The success of Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is proof that the JRPG genre is bigger than it has ever been. With so many new upcoming titles and projects on the horizon, that train will likely continue to push forward.
But like every game, the roots of JRPGs go way back in the history of gaming as a whole, with titles kicking off in the ’80s and ’90s when the genre was new and fresh. Xenoblade Chronicles showed just how successful remasters can be, but there are so many other JRPGs out there that could really use a fresh coat of paint, both to introduce them to a modern audience and alleviate the issues that come with playing older games. Here are ten that may need it most.
10 Xenogears
The first entry in the popular Xeno series was a marvel for its time. Released in 1998, the game quickly became a cult classic acclaimed for its story, graphics, characters, and mechanics. But Xenogears soon became victim to business decisions that prevented it from living up to its full potential.
Not only was it never properly completed thanks to its second disc consisting of nothing but narration, but the Xeno series went on to branch into several different games that had no continuity with each other, leaving both the game and its sequel in the dust. A definitive edition with today’s technology would be the perfect opportunity for Square to finish what it started.
9 Golden Sun
With the Nintendo Direct 2021 at E3 bringing franchises such as Wario Ware to the Switch, it seems the company is still devoted to its more obscure franchises. One in particular that has been recently brought back into the discussion thanks to the approach of its 20th anniversary is Golden Sun. Developed by Camelot Software Publishing in 2001, the game is among the most beloved games on the Game Boy Advance, selling over one million copies following its release.
But in spite of its critical reception, Golden Sun has largely remained in the shadows along with many of Nintendo’s other IPs, who have yet to make a clear indication of where the future of the series stands. Isaac, the main character, has appeared as a cameo in Super Smash Bros numerous times, so perhaps time will tell if Nintendo has any plans to let the sun rise once more on this title.
8 Panzer Dragoon Saga
Panzer Dragoon Saga is perhaps the best example of an incredible idea that was simply executed at the wrong time. Produced for the Sega Saturn in 1998, the developers wanted to make something very ambitious for its time. While the results garnered critical acclaim, such success could simply not match up to the dying state of the Sega Saturn, and the very scale of the game proved so ambitious that it practically left the development team in shambles.
Nowadays this title remains impeccably difficult to experience, but the limitations that existed in the ’90s are far and away. There is no better opportunity for Sega to give this lost masterpiece the chance to shine as it should have gotten all those years ago.
7 Persona 1 and 2
The Persona series is in a rather strange spot when it comes to its earlier titles. The original Persona games are often ignored by modern fans as good entry points in the series due to just how dramatically different they play compared to the others, not to mention they are rather impractical to get a hold of. With Atlus teasing some big new projects in celebration of the series’ 25th anniversary, a definitive version of these titles that catch them up with the times might be due.
Many of the elements that modern fans love about the series, such as the social simulation mechanics, are simply missing from these games. Updating these titles to be more in line with the current state of the series could reintroduce old and new fans to the roots of the franchise and make the whole series more accessible.
6 Mega Man Battle Network
Anticipation for a Mega Man Battle Network collection on the Nintendo Switch isn’t new, especially following the series’ 20th anniversary. Capcom has already remade several of its Mega Man titles as collections on the Switch, such as the Zero and ZX bundle.
The franchise’s first exploration of the RPG genre, Battle Network quickly garnered a substantial following upon release and spanned six main titles. It’s notable for taking place in a world parallel to the original Mega Man series, with reimagined versions of classic characters. Though the series has been rather dormant for some time, it may only be a matter of time before Capcom journeys back to the Net and gives this fan-favorite the collection it deserves.
5 Chrono Trigger
When thinking of the greatest RPGs out there, Chrono Trigger is almost always brought up in the conversation. This timeless adventure released on the SNES in 1995 has remained close to the hearts of RPG fans for a long time, spawning a cult following and selling millions of copies sold worldwide.
It is only logical that the game went on to be ported to several other systems. Although the game is likely more accessible than ever, a definitive version for the Switch and other consoles truly push this classic into the modern gaming world.
4 Super Mario RPG: Legend Of The Seven Stars
In lieu of Super Mario’s 35th-anniversary celebration, Nintendo acknowledged much of the franchise’s history across its many games, most notably through the full HD remaster of Mario’s greatest 3D adventures. But among these, Mario’s first venture into the RPG genre was noticeably left out, and since the game is currently unavailable on the Nintendo Switch Online service, it may only be a matter of time before it becomes practically unplayable.
Mario’s first RPG venture managed to seamlessly combine traditional RPG elements akin to the Final Fantasy series with Mario’s wackier style. A simple remaster for the Switch or even a port to the Online service alongside other SNES tittles would both allow this classic back to share in the limelight of the red plumber’s adventures once again.
3 Legend Of Legaia
Legend of Legaia is the definition of a neat idea with wasted potential. Released in October 1998 for the original PlayStation, Legend of Legaia is a turn-based RPG developed by Japanese developer Contrail and published by Sony. The game was among several other JRPG titles that dominated the ’90s and managed to distinguish itself through its gameplay and story. Legend of Legaia has amassed a cult following that is still thriving to this day, one individual even developing his own remaster of the game.
But sadly, the eventual firing of late director Hidenori Shibao and the release of a sequel that never came close to the success of the original saw this title fade into obscurity just as quickly as it rose to fame. Although the fanbase still lives on, this title had remained largely in the dark for years, but a true remaster could bring it into the light again.
2 Final Fantasy Tactics
Final Fantasy Tactics is largely regarded as one of the best tactical RPGs of all time, and for good reason. It manages to take the concepts of previous Final Fantasy titles, such as the jobs system, and place them in the context of a tactical RPG in a way that is both challenging and satisfying to execute.
The tactical RPG genre has only become more and more popular since the late ’90s. With such games as Disegea and the upcoming Project Triangle Strategy, it may be time for Square Enix to re-explore this title for modern fans of the genre to enjoy.
1 Fire Emblem: The Binding Blade
Fire Emblem is a series that is in a rather odd place looking at its history. The original Fire Emblem – Shadow Dragon and The Blade of Light – was only recently released in the West for the first time, but many of the earlier games in the series still remain exclusive to Japan. One of these is Fire Emblem: The Binding Blade, the game in which Roy is the protagonist. Most Western Nintendo fans will likely recognize Roy from his appearances in Super Smash Bros.
The West has likely only known Roy, and subsequently Fire Emblem, because of Smash. But with Nintendo proving willing to bring more of this series to the West, a definitive remake of the original title may be nigh so fans can finally get a taste of what makes this character so special.
NEXT: JPRGs With Amazing Character Stories
