If there’s one fact within the gaming trade, it’s that outdated video games will ultimately see a resurgence, whether or not as ports, remasters, or remakes.
Whereas the West doesn’t revisit the previous as typically, Japan does this routinely.
Closing Fantasy and Dragon Quest, for instance, have been launched on the NES and have already obtained remakes or remasters on the SNES, GBC, and even the WonderSwan. The factor is, these aren’t “fashionable practices” as a result of they’ve been taking place for a very long time. And I like that as a result of it lets us play older titles we missed after they launched.
8 JRPG Remakes That Improved All the things From The Unique Video games
The classics are nonetheless classics, but when it is your first time with these video games, go for the remakes.
With that in thoughts, I put collectively a listing of 10 JRPG remasters I’d like to see in 2026. As a lot as I’d prefer to go all out and embrace each JRPG I need to see remastered, I attempted to maintain my ft on the bottom and deal with those who, even when the percentages are slim, may realistically get re-released.
I didn’t embrace video games like Chrono Set off or Xenogears as a result of I’d prefer to see a totally fledged HD-2D remake, not only a easy remaster.
10
.hack
Convey Kite Again
In November 2017, CyberConnect2 launched .hack//G.U. Final Recode, a remaster of the .hack//G.U. trilogy. The gathering was properly obtained by critics, higher than the unique video games, and the developer introduced it offered 300,000 items in virtually one yr, which is fairly good for a distinct segment JRPG franchise.
That raised a query: the place’s the remaster of the unique .hack quadrilogy? CyberConnect2 stored working, releasing three Fuga: Melodies of Metal video games within the meantime, together with different initiatives, however nothing associated to .hack. Nonetheless, if it have been as much as the developer, they’d already be engaged on new .hack initiatives, however sadly, that call doesn’t relaxation solely with them.
In a 2024 interview, CyberConnect2 vp Taichiro Miyazaki mentioned he’d like to revisit the .hack universe, however that relies on the writer and IP holder, Bandai Namco. He inspired followers to indicate their enthusiasm for the collection’ return to Bandai if they need CyberConnect2 to work on it once more. Who is aware of, possibly they’ve already began, and we’ll get a minimum of a remaster of the primary 4 .hack video games in 2026.
9
Skies of Arcadia
We Need Extra Air Piracy
SEGA was fairly the JRPG powerhouse again within the 8 and 16-bit period, with collection like Phantasy Star and Shining. But when there’s one sport followers continually ask to see return, it’s Skies of Arcadia, initially launched on the late Dreamcast and later receiving an enhanced port for the GameCube.
Once in a while, rumors pop up that Skies of Arcadia will get a remaster, whether or not as a result of a brand new Vyse determine was introduced or as a result of its trademark was re-registered. Any breadcrumb is sufficient to ignite hypothesis and gasoline followers’ goals.
And if that isn’t proof of how a lot JRPG fanatics need to see the adventures of a younger air pirate return, I don’t know what’s. Honestly, I feel a remaster, or a minimum of a port of Skies of Arcadia, is kind of doubtless, particularly contemplating SEGA is on a campaign to revive some actually basic and outdated IPs in its catalog.
8
Misplaced Odyssey
Let’s Do This Earlier than Sakaguchi Retires
You know the way the story goes: Spirits Inside flopped, and Sakaguchi left Sq. to discovered Mistwalker. The Xbox 360 wished to attraction to a Japanese viewers and employed the daddy of Closing Fantasy to make a Closing Fantasy-like sport for the console, and thus Misplaced Odyssey was born.
And yeah, Misplaced Odyssey is great. It’s one of many few turn-based video games of its time with excessive visible constancy, one thing Sakaguchi at all times had a knack for. It featured novel battle mechanics like the reactive Intention Ring System and a set of extremely well-written quick tales that, dare I say, are even higher than the JRPG’s central plot.
The largest challenge is that the sport remains to be caught on Xbox to at the present time, albeit with backward compatibility. Misplaced Odyssey deserves to be skilled by everybody. If Sq. determined to rescue Fantasian from Apple Arcade and launch it on a number of platforms, why not do the identical with Misplaced Odyssey, proper? And sooner reasonably than later, as a result of in keeping with Sakaguchi, he solely has yet another sport left in him earlier than retiring.
