Holiday Gift Guide 09: RPGs

While I’m still waiting on Level 5 to drop Dark Chronicle 2, a game most of you know as Dark Cloud 3, whilst many others are still disappointed Final Fantasy hasn’t made it in time, we still must face facts. 2009 has been great to RPGs, whatever your system may be, over multiple platforms we’ve been spoilt with some terrific titles across the board. Don’t believe us? Hit the jump to find out what made the cut in our RPG Gift Guide of 2009, would you believe there’s even a PlayStation 2 title in the mix?

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  Dragon Age: Origins

  360/PS3/PC | Price: $60 (£40)

  It’s no surprise that a BioWare game has made it onto our top five RPG Gift Guide. With titles like Mass Effect and KOTOR under their belt they truly know how to craft an enthralling adventure and this year’s release of Dragon Age doesn’t stray far from the winning formula. You will play as a Grey Warden, an elite group dedicated to fighting the Darkspawn, as you search for the general who betrayed you in battle and bring him to justice. Fully customize your hero, make complicated and important moral decisions, and explore the deep environments on your journey through Ferelden. BioWare has done a fantastic job with Dragon Age: Origins and it should not be missed!

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  Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story

  DS | Price: $35 (£30)

  The terrible Fawful has tricked Bowser into consuming a mushroom that causes him to begin inhaling everything around The Mushroom Kingdom. You’ll assume two roles in this comical RPG; play as Bowser as he attempts to combat Fawful’s evil plot to take over his castle or play as a tiny Mario and Luigi as you try to escape from inside Bowser. Mario and Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story offers fresh new gameplay mechanics and challenging puzzles to the already hilarious and successful series.

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  Aion

  PC | Price: $30 (£35)

  Powered by CryEngine and dubbed as one of the most beautiful MMORPGs ever made, Aion lets players experience an action packed online quest. When a mighty war tears apart the peaceful Atreia just a chosen few will save their people from a terrible fate. Choose from four unique character classes, fight alone or with friends and dive into combat like never before. Your decisions will determine your path, explore the unknown and restore balance to a world beyond imagination.

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  Demon’s Souls

  PS3 | Price: $60 (£40)

  The list wouldn’t be complete without From Software’s Demon’s Souls. Described as the spiritual successor to King’s Field you’ll find yourself facing off against beasts and demons alike. On search for the power of King Allant XII you’ll be up against demons as they grow stronger with every soul collected. Leaving hints and clues for those following in your footsteps are only some of the revolutionary online features built into the epic experience. Promised to be the game hardcore RPG fans have been waiting on for the PS3, Demon’s Souls delivers in every way possible.

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  Little King’s Story

  Wii | Price: $40 (£30)

  When you stumble upon a mysterious crown it’s not long before you’re charming a village into following orders. Similar to Nintendo’s own Pikmin you’ll be in control your posse with the goal of expanding your village and ultimately becoming a worthy King. Combining various real-time and simulation elements to this wild adventure, Little King’s Story is deceivingly deep despite it’s looks. What you’ll find here is a stunning yet simply adorable addition to anyone’s Wii collection.

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  Persona 4

  PS2 | Price: $30 (£20)

  I feel a bit like we’re cheating on this one, especially when lucky North Americans got Persona 4 just before the end of last year. We’re used to getting screwed over here and had to wait an extra few months to get our hands on this fantastic game, making Persona 4 legally eligible for this Gift Guide (in the UK at least). Unexplained murders have been taking place in Inaba, a small town in rural Japan. In response, a group of high-school students form an Investigation Team to connect the dots between the murders and catch the culprit. The upside to being nearly a year old is Persona 4 can be picked up for dirt cheap, so don’t you dare put away that PlayStation 2 just yet.