Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
- #19 Sword Art Online Last Recollection
- #18 WrestleQuest
- #17 Like a Dragon Ishin!
- #16 Showa American Story
- #15 Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key
- #14 One Piece Odyssey
- #13 Persona 3 Portable
- #12 Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2
- #11 Mon-Yu
- #10 Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
- #9 Samurai Maiden
- #8 Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society
- #7 The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure
- #6 Granblue Fantasy: Relink
- #5 Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
- #4 Octopath Traveler 2
- #3 Final Fantasy XVI
- #2 Persona 4 Golden
- #1 Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
JRPGs have been on a roll as of late. Both in terms of the 2D world and the 3D world, and yes, the 2.5 HD world. Point is, many developers have been going to JRPGs to make out mega-hits, and 2023 is honestly going to be loaded with them. Here are a few examples of that.
#19 Sword Art Online Last Recollection
Platform: PC PS4 Xbox One XSX|S PS5
Release: October 06, 2023
If you’ve been a fan of SAO since its beginning, or you’ve found the franchise and wanted to see what its finale will be, take heart. Why? Because Sword Art Online Last Recollection is here, it’s branded as the “culmination” of everything the franchise has been building toward.
You’ll be a part of the Underworld War, a final struggle between humanity and the Dark Territory. This is your chance to end all the pain and suffering that has been going on. Yet right when you think things are going your way, new players come into the mix.
Find out how this story ends, and see if it’s the ending you were expecting!
#18 WrestleQuest
Platform: PC PS4 Xbox One XSX|S PS5 Switch
Release: May 2023
They say the cream always rises to the top! If you believe that and want to prove you’re the best wrestler to ever live, then head into WrestleQuest and piledrive anyone who gets in your way!
In this fun mix of wrestling and RPGs, you’ll create a character and learn the ropes from the legendary masters of the wrestling ring. Then, you’ll travel the land proving your skills to try and dominate the sport!
With mentors like Randy “Macho Man” Savage and others to help you out, you’ll be ready for anything! So get into the ring, learn your moves, and become the champ!
OOOOOOHHHH YEAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!
#17 Like a Dragon Ishin!
Platform: PC PS4 Xbox One XSX|S PS5
Release: February 21, 2023
If you’ve been a fan of Capcom’s gangster series, you’ll need to see their dive into the past via Like a Dragon Ishin!
In the game, you play a Samurai from the 1860s. He is someone who has been wrongly accused of murder and must fight to not only get the truth about his father’s death but restore his honor and save Japan in the process!
Japan is standing on the knife edge of change, and you’ll be the one to wield the blade to slice the country into its new age! A deep story mixed with exciting combat awaits you. So don’t miss out!
#16 Showa American Story
Platform: PC PS4 PS5
Release: 2023
In an alternate future, Japan will use its strong economic presence to buy up large chunks of the United States. The two nations fuse cultures, and all seems fine for a time. But then, a catastrophic event happens that changes everything.
Sometime later, a young woman awakens in a world she doesn’t recognize. Not the least is because zombies and other monsters are roaming around, and humanity is trying to survive in the remaining ruins.
You must wander this familiar yet foreign land to learn the truth about what happened.
The woman known as Choko has many questions. So jump in and help her find answers!
#15 Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key
- Developer: Gust
- Publisher: Koei Tecmo
- Platforms: PS4 PC PS4 Switch
- Release date: February 24, 2023
That is a very long name for an RPG. But Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key is an RPG experience you’ll want to participate in. Of course, that goes double if you’ve played the games in the past.
Ryza and her friends try to enjoy their lives when something unexpected happens. Specifically, a set of islands have magically appeared next to the ones they live on! With their homes threatened, Ryza must gather her allies one last time and see what is going on.
A profound journey awaits you, and you’ll have one of the biggest places to explore in the series’ history.
#14 One Piece Odyssey
- Developer: ILCA
- Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Platforms: PS5, PS4, PC, Xbox Series X/S
- Release date: January 13, 2023
The One Piece franchise continues to roll on with its anime and manga, and the stories within them continue to surprise.
But with One Piece Odyssey, the video games are getting an original tale. In it, Luffy and company get shipwrecked on a mysterious island. The twist is that the isle forces them to relieve some of their memories and experiences from past islands.