7
Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria
Convey Again Tri-Ace
With the discharge of the not-so-good Valkyrie Elysium, Sq. additionally introduced over a port of the improved model of Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth, initially launched for the PSP in 2006. Not precisely a remaster, however we’ll take it, particularly because it had trophy help. This solely strengthened that the Valkyrie Profile collection nonetheless has followers worldwide and that the IP has been poorly managed.
A method to attract much more consideration whereas additionally pleasing long-time Einherjar followers could be to convey Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria to fashionable platforms. Even on the PS2, the sport was beautiful, with a sober, hanging artwork model. Sq., we do not want a lot. A port with a couple of fashionable quality-of-life enhancements would do the trick.
I do not know whether or not Sq. Enix ever thought of bringing Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria again, or if it was one of many initiatives canceled after the corporate’s inside restructuring. Nonetheless, I’d nonetheless like to see this JRPG see the sunshine of day once more. Who is aware of, possibly it might additionally assist Tri-Ace, which revealed it was struggling financially a couple of years again.
11 Most Disappointing Sq. Enix Recreation Cancellations
A phrase of warning earlier than studying: a few of these cancellations may sting.
6
Courageous Fencer Musashi
Hear Me Out, Sq.
I do know I mentioned I’d solely embrace titles with practical possibilities of getting a remaster, and Courageous Fencer Musashi doesn’t precisely match that invoice. Nonetheless, ever since Sq. introduced Reside A Reside again as a remake, each title is on the desk. Additionally, dreaming small or dreaming large prices the identical, so let’s goal excessive. I’d like to see Courageous Fencer Musashi return, even when it’s simply in an enhanced model like Closing Fantasy Techniques – The Ivalice Chronicles.
In the course of the PS1 period, Sq. launched a handful of underrated titles, comparable to Threads of Destiny, Bushido Blade, and the superb Courageous Fencer Musashi. This motion JRPG was wonderful and full of creative options, like using the Fusion and Lumina swords. The previous is a katana that delivers quick assaults and might soak up enemy expertise, whereas the latter is a broadsword imbued with elemental powers.
Past enriching fight, these mechanics have been additionally important for exploration and puzzle-solving. It’s genuinely one of the forgotten JRPGs in Sq. Enix’s catalog, but one of the deserving of a contemporary revival. I’m even prepared to sacrifice Musashi: Samurai Legend on PS2 as an providing if wanted.
5
Closing Fantasy XIII
Lightning Deserves Extra
It’s long gone time for Sq. to launch a set containing your entire Closing Fantasy XIII trilogy, proper? Additionally, Lightning’s redemption arc is lengthy overdue, and other people must be taught to understand it regardless of the JRPG’s linearity. I blame the PS3’s structure, which should be making issues tougher, as seen by the numerous crashes the trilogy’s PC ports suffered on Steam.
I perceive the sentiment that Closing Fantasy XIII was extremely divisive and is commonly thought of one of many weakest mainline entries, besides, if the collection offered over 11 million items again in 2014, it means there’s nonetheless an viewers on the market.
Additionally, let’s be sincere, Closing Fantasy XIII was already insanely lovely again within the PS3 period, so it doesn’t want large visible overhauls. A port to fashionable consoles with up to date body charges at 60 FPS is all I ask, hell, even 30 FPS. I replayed Lightning Returns not too long ago on PS3, and the body price dropped to, I don’t know, beneath 20 whereas roaming the town, and it was an actual buzzkill.
4
Suikoden III
Battle By no means Ends
I think, although I can’t show it, that Konami was nudged by the Kickstarter success of Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes into releasing remastered variations of the primary two Suikoden video games, together with a cell title. And to be honest, they delivered wonderful releases, so it solely is sensible to maintain the streak going and in addition convey a remaster of Suikoden III.
Suikoden III isn’t as beloved as Suikoden II, however it’s nonetheless one of the cherished entries within the collection, solely held again by a considerably tough battle system. Story-wise, some followers even rank Suikoden III above Riou and Jowy’s insurrection, largely because of the Trinity Sight System, which lets gamers expertise the identical narrative from totally different characters’ views.
