JRPGs Archives

AppWizard

February 26, 2026

“Square Enix, hire us, I’m not joking,” says team of Final Fantasy modders who gave Final Fantasy 7 new voice acting and audio, because “we must fix” the JRPG’s busted new PC version

A new PC version of Final Fantasy 7 was released by Square Enix, replacing the 2013 version, which has been delisted. Existing owners can access the new version for free, while newcomers must purchase the 2026 edition. User reviews on Steam have been "very negative," citing performance issues, including a glitch that causes battles to run at double speed. The modding team Tsunamods has proposed to Square Enix to hire them to fix these issues, highlighting their experience with mods for Final Fantasy 7. The 2013 version is still available on the PlayStation Store, and players are advised to wait for updates on the new release before playing.

AppWizard

February 11, 2026

Poking around Hytale’s unfinished sandbox is the first time I’ve felt hope for a voxel RPG since Cube World broke my heart (twice)

Cube World is a voxel-based, procedurally generated RPG released in 2019 that failed to meet player expectations due to a lack of engaging content, minimal NPC interaction, and monotonous exploration. The game was criticized for its hollow adventure and mindless combat. In contrast, other titles like Dragon Quest Builders and V Rising successfully combine survival, crafting, and narrative depth. Hytale, developed by Hypixel Studios, aims to learn from Cube World's shortcomings, offering a voxel world with dynamic combat and a promising adventure mode. Hytale features engaging combat mechanics and has a strong focus on modding, with nearly 4,000 user-generated mods available. The game has rekindled interest in the open-world survival crafting genre, standing out as a promising contender.

AppWizard

January 20, 2026

Kingdom Loop Has Been Announced For PC & Consoles

Indie game developer RootGame, in collaboration with publisher Ultimate Games, has announced Kingdom Loop, a strategic roguelike set to launch on PC and consoles. Players will control eight unique heroes with distinct abilities and navigate an endless loop around the Grail Temple, adapting strategies as enemies become stronger. The game features deckbuilding and kingdom management, dynamic turn-based combat, and over 200 unique tiles for replayability. Kingdom Loop is inspired by Loop Hero and combines turn-based strategy and JRPG elements. A formal launch date has not been announced, but a trailer and additional information are available.

AppWizard

January 2, 2026

The Biggest Games Coming in 2026

- January 15: Animal Crossing: New Horizons launches on Switch 2; 3.0 update for original Switch. - January 15: The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond The Horizon releases on all major platforms. - January 22: Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade launches on Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series. - January 26: Highguard, a free PvP raid game, becomes available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series. - January 28: The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin releases. - January 30: Code Vein 2 launches. - February 5: Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined releases. - February 6: My Hero Academia: All’s Justice and Nioh 3 launch. - February 11: Romeo is a Deadman releases. - February 12: Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties launches. - February 13: High on Life 2 releases. - February 20: Ys X: Proud Nordics launches. - February 27: Resident Evil: Requiem releases; cloud versions of Resident Evil 7 and 8 for Switch 2. - March 5: Pokemon Pokopia releases. - March 12: John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando launches; Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake releases. - March 19: Crimson Desert launches. - March 26: Screamer, a racing game, releases. - April 16: Cthulu: The Cosmic Abyss launches. - April 24: Pragmata releases. - April 30: Saros, a roguelite bullet hell game, launches. - May 8: Mortal Kombat 2 movie releases. - May 27: 007 First Light launches. - May 29: LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight releases. - September 8: John Carpenter’s Halloween launches. - September 12: Phantom Blade Zero releases. - October 16: New Street Fighter movie releases. - November 19: Grand Theft Auto 6 launches. - Sometime in 2026: Titles like Battlestar Galactica: Scattered Hopes, Super Meat Boy 3D, and Zero Parades: For Dead Spies expected. - To Be Announced: Zero Company and Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 4 have no confirmed release dates.

