Japanese Role Playing Games or JRPGs are one of the most common and popular genres in the video game industry. Companies such as Bandai Namco, Nihon Falcom, Square Enix, and more have been active in this genre and have given gamers many beautiful titles that make it worth our pay. As 2023 begins, we have created a guide for players to know our top upcoming 2023 JRPG Games for everyone to know.
Final Fantasy XVI
Release Date: June 22, 2023
FFXVI is expected to be one of the most popular and anticipated series released this June 2023 for the Playstation 5. According to the developers, this game will be different from the series as it will break away from its classic tradition of standby or turn-based strategy and focus more on an action-RPG style of combat that shares similarities to FFVII Remake and Crisis Core FFVII Reunion. The game story takes place in Valisthea, a world divided between six nations that hold power through access to magical Crystals and Dominants, humans who act as hosts for each nation’s Eikon. Tensions between the countries escalate as a malady dubbed the Blight begins consuming the land. Clive Rosfield, guardian to his younger brother Joshua, witnesses his kingdom destroyed and goes on a revenge quest in pursuit of the dark Eikon Ifrit.
Persona 3 Portable
Release Date: January 18, 2023
Persona 3 Portable is one of the biggest and most popular games of the Playstation 2 era, and is coming out fully remastered for the next gen-consoles. This game has received great reviews for its story and gameplay and has been awarded by multiple gaming publications as one of the best RPG games of the PS2 era. The game story takes the role of a high-school student who joins the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad (SEES), a group of students investigating the Dark Hour, a time period between one day and the next that few people are aware of. During the Dark Hour, the player enters Tartarus, a large tower containing Shadows, creatures that feed on the minds of humans. To fight the Shadows, each SEES member can summon a Persona, a manifestation of a person’s inner self.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Release Date: TBA
For many FFVII fans, FFVI Remake became a dream come true for them as it not only developed a new combat system to enjoy but also, saw nostalgic characters in 4K quality and a storyline to watch over again. During the FFVII anniversary event, the game’s developers announced the sequel, the FFVII Rebirth game. In the trailer, Cloud is seen exploring outside of Shinra alongside Sephiroth. Many gamers question what is happening and what Rebirth plans to unveil in this sequel of FFVII Remake.
Legend of Heroes Trails into Reverie
Release Date: July 7, 2023
In 2020, Nihon Falcom released one of their most anticipated titles for the Playstation in Japan, Hajimari no Kiseki. The game featured popular characters new and old from various Kiseki titles such as Ao No Kiseki, Sen No Kiseki, and Sora No Kiseki. Recently, NIS America announced that Hajimari No Kiseki would be released for the US and the title will be changed to Legend of Heroes Trails into Reverie. For those new to the series, the game takes place after the events of Trails of Cold IV End of Saga, where Lloyd Bannings and Rean Schwarzer are finding themselves cleaning up the aftermath of the Great War but unexpectedly things have taken to an unexpected twist. Mysterious strange events have been popping out recently leading to Crossbell being invaded once more and a mysterious freedom fighter calling himself C is planning to liberate the city from the clutches of an unknown knight.
Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society
Release Date: February 14, 2023
Nintendo has released many games over the past couple of years. From big-time gaming development companies to debuting indie companies, Nintendo plans to release a new JRPG game called Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society for the Switch. This game offers dungeon-crawling adventures with unique quality-of-life improvements and 50 hours of exploration alongside a cast of fully customizable companions to do your bidding.
Fire Emblem Engage
Release Date: January 20, 2023
As one of Nintendo’s most popular gaming series, Fire Emblem is rising again to the top of the chain with its newest lineup, Fire Emblem Engage. This game will bring back popular characters from past Fire Emblem series like FE: Three Houses, FE: Awakening, and more. In this game, players can summon valiant heroes like Marth and Celica with the power of Emblem Rings and add their strength to theirs in this brand-new Fire Emblem story. Players can use this new power to prepare themselves against the Fell Dragon that has reawakened using new and old strategies and skills in the game.
Forspoken
Release Date: January 24, 2023
Forspoken is a new JRPG game made by Luminous Productions and was announced a year ago for the Playstation and the PC. This game takes things to the next level as players will play as Frey, a young girl from New York who was transported to a cruel and distant land called Athia. In order to return back home, players must use Frey’s newfound magical abilities to traverse sprawling landscapes and battle various creatures.
Granblue Fantasy: Re Link
Release Date: TBA
Cygames launched Granblue Fantasy in 2014 for PC, Android, and IOS. Since then, its popularity has risen to many from cosplay to animes and more. A few years ago, Granblue Fantasy: Re Link was announced for the Playstation 4, Playstation 5, and PC. Though there were some delays in the development, the game designers recently hinted that the game would be released this 2023 with new info about who will be part of the lineup of playable characters from the Granblue Fantasy series.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
Release Date: TBA
As one of the original JRPG games of the PS1 era, Suikoden returns with a new game titled Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X, and Series S. This game promises to bring players back to the classic style of playing JRPG games. Using 100+ characters in a war-torn world, the game will let players explore more features and hidden stories that will change their gaming perspective.
