There are many upcoming JRPGs in 2023 to watch out for, including Final Fantasy XVI, Granblue Fantasy Relink, and Blue Protocol. This genre is able to dive you into a spectacular world, epic story, and a cast of memorable characters.
Here’s everything you should expect from the rest of the year. That way, you won’t have to wonder about which JRPGS are releasing in 2023.
Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salsburg (PS4, PS5, Switch, PC)
The beloved Atelier series began with Marie, so it makes sense to get a remake of her game The Alchemist of Salsburg. The main focus of this JRPG franchise is crafting. You’ll be making all sorts of potions and equipment with your alchemy skills. As Marie takes classes at the academy, you’ll realize that the game’s been updated with 3D Chibi models and stages that you can explore. The game will be released on July 12, 2023.
Blue Protocol (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC)
Getting tired of Genshin Impact and want to play another anime MMO? Blue Protocol may be the answer for you. Scheduled to release sometime in 2023, you’ll be taking on missions with your friends as you explore Bandai Namco’s beautiful world. We don’t know too much about Blue Protocol yet, but the publisher has said on Steam, “It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an advanced player, the action-based combat system features simple controls that are customizable and able to match any play style.”
DECAPOLICE (PS4, PS5, Switch)
DECAPOLICE will mix a turn-based battle system with detective mechanics, and it looks super slick. Developed by Ni no Kuni studio Level-5, DECAPOLICE transports us to a cyberpunk open world. You’ll be switching between the real world and virtual world in the game as you investigate crimes. There’s no release date yet, but DECAPOLICE is scheduled for sometime this year.
Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless (PS4, PS5, Switch, PC)
Hey, dood! Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless is scheduled to release in 2023. The game will include over 40 character classes and an abundance of new features like Jumbification, Hell Mode and Item Reincarnation.
Dokapon Kingdom: Connect (Switch)
Dokapon Kingdom: Connect is what happens when you combine JRPG mechanics with a Mario Party-like game. You’ll be fighting each other for dominance and will be taking over rival towns to gain more funds and prominence on the board. There are also challenging enemies to fight, but the combat is extremely basic as it’s based on rock-paper-scissors mechanics. However, that doesn’t stop the action from being suspenseful, as one wrong move can be disastrous. This is a lot of fun with friends; don’t skip it based on the simple graphics.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC)
The spiritual successor to the Suikoden series Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is soaring to consoles and PC in 2023. With some of the creators behind the initial run of Suikoden games, such as Yoshitaka Murayama and Junko Kawamo, there will be over 100 characters to play as and meet in this adventure. Similar to Square Enix’s HD-2D titles like Octopath Traveler 2, there will be a mix between stunning sprites and 3D backgrounds, creating an engaging look.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (PS5)
Cloud’s story will continue when Final Fantasy VII Rebirth hopefully releases this winter (December 2023 to March 2024). It will be the second game in the new trilogy, as the ending of the first game revealed an intriguing new path for Cloud and his allies. As the reveal trailer seems to showcase, there will be an open world to explore as we venture outside the city of Midgar. It’s also indicated that Crisis Core’s Zack Fair may join the journey this time around. It is going to be a PS5 exclusive, for the time being, but it may make its way to the PC, similar to how Final Fantasy VII Remake did.
Final Fantasy XVI (PS5)
The next mainline entry in the Final Fantasy series is also dropping this year. Specifically, Final Fantasy XVI will be released on June 22. It will be a PS5 exclusive and hopefully pushes the system to its very limits in terms of graphical fidelity. Unfortunately, old-school Final Fantasy fans may be disappointed as there will be a heavy emphasis on action-RPG mechanics. If you’re into games like that, however, there are high hopes as Devil May Cry 5 combat designer Ryota Suzuki is the lead of the battle system in Final Fantasy XVI. The storyline also seems epic and appears to be inspired by the likes of Game of Thrones.
Granblue Fantasy Relink (PS4, PS5, PC)
The popular mobile game series Granblue Fantasy will be taking a giant JRPG leap onto the PS4, PS5, and PC sometime in 2023. The watercolor-like art style looks gorgeous from the trailers and screenshots released so far. “You will feel the wind from the deck of an airship, visit quaint towns for the first time, and do battle across sprawling hillsides,” teases publisher CyGames. We can’t wait to explore this beautiful world, and the combat looks thrilling as well.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie (PS4, PS5, PC)
The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie will be the climactic conclusion to the series when it releases on PS4, PS5, and PC on July 7. This JRPG will be unique as you switch between three distinct characters that all intersect in the storyline: Rean, Lloyd, and C. The developer Falcom will challenge players to learn the new United Front system and dominate foes with your strategically placed attacks. There will also be some randomly generated dungeons to toil through, for your pleasure.
While you’re waiting for The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie to be released, check out our primer for The Legend of Heroes series. It’s a good read if you’re new to the series and don’t know where to start.
Ys X: Nordics (PS4, PS5, Switch)
Adol is back once again on another grand adventure. This time, he’ll be storming the seas around Obelia Bay. You’ll be able to steer a boat around the islands of the world, and then once you’ve encounter enemies, you’ll be trying to master the new battle mechanics: Solo Mode and Combination Mode. If you were missing the bright visuals of past Ys games from the ninth entry, the 10th game takes us right back to a vibrant environment. Ys X: Nordics will be coming to PS4, PS5, Switch, and PC in 2023.
