The Next In Line
2024: A Renaissance Year for Fantasy RPG Sequels
Whether you want them or not, sequels are here!
Sequels and Spiritual Successors
The world of fantasy role-playing games is set for an extraordinary year in 2024, with a plethora of highly anticipated sequels and spiritual successors to beloved franchises on the horizon. Let’s dive into the most exciting upcoming releases that promise to captivate RPG enthusiasts.
Avowed
Obsidian Entertainment, known for their work on “Pillars of Eternity,” is bringing us “Avowed,” a first-person RPG set in the same universe. While not a direct sequel, it builds upon the rich lore established in the “Pillars” games. Fans can expect deep narrative choices and immersive combat when it releases in 2024 for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
The “Yakuza” series, now rebranded as “Like a Dragon,” continues its success with “Infinite Wealth.” Following the critically acclaimed “Yakuza: Like a Dragon,” this installment takes protagonist Ichiban Kasuga to Hawaii for a new adventure. Released on January 26, 2024, it has already garnered praise for its engaging story and improved turn-based combat.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Square Enix’s reimagining of the classic “Final Fantasy VII” continues with “Rebirth,” the second part of a planned trilogy. Building on the success of 2020’s “Final Fantasy VII Remake,” this highly anticipated sequel is set to launch on February 29, 2024, exclusively for PlayStation 5.
Persona 3 Reload
Atlus revisits one of its most beloved titles with “Persona 3 Reload,” a complete remake of the 2006 classic. Featuring updated graphics, gameplay improvements, and full voice acting, it aims to introduce a new generation to this seminal entry in the “Persona” series. It released on February 2, 2024, for multiple platforms.
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Capcom’s cult hit “Dragon’s Dogma” finally receives a sequel after more than a decade. “Dragon’s Dogma 2” promises to expand on the original’s unique pawn system and dynamic combat. Set for release on March 22, 2024, it’s poised to captivate both fans of the original and newcomers alike.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2
After a tumultuous development cycle, the long-awaited sequel to the cult classic “Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines” is back on track. Now helmed by The Chinese Room, known for narrative-driven games, it’s scheduled for a Fall 2024 release. Fans are eager to return to the World of Darkness and its intricate vampire politics.
Rise of the Rōnin
Team Ninja, creators of the “Nioh” series, brings us “Rise of the Rōnin,” an action RPG set in 19th century Japan. While not a direct sequel, it builds on Team Ninja’s expertise in samurai-themed combat. Look for it exclusively on PlayStation 5 on March 22, 2024.
Fable
Playground Games is rebooting Microsoft’s beloved “Fable” franchise. While details are scarce, the new “Fable” promises to return players to the whimsical world of Albion with modern graphics and gameplay. It’s expected to release in 2024 for Xbox Series X/S and PC.
Black Myth: Wukong
Game Science Studio’s “Black Myth: Wukong” isn’t a sequel, but it draws inspiration from the classic Chinese novel “Journey to the West.” This action RPG has garnered attention for its stunning visuals and Souls-like gameplay. It’s set to release on August 20, 2024, for PC and next-gen consoles.
Chrono Odyssey
While not directly related to the beloved “Chrono” series, “Chrono Odyssey” is a spiritual successor that aims to capture the magic of time-traveling RPGs. Developed by NPIXEL, it’s scheduled for a 2024 release on PC and consoles.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
BioWare’s highly anticipated return to Thedas, “Dragon Age: The Veilguard” (previously known as “Dreadwolf”), continues the epic fantasy saga. Following the success of “Dragon Age: Inquisition,” fans are eager to see how the story unfolds. While no specific release date has been announced, it’s expected to launch in 2024 or 2025.
Archaelund
Developed by Logic Artists, “Archaelund” is a tactical RPG that serves as a spiritual successor to their “Expeditions” series. Set in a Norse-inspired fantasy world, it’s scheduled for a 2024 release on PC.
ARK 2
Studio Wildcard’s “ARK 2” builds upon the survival mechanics of “ARK: Survival Evolved,” adding Souls-like combat and a more narrative-driven experience. Featuring Vin Diesel as Santiago, it’s set to release in 2024 for PC and Xbox Series X/S
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn
A44 Games, known for “Ashen,” brings us “Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn.” This action RPG blends gunpowder weaponry with magic in a unique fantasy setting. Look for it in Q3 2024 on PC and consoles.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Atlus’ new IP “Metaphor: ReFantazio” isn’t a sequel, but it draws from the studio’s experience with the “Persona” and “Shin Megami Tensei” series. This fantasy RPG is set to release on October 11, 2024, for multiple platforms
Nightingale
Inflexion Games’ “Nightingale” is a survival crafting game with strong RPG elements. While not a direct sequel, it builds on the studio’s experience with the “Dragon Age” series. It’s scheduled for an early access release on February 22, 2024, for PC
Phantom Blade Zero
S-Game’s “Phantom Blade Zero” is an action RPG that combines Chinese martial arts with a cyberpunk aesthetic. While not a sequel, it draws inspiration from classic wuxia films and games. A release date has not been announced, but it’s expected in 2025 for PC and PS5
Ultros
Hadoque’s “Ultros” is a unique action-platformer with RPG elements, set in a psychedelic sci-fi world. While not a sequel, it draws inspiration from Metroidvanias and roguelikes. It’s set to release on February 13, 2024, for PC and PlayStation consoles.