On this edition of RPGs Coming This Week: games! From sprawling dystopias to the idyllic countryside, the RPG genre is just so, so vast. One could argue that the term is so broad that it means nothing—and I think I eventually want to write about that—but now is most definitely not the time. Let’s talk about the stuff that’s coming this week!
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty – September 26th (PS5, XSX, Windows)
We are so back. Commonly regarded as a letdown due to technical and gameplay issues at launch, Cyberpunk 2077 has seemingly turned a corner thanks to a series of fixes and the decision to abandon the last-gen versions. Coming this week is Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, an expansion that is really the culmination of CD Projekt Red’s efforts to salvage the mess they put out in 2020.
Like many other outlets, we saw the original game as a diamond in the rough. It had a host of systems that let you approach missions in different ways, compelling (at times) narrative beats, and a vibrant and immersive open world. It just… glitched out way too often to ignore. When we checked out the PlayStation 5 version after update 1.5, the bugginess was still there, but it was already a much better experience than previously.
Days ago, we reached update 2.0, which brought the most extensive set of overhauls yet. According to CDPR, Phantom Liberty brings even more changes, not to mention the new story content, new features, new locales, and new Idris Elba. Yeah, he’s in this, and he’s playing a major role just like Keanu Reeves (who is also back).
by Gio Castillo
Harvest Moon: The Winds of Anthos – September 26th (PS5, XSX, PS4, XB1, Switch, Windows)
Harvest Moon fans have a new open-world farming adventure coming their way as Natsume releases Harvest Moon: The Winds of Anthos.
In contrast to the earlier games, this one goes bold and departs from the typical farming narrative. Players will embark on an adventure by traveling to various villages in different biomes, where most require help. The Winds of Anthos will have a large world map and unique mounts in addition to the regular horses.
There will be a ton of brand-new features to expect in this latest installment. We’re counting on this being a hit rather than a miss for this increasingly inconsistent series. Harvest Moon: The Winds of Anthos is coming this week on multiple platforms.
by Tin Manuel
Infinity Strash: Dragon Quest The Adventure of Dai – September 28th (PS5, XSX, PS4, Switch, Windows)
Infinity Strash: Dragon Quest The Adventure of Dai is an action RPG based on the popular anime and manga Dragon Quest The Adventure of Dai. The game has you reliving some of Dai and his allies’ adventures. I’m not as familiar with the manga series, but I do have a growing fondness for most DQ-adjacent titles, so I’m definitely curious about this one!
Each character you play has a different playstyle associated with them, and you can even use special items called Bond Memories to relive scenes from the series and further customize your abilities depending on how you decide to equip them for battle.
Aside from retelling story arcs from the anime and manga in video game form, you can also hack-and-slash your way through what is being touted as an “endless dungeon.” This feature is sure to test the mettle of even seasoned video game warriors since enemies and traps change every time you enter.
Infinity Strash is apparently the name of one of Dai’s abilities, and I’m sure you’ll be able to wield it and other legendary moves from the manga throughout your playthrough! This particular Dragon Quest adventure promises to be a blast both for fans of the series and newcomers curious about the title, as long as you’re excited about DQ-styled adventuring!
by Audra Bowling
Fate/Samurai Remnant – September 29th (PS5, PS4, Switch, Windows)
Fate is a big franchise, and it can be hard to break into as a result. Luckily, games have usually been fairly standalone stories about powerful Servants, embodiments of legendary heroes from throughout history and legend. Fate/Samurai Remnant, however, focuses primarily on just one Servant and his Master in an action RPG from an underexplored era in Japanese history.
Developed by Koei Tecmo’s Omega Force, who are no stranger to action RPGs, Samurai Remnant is one to keep an eye on. According to director Ryota Matsushita, the focus of the game was on creating an “action RPG that depicts the Holy Grail War from the Master’s point of view.” If that’s the kind of sentence that excites you like it does me, Fate/Samurai Remnant is a game to check out. If it makes no sense to you, check out our interview with the director. It might just intrigue you enough to give it a shot.
by Wes Iliff
Also Coming This Week
Everhood: Eternity Edition – September 28th (PS5, XSX, PS4, XB1)
The rhythm-y RPG Everhood is getting a special edition (billed as an Eternity Edition) for PS and Xbox this week. We were positively glowing about the Nintendo Switch release, praising its dance-focused battles and funny story.
by Gio Castillo
Gothic Classic – September 28th (Switch)
The old PC action RPG Gothic is getting ported to Switch as Gothic Classic, courtesy of THQ Nordic. There’s a remake of this game in development, but I respect the practice of keeping the original game available for posterity.
by Gio Castillo
Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong – September 28th (Switch)
Also coming this week to Switch is Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong, which our own Caitlin Argyros reviewed in 2022 on PC. It’s a small but appreciated gesture while we wait for Bloodlines 2, whose development recently got rebooted. The Chinese Room, of Dear Esther fame, is now responsible for that one.
by Gio Castillo
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