AppWizard

December 13, 2025

The Best Games of 2025 — The Windows Central team ranks our favorite titles across Xbox and Windows PC

2025 has seen a diverse range of high-quality gaming titles across multiple platforms, including Xbox, Windows PC, Steam, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation. Notable releases include: - Silent Hill F: A return of the franchise set in 1960s Japan, featuring intense combat and an immersive atmosphere. - Elden Ring: Nightreign: Introduces a co-op roguelike format with fast-paced gameplay and randomized upgrades. - Hollow Knight: Silksong: A highly acclaimed metroidvania known for its difficulty, visuals, and tight combat mechanics. - Arc Raiders: Emphasizes player choice and community-driven gameplay, reminiscent of early multiplayer games. - Battlefield 6: A grounded approach to warfare, positively received after previous setbacks in the franchise. - Ball x Pit: Blends classic gameplay with modern auto-battler mechanics, becoming a standout title. - Hades 2: A sequel that expands on the original's success with stunning artwork and engaging gameplay. - Blue Prince: Features intricate puzzles and co-op gameplay that encourages collaboration. - Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2: An open-world RPG praised for its dynamic systems and immersive storytelling. - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: Combines homage to classic JRPGs with modern storytelling in a unique French setting. Honorable mentions include Atomfall, Dying Light: The Beast, DUSK, The Alters, Keeper, Silent Hill 2 (remake), Dispatch, Cronos: The New Dawn, WH40K: Rogue Trader — Lex Imperialis DLC, and remastered versions of Monster Hunter Stories 1 and 2.

AppWizard

December 7, 2025

Debate: Which videogame songs are best for unwinding after a long day?

A member of the PC Gamer team has created a playlist of video game soundtracks to enhance their daily activities, finding that video game music can evoke emotions and create atmosphere. They have traditionally favored soft piano compositions from JRPGs but have recently discovered relaxing tracks from the Minecraft soundtrack and Danganronpa series. Notable tracks include "Beautiful Ruin" from Danganronpa 2 and "Cool Morning" from Danganronpa V3, which they enjoy for winding down.

AppWizard

November 29, 2025

From Oblivion Remastered to Civ 7, here are the best deals in the Humble Bundle Black Friday sale

The Humble Bundle Black Friday sale offers significant discounts on various PC games, including: - Civilization 7: Available for .99 / £68.24, down from .99 / £104.99, reflecting a 35% discount. - The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered: Priced at .49 / £33.49, reduced from .99 / £49.99, with a 33% discount. - Life is Strange Remastered Collection: Available for .19 / £10.19, down from .99 / £33.99, representing a 70% discount. - Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds: Priced at .49 / £45.49, reduced from .99 / £64.99, offering a 30% discount. - Persona 3 Reload: Available for .74 / £24.74, down from .99 / £54.99, reflecting a 55% discount. These deals are time-sensitive and will expire after Monday, December 1st, 2025.

AppWizard

November 18, 2025

The Game Awards 2025 nominees are here, and—surprise—Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was nominated for every qualifying category

