Summary
- Final Fantasy remains king of the genre, but many upcoming JRPGs could challenge its crown in 2025 and 2026.
- Persona 4 Revival, Lost Hellden, and SacriFire promise bold new mechanics, nostalgia, and inventive combat systems.
- Indie gems like Forge of the Fae and Legends of Astravia are seeking to revive the charm of the classic 16‑bit era.
The classic video game series Final Fantasy, without contest, reigns supreme in the realm of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPG). Not only has it single-handedly put JRPG on the map, particularly in the Western world, but it shows no signs of disappearing anytime soon. Yet, Square Enix tends to take their sweet time in releasing a new installment for this groundbreaking franchise, which leaves fans of JRPGs feeling antsy and possibly seeking alternatives until the next release arrives.
Luckily for them, numerous upcoming JRPGs show great promise and could potentially challenge Final Fantasy as a leading contender. The latter half of 2025 and the early part of 2026 are set to feature an array of exciting new releases in this cherished genre, with these particular games standing out as notable ones for gamers to watch closely.
Persona 4 Revival
One Of Final Fantasy’s Main Competitors Is Coming Back With A Big Swing
The overall collection of games known as the “Persona” series has grown so much that it can compete head-to-head with the popular “Final Fantasy” franchise. Recently released titles like “Persona 5” and the updated version of “Persona 3,” referred to as “Persona 3 Reload,” offer some of the most engaging modern Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG) experiences. However, among fans, “Persona 4” is often regarded as the series’ finest game, with a complete remake expected soon.
So far, details about the rumored title “Persona 4 Revival” are scarce, but the glimpses Atlus has given us in the form of images and videos are simply stunning. If this remake manages to retain what made the original so endearing while enhancing its visuals and offering fresh, captivating content, it could easily rank among the greatest JRPGs of this era. And if the Persona series continues down this path, it may well dethrone Final Fantasy as the reigning monarch of the role-playing game genre.
The Adventures Of Elliot: The Millennium Tales
Square Enix’s Brand-New HD-2D JRPG
While it’s highly probable that Square Enix is developing the next major installment of the Final Fantasy series, this doesn’t prevent other teams within the company from concurrently working on a different JRPG series at the same time. A recent announcement by Square Enix unveiled a new HD-2D game called “The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales,” which shares the captivating visual style of other popular JRPGs such as “Octopath Traveler” and “Triangle Strategy.
It’s hardly necessary to mention, but the visuals for “The Adventures of Elliot” are nothing short of stunning and evoke memories of classic “Final Fantasy” games. When it comes to gameplay, this is an action RPG with a combat system that blends elements from 2D versions of “Legend of Zelda” series and “Secret of Mana”, offering enough strategy to avoid feeling trivial. If you’re intrigued, there’s currently a demo available for “The Adventures of Elliot” on Nintendo Switch 2, so I highly recommend checking it out.
Lost Hellden
A Colorful JRPG That Pays Homage To The PS1 Era
- Release Date: 2026
- Platforms: PlatStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X & S, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Developer: Artisan Studios
The Artisan Studios’ freshly announced JRPG titled “Lost Hellden”, which was long awaited, caused quite a stir in the gaming community upon its release of the trailer at Gamescom 2025. The game seems to offer an engaging gameplay style that merges real-time action with turn-based combat and features stunning pre-rendered backgrounds.
The visual spectacle and compelling elements of “Lost Hellden” are noteworthy, ranging from its vibrant art style to the captivating music featured in its trailers, composed by the legendary Hitoshi Sakimoto. This upcoming game is poised to make a strong impression, with JRPG fans, particularly those with fond memories of 90s 3D JRPGs, likely to find themselves drawn to it when it launches in 2026.
Quartet
The Perfect Mix Of Final Fantasy And Dragon Quest
- Release Date: August 26, 2025
- Platforms: PC
- Developer: Something Classic Games LLC
Occasionally, fans of Japanese Role-Playing Games yearn for something straightforward yet impactful, echoing the classic games that initially captivated their hearts in the genre. Quartet fits this description perfectly, as it encompasses almost everything you’d anticipate from a 16-bit retro JRPG experience.
