JRPG
Ongoing coverage on JRPG.
Latest coverage
Games Inbox: Is Final Fantasy 7 still the most popular JRPG?
Readers discuss the perceived lack of hype for the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, questioning if the original game's age hinders its popularity as a JRPG. Other topics include reader interest in Take-Two's post-Grand Theft Auto 6 plans, the potential for a live-action Zelda movie, and the future of digital distribution versus physical media.
Chrono Trigger Turned 31, and Square Enix Still Hasn’t Made Anything Better
Chrono Trigger, released 31 years ago, remains Square Enix's benchmark for JRPG quality, a standard the company has yet to surpass despite its rich history. The game innovated by removing random encounters, featuring a compelling story, and boasting a legendary soundtrack, all thanks to a dream team of industry veterans. Despite its enduring legacy, Square Enix has failed to bring Chrono Trigger to modern platforms, hindering its accessibility and preservation.
Octopath Traveler 3 would have to "push the limits," producer says, and the JRPG team knows how much fans want it to happen: "Keep looking forward to what comes next"
Series producer Tomoya Asano stated that a hypothetical Octopath Traveler 3 would need to push the limits of the HD-2D JRPG genre to justify its existence. While not confirming development, Asano acknowledged fan demand and hinted that fans should "keep looking forward to what comes next."
Asdivine Knot slated for Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch
Kemco announced that the JRPG Asdivine Knot will be released on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on September 4, 2026. The game features strategic turn-based battles, a customizable airship, and a story of betrayal and redemption. Players will explore a fantasy world, gather materials for crafting, and experience multiple endings.
As Persona 6 drives hype, Atlus' JRPG series sold another 1 million copies over Sega's last quarter
Atlus' Persona series sold over one million copies during Sega's last financial quarter, contributing to the franchise's overall sales of 30 million units. This surge in sales is likely fueled by anticipation for Persona 6 and the upcoming Persona 4 Revival, with the latter set to release in February 2027.
Beast of Reincarnation review - Game Freak open a new world
Game Freak's Beast of Reincarnation offers a hardcore post-apocalyptic JRPG experience with a compelling narrative, stellar soundtrack, and impressive art design. Despite a slow start and some initial mechanical confusion, the game's open world, flexible combat, and emotional story make it a standout title with potential for a new series.
Fire Emblem Fortunes Weave Nintendo Direct has been announced for tomorrow
Nintendo has announced a special Nintendo Direct presentation focused on Fire Emblem Fortunes Weave for tomorrow, August 4th. The broadcast will begin at 3pm UK time / 7am PT and is expected to reveal more details about the upcoming strategic JRPG.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 joins this week’s eShop roundup
Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Complete Edition is now available on the Nintendo Switch 2, featuring 4K resolution and 60fps. The Nintendo eShop also sees new releases like Big Walk and Parkasaurus, alongside pre-orders for EA SPORTS Madden NFL 27. Additionally, new music playlists and in-game events for Donkey Kong Bananza are highlighted.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director is "serious about concluding the series" at the end of the JRPG, and any…
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi stated that the game's main story will conclude the JRPG series, with any potential DLC focusing on untold character stories rather than continuing the main narrative. He confirmed that development is proceeding with the goal of concluding the series in this final installment, though the possibility of DLC remains undecided.
What we've been playing - "The dev team all moved to Hawaii to make this one, and you can tell"
This week's "What We've Been Playing" feature highlights several games: Marie is enjoying the colorful shop management of Thrifty Business on PC, Connor is revisiting the open-world challenges of Dragon's Dogma 2, Dom is celebrating Final Fantasy 10's 25th anniversary with progression boosters on Nintendo Switch, and Kelsey is unwinding with the cozy yet spooky fishing and horror elements of Dredge.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth director knows players "got a little bit of tired" of side quests in the JRPG's massive open world and might have "stepped away"
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth's director, Naoki Hamaguchi, acknowledges that the game's massive open world may have led to player fatigue with its numerous side quests. He suggests that the sheer volume of content and the need to complete certain activities for rewards might have caused some players to disengage. Hamaguchi indicates that future installments, like Final Fantasy 7 Revelation, will aim for a more curated experience.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Switch 2 update finally makes a huge quality-of-life change that JRPG fans were begging for 8…
The Nintendo Switch version of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 has implemented a highly requested quality-of-life feature allowing players to use Blade Field Skills without having the corresponding Blade equipped in their active party. This change, which was not a major selling point for the new edition, addresses a long-standing frustration for fans of the JRPG. The article also briefly mentions other Xenoblade titles and sales figures.
