Gameplay

An RPG can have extravagant graphics and professionally orchestrated music, but if it's got a horrible battle system, control scheme, plotline, or dungeon/field exploration system, it's likely far from good game. That's why for our gameplay award, we stress the importance of the overall mechanics of a given RPG and how they all work together to create an enjoyable experience.

1st

RPGamer's readers deemed Final Fantasy X-2 as having the best gameplay of all RPGs released last year. The choice is well-founded, as Final Fantasy X-2 draws from years of experience from professionals who have implemented great gameplay in each Final Fantasy year after year. Players get the treat of following Yuna and her adventures in the world of Spira, in this, the first Final Fantasy sequel. The gameplay is nearly limitless, as players are at liberty to explore the game's world at will in a free-scenario system, experiencing the new-and-improved battle system, and playing the many mini-games available.

2nd

In second place for the readers in the gameplay department is Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. If there's any game deserving of praise for an overall, near-flawless gameplay experience, it's Wind Waker. The game offers players a highly dynamic hyrule in which exploration is performed by boat on the high seas. Beyond the game's staple mini-games and intuitive battle system is some of the most amazing dungeon play available in any game. Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht came in as a favorite among the site's readers for its gameplay. The game returns to its roots with an amazing combat system that comprise combo attacks and giant mech-based

3rd

Xenosaga Episode I: Dur Willie zur Mach came in as a favorite among the site's readers for its gameplay. The game returns to its roots with an amazing combat system that comprise combo attacks and giant mech-based (A.G.W.S.) battles. Not to mention one of the most studied and epic storylines ever to appear in a video game.

4th

Disgaea: Hour of Darkness was one of the most surprising titles of 2003. Screenshots of characters with four digit experience levels suggested that numbers were arbitrarily bloated, when in fact, the game is simply so chock-full of optional dungeons, multiple endings, and difficult side quests that you might actually end up playing that long. If you need a single game to amuse you for a long period of time, Disgaea has more meat on its bones than anything else you're likely to find.

5th

A great many RPGamers sank hundreds of hours into the original Final Fantasy Tactics, and took from it many a fond memories. When a sequel appeared on the Game Boy Advance in the form of Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, some were disappointed with the simpler story, but no one can deny that the gameplay is just as solid as it ever was.