My all time favorite game genre is definitely the JRPG. From the stories, music, and art, there is so much to enjoy to love in these games. And it seems that the next year or two will help sate my hunger for good JRPGs. Here are a few JRPGs that fans of the genre and newcomers alike can look forward to, and hopefully enjoy.
It was in speculation for years, but Nintendo finally officially announced the remakes of Pokemon Ruby and Pokemon Sapphire. Dubbed Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, these remakes were given a November 2014 release date.
Other than the fact that the games exist and have a release date, not much is known of these games so far. We will be seeing more info as the games get closer to release. Hopefully these games will keep many of the aspects that we loved about the originals (secret bases!) and improve on them.
Love anime and anime style video games? Then you might want to check out Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 1. Based on the highly underrated Hyperdimension Neptunia, this enhanced remake brings a lot more to the game.
More than just a simple port, Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 1 is a complete overhaul of the original game. Featuring new music and voice acting, the game also changes the combat system, going more for the battle system from the original game's sequels.
Taking place in a world called Gamindustry, the game is a take on the console wars, with characters representing the different consoles, including Sega, Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo. The game features a cute anime-inspired art style, and both English and Japanese voices.
Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 1 is set for a August 26 release on the PS Vita.
Fairy Fencer F is a new JRPG developed by Compile Heart and published by NIS. With an amazing art style and music composed by Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu, Fairy Fencer F features a unique turn-based style battle system.
The game is set in a world where two deities battled each other long ago, both creating a number of weapons to do battle with each other. Eventually, both these deities were able to seal each other away, leaving behind the weapons. These weapons, now called "Furies," are sought after wielders called "Fencers." One day, a young man named Fang comes in possession of a Fury, and changes the course of his destiny.
Features artwork from famed Final Fantasy artist Yoshitaka Amano, this game is once again for those who love anime style JRPGs. The battle system seems to have its own unique spin, and the story looks intriguing. Fairy Fencer F is set for a September 23 release on the PlayStation 3.
Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth is one of the four Persona games announced recently. Set for release on the 3DS later this year (it is already out in Japan), this is the first Persona game coming to a Nintendo console.
Unlike other Persona games, Persona Q focuses less on social interactions and more on dungeon crawling. The dungeons in Persona Q will look familiar to those that have played the Etrian Odyssey series.
Persona Q is a crossover title, much like the Persona Arena series. It will feature characters from both Persona 3 and 4, as well as new characters. The game takes place in Inaba, the setting of Persona 4, specifically Yasogami High School. Battle seems to follow the pattern of other Persona games, and should help those waiting for Persona 5 get their Persona fix.
Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix is the high definition remastered collection collecting Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix and Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep Final Mix. These versions of the games were previously only available in Japan, and includes new content not seen in the original versions of the games.
The package also includes Kingdom Hearts Re:coded as HD remastered cinematics. This is similar to how Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix included Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days. Re:coded will feature new scenes and rerecorded voice acting.The collection will also feature trophy support.
This collection is great for both those who have never played these games and those who have already played the Kingdom Hearts series. This collection is the first time that audiences outside of Japan will be able to play the Final Mix versions of these games. This collection will provide some good Kingdom Hearts action while we wait for the release of Kingdom Hearts III.
Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix is set for a December 2014 release on the PlayStation 3.
I love Persona (can you tell?). Thus, I was really excited when Persona 5 was announced. It was announced with three other Persona games including Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth.
Not much is known about Persona 5 at the moment, with the only real clue being the tagline: "You are a slave. Want emancipation?" The game has been confirmed to keep the high school setting, and will have the theme of restraint and liberation. The color theme used in the past few Persona games will continue, with the color for this game being red.
Persona 5 will release in Japan in late 2014, with everywhere else getting the game in 2015. Hopefully we will learn much more soon.
