The JRPG genre has given us some of the most memorable stories, engaging battle systems, and endearing characters in gaming history. While many classics have already received remakes (such as Final Fantasy VII and Live A Live), plenty of beloved games are still waiting for a modern revival. I intentionally didn’t include any Suikoden games, as I believe they all deserve remakes. Here are ten JRPGs that deserve a full-fledged remake.
Xenogears (1998, PlayStation)
One of the most ambitious JRPGs ever made, Xenogears is renowned for its deep philosophical themes, intricate story, and mech-based combat. However, the second half of the game suffered from development constraints, resulting in a rushed and incomplete experience. A full remake could expand upon its narrative, provide modern visuals, and improve its turn-based and gear-based combat systems. Additionally, a remake could fully flesh out the game’s second disc.
This would offer a more immersive and complete experience. With today’s advancements in storytelling, animation, and combat mechanics, a Xenogears remake could finally deliver the complete vision that fans have longed for, integrating fully realized environments, fluid animations, and an expanded script to give characters even more depth. New side quests exploring character backstories, enhanced world-building, and more interactive environments would make this remake a dream come true.
Chrono Trigger (1995, SNES)
Often considered one of the greatest JRPGs of all time, Chrono Trigger still holds up well today. However, a remake with modern HD visuals, voice acting, and expanded story content (perhaps integrating elements from Chrono Cross) could elevate it further while introducing it to a new generation of players. A new version could also refine the battle system while retaining its iconic Active Time Battle mechanics, ensuring a smooth blend of nostalgia and innovation.
Fully animated cutscenes, enhanced character development, and new side quests exploring the fates of its beloved characters could breathe new life into this classic adventure. Furthermore, additional story paths and alternate endings could expand upon the game’s already rich time-traveling narrative, making it even more engaging for modern audiences. An expanded overworld with more dynamic interactions, new recruitable characters, and additional time periods to explore would further enrich the experience.
The Legend of Dragoon (1999, PlayStation)
A cult classic with a unique transformation system, The Legend of Dragoon features a rich world and an engaging combat system with timed button presses. A remake could refine its somewhat clunky mechanics, overhaul the visuals, and provide a more fluid battle system while maintaining its epic fantasy storytelling. Additionally, modern voice acting and cinematic cutscenes could help bring its beloved characters to life like never before.
With refined animations, dynamic combat effects, and enhanced character interactions, a remake could elevate The Legend of Dragoon to the heights of the best modern JRPGs. Improved pacing, more side quests that explore the backstory of the Dragoons, and fully orchestrated battle themes would enhance the overall immersion. Additional Dragoon abilities, expanded character development, and a more dynamic skill progression system could add even greater depth. I’m actually currently playing this on PlayStation 5.
Vagrant Story (2000, PlayStation)
A highly ambitious and mature JRPG, Vagrant Story combines deep weapon customization, a tactical battle system, and a gripping narrative set in the medieval kingdom of Ivalice. The game’s complex combat mechanics and real-time targeting system were ahead of their time, but a remake could refine these aspects to be more accessible while preserving the depth that made it a cult hit. Enhanced graphics, voice acting, and additional story elements could further enrich the experience.
A reimagined version could also include more expansive environments, improved combat fluidity, and an expanded story delving deeper into protagonist Ashley Riot’s past. Improved enemy AI, additional weapon crafting mechanics, and more fluid animation would make battles even more engaging. Adding fully voice-acted cutscenes, additional side quests, and a fleshed-out guild system could make Vagrant Story an unforgettable experience.
Breath of Fire III & IV (1997/2000, PlayStation)
The Breath of Fire series has been dormant for too long, and both III and IV are ripe for a remake. The games feature transformation mechanics, deep stories, and stunning sprite-based visuals that could be beautifully reimagined with modern technology. Breath of Fire IV in particular had a striking aesthetic and a compelling dual-protagonist story that could greatly benefit from updated graphics and voice acting.
