-- Levi Buchanan";
Games_Bestof2007_RPGs[i++] = new Array("","'Mass Effect'","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photo_StoryLevel/071210/071210_bestgames_MassEffect.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Bioware", "", "239", "423", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
Games_Bestof2007_RPGs[i-1].body = "
'Mass Effect'
This space opera extravaganza from developer Bioware is full of rich, excellently paced storytelling that doesn't collapse under pretense like so many RPGs that start with \"Final\" and end with \"Fantasy.\"
Charged with hunting down a government agent that might hold the keys to undoing the entirety of galactic civilization, the completely customizable hero Commander Shepherd must scour the known universe for the villain. While there is a straight narrative that runs through the entire game, players still have complete control over how Shepherd and his crew tackle the mission.
With so much cosmic real estate to explore, \"Mass Effect\" demands two or three replays during 2008. This level of value simply cannot be ignored.";
Games_Bestof2007_RPGs[i++] = new Array("","'Eternal Sonata'","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photo_StoryLevel/071210/071210_bestgames_eternalSonata.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Namco Bandai", "", "239", "423", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
Games_Bestof2007_RPGs[i-1].body = "
'Eternal Sonata'
In Namco Bandai's \"Eternal Sonata,\" players guide a band of hardscrabble kids across a lush fantasy landscape in hopes of thwarting a nobleman that is wreaking havoc on the environment and his people by excessively mining a harmful pharmaceutical. Sound goofy? Then add this to the mix: Frederic Chopin joins the team a few hours into the game.
The game's pacing is better suited for gamers that really love Japanese RPGs, but anybody can really dig into the action-oriented combat, which is infinitely more enjoyable than basic turn-based battles of yesteryear's RPGs.";
Games_Bestof2007_RPGs[i++] = new Array("","'Folklore'","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photo_StoryLevel/071210/071210_bestgames_folklore.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Sony", "", "239", "423", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
Games_Bestof2007_RPGs[i-1].body = "
'Folklore'
The PlayStation 3 didn't necessarily have the strongest lineup in 2007, but the RPG \"Folklore\" was a definite standout. The two heroes, Ellen and Keats, must cross over into the realm of the dead (called Netherworld) and investigate a mystery that affects each hero. While inside the Netherworld, players enter showdowns with the \"folk,\" a breed of strange monsters that can be wrestled to the point of defeat.
\"Folklore\" is quite a sight, thanks to exquisite art direction and wonderful monster designs. The game also features a soundtrack that any RPG fan would love to have on their iPod. And since the game is different depending on which character you play – Ellen or Keats – \"Folklore\" offers an extra playthrough during 2008's slower seasons.";
Games_Bestof2007_RPGs[i++] = new Array("","'Odin Sphere'","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photo_StoryLevel/071210/071210_bestgames_odinSphere.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Atlus", "", "273", "396", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
Games_Bestof2007_RPGs[i-1].body = "
'Odin Sphere'
The workhorse PS2 may be past-gen, but it still hosts an impressive collection of great entertainment, including Atlus' \"Odin Sphere.\" Released in early 2007, this RPG features gorgeous hand-drawn art for the characters and backdrops rather than polygonal constructs.
\"Odin Sphere\" follows the adventures of five heroes, each with dedicated chapters that interweave to form a complete narrative about a great battle between the evil Odin and a world of fairies. In addition to traditional RPG game play, adventurers can also dabble in cooking and alchemy to help out the heroes. \"Odin Sphere\" isn't going to convince a puzzle fan or a hardcore shooter maniac to try out a lengthy RPG, but fans of the genre will find a lot to love. ";
Games_Bestof2007_RPGs[i++] = new Array("","'Burning Crusade'","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photo_StoryLevel/071210/071210_bestgames_BurningCrusade.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Blizzard", "", "273", "342", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
Games_Bestof2007_RPGs[i-1].body = "
'Burning Crusade'
Face it: There is no stopping \"World of Warcraft.\" Blizzard's massively multiplayer online RPG recently crossed the nine-million mark, meaning roughly the population of Sweden logs in regularly to hack, slash, and collect \"fat loots\" (read: great, rare treasure and gear) in this hopelessly addictive game. This year's expansion pack, \"Burning Crusade,\" included not only a lot of new real estate for players to explore, but also added two new character classes.
\"Burning Crusade\" sold over 2.7 million copies when it launched at the beginning of the year and has consistently sold well throughout 2007. Blizzard can expect similar success when the second expansion pack, \"Wrath of the Lich King\" launches sometime in 2008. But until \"Lich King\" haunts Azeroth, \"Warcraft\" fans still have plenty to check out in the rich \"Burning Crusade.\" ";
Games_Bestof2007_RPGs[i++] = new Array("","'The Witcher'","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photo_StoryLevel/071210/071210_bestgames_Witcher.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Atari", "", "273", "347", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
Games_Bestof2007_RPGs[i-1].body = "
'The Witcher'
\"The Witcher\" is a PC RPG based on the popular fantasy works of Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, grim tales that follow the exploits of Geralt the monster hunter. This is an RPG for gamers that really want to dig into a somewhat traditional fantasy world full of magic and monarchs, but be warned: The language and content makes this game definitely one for adults.
Exploring medieval scenery and managing your hero's statistics and skills plays out like many other RPGs, but \"The Witcher\" employs fast-paced combat. On a nice PC, \"The Witcher\" fills the monitor with lush imagery, making every step a visual treat.
Vote: Which of our picks is the best of the bunch?
Tell us: What do you think of our picks?";
// END editorial data