The recent news about the Final Fantasy VII remake has fueled arguments about turn-based combat. If even Final Fantasy leaves the style behind, some fans might worry there are no upcoming turn-based RPGs to look forward to.
Never fear! No matter what people claim, turn-based RPGs are not dead. And no matter what Final Fantasy does, we’ve still got plenty on the horizon.
So let’s take a look at what the future has in store.
Top 5 Upcoming Turn-Based RPGs
5. Bravely Second: End Layer
Coming from none other than Square Enix, the Bravely Default sequel is already out in Japan and will be released in the West sometime next year. I haven’t played Bravely Default yet, but I intend to before Bravely Second Comes out. I loved the demo’s turn based combat system, and many people consider it the closest thing we’ve gotten to a traditional-style Final Fantasy.
Opinions about the story are mixed, but I’ll judge that when I get there. For now, Bravely Second looks to be a great game for turn-based RPG fans to keep in mind.
4. Genei Ibun Roku #FE
You might be more familiar with this one by the name “SMT x Fire Emblem,” but doesn’t “Genei Ibun Roku #FE” just roll off the tongue?
I joke, but this went from being a game I couldn’t care less about to one of my most-anticipated RPGs after this past E3’s Nintendo Treehouse segment.
I’m not of a big fan of either Fire Emblem or Shin Megami Tensei, but what started as a crossover has transformed into a strange, unique thing. People generally seem confused about what Genei Ibun Roku #FE is, so I’ll tell you what it is: a cool-looking turn-based RPG you should have your eye on.
Skip to 18:25 to get an idea of what dungeons and battles will be like.
The next time someone demands to know what Genei Ibun Roku #FE gameplay is, or claims it’s not an RPG, show them that footage. I love what I saw.
I also hope its English title is revealed soon.
3. Cosmic Star Heroine
Cosmic Star Heroine has been delayed to 2016 since I named it one of my most-anticipated games of 2015, but this sci-fi RPG still looks fantastic from the regular updates Zeboyd Games gives. And unlike many indie RPGs, you’ll even be able to buy a limited run physical copy.
It was inspired by games like Chrono Trigger, Phantasy Star, and Suikoden, and Game Informer named it one of their favorite indie RPGs shown at PlayStation Experience. If that’s not enough to convince you, maybe this gameplay footage will.
Now let’s move on to a game I’m really hopeful for…
2. Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam
It was difficult for me to decide which turn-based RPG should take the #2 slot: Mario & Luigi or Persona 5. Since I’ve never played a Persona game, and I’ve already got the Persona vibe covered a bit with Genei Ibun Roku #FE, I decided to discuss the latest Mario & Luigi (and sort of Paper Mario) game. Keep in mind, though, that Persona 5 is also a huge upcoming turn-based RPG.
Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam isn’t as major, but it is for me. While initially presented as a crossover between the two Mario RPG series, it now seems like it’s more a Mario & Luigi game with Paper Mario elements. And that’s fine by me. I love all of the Mario & Luigi games, even the oft-criticized Dream Team.
And while I felt significant worry over the Paper Jam footage, I’ve been assured since its European release that it is nothing like that taint on Paper Mario’s legacy.
From everything I’ve heard, Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam is a fun game with the series’ traditional action command turn-based combat (for example, it’s turn-based, but you can dodge attacks during the enemy’s turn) and excellent, humorous writing. I’ve even heard reference to plot twists!
And that’s great.
So, what made it to the #1 spot on my list of upcoming turn-based RPGs?
1. Dragon Quest
Err, “which Dragon Quest?” you might be asking.
Take your pick.
The most recent Nintendo Direct revealed the impending localizations of the Dragon Quest VII and Dragon Quest VIII 3DS remakes, considered by fans to be significantly improved over the originals.
Exactly when they will become available hasn’t been announced, but they’re two more turn-based RPGs to put on your list.
And then there’s Dragon Quest XI, which isn’t even out in Japan yet. Not only is it the newest entry in the Dragon Quest series and a traditional turn-based game like its predecessors, but it also does something really cool in at least the 3DS version of the game (and it’s what first caught my eye).
Yes, Dragon Quest XI is both a 3D RPG and a traditional 2D RPG. One report says you won’t have the dual styles for the whole game, but you’ll be able to switch between them at any time. That still sounds really cool, and I suspect the bottom screen will be used for other features after the game’s opening.
You know what this means? I’m getting into the Dragon Quest series.
For real, this time.
Bravely Second, Cosmic Star Heroine, Genei Ibun Roku #FE, Paper Jam, and Dragon Quest VII/VIII/XI: my top five (okay, seven) upcoming turn-based RPGs.
Add in the honorable mention I gave to Persona 5, along with anticipated games that didn’t make the list (such as Soul Saga, World of Final Fantasy, and Project Setsuna), and we’ve got plenty of turn-based combat in our future.
Which upcoming turn-based RPGs are you looking forward to the most?
Well, my most anticipated is Paper Jam, partially fueled by you. 😉
…Not interested in the FE crossover at all, and that was my impression AFTER watching it at E3.
And it’s partly thanks to you I’m not still worrying over Paper Jam being like Sticker Star.
Many people feel that way, but me? I’m on board.