With major marquis releases in long-running and much-beloved franchises dropping almost every month, it's hard to argue against 2023 being a banner year for RPGs. Square Enix alone has had an extremely busy year, with Final Fantasy 16 being the developer's biggest release and a surefire Game of the Year contender. Still, there are plenty of RPG fans that aren't thrilled with the new direction taken by the series, begging the question of where fans of classic Final Fantasy can scratch the itch for turn-based RPGs that harken back to the 16-bit glory days. Thankfully, there are several games coming down the pike for the rest of 2023 that fit that very bill.
In addition to the upcoming release of Sabotage Studio's Sea of Stars, which proudly wears its Chrono Trigger inspirations for all to see, there are several other great AAA and indie titles that either released earlier in the year or are still anticipated to arrive in 2023. While many RPG fans are likely well aware of Octopath Traveler 2's excellent embracing of classic JRPG gameplay or are looking forward to the familiar CRPG tactical combat of Baldur's Gate 3, there are some lesser-known titles that fans of classic Final Fantasy with its turn-based combat, party management, and instantly recognizable 16-bit pixel art will want to look out for.
Super Mario RPG Remake Leads an AAA Charge of Classic JRPG Gameplay
One of the biggest surprise announcements from the June Nintendo Direct (and one that likely sent fans of SNES-era RPGs into a frenzy) was the reveal of the Super Mario RPG remake set to arrive in November. The original Super Mario RPG was developed as part of a partnership between Nintendo and Squaresoft and is widely considered one of the best JRPGs to release on the SNES - quite the praise given the system's pedigree of quality RPGs. The modern remake of Super Mario RPG looks to retain all the great mechanics and charm of the original while updating the visuals for modern hardware while also making the title more accessible to a wider audience.
But Mario's original RPG spin-off is far from the only AAA release arriving in the second half of 2023 that appeals to fans of classic Final Fantasy, as there are some other titles that players will want to keep an eye on. One highlight set to arrive later in the year is a boon for fans of turn-based tactics and the Persona series, and it's a wonder that Atlus' most popular franchise has yet to receive a tactics game before Persona 5 Tactica. Also arriving in November is the next entry in Square Enix's Star Ocean remake series, Star Ocean: Second Story R, which doesn't have turn-based combat but does feature other characteristic elements of old-school JRPGs.
Sea of Stars and Other Indie Titles Are Flying the Flag for 16-Bit RPGs
Sabotage Studio is following up its incredible Ninja Gaiden throwback The Messenger with another retro-inspired game set in the same universe but adopting a completely different genre and set of retro influences. Sea of Stars is prepared to release in just a few weeks and is looking to stand alongside other recent great retro-inspired RPGs like Chained Echoes. Where Sea of Stars sets itself apart is in its very clear Chrono Trigger inspirations, complete with featuring the talents of composer Yasunori Mitsuda.
A sizable demo for Sea of Stars is available ahead of the game's release and absolutely appeals to fans of classic turn-based RPGs while also featuring a graphic style and aesthetic that transports players back to 1995. There are, however, plenty of other indie-developed retro-styled RPGs that players can get their hands on both before and after Sea of Stars' release. Early access title AlteriumShift borrows many elements from Octopath Traveler, and the original team behind the legendary Suikoden games has its new title, Eiyuden Chronicle, still targeting a 2023 release. The newest Final Fantasy may abandon some series tradition, but there are plenty of great alternatives for fans of classic JRPG gameplay.
Final Fantasy 16 is available now exclusively on PS5.