One Piece Odyssey
Release Date: January 13, 2023
The One Piece franchise continues to grow bigger and bigger not only in its anime and manga content but also in gaming as well. With One Piece Odyssey coming this month, players will get a chance to play Luffy and his Straw Hat Pirates and take on legendary foes that they have faced in the past. This game is expected to be massive as it will focus on open-world gaming and will test the skills and experiences of what it means to become part of Luffy’s crew.
Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key
Release Date: February 24, 2023
The final chapter of the Atelier Ryza series is nearing and this game is an experience that players would want to be part of. Continuing from where the 2nd game ended, Ryza’s final summer adventure is about to begin. Players will get a chance to use a total of 11 party members making it one of the largest in the series. Reunite with characters from previous games and meet new key characters essential to the story.
Like A Dragon: Ishin
Release Date: February 21, 2023
Like A Dragon series is ready to kick up a storm as the popular PS3 title, Like A Dragon: Ishin is not only being remade but also being released for all players worldwide. For those who don’t know what this game is, Like A Dragon: Ishin is a spin-off of the Yakuza series that takes place during the Meiji Era. Players will assume the role of Sakamoto Ryoma and learn the truth behind the true changes that led to Japan’s westernization.
Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection
Release Date: April 14, 2023
The Megaman series is once more bringing back a classic game to the next gen-consoles and that game is Mega Man Battle Network. Back in 2001, the series hit it off during the Game Boy Advance Era and boosted the popularity of the series making a total of 6 mainline games alongside several spin-offs not only limited to games but also in anime as well. Capcom has announced that this game will be remastered and out for Playstation, PC, and the Nintendo Switch with nostalgic features and exclusive content worth buying.
Ys X: Nordics
Release Date: TBA
Nihon Falcom is getting ready to bring out a storm once more as the next Ys game is set to be released this 2023. For those who are loyal to the series, this game is marked as the 10th game of the Ys franchise and is expected to be highly different from the rest. Based on the images shared by the developers, this game would be using Asgardian tales and folklore which Adol will encounter in his journey.
Blue Protocol
Release Date: TBA
Bandai Namco has surprised players for many years with new and upcoming titles that are original and worth paying for. In one of their upcoming lineups, there is one game that has piqued the interest of many JRPG fans and that game is Blue Protocol. This game is a free-to-play Online Action RPG where you become the hero of your very own fantasy adventure. Explore the beautiful and dangerous world of Regnas in an immersive multiplayer experience with deep character customization and action-packed combat.
Fate/ Samurai Remnant
Release Date: TBA
Type-Moon has revealed their next Fate game for the next gen-consoles and fans are going crazy about the fact that this new game will be something worth looking forward to. The game, Fate/ Samurai Remnant, is a game collab by Type-Moon and Koei Tecmo and will focus on Japanese theme servants such as Miyamoto Musashi and more. News about this game is set to be announced soon and as a fan of the Fate series, this is one game I am hoping to try out.
Disgaea 7
Release Date: TBA
A new Disgaea game is in the works and fans of the series will be positively delighted to see what theme this game covers. This new upcoming game, Disgaea 7 will be set in the Japanese-style Netherworld known as Hinomoto Netherworld Cluster. Playing as Wandering samurai Fuji and Hinomoto otaku girl Piririka travel throughout the various locations of Hinomoto with the goal of overthrowing the Oedo Shogunate. As the story progresses, players will unlock new features that will entertain them such as new quests, new mini-games, fun conversations with interactive characters, and more.
Wo Long Fallen Dynasty
Release Date: March 10, 2023
From the depths of darkness, a dragon soars. Setting place during the chaotic Three Kingdoms, Wo Long Fallen Dynasty is a dramatic, action-packed story of a nameless militia soldier fighting for survival. In this game, players will take on demons that have started to plague The Three Kingdoms and cause a ton of fatalities around the Han Dynasty. Using skills and the power of spirits, players will embark on a quest to conquer all these demons and save the world.
Mato Anomalies
Release Date: March 10, 2023
If JRPG players want to try something new in their arsenal of gaming, there is one game recommended for them to try out soon and that is Mato Anomalies. This game takes players on a journey through a neo-futuristic version of a bygone oriental city. Investigate strange happenings across the city and uncover secrets behind the walls. Join a cast of enigmatic unlikely heroes in this anime-inspired RPG experience.
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
Release Date: TBA
When Like A Dragon Isshin was announced, there was another game that players really hoped for and that game is Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. This game takes place after the events of Like A Dragon 6 where the main protagonist, Kiryu Kazama, has abandoned everything to save his family back in Okinawa. Knowing well of his current situation, players will get to know more about what Kiryu has been doing from exile and what other events led to him being active once more.
And that’s our top upcoming JRPG games for 2023. I am currently looking forward to what this year has in store for all active JRPG players in the major next gen-consoles.
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Also check out The Gaming Shelf video on only the upcoming JRPGs gamers can play in 2023