It’s a good year for video games, with games like Resident Evil, Horizon Zero Dawn, and Zelda Breath of the Wild coming out. But what about those wonderful JRPGs which are finally making their way to the US, or which are releasing alongside their Japanese counterparts? Let me tell you about the JRPGs which are coming to the States this year.
1. Tales Of Berseria
Tales Of Berseria is set in a wasteland of a world, known as Glenwood, in the distant future. This is the first tales game with a lead protagonist named Velvet, who once was a kind hearted person turned to the path of revenge after a series of events which changed her life forever — shock and horror. Now she is on a quest to destroy the balance of peace, and possibly destroy the world to quench her thirst for revenge — which makes an interesting take on the tried and tested revenge motivation.
Tales of Berseria is available now for PS4, and PC.
2. Nioh
Nioh has been called a Samurai version of Dark Souls, due to Nioh being a dark, gritty, and mature action RPG. Player take control of Williams Adams, a real-life Western Samurai who existed in the 1600s at the end of Japan’s Warring States Period. In Nioh you will hack, and slash everything in your way as you fight through the beautiful but twisted world. I love games that take the risk, reward method like that of the Souls games, and thoroughly challenge you.
Nioh was released on on February 7.
3. Persona 5
Persona 5 is one of the most stylish JRPG’s coming out this year. This series has made so many fans over the years, from the PS2 era Persona games, to the animes, and even to the remake of Persona 4 on the PS Vita. The Persona series itself has always brought a unique take on JRPG’s, thus making them totally traditional. What make this series special is in its relationships with in-game friends and family — you hang with friends, and grow to become greater friends. Persona 5 really kicks it up a notch with vibrant contrasting colors, and a sleek UI — the trailers are to be believed.
Persona 5 will be releasing on April 4 2017, for PS4.
4. Neir Automata
Before playing the demo for Neir Automata I don’t know much about the series, but after the demo I can tell you it’s pretty damn good — and so can many others. Neir Automata takes place in a time where humans have basically been wiped out, and the world has been taken over by robots. You will play though the game as a character simply named “2B.” The perspective will seamlessly shift between a standard 3D, to 2D (well more 2.5D), to top down bullet hell style — and it’s not jarring at all.
Neir Automata is releasing on February 23 2017 for PS4, and PC later.
5. Summon Night 6 Lost Borders
Already out in Japan, Summon Night 6 will be coming to the States in 2017, yet people here don’t know much but the games. They are a unique blend of strategy RPG (reminiscent of Final Fantasy Tactics or Disgaea), and anime. They have also added a unique bonus of letting you choose not only your main character, but your main partner as well. This lets you customize your story the way that you want it to unfold.
Summon Night 6 is coming some time in 2017.
6. Dragon Quest XI
Dragon Quest XI is the next instalment in the Dragon Quest series. The game continues it’s traditional gameplay, where player will traverse a open world full of monsters to fight. The Nintendo 3DS version of the game will show off a 3D art style, but players will be able to shift between 3D and 2D graphics on the fly.
Dragon Quest Xl will be releasing in Japan in 2017, while nothing has been said for a worldwide release. We do know that it is coming to Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch, and PS4 so expect a US release date soon.
7. Final Fantasy Xll: The Zodiac Age
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is a remake of the original PS2 game released in 2006. The original FFXII added many systems to the Final Fantasy world that have been improved upon by future games, like the latest Final Fantasy XV. Fans will return to the world of Ivalice with a new HD look, while newcomers to the series will be able to see how it influenced FFXV.
FFXII will also feature the previously released (Japan only) Zodiac update. This features the ability to assign characters to different roles, thus giving each character unique skills and individual stat growth.
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age will be releasing on July 11 for the PS4.
8. Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a sequel to the first Xenoblade on the Wii. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 was announced at the Nintendo Switch event, and will be the first JRPG to make it to the Nintendo Switch. Despite being a sequel, it will not have the same main character as in first game, instead you will play as a new character who is searching the world for Elysium.
Xenoblade chronicle 2 will be releasing sometime in 2017.
9. Kingdom Hearts 3
Kingdom Hearts 3 is the next instalment of the Kingdom Hearts series. The game will continue the story of Kingdom Hearts 2, so to get ready, Kingdom Hearts 2.8 is available now, and it features a small piece is what is to come in the third installment.
Kingdom Hearts 3 does not yet have a release window, but the full HD collection of Kingdom Hearts series will release on March 28 2017.
10. Ni No Kuni 2
Ni No Kuni 2 is the sequel to the critically acclaimed Ni No Kuni. The game was announced at PSX 2016, with a incredible trailer showcasing the incredible world of Ni No Kuni, and it’s amazing anime like look. This is a game I missed out on sadly, so hopefully they will make a remaster of the first game so people can play that before 2 releases. This game is one of the best looking games coming out in 2017, the only negative thing I have heard about the game is that they are removing familiars from the game, but other than that people are very excited.
Ni No Kuni 2 has not been given a fixed release date, but it is coming in 2017 for the PS4.
11. Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII is a remake of the original game for the PS1 made in 1997, it was was announced at E3 2015. FFVII will retell the story of ex-military Cloud Strife, as him, and eco terrorist group named AVALANCHE, fight against the Shinra megacorporation, and rouge soldier Sephiroth.
This game is still most likely a way of but we can hope to see something at E3 this year, or hopefully come out into 2017.
These games should be all coming out this year, except for any delays which can happen. If you have never played any type of JRPG’s, you should start by playing Tales of Berseria which is available now, or look out for Nioh releasing on the 7th.
Have I missed out any JRPGs which are coming in 2017? Let me know in the comments below!
Published: Jan 22, 2017 07:04 pm