In simpler terms, “Quartet” offers an engaging storyline centered around government conspiracies, a fascinating universe with beautiful pixel art, and innovative airship segments reminiscent of the SNES’ Mode 7. The combat system blends elements from both “Final Fantasy” and “Dragon Quest,” providing a unique experience. This game is sure to please JRPG enthusiasts, and fortunately, it will be available for play as early as August 2025.
Forge Of The Fae
An Indie JRPG With Beautiful Sprite Work
- Release Date: TBA
- Platforms: PlatStation 5, Xbox Series X & S, Nintendo Switch, PC, macOS, Linux
- Developer: Datadyne LLC
It’s worth noting that the popularity of Final Fantasy isn’t solely due to its latest 3D AAA games; even the classic 2D versions played a significant role in shaping the JRPG genre. Many developers, big and small, have attempted to replicate this style, and it appears that Forge of the Fae might be one such game that will evoke the charm of those old-school titles.
Nestled within a captivating realm steeped in Celtic mythos lies the indie role-playing game, Forge of the Fae. It boasts turn-based battles, traditional RPG mechanics, and a narrative that unfolds based on your choices, but what truly sets it apart is its extraordinary presentation. This upcoming gem is meticulously crafted with vividly detailed, colorful pixel art, giving it a distinct resemblance to iconic 16-bit era JRPGs.
Legends Of Astravia
Another Promising Indie Title Inspired By Classic 16-Bit JRPGs
- Release Date: 2026
- Platforms: PC
- Developer: Studio Alemni
Besides “Forge of the Fae,” another upcoming indie JRPG that honors the genre’s classics is the project named “Legends of Astravia.” The key attraction of this game lies in its turn-based combat system, which employs a 2D perspective similar to classic Final Fantasy games. However, it introduces an engaging dynamic time mechanic that sets it apart and promises a thrilling experience.
In Legends of Astravia, delving into the vast open world is just as important. You’ll encounter numerous intriguing dungeons to explore and a host of NPCs to converse with and interact with. The game is gearing up for its Steam Early Access launch, which means that player feedback can help shape it into an even more immersive experience.
SacriFire
An Inventive New JRPG With A Creative Combat System
- Release Date: Q12026
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X & S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Developer: Pixelated Milk
At first glance, SacriFire appears to be an enticing new JRPG, boasting a striking art style that harmoniously blends vivid 2D sprites with impressive 3D landscapes. The game’s soundtrack, masterfully crafted by the renowned Motoi Sakuraba, adds to its allure. Moreover, it features unexpectedly good voice acting.
What distinguishes SacriFire from other upcoming JRPGs is its groundbreaking combat system. It blends real-time and turn-based gameplay, but what sets it apart is a distinctive feature: time moves only when the player does (akin to Superhot), leading to thrilling, unpredictable battles that demand quick thinking. If executed well, SacriFire could rank among the top new IPs in this genre.
Starbites
Turn-Based Battles With Giant Mechas
- Release Date: 2026
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Developer: IKINAGAMES
Despite being a contentious point for some, it’s worth noting that the “Final Fantasy” series frequently incorporates science fiction elements, such as robots, mechas, and cyborgs. So, if you’re a fan of these aspects within the franchise, be sure to keep an eye on “Starbites”, a forthcoming turn-based JRPG that offers a distinctive sci-fi twist in its gameplay.
As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but be excited about Starbites! After a catastrophic space war, this game places you in a vibrant, intriguing world where the primary task is to gather resources, enhance your mechas, and confront progressively formidable adversaries. The game concept alone has me hooked, but what truly sets it apart is its turn-based battles, rich with gameplay mechanics that add depth. If you’re a longtime fan of games like Final Fantasy, this one’s for you! It’s unfortunate that Starbites seems to be under the radar for many gamers right now, but if the trailers and previews are any indication, it has all the makings of a 2026 blockbuster in the JRPG genre.
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2025-08-26 19:06