You’ll get to play as all the Straw Hat Pirates, take on legendary foes, and battle alongside fan-favorite characters!
What is the truth behind the island? Who is causing all of this to happen? You’ll find out next year!
#13 Persona 3 Portable
- Developer: Atlus
- Publisher: Atlus
- Platforms: PS2, PSP, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Release date: 2023 Modern Platforms
Let’s start out with a familiar franchise, shall we? The Persona line is known right now for Persona 5, but as you can tell by the numbering, that means there were other games before this. Persona 3 Portable was the third main entry, but it was made for the PSP, and is now going to be coming to major consoles and PC next year.
In it, you will be part of a high school group that goes into a separate dimension with their Personas to try and rid the world of the darkness that has been set upon it. You know, typical high school stuff. It’s going to be interesting to see how this game holds up on modern systems, so it’s something you should check out.
#12 Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2
- Developer: CyberConnect2
- Publisher: CyberConnect2
- Release date: 2023
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S, PlayStation 5
It’s always good when a title gets a sequel, wouldn’t you say? Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2 is indeed the sequel to the hit JRPG title, and sadly for the main characters, the fight that they fought so hard to win…didn’t end.
Because once again they must head to war within their tank, and they’re going to have to face even MORE threats than they did before.
The sequel promises more in every major way. Including improving the battle system, the events system, how you get to interact with one another, and more! So when Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2 release, you should get it. Oh, and play the original game too!
#11 Mon-Yu
- Developer: Experience Inc.
- Publisher: Aksys Games
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows
- Release date: 2023
Video games can take inspiration from many things, and in the context of Mon-Yu, it’s taking inspiration from the Wizardry games that came out before them.
In this first-person JRPG title (not something you hear every day), you will create your own character and then go out into a series of dungeons in order to defeat a set of seven demon kings.
You’ll get to form your own team as well, and then take them to the dungeons to fight against hordes of monsters and get your victory. This definitely sounds like a unique JRPG, and that’s something that likely will intrigue many of you.
#10 Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
- Release date: 2023
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S, PlayStation 5
- Developers: Team Ninja, Koei Tecmo
- Publishers: Koei Tecmo, KOEI TECMO AMERICA Corporation
Video games have used the various stories of the Chinese Three Kingdoms in a variety of ways, and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty will be no different. In this title, you’ll play as a nameless soldier who finds himself in a version of China where demons have overrun the nation. Now, he must fight back against them all using his weapons and martial arts skills in order to bring peace to the land.
It won’t be easy though, your enemies will challenge you in a variety of ways, and you’ll need to fight back with variations on the “Five Phases” to overcome and awaken new power! Will you be able to save your homeland?
#9 Samurai Maiden
- Developer: SHADE Inc.
- Publisher: D3 Publisher
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5
- Release date: TBA
What happens when a young girl from the 21st century finds herself in a former version of Japan where she has to slice her way through demons and the undead? Why, she becomes a Samurai Maiden of course!
In this over the top RPG, you’ll indeed play as a “girl out of time” who must use her impressive swordsmanship abilities to battle evil. But she won’t be alone! She’ll befriend three female ninja who will be able to help her in battle via…uh…unique techniques, let’s just put it that way.
If you’re looking for a more fast-paced action JRPG, Samurai Maiden is one you’ll want to pay attention to.
#8 Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society
- Developer: Nippon Ichi Software
- Release date: 2023
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 5
- Publishers: NIS America, Nippon Ichi Software
Dungeon crawlers are a very popular kind of JRPG, and there are many franchises who take part in that kind of style. Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society is the latest in one franchise to go and do that.
You are a spirit in this game, and are tasked by Madame Marta to head into a deep labyrinth in order to find pieces of art. Thankfully for you though, you won’t be alone in your task. You’ll have “puppets” that are infused with souls and be able to use them in order to fight off the monsters that lie within the dungeons.
A massive exploration and fighting JRPG awaits you, are you up to the challenge?
#7 The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure
- Release date: 2023
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita
- Developers: Nihon Falcom, PH3 GmbH, Artdink
- Publishers: NIS America, Nippon Ichi Software, Clouded Leopard Entertainment Inc.
The Legend of Heroes saga is one that many know well, and if you were a fan of the previous title in Trials From Zero, you’ll definitely need to get The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure.
