There are so many 2024 JRPGs to look forward to. You might want to get around to finishing Tales of Arise, Elden Ring, and Final Fantasy XVI, so you can catch up with one of the best gaming generations for JRPGs.
Updated [04/02/2024] – We’ve updated the list with some new 2024 JRPG additions to look forward to!
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
After a very successful crowdfunding campaign, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is set to release on April 23. It restores the thrilling gameplay mechanics of the Suikoden series (some of the original staff are behind this) while adding some modern flourishes to the formula. It also mixes some pretty 2D polygon art with vibrant 3D surroundings, similar to the Octopath Traveler series. I can’t wait to dive in as I, like many others, have never tried the beloved Suikoden games before.
SaGa Emerald Beyond
JRPGs, no matter how we love them, typically stick to one story and no branching narratives. SaGa Emerald Beyond is bucking that trend. “The story branches abundantly depending on your choices and actions,” says the game’s official Steam page. “Every time you visit a world, the story will evolve, allowing the protagonist and player alike to discover new possibilities.” There will be multiple endings you can discover as you play as six different lead characters in the game. The battle system sounds dynamic too as you can “support party members, interrupt enemy actions, and use United Attacks by strategically manipulating the order of ally actions.” This game releases on April 25.
Sand Land
Akira Toriyama’s legacy continues in the Sand Land video game based on the newly released anime. On April 26, we’ll be exploring the vast world inspired by the legendary artists’ unique style. You’ll venture inside a customizable tank of your choosing, attacking bandits, and improving your base camp along the way. There’s a demo available right now if you want to see what this little devil boy is up to. You can also check out our preview.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door remaster
The much-awaited Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door remaster unfolds on the Switch on May 23. This remaster of a 2004 gem has Mario and his pals fighting the likes of Bowser, the Goombas, and more in turn-based RPG action. The combat is so thrilling because it is based on precise button presses. If you nail the timing, your attacks are more effective. Additionally, Nintendo promises “revamped graphics and a suite of additional changes that make the game easier than ever to enjoy.”
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance
Shin Megami Tensei V is finally heading to other systems than the Switch on June 14 in its new Vengeance edition. This dark JRPG features heavier themes than its Persona counterpart as you face a story that’s “both filled with conflicting and tragic choices,” says the Steam page. Despite its dark themes, the Vengeance edition includes “more accessible gameplay,” in addition to an “improved combat system.” The visuals have also been improved for modern systems like PC, PS5, and the Xbox Series systems.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC
We still don’t know much about the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC/expansion, but Soulslike fans around the world highly anticipate it. Bandai Namco says on Steam we can expect an “all-new story set in the Land of Shadow, imbued with mystery.” We can also expect new enemies to fight, new weapons to master, and equipment to find around the world within “perilous dungeons.” Nevertheless, expect many, many guides from us when it plunges us back to death, many many times on June 20. Prepare a budget for broken controllers!
Visions of Mana
The first mainline Mana game in 15 years is arriving on PlayStation, Xbox Series, and PC systems during the Summer season. We’ll be exploring a stunning anime-inspired world with glorious environments and striking character designs. Composers from the series, like Hiroki Kikuta, Tsuyoshi Sekito, and Ryo Yamazaki are returning to score the soundtrack. I can’t wait to be enlightened by the JRPG treat when it releases. Hopefully, we hear more about it soon.
Final Fantasy XIV Dawntrail
The next expansion in the widely popular Final Fantasy XIV MMO is arriving on July 2, 2024. We’ll be exploring westward towards Tural and into the city of Tuliyollal. There seems to be a pirate-like theme to this expansion from the trailer we’ve received so far. With two new jobs, you’re taking on all-new hunts around the map, and you’ll be able to gaze at a stunning mountainous region. There will be a new graphical update too.
Expected:
Blue Protocol
Blue Protocol is one of those 2024 JRPGs that could go either way. It could be a massive hit or a flop for Amazon and Bandai Namco. It seems to be deeply inspired by Genshin Impact with a simple combat system and multiplayer functionality. The Steam page tells us we’ll be able to “work together as a team with other players to tackle quests, fight boss battles, and engage in massive online raids against towering monsters.”
With a pretty anime-inspired art style and character customization (which Genshin doesn’t have), perhaps this game will be successful for both Amazon and Bandai Namco when it releases sometime in 2024.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Atlus is pumping out many JRPGs in 2024, as Metaphor: ReFantazio is expected to launch in the same year as Persona 3 Reload during the Fall season. Not much is known about this upcoming JRPG, but we do know Shoji Meguro (Persona 5, Catherine) is behind the music and Katsura Hashino (Persona 5, Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne) is directing the game.
