RPG games in the works?

Diablo III is one.

I'm sure there's more, but that's the only one I've been keeping an eye on.

well, there is another one: Drakensang. It comes from a german publisher and has not been translated into english yet. It is based on a pen and paper RPG (DSA: "Das schwarze Auge". Translated it means sth like "the dark eye" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dark_Eye#Computer_and_Videogames). This pen and paper game is kind of famous in germany, perhaps even more known than dungeon and dragons. They published some computer games which are kind of old, but IMO are still one of the best because of the deep story (Realms of Arkania). It was a trilogy and you could transfer your characters from one game to the other.

However, Drakensang seems to be very close to the rules of the actual pen and paper game. There are a LOT of abilities you can focus on while leveling your character (not only fighting skills).

http://www.drakensang.com/index_en.htm

I read in one of the german reviews about the game that it will be a bit difficult for newbies in the dark eye world at the beginning. The story in the very beginning is kind of slow, too (because the developers tried to introduce the rules to the player by some very simple quests). After a while though, when the real story starts, it is supposed to be very good. The graphics is said to be  a bit outdated (the game has been published 2006 in germany).

The english version is supposed to be published in february. Here's a preview on IGN:

http://pc.ign.com/articles/947/947876p1.html

Hope this helped!

Man, perhaps it could be sold via Impulse!

Dragon Age is the only current 'high-profile' RPG in the works at the moment, as far as I know. There's also things like Mass Effect 2, but there's not even screens out on it yet. GHenrikG already mentioned Drakensang, that despite being a serious game recieves very little attention. I'm going to stock it up to it being German. There's just something 'off' about most German produced games for some reason. Got no idea why.

Eschalon Book 2 also comes to mind, although I'm not sure how interested you are in that 'low key' projects.

Actually, you have a point there. There are some good games coming from germany (FarCry, Crysis, Gothic, Settlers etc), but very often they don't make it internationally.

http://members.chello.at/theodor.lauppert/games/germany.htm

But that's off topic...

GHenrikG - thanks for mentioning Drakensang, totally going to be checking that out when it releases. I had never heard of it but it definitely sounds like it could be a very good game.

You're welcome!

The nice thing about this game is that it seemes to be very stable and nearly bugfree (according to the reviews). There is going to be a couple of patches, which are focusing on adding new content and improving AI. And an Addon is in making...

There is a game being devloped by a indie group here in the uk called Kenshi which is a squad-based RPG

http://www.lofigames.com/

I really don't like how it looks at the moment, but I love the air of attitude the developer(s?) give off on the site. I'm definately going to have to keep track of this, it sounds like a real RPG of which likes we haven't seen in years.

Wow, I didn't even realize that it'd been released yet. Checking wikipedia, it says that it's set for international release this month, but I haven't seen anything about it anywhere.

It was supposedly released in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland August 2008. That's a helluva long time to get an English translation, and knowing the general quality of such translations, I'm not so sure I want to see it anymore.

Edit: And the Drakensang Forums show the usual German concern for the international customer. 7 exclusive native German forums for Support, Story, Characters, etc. And one "Whatever" forum for everyone else.

Then, there would be another two RPGs worth checking out: The Witcher and Sacred 2. Both can be downloaded via Impulse. However, check the forums before you really get them. At least Sacred 2 has some major bug problems. Looks nice, though

yeah just the single developer atm doing it in his free time
had a few emails back and forth from him, been working hard on it in his spare time, still got a fair amount to do so don't take the screenshots too seriously. but yeah it sounds like he's going to take a really awesome spin here on the RPG genre.

hehe Stardock feel like taking someone under your wing? 

I'm not sure I'd call Sacred 2 an RPG (just like I wouldn't call Diablo/II one). That, and Sacred/2 is definately an "aquired taste" it seems. I personally like the Sacred games, but I agree, one should definately check up on it before buying it.

The Witcher I recommend without restrictions, though!

And here is another anouncement I found: Venetica. Did not hear about it before just stumbled over it by accident. But the youtube video looks like fun: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jk3ddTV_Imo.

If you're interested in dialog-heavy olde-fashioned CRPGs, check out Age of Decadence. The game's creator is pretty intent on putting the "R" in RPG; you can complete quests and stuff in multiple ways depending on the role you wish to play.

At first glance I read this differently.

Ah, yeah. I was thinking of that RPG earlier, but couldn't remember the name. It looks extremely ambitious, from an indie roleplaying game perspective.

Edit: From that article.

It looks pretty cool! Reminds me of Baldur's Gate

Thanks guys. I've been waiting for Age of Decadence for a long time, didn't know about Mass Effect 2. I tried the Drakensang demo a week or two ago, but I didn't like it. I'm more for serious RPG, this was just the generic pretty looking fantasy game with women with enourmous breasts. Not my thing.

There would also be divinity 2: http://www.divinity2.com/

Classic German RPG.

But yeah, Mass Effect. While it's RPG status is contestable (I'd call it one, even with it's extensive action elements), it's funny that you haven't heard of Mass Effect 2. Just for future reference, Mass Effect is a triology, and have been planned one from the beginning.

So after Mass Effect 2, expect Mass Effect 3. No release dates as of now.

Cool. I really enjoyed the first one.