In this title, the Special Support Section has gotten fame from their efforts of the previous title. They get new members, new gear, and more. But, they have little time to rest, as new threats from all sides of their city-state are coming, and the events that unfold will shape the future forever!
So join up with Lloyd Bannings once again to witness the end of the Crossbell Arc!
#6 Granblue Fantasy: Relink
- Release date: 2023
- Publisher: Cygames
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5
- Developers: Cygames, PlatinumGames
There are honestly aren’t a lot of details about Granblue Fantasy: Relink out there right now despite it being a part of a major JRPG franchise. What we can tell you though is that you’ll have a wide cast of characters to play as, as well as a beautiful JRPG world to go and have fun in.
We don’t say that lightly, as the game’s site touts the groundbreaking visuals that will help set Granblue Fantasy: Relink apart from the others. You’ll also be able to choose between a male and female protagonist, and with such a large crew, you’ll get to make the party you want to handle the trials that are to come.
#5 Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
- Release date: 2023
- Publisher: 505 Games
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S, PlayStation 5
- Developers: Rabbit and Bear Studios, Rabbit&Bear Studios Inc.
We’re giving this game a high spot because of how successful it was on Kickstarter. The project was the #1 video game project on the platform back in 2020, and now at long last, you’ll be able to play the game in all its glory.
The game takes place in a world where a mighty empire is trying to gain an artifact that’ll grant them immeasurable power. But in doing so, they bring an officer and a villager together, and they must now band together with others in order to save the world from what’s coming!
That game title isn’t a lie either, you’ll get to work with over 100 characters in the game, ensuring that you’ll have plenty of combat options.
#4 Octopath Traveler 2
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Developer: Square Enix
- Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4
- Released: 2023
The original Octopath Traveler title helped set the stage for all the 2.5 HD titles that have come since. So it’s only fitting that the game that started it all would get a true sequel.
Octopath Traveler 2 will take place in a new world, and will feature 8 new characters with 8 very different stories to tell. From a dancer wanting to bring joy to the world, to a scholar seeking vengeance on the man who ruined his life, to a cleric trying to find her lost memories, all will be told here.
What’s more, the game is promising not only even more refined graphics, but more interaction between the 8 heroes than we got in the first game. Add that to a familiar yet fun battle system and Octopath Traveler 2 must be on your wishlist when it arrives next February.
#3 Final Fantasy XVI
- Release date: 2023
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Platform: PlayStation 5
- Developers: Creative Business Unit III, SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Welcome to the world of Valisthea, a place that is said to be “blessed” due to entities known as the “Mothercrystals”. But while these crystals can grant blessings, not everything is what it appears, and with a darkness known as the Blight threatening everything, an unlikely hero must rise up to both free the worlds, and get revenge.
Yes, Final Fantasy XVI is not going to be like all the other Final fantasy games you’ve played, this is going to be a very dark and mature title with a different kind of battle system. As such, this is one you’ll want to play for yourself just so you can see what the game will be like as a whole.
#2 Persona 4 Golden
- Release date: 2023 Modern Platforms
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S
- Developers: Atlus, P Studio, iXIT Corporation, PREAPP PARTNERS
- Publishers: Atlus, Sega, Atlus USA, SEGA of America
While it’s true that Persona 5 was the game that finally made the Persona franchise “mainstream” and beloved by critics and the public as a whole, Persona 4 Golden is still hailed by many fans as the best of the franchise. So with the upcoming ports to all major systems coming next year, you’ll get to experience yourself why that is.
In the game, a small town is rocked by a set of murders, and now, your protagonist and his friends will go on a journey that’ll test them in various ways. This is a true JRPG coming-of-age story mixed with incredible battle elements that makes the whole experience worthwhile. So don’t miss out.
#1 Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Release date: 2023
- Developer: Square Enix
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Platform: PlayStation 5
While it’s technically not guaranteed to come out next year (as the reveal trailer said “Winter 2023”), Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is without a doubt the most anticipated JRPG of 2023 by a wide margin. Not the least of which is the fact that the first part in Remake was one of the most-lauded games of its release year when it came out.
The graphics, the enhanced battle system, the ability to explore Midgard more, and so on, it was all top notch, and the story of Final Fantasy VII was only partially told in the game. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will continue the tale outside of the city and fans can’t wait to rejoin classic characters in this new take on the game.