust’s Atelier titles to see North American release, Mana Khemia takes some of the best ideas from Atelier Iris 3 and implements them into a school-based alchemic RPG. The result is a charming title that affords the player with plenty of amusing side quests, an enjoyable (if unoriginal) battle system, and tons of item creation. The inclusion of the original Japanese audio track is definitely a plus. If you love Atelier titles, 2D RPGs, or even just item creation, you could do a lot worse than Mana Khemia.

5th: Infinite Undiscovery – tri-Ace, Microsoft, Square Enix – Xbox 360
Though perhaps a few feet short of its promises, tri-Ace’s Infinite Undiscovery isn’t afraid to try new things, and benefits from an original take on the JRPG genre. The story is interesting and the gameplay superb, it is only a shame that the English voice work is so subpar and that Square Enix opted to leave out the Japanese language track. That said, the game is a must play for tri-Ace fans or action-RPG enthusiasts, and at least worth a rent for those interested in the genre.

4th: Fable II – Lionhead, Microsoft – Xbox 360
A compelling argument for the increase in quality in WRPGs, Fable II provides a lush, living world for its players, and implements an incredibly satisfying battle system. The narrative is interesting, though perhaps not award winning, while the level of interaction with everything and everyone is enormous. Throw in lots of side quests, optional exploration, and a pile of diversions, and Fable II is an easy recommendation to RPGamers who like to play at their own pace.

3rd: Persona 4 – Atlus – PlayStation 2
Though Persona 4 doesn’t do much new with Persona 3’s basic formula, it brings to the table a much more compelling story, new locations, and increased interactions. There is more to do than most will be able to fit into one playthrough, and the narrative this time around is much more mature and involving than its predecessor. Persona 4 is one of the last great RPGs on the PlayStation 2, and still manages to impress gamers despite its last-gen appearance. In short, if you still have a PS2, don’t pass this one up.

2nd: Lost Oyssey – Mistwalker, FeelPlus, Microsoft – Xbox 360
What can I say about Lost Odyssey that you don’t already know? Lost Odyssey is a masterpiece of RPGaming. Memorable characters, involving storyline, beautiful soundtrack, jaw-dropping graphics and art direction, and an incredibly satisfying quest, Lost Odyssey has set the bar for 7th generation RPGs. If you have any favorable feelings towards Final Fantasy, turn-based RPGs, or compelling narratives, you have no good excuse to pass up Lost Odyssey.

1st: Tales of Vesperia – Namco Bandai – Xbox 360



And here it is, Sword Machine’s best RPG of 2008. Namco Bandai’s Tales of Vesperia only barely squeaks past Lost Odyssey to take the prize.

Like Lost Odyssey, Tales of Vesperia is a hallmark of RPGaming. It successfully combines music, art, and storytelling into one interactive package of awesome, and is an enthusiastic recommendation to absolutely anyone willing to play a video game.

Production values are higher than nearly any other title on the market, and even the exclusion of the Japanese voice track fails to damage the game’s value (as the English cast does a remarkably good job).

Exciting. Beautiful. Memorable. Polished. Engaging. Intelligent. Tales of Vesperia achieves what many other RPGs only wish they could be, and does so in such a confident way, you’ll think it never even tried.

Though it came neck-and-neck with Lost Odyssey, overall I felt like Tales of Vesperia offered a slightly more accessible experience. But overall, if I can convince you to play both, I will.

2008 was truly a great year for RPGs. There were many smaller, more obscure titles that didn’t make the top 10 list, many of which are also worth your attention. We don’t know much about what 2009 will bring, but if it can manage to measure up to 2008, I think we’ll be in good hands.

Thanks for reading Sword Machine, and we hope to hear your comments in 2009! Happy New Year!

P.S. I had hoped to present a Reader’s Choice Award, but unfortunately only received 5 responses (I was gunning for at least 10 in order to give a fair award). Huge thanks to zerolocked, giggity gavin, Patrick Bateman, Billy, and syaugust8 for your input! ^_^ b