Xbox surprised fans at the Tokyo Game Show with a massive influx of Square Enix JRPGs, including six classic Final Fantasy titles and two Mana games, now available on Xbox and PC. This move is particularly noteworthy given Square Enix’s close partnership with Xbox competitor Sony.
Leading the charge are the pixel remastered versions of Final Fantasy 1-6, which were originally released on PC via Steam in 2021 and later brought to PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android. These remasters offer a fresh look at the beloved originals, featuring enhanced 2D pixel art, rearranged soundtracks (with an option to switch back to the originals), a new font option, the ability to turn off random encounters, and other quality-of-life improvements.
The first six Final Fantasy games often get overshadowed by the more recent installments, particularly the popular Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy and the massively successful MMO Final Fantasy 14. However, Final Fantasy 6 is considered by many to be the best game in the series, praised for its pacing, customization options, and groundbreaking character sprites for its time.
Adding to the JRPG lineup, Xbox also announced the arrival of Trials of Mana and Legend of Mana, both available on Xbox Game Pass. These Mana titles join a growing list of JRPGs available on the subscription service, further solidifying Xbox’s commitment to the genre.
Xbox also showcased a new trailer for Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, which is set to launch on November 14th for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Switch, and PC. This visually striking remake, being the first chronologically in the original trilogy, offers a fantastic entry point for fans interested in exploring the Dragon Quest universe.
This unexpected surge of JRPGs on Xbox represents a significant shift for the platform, which has historically not been known for its JRPG catalog. While the newest entries in the Final Fantasy franchise, like Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and Final Fantasy 16, are not planned for Xbox release, the platform’s growing JRPG library, which now includes three Persona games, indicates a commitment to attracting JRPG fans. This move signifies a strategic effort by Xbox to broaden its appeal and offer a wider range of gaming experiences.