Whereas I’d like to see Suikoden III on fashionable platforms, I perceive if it doesn’t occur. Pixel artwork ages like superb wine no matter model, however early PS2-era 3D engines can look a bit unpolished, and a easy port won’t be sufficient to do away with that uncanny valley feeling. That’s why a remake could be extra favorable, even when the possibilities of Konami going that route are slim.
3
Tales of the Abyss
Put together To Meet JRPG’s Most Obnoxious Protagonist
A remaster of Tales of the Abyss feels virtually assured, if I needed to guess. Ever since Bandai Namco kicked off the Tales of Remastered Undertaking, followers have been asking and clamoring for Tales of the Abyss. Lately, the collection producer mentioned they’re tackling releases based mostly on ease of growth, which explains why video games like Tales of Berseria obtained a remaster.
Contemplating fashionable Tales entries, I’d assume Abyss (and Zestiria) fall nearer to that ease of growth class, and I doubt they’d be daring sufficient to remaster Tales of Vesperia once more. Possibly the discharge itself received’t land in 2026, however I’m assured sufficient to place my hand within the fireplace for a minimum of an announcement.
Tales of the Abyss launched on PS2 and later obtained a 3DS model, and each nonetheless maintain up properly visually. The anime-inspired presentation and the collection’ distinctive artwork model stay interesting even at the moment. Personally, I nonetheless assume it seems higher than Tales of Symphonia, which has already obtained about 18 remasters.
2
Xenosaga
Justice for Takahashi
We’re all acquainted with the story of how genius Tetsuya Takahashi was continually a casualty of the capitalist system and by no means obtained to totally understand his imaginative and prescient with Xenogears and Xenosaga. The factor is, he managed to just do that with Xenoblade, and even constructed upon it with the definitive re-release of Xenoblade Chronicles X.
My slim hope is that he’d not solely convey a remastered model of the Xenosaga trilogy, but additionally embrace extra story scenes to a minimum of give extra substance to what was initially meant to be a six-episode saga.
And I do know Katsuhiro Harada already dismissed a Xenosaga remaster as a result of it wasn’t definitely worth the danger, however that was six years in the past. Loads has modified since then. We’ve seen a JRPG-inspired sweep the TGAs, Monolith launch the highly-acclaimed Xenoblade Chronicles 3, Nintendo purchase Bandai Namco Singapore, and even Harada himself is ready to retire on the finish of 2025. Typically plans change, and generally they alter for the higher. I can already see it taking place: Xenosaga Remastered Assortment confirmed for 2026.
All in all, greater than seeing JRPG followers relive Shion and KOS-MOS’s journey, I’d like to see Takahashi get the possibility to attempt to full his imaginative and prescient, even when it’s nonetheless a fraction of what he envisioned, in a future assortment. Too dangerous we’re counting on Bandai Namco as soon as once more.
1
Breath of Hearth Assortment
I Belief Capcom
I don’t contemplate myself vital sufficient within the outlet so that you can know my private style as a gamer or to have learn my different articles. Nonetheless, when you have, you most likely know that Breath of Hearth is my favourite JRPG collection, with Breath of Hearth III being the sport of my life.
Ever since Capcom began bringing quite a few collections to fashionable platforms, whether or not Mega Man, Ace Lawyer, or virtually each Combating Assortment conceivable, I’ve grown hopeful that the Breath of Hearth collection would ultimately get the identical therapy.
I’m not asking for a lot, okay? A easy port with trophy help and possibly a number of the unique soundtrack or paintings would already be sufficient for me. Tremendous, maybe a brand new translation for Breath of Hearth I and II, and the removing of ineffective objects would even be a good suggestion. However don’t really feel pressured, all proper, Capcom?
Dino Disaster followers, I really feel you. Capcom has been on a roll these previous few years, posting record-breaking income that some other developer would envy. They usually’ve finished it by respecting their IPs and pleasing their followers. They not too long ago introduced curiosity in reviving dormant franchises like Mega Man with a brand new title, Ace Lawyer, and Satan Could Cry, and that’s superb. I’m affected person. You can provide them some love whereas I look forward to the day Capcom does the identical for our dragon boy, Ryu.
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These are video games for many who need to dig deeper into the style.