The Game Awards has announced its 2025 nominees, highlighting a strong presence of French influence. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 from Sandfall Interactive leads with ten nominations, including Game of the Year, followed by Death Stranding 2. Fans can vote on the TGA website. Nominees: Game of the Year: - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Death Stranding 2: On The Beach - Donkey Kong Bananza - Hades 2 - Hollow Knight: Silksong - Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Best Game Direction: - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Death Stranding 2: On The Beach - Ghost of Yōtei - Hades 2 - Split Fiction Innovation in Accessibility: - Assassin's Creed Shadows - Atomfall - Doom: The Dark Ages - EA Sports FC 26 - South of Midnight Best Independent Game: - Absolum - Ball x Pit - Blue Prince - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Hades 2 - Hollow Knight: Silksong Best Performance: - Ben Starr - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Charlie Cox - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Erika Ishii - Ghost of Yōtei - Jennifer English - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Konatsu Kato - Silent Hill F - Troy Baker - Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Best Debut Indie Game: - Blue Prince - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Despelote - Dispatch - Megabonk Best Action Game: - Battlefield 6 - Doom: The Dark Ages - Hades 2 - Ninja Gaiden 4 - Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Best Action/Adventure Game: - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach - Ghost of Yōtei - Indiana Jones and the Great Circle - Hollow Knight: Silksong - Split Fiction Best Role Playing Game: - Avowed - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 - The Outer Worlds 2 - Monster Hunter Wilds Best Sim/Strategy Game: - The Alters - Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles - Jurassic World Evolution 3 - Sid Meier's Civilization 7 - Tempest Rising - Two Point Museum Best Fighting Game: - 2XKO - Capcom Fighting Collection 2 - Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves - Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection - Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage Best Family Game: - Donkey Kong Bananza - LEGO Party! - Lego Voyagers - Mario Kart World - Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds - Split Fiction Best Sports/Racing Game: - EA Sports FC 26 - F1 25 - Mario Kart World - Rematch - Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Best Multiplayer: - Arc Raiders - Battlefield 6 - Elden Ring Nightreign - Peak - Split Fiction Best Narrative: - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach - Ghost of Yōtei - Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 - Silent Hill F Best Audio Design: - Battlefield 6 - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach - Ghost of Yōtei - Silent Hill F Best Score & Music: - Hollow Knight: Silksong - Hades 2 - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Ghost of Yōtei - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Best Art Direction: - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach - Ghost of Yōtei - Hades 2 - Hollow Knight: Silksong Best Adaptation: - A Minecraft Movie - Devil May Cry - The Last of Us: Season 2 - Splinter Cell: Deathwatch - Until Dawn Best Mobile Game: - Destiny: Rising - Persona 5: The Phantom X - Sonic Rumble - Umamusume: Pretty Derby - Wuthering Waves Best Ongoing Game: - Final Fantasy 14 - Fortnite - Helldivers 2 - Marvel Rivals - No Man's Sky Content Creator of the Year: - Caedrel - Kai Cenat - MoistCr1TiKal - Sakura Miko - The Burnt Peanut Best Esports Game: - Counter-Strike 2 - DOTA 2 - League of Legends - Mobile Legends: Bang Bang - Valorant Best Esports Athlete: - brawk - Chovy - f0rsakeN - Kakeru - MenaRD - Zyw0o Best Esports Team: - Gen.G - League of Legends - NRG - Valorant - Team Falcons - DOTA 2 - Team Liquid PH - Mobile Legends: Bang Bang - Team Vitality - Counter-Strike 2 Best Community Support: - Baldur's Gate 3 - Final Fantasy 14 - Fortnite - Helldivers 2 - No Man's Sky Most Anticipated Game: - 007 First Light - Grand Theft Auto 6 - Marvel's Wolverine - Resident Evil Requiem - The Witcher 4

AppWizard

November 8, 2025

This retro-inspired JRPG just became the biggest Kickstarter game of the year, and puts a Greek spin on one of my favorite genres

Elestrals Awakened is a creature-collecting game that has raised over 0,000 on Kickstarter from more than 10,000 backers, making it the most-funded video game of the year. The game is a 16-bit retro homage to classic JRPGs and will feature a 2.5D turn-based RPG experience with dynamic over-the-shoulder battles. It is set to introduce creatures like Arcalith, Helialith, and Verdalith, with a full release planned for late 2027. The game includes features such as extra save files, permadeath options, a randomizer mode, and a Clash Tower mode. Alpha and beta testing will continue until summer 2027, and the 'Late Pledges' period is still open for additional support.

AppWizard

November 2, 2025

Debate: What is the greatest boss theme of all time?

In gaming, facing a final boss is a thrilling culmination of gameplay, often accompanied by memorable soundtracks. Notable tracks include "One Winged Angel" from Final Fantasy 7, "Dancing Mad" from Final Fantasy 6, and themes from Kingdom Hearts 2 composed by Yoko Shimomura. The Souls series from FromSoftware features significant boss themes like "Soul of Cinder" and "Lord of Cinder." "Megalovania" by Toby Fox is highlighted as an iconic boss theme, achieving cultural recognition comparable to the Imperial March from Star Wars and even being performed in front of Pope Francis.