Kingdom Hearts: Missing Link
Kingdom Hearts: Missing Link continues the somewhat convoluted storyline with yet another mobile experience. This time, the action looks similar to the console combat we’re used to. However, the game features similar GPS features to games like Pokémon Go, but it can be played sitting still too.
It also seems to be using a card-based system based on prior characters in the Kingdom Hearts series and Disney films. This is likely where the monetary portion rolls in, as Missing Link‘s a free-to-play title.
Hopefully, the gameplay seems more elaborate than the repetitive Unchained χ and Union χ titles, which recently had their servers shut down.
Nevertheless, Kingdom Hearts: Missing Link is scheduled to launch on iOS and Android systems in 2024.
Reynatis
Kingdom Hearts fans are delighted by the prospect of Reynatis. Composed by KH musician Yoko Shimomura and written by Final Fantasy alum Kazushige Nojima, this game is set within a magical take on Shibuya. This is a similar premise to Kingdom Hearts 4’s Quadratum which is based on the area. One of the main characters even has the red plaid design that Sora wears! The intense action-RPG combat attracts many who love the genre with flashy combos and gorgeous visuals. We’ll see how Reynatis fares when it releases sometime in the Fall for Western audiences. If you don’t mind playing the game in Japanese, it’s out on July 25 for that territory.
Released:
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
I have to be honest, the length of the Like a Dragon/Yakuza series is extremely daunting, and there’s yet another comin’ our way in 2024. The series continues its excursion into RPG territory by taking Ichiban to Hawaii, pairing him up with long-time Yakuza protagonist Kazuma Kiryu.
Sega says on the game’s official Steam page there will be “unforgettable moments await at every step of the journey with a unique mix of quests and activities to enjoy at your leisure.” One of those includes an extensive Animal Crossing-like mode. We’ll be pummeling foes and building an island community when the game launches on January 26. You can also get a taste for what the game is like now, by beating the interstitial Like a Dragon Gaiden.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink
Granblue Fantasy: Relink is the first JRPG to emerge in 2024 with a release on February 1. Based on the popular mobile game, this open world takes on a stunning watercolor-like art style. The official Steam page says we’ll “engage in real-time combat with a party of four in this character action RPG—choose from a diverse roster of skyfarers, each with their own unique weapons, skills, and combat styles.” I can’t wait to dive in.
Persona 3 Reload
The beloved Persona 3 gets a remake in the form of Reload. It tells the same beloved story but updates the game’s mechanics, graphics, and even menus to fit modern tastes. It’s also going to have a completely new voice cast, which may be hit or miss with some fans. It releases on February 2. I can’t wait to scream “Persona!” when this comes out. It will also be available on Xbox Game Pass from day one. Check out our preview to find out more.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Arguably one of the most anticipated 2024 JRPGs is Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. It continues the story of Final Fantasy 7 Remake, which unexpectedly changes the plotline of the original game. Cloud’s adventures in this sequel will be open-world, adding more exploration and likely side quests to the title. Our previewer had some mixed feelings about the game when they tried it out. “Rebirth could absolutely be something special,” said Timothy Monbleau for Destructoid. “Otherwise, it’s just more Final Fantasy 7 Remake with a few extra systems, and that isn’t a terrible outcome either.”
We’ll be able to play it ourselves on February 29.
The Legend of Legacy HD Remastered
The 3DS cult classic The Legend of Legacy is releasing on all HD systems and PC on March 22. It brings its charming watercolor-like art style to a wider audience with classic RPG systems. There are eight different weapons to master as you Cleave and Punish your way to victory. Formations also play an important role in your turn-based battling strategy.
“Depending on the formations, individual characters will receive bonuses pursuant to their roles in battle,” explains our review. “A defender will use a buckler to shield allies from damage, while a support character heals, and someone else attacks.” Our review wasn’t favorable, but some diehard JRPG fans love it. I’m definitely intrigued just by the art style alone.
Dragon’s Dogma 2
After many years, JRPG fans are finally getting a sequel to Dragon’s Dogma. It will be very similar to the first game with the pawn system returning and more monsters to kill in the environment. One of Dragon’s Dogma‘s worst issues is your companions’ AI. Thankfully, it seems like this will be fixed in the second game.
“All of these elements are elevated further through physics technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and the latest in graphics, to create a truly immersive fantasy world in Dragon’s Dogma 2,” said Capcom on the game’s Steam page. Dragon’s Dogma 2 has been officially locked in for a March 22 release date.
Published: Apr 2, 2024 07:55 am