Although once a niche subgenre in the gaming arena, JRPGs have proven their enduring value well into the modern era. Even turn-based games, while not as widely appealing as real-time action combat, have a place in current and recent generations of games given the success of franchises like Personage and dragon quest.
This modern relevance isn’t slowing down in the future, as some promising titles are releasing this year from large and small scale IPs on a variety of platforms ranging from consoles to PC. The team behind octopath traveler sees a spiritual successor release in the spring, meanwhile, the next major and highly anticipated entry into the Final Fantasy the series could launch by the end of 2022.
Triangle strategy
The creative team of Tomoya Asano at Square Enix has released one of the best modern 16-bit games in the form of octopath traveler. The game was a nostalgic trip into the Super Nintendo era of classic JRPGs, using a stunning “HD-2D” artistic approach. This art style uses intricately designed 2D sprites running on a 3D plane, complete with pristine lighting. Their next attempt, Triangle Strategyreleases on March 4 on Nintendo Switch in the same style.
However, an exciting twist to the gameplay is that it will be a tactical RPG and set in a different world from the last HD-2D project. Fittingly, this subgenre twist makes Triangle strategy a modern homage to classics like Final Fantasy Tactics on the original PlayStation, as well as the older fire emblem Game Boy Advance games. Early game demos have shown promise, which hopefully indicates that the final project will be a polished experience that builds on octopath travelersolid foundations.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake (speculation)
Although a harsh confirmation of a release date for HD-2D remake of Dragon Quest III has yet to be revealed, Asano’s team at Square Enix (via the Bravely Default II Twitter account) has confirmed that there will be multiple game announcements and releases in 2022. Considering the timing and initial reveal of the game at dragon quest The 35th anniversary stream last summer, its release in the second half of 2022 seems likely. Presumably, the game will release on – the bare minimum – the Nintendo Switch.
This is further proof that Square Enix is confident in the above. octopath travelerthe artistic direction and reception of dragon quest franchise is a natural fit for a remake like this. Seeing the classic turn-based combat adapted into this format was exciting to see in the trailer, along with its stunning visuals. While the Asano creative team is set to make several announcements and releases this year in addition to Triangle Strategymaybe the next trailer of HD-2D remake of Dragon Quest III Is not far. The franchise as a whole is in great shape internationally, with Dragon Quest XI having established itself as one of the best modern JRPGs.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink
It’s been primarily known as a smaller-scale mobile game franchise, but there are plans to have a major action-RPG oriented in developer Cygames. Granblue Fantasy: Relink. Fans are desperately waiting for this anime-themed high-fantasy game to finish and finally launch, as it’s been stuck in development limbo since at least 2016. Granblue Fantasy: Relink still doesn’t have a firm release date, but does have a general release window of 2022.
This will understandably make impatient fans worried about another delay, especially now, but recent previews of the game looked promising. It’s as if Connect could draw inspiration from Bandai Namco’s recent success in 2021 Tales of Arise, with the former’s party-based action combat shaping up to be just as exciting and fast-paced to play. The game is set to release on PS4, PS5, and PC via Steam.
Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster
The next version in the Final Fantasy The franchise may not be new in the literal sense, but it’s definitely one that longtime fans have been looking forward to. VII is often considered by fan circles to be the best of the franchise, and it’s also one of the best Final Fantasy games for newcomers to the series. Square Enix is coming out Pixel Remasters of their great 2D classics and after a slight delay, Final Fantasy VI is set to receive its remastered treatment in February on PC via Steam and mobile platforms.
Fans collectively praise the game for its emotional and fleshed-out story set against a backdrop of steampunk fantasy, its cast of heroes, and for having one of the franchise’s best villains in the form of Kefka. Some screenshots of Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster might even suggest that it will implement the aforementioned HD-2D style to some degree.
sea of stars
Announced in late 2021 via Nintendo’s latest indie games showcase, developer/publisher Sabotage Studio has unveiled its upcoming RPG sea of stars. The game has intrigued many online JRPG fans, as the art direction and brightly colored character designs are inspired by that same era of Super Nintendo games.
sea of stars draws its visual and mechanical cues from acclaimed legacy titles like the trigger of a stopwatch, using a turn-based combat system with a group of characters. Not much has been shown about the game beyond its reveal trailer, but it already looks like an inspired and nostalgic adventure. It will be at least temporarily exclusive to the Nintendo Switch console, but will also launch on PC by the end of the year.
Final Fantasy XVI (Speculation)
XV went through a grueling 10-year development cycle before its final release, and VII Remake took about five years. The time between the announcement and the launch of these Final Fantasy the games were brutal for the fans, but XVI might have a more effective turnaround. Final Fantasy XVI Still wasn’t without delay given the pandemic, but the game could fit in with a late 2022 launch date.
Final Fantasy XVI looks like a captivating fantasy world and story, with a high-octane, cathartic action-based combat system. The combat seems even more intensely paced, which is saying a lot after living VII Remakerefined action mechanics. Expectations are understandably high after this latest game has become one of the best PlayStation RPGs available, especially with some Final Fantasy XIV creations on the XVI team.
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