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.