9 JRPGs To Look Out For In 2020

Final Fantasy VII Remake – PlayStation 4

This one shouldn’t be surprising to anyone. Final Fantasy VII Remake is bringing back one of the most beloved RPGs of all time. The remake that looked like it would never happen will finally release in April 2020, bringing in gorgeous new visuals, a new battle system, and an overall reimagining of the original story. Even if it is only going to be one part of the full story, this is going to be a must-play for RPG fans. Final Fantasy VII Remake will hit the PlayStation 4 on April 24, 2020.

Trials of Mana – PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC

This remake of the third Mana title that never made it to the United States is rather ambitious for a remake. Trials of Mana allows players to pick a protagonist out of six unique characters, then pick two more to bring along as a party for an adventure. The remake uses gorgeous 3D visuals to bring the characters and environments to life. It appears that the remake is abandoning the co-op features of the original, but those who are wanting a neat single-player RPG will likely be satisfied by this entry. Trials of Mana will hit the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch on April 24, 2020.

Persona 5 Royal – PlayStation 4

Persona 5 is a modern classic and one of the best turn-based games to ever be released. I know it’s the third remake on this list, but Persona 5 Royal is more like a complete edition than a remake. This retelling includes a new party member, new confidants, and tons of other new stuff. All of the new content makes stealing hearts appealing again regardless of how much time was put into the original. Persona 5 Royal will release worldwide on March 31, 2020.

Tales of Arise – PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC

While the Tales series has a long and impressive history, the last decade or so hasn’t seen too many great entries. Tales of Berseria is a fine game, but any other Tales hits were likely a remake of an older game. Tales of Arise looks like it will be a fresh start with the series. For the first time in a few generations, we have a modern-looking Tales game. Time will tell if this will reinvigorate the series, but the gameplay seems solid and the visuals look gorgeous. While it doesn’t have a date yet, Tales of Arise is expected to release in 2020.

Digimon Survive – PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, & PC

Digimon is celebrating its 20th anniversary! The Digimon RPGs have been one of the last great turn-based games, so it’s only natural to be excited about the latest entry. While Digimon Survive doesn’t utilize the same battle system of the previous games, there is no reason to doubt that the newest game in the franchise can’t be another success. Digimon Survive is a tactical strategy game, giving fans of the genre something to chew on. The story features anime cutscenes and decisions that lead to multiple endings. While it doesn’t have a date yet, Digimon Survive is expected to release in 2020.

Bravely Default II – Nintendo Switch

No JRPG felt more like a Final Fantasy game in the 2010s than Bravely Default. There also isn’t a game in history that has implemented the job system better than Bravely Default. Bravely Default II is going to be a must-buy for anyone who craves a traditional JRPG experience. Not much is known about the game yet, but there is little reason to doubt this one if we are going by the success of Bravely Default and Octopath Traveler. While it doesn’t have a date yet, Bravely Default is expected to release in 2020.

Fairy Tail – PlayStation 4 and PC

Fairy Tail has a universe that is just made for a turn-based JRPG. While it is unknown if this game will actually be a hit, there are plenty of pieces here that could make Fairy Tail worth checking out. The anime-style graphics are beautiful. There are over 10 characters to choose from too, ensuring that there will be a variety of character classes and archetypes. If the story is decent enough and the gameplay is there, this could be a solid JRPG, even for those who don’t follow the franchise. Fairy Tail will release on PlayStation 4 and PC on March 20, 2020.

Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch

Okay, so you thought this list was done with remakes. I did too, but this one is too good to leave off the list. There are still tons of people who haven’t experienced the first Xenoblade Chronicles and that’s a travesty. It has one of the best stories in modern JRPG history, with compelling characters and a rich world to explore. A high-definition remaster of the game is exactly what the Switch needs. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 has seen tons of popularity and success, so I hope that this classic gem will finally get the chance to shine. While it doesn’t have a date yet, Xenoblade Chronicles is expected to release in 2020.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon – PlayStation 4

The Yakuza franchise has had a surge of popularity in the West this generation, and it is well deserved. Yakuza: Like a Dragon will change up the gameplay, bringing turn-based combat to the streets of Japan. Sometimes change is great for a franchise, and Yakuza has already seen seven mainline titles. This doesn’t even count spinoffs and spiritual successors like Fist of North Star and Judgement. If any franchise is due for a fresh take or a soft reboot, it’s Yakuza. The new protagonist looks charismatic and fun, and I can’t wait to give this new brand of Yakuza a shot. While it doesn’t have a date yet, Yakuza: Like a Dragon is expected to release in 2020.

So What JRPGs are you looking forward to in 2020? Let us know in the comments below. And click here for more video game features