A remake could also introduce a more dynamic battle system, improved character animations, and expanded world-building, making the Breath of Fire series feel grander than ever. A new version could also enhance its fishing mini-games, town-building mechanics, and optional dungeons to add more depth to exploration and character progression. Additional dragon transformations, deeper lore integration, and more dynamic NPC interactions could further enhance the experience.
Wild Arms (1996, PlayStation)
Combining Western themes with traditional JRPG mechanics, Wild Arms was an early PlayStation RPG that stood out due to its puzzle-solving and unique setting. A remake could revamp its turn-based combat and give its expansive world a more cinematic touch. Improved dungeon puzzles and exploration mechanics could also breathe new life into the game’s world, making it more engaging for modern players. With a more detailed desert world, voice-acted dialogue, and an enhanced soundtrack, a Wild Arms remake could capture the spirit of adventure like never before.
Adding expanded bounty hunter side quests, hidden dungeons, and a fully orchestrated soundtrack could take this classic to new heights. Additional weapon customization, deeper exploration mechanics, and a revamped hex-based battle system would add even more strategy and excitement. Until that day comes we can enjoy the spiritual successor Armed Fantasia To The End of the Wilderness once released!
Skies of Arcadia (2000, Dreamcast)
A beloved classic among Dreamcast owners, Skies of Arcadia offers an exciting, swashbuckling adventure in a world of floating islands. A remake could revamp its turn-based airship battles, introduce fully explorable cities, expand character-driven side stories, and offer dynamic ship customization. The addition of enhanced skyfaring mechanics, deeper lore about the pirate factions, and expanded interactions between Vyse, Aika, and Fina would provide richer storytelling. Further enhancements could include visually stunning sky environments, more detailed ship designs, and new side quests that delve into the histories of the different floating nations. It’s one of the JRPGs I wish I had played growing up!
Lost Odyssey (2007, Xbox 360)
A deeply emotional story-driven JRPG, Lost Odyssey follows the journey of Kaim Argonar, an immortal warrior burdened with the pain of centuries of memories. A remake could enhance the game’s storytelling through fully animated sequences of Kaim’s lost memories, improve its turn-based battle system with more dynamic animations, and introduce quality-of-life features such as improved pacing and exploration. Expanded character arcs, additional dream sequences, and new side quests focusing on Kaim’s past and relationships could make the game even more compelling.
Shadow Hearts Trilogy (2001-2005, PlayStation 2)
The Shadow Hearts trilogy is renowned for its dark, Lovecraftian horror themes and unique Judgment Ring battle system. A remake could overhaul its graphics, refine the battle mechanics, and expand on its eerie storytelling. A modern remake could also explore deeper character development, expand fusion monster abilities, and provide enhanced side quests focusing on the series’ enigmatic lore. Additional cinematic cutscenes, voice-acted dialogue, and enhanced world-building could further immerse players in the chilling alternate-history setting. Until then we can enjoy the spiritual successor Penny Blood once released.
Parasite Eve (1998, PlayStation)
A fusion of survival horror and JRPG mechanics, Parasite Eve offers a unique experience that remains beloved by fans. A remake could enhance its atmospheric horror elements, modernize its Active Time Battle system, and expand upon protagonist Aya Brea’s backstory. More immersive environments, new enemy types, additional horror sequences, and a refined combat system could make for a gripping modern experience. Expanded areas of New York City, deeper investigative mechanics, and additional story elements exploring mitochondrial evolution could elevate the horror and sci-fi narrative to new heights.
Final Thoughts
These 10 JRPGs represent some of the best storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and world-building the genre has to offer. With modern technology, a remake of any of these classics could introduce them to a whole new audience while rekindling nostalgia for longtime fans. Whether it’s refining combat systems, expanding narratives, or improving visual and audio presentation, these games deserve a second chance to shine in today’s gaming landscape. I want all the Suikoden games to get remakes personally. Here’s hoping developers take notice and bring these legendary adventures back to life. Let me know what JRPGs you think deserve remakes.