PS5 Gets 2 Fan-Favorite JRPG Remasters Today on PlayStation Store
Koei Tecmo has released Blue Reflection Quartet on the PlayStation Store for PlayStation 5, collecting four JRPG titles. The collection includes remastered versions of Blue Reflection and Blue Reflection: Second Light, alongside new games Blue Reflection: Sun and Blue Reflection Ray. This bundle offers a comprehensive entry point into Gust's JRPG series for both new players and long-time fans.
PlayStation 5 Remaster of Beloved PS Vita RPG Gets Release Date
The 2013 Japanese PlayStation Vita RPG Exstetra is receiving a remaster for PlayStation 5 and PC, with the PS5 version scheduled for release on September 3, 2026. Developed by Studio Saizensen and published by Furyu, this marks the game's first global release. The plot involves a protagonist who must kiss others to save two worlds from destruction.
PlayStation 5 RPG Remasters Out This Week Get Strong Reviews
Koei Tecmo's JRPG collection, Blue Reflection Quartet, is receiving strong reviews ahead of its release on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Critics have praised its characters and combat systems, with an average score of 78 on OpenCritic. The collection is noted as a good entry point into Gust's JRPG series.
Blue Reflection Quartet (PS5) Review: A JRPG Collection Done Right
Blue Reflection Quartet is a JRPG compilation that brings together four games from the Blue Reflection series, including the original Blue Reflection, Blue Reflection Ray, Blue Reflection Sun, and the highlight, Blue Reflection: Second Light. While the original game shows its age, quality-of-life upgrades and new content make this collection a definitive way to experience Gust's underrated series for both newcomers and fans.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 director prefers JPRGs to the likes of Skyrim, Fallout, and Baldur's Gate because their linear narratives allow for "a stronger story" and "more memorable characters"
Guillaume Broche, director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, expressed a preference for JRPGs over Western RPGs like Skyrim and Fallout, citing their linear narratives as conducive to stronger stories and more memorable characters. He believes this focus on a defined narrative allows for a more impactful storytelling experience compared to the player-driven choices often found in Western RPGs.
2 Star Ocean games go DRM-free on GOG as the storefront promises it's working on embracing the Linux faithful
Two Star Ocean titles, The Divine Force and The Second Story R, are now available DRM-free on GOG, with the storefront also confirming active development to bring its GOG Galaxy launcher to Linux. While the oldest PC entry, Star Ocean - The Last Hope - 4K and Full HD Remaster, is not yet on GOG, the newly added games are part of the GOG Preservation Program.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Eternal Ragnarok (Switch 2)
Granblue Fantasy: Relink offers a unique and enjoyable JRPG experience on the Switch 2, featuring fast-paced action combat and stunning visuals. While the main story is short, the game provides ample side content and co-op options to keep players engaged. It serves as an excellent entry point for newcomers to the Granblue Fantasy franchise.
"I want this guy to make Final Fantasy 17": Yoshi-P embarrasses Final Fantasy 7 Remake lead with the "highest praise you can get" from players live on stage at FF14 Fan Fest
During a panel at Final Fantasy 14 Fan Fest, series lead Naoki Yoshida praised Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi, stating that fans want him to direct Final Fantasy 17. Yoshida considered this the highest praise possible, visibly embarrassing Hamaguchi on stage. While some speculate this hints at Hamaguchi's future involvement, the article notes the vagueness of the comment and the upcoming release of Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3.
