Top 6 JRPG Titles for the Rest of 2018

We are halfway through 2018. The year has already given us a few great JRPGs to sink our teeth into, sending us on a good number of quests. And yet, there are still a number of JRPG titles for us to look forward to.

Below are 6 JRPG titles to look out for in the second half of 2018.

Octopath Traveler (Nintendo Switch – July 13)

Octopath Traveler is a JRPG coming from Square Enix. The game features eight different travelers, each of whom have their own distinct stories and abilities. These unique abilities will change how each character battles and explores the world. The game’s 2.5D art style is reminiscent of classic JRPG titles from the SNES era, such as Final Fantasy VI.

Octopath Traveler features a traditional turn-based combat system with additional layers to keep things interesting. One example is Boost Points, which power up characters in a number of different ways.

Even those who are well-versed in classic JRPGs may find something to keep them drawn in when Octopath Traveler drops for the Switch.

Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age (PS4, PC – September 4)

Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age is the latest in the classic series. Like other entries in the franchise, Echoes of an Elusive Age looks beautiful. It keeps the same Dragon Quest art style, just upgraded for modern consoles. The game promises hours of story, and plenty of sidequests to keep you busy.

The western version of the game will include features not found in the Japanese iteration, including a new difficulty mode and a dash function.  It was also announced that the game will come to the Nintendo Switch at a later date, which version will feature content not found in the PlayStation 4 and PC releases.

Valkyria Chronicles 4 (PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC – September 25)

Valkyria Chronicles 4 is a strategy RPG loosely based on WWII with fantasy elements. This entry is the first mainline title in the series to appear on a home console in a decade, as Valkyria Chronicles 2 and 3 were PSP exclusives. The upcoming title will keep the beautiful watercolor-inspired visuals that the series is known for, and looks like a moving painting.

Valkyria Chronicles 4 will still use the BLiTZ combat system, though with a few upgrades. Maps will be bigger than before, and there will be more units per map. There will also be a new class of soldier: the grenadier. Adding this class throws in a new wrinkle in strategy.

Those looking for deep strategy and RPG elements should be right at home when Valkyria Chronicles 4 releases later this year.

Code Vein (PS4, Xbox One, PC – September 27)

Code Vein is a mixture of vampires, anime and the Souls series. Taking place in a post-apocalyptic dystopian future, Code Vein promises to be just as difficult as the Souls franchise. The combat in the upcoming JRPG is very familiar to anyone who has played Bloodborne or any of the Dark Souls titles, as it feels like a mix of these games, and is filled with tons of bloody action.

Players take the role of a vampire (dubbed Remnants), fighting their way through an area called Vein. Gamers will be able to collect Blood Veils from enemies, which can then be used to increase their strength and learn new abilities. The game features a variety of weapons, along with spells (called Gifts) that players can use to dispatch their enemies.

It makes sense that the upcoming title is borrowing a lot from the “Soulborne genre, as it is coming from Souls series’ publisher Bandai Namco. Though it shares a lot with these other RPGs, Code Vein looks to be much flashier, and infused with a ton of anime style.

The World Ends with You: Final Remix (Nintendo Switch – TBA)

The World Ends with You: Final Remix is a re-release of the original Nintendo DS title that dropped back in 2008. In what is essentially the definitive edition of the title, Final Remix comes with enhanced visuals and new songs and arrangements by composer Takeharu Ishimoto. However, if players do choose to do so they can play the game with the original soundtrack.

Gamers will be able to use either the Joy-Con controllers or the Switch’s touch screen to control the action. Final Remix will also feature a new scenario that will help expand on the game’s story.

Final Remix is a great opportunity for those who missed the title in its previous releases, or for those who have never heard of it and are looking for a JRPG for their Switch. The title releases in Japan on September 29, and will come stateside sometime this fall.

Pokemon: Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee (Nintendo Switch – November 16)

Inspired by Pokemon Yellow, Pokemon: Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee takes players back to the Kanto region. The game will feature the first 150 Pokemon, along with their Alolan forms. Though the Let’s Go titles share some aspects with Pokemon Go, they are mainline titles, and will be the first to take advantage of what the Switch has to offer.

Although catching Pokemon will be similar to Pokemon Go, Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee will feature traditional battles similar to the other mainstream games. The Let’s Go titles will also feature two-player co-op, with both players using one Joy-Con. The second player is able to assist the first, helping catch Pokemon and providing aid in battle. There will also be a special PokeBall peripheral that allows players to control the games in a much more immersive fashion. Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee could be our first taste at a full-fledged Pokemon title on the Switch.

There you have it. Six JRPGs to look forward to, to help keep you busy throughout the rest of the year. These games should provide hours of entertainment, and plenty of quests and adventures. If these titles are an indicator, the rest of 2018 will provide us with some good times.

Are you looking forward to any of these six titles? Are there any JRPG titles not on this list that you are looking forward to? Let us know in the comments section below. 

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