Four: Torchlight II
Other 2012 RPGs like Diablo III and Guild Wars II tried to make all aspects of their game easier and more customizable. Torchlight II took an entirely different tactic: your choices are more permanent (although with some experimentation allowed) and long-term planning becomes more and more necessary at higher levels. What could have been frustrating was balanced magnificently, making it one of the best RPGs for character development in several years. This, combined with a solid game engine, a good amount of personality, and a plot that knew when to shut up and get out of the way for the clicking, made Torchlight II my favorite pure RPG of the year.