While conjuring up this list of the 7 best Xbox 360 RPG games of 2011 what we realized that it isn’t just those usual Japanese titles which rule the charts when it comes to this genre. Of course, this list would have been different from A to Z had it been made with PC as the platform. All aside, if you’re an RPG (Role Playing Games) fan who owns an Xbox 360, we hope we’re doing you some good by serving up this log. While Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine are currently dominating the charts, other releases this year certainly cannot be disregarded. So without much ado, here’s our recommended list of Xbox 360 RPG games.
1 – Dragon Age II:
Bioware’s reiteration of the Dragon Age franchise transpires in the same universe that was presented by its spectacularly crafted predecessor. What came as godsend for fans is the ability to import decision data from Dragon Age: Origins before commencing with this game.
Bioware certainly knows how to make gamers feel at home. A first for the series was the introduction of dialogue wheels which can easily draw comparisons with the ones used in Mass Effect titles.
2 – Deus Ex Human Revolution:
This game is currently a rage all over the world. And why shouldn’t it be? Its cyberpunk-inspired themes, coupled with the pillars gameplay and a brilliant conspiracy filled storyline make it a must have for all gaming fans, let alone RPG enthusiasts.
Set in 2027, it involves protagonist Adam Jensen undergoing drastic surgeries that fuse his body with mechanical extensions. He is now faced with the task of avenging the perpetrators of an attack which ruined the corporation he works for.
3 – Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine:
No list of the Xbox 360 RPG games will be complete without a mention of this gem of a game. Based on the extremely popular Warhammer franchise (which itself has its roots in tabletop role playing games), this title is receiving tremendous praise for its mix of hack-and-slash and shooter gameplay.
What was one of the most anticipated games of 2011 has now turned into one of the most appreciated ones of this year. It’s a definite ‘go for it,’ if you ask us.
4 – Torchlight:
Runic Games’ Torchlight may have released long ago for PC, but it wasn’t until March this year that it was spawned for the Xbox 360. This fantasy-themed title takes place in a town named Torchlight which is surrounded by caverns and dungeons.
Dolled up with classic RPG elements, Torchlight’s Xbox 360 version comprises new content like additional armor sets and a new pet. Fans of the game currently have their eyes glued on every trifling detail regarding Torchlight II which is expected to be launched later this year.
5 – Dark Souls:
This addition to our compilation of Xbox 360 RPG games is considered as a spiritual sequel to the 2009 smash hit Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls plays just as good or rather better than the former title. Its dark fantasy theme does well to leave a heavily lasting impact on gamers’ minds even as its complex gameplay makes it one of the most difficult titles to surmount.
Also available for the PS3, Dark Souls even kicks in player versus player and co-op modes.
6 – Bastion:
This RPG was released via Xbox Live in July and it’s been hogging a fair share of limelight ever since. What makes Bastion an outstanding piece of art is its sheer anime based visuals coupled with the vibrant voice-overs that manage to make this game addictive in the real sense of the term.
The level structure of the game makes the protagonist grow stronger by finding more weapons, materials to upgrade those weapons and gaining experience by defeating enemies.
7 – Dungeon Defenders:
The most recent of all the games in this list, Dungeon Defenders happens to be a mishmash of tower defense and action RPG genres, but arbitrates the two with utmost simplicity, thus delivering a near faultless gameplay experience.
If its vibrant visuals don’t manage to draw you towards it, its spectacular online elements definitely will. And at 1,200 Microsoft Points, it doesn’t really burn a hole in your pocket, to force you into ignoring a purchase.
So there you have it, our take on the best Xbox 360 RPG games. Although, these titles made it to the list hands down, there still are a few honorable mentions that we’d like to shine the light upon.
These include Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes and Half-Minute Hero: Super Mega Neo Climax. Looking forward, we most definitely can’t wait to get our hands on Mass Effect 3 which could so easily have made it to this list, had the developers maintained their promise of a 2011 release.
But they say some things are better when they come late. Let’s hope the same applies to Mass Effect 3. And with this we’ll take your leave and try to cook up something even more interesting to chew over.