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The 2023 Tokyo Game Show is ongoing, but Japan’s biggest game publishers and developers front-loaded the show with some of the biggest reveals of the year for fans of JRPGs and famed Japanese game series.
From more information about the next installment in Square Enix’s remake of the Final Fantasy VII saga to a full release date for the next game in the beloved Like A Dragon (formerly named Yakuza) franchise, RPGs and action RPGs took up many places at the podium of TGS news. Read on for a quick roundup of the highlights.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth demos highlight new mechanics and exploration
Though Square Enix already showed off its release date trailer for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth during Sony’s State of Play broadcast last week, hands-on demonstrations and preview opportunities with assembled press revealed more about how the next installment of the FFVII Remake trilogy will actually play.
RPG Site journalist Alex Donaldson noted that Rebirth will include “Item Transmutation” a type of crafting-like system that will allow Cloud and party to create items in the field.
The party will also have “Synergy” attacks – brought in from the Remake Intergrade DLC – that combo the actions of two party members.
One Synergy attack demonstrated from the trailer shows Barrett throwing Yuffie forward into an enemy. And while the player can still only control three characters at a time, the entire party will be present for many battles, lending a sense of presence, even when they’re not playable.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth launches for PS5 on February 29, 2024.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes Launches in April 2024, will have over a hundred voice actors
Created by veterans of Konami’s beloved Suikoden series, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes was a large crowdfunded success, and the full release will land on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and PC on April 23, 2024.
Developer Rabbit & Bear Studios revealed more gameplay and narrative details during the 505 Games livestream at the 2023 Tokyo Game Show, and spoke more about the production of the game, now that it is nearing the finish line.
The developer revealed that all of the playable heroes in the game as well as key members of the main cast will be voiced, necessitating a massive voice cast of over 100 performers.
In the game itself, players will be able to produce stage plays using their recruited cast members, with new options and fun dialog unlocking as they expand their roster.
Persona 3 Reload Third Trailer reintroduces Strega
The third trailer for Persona 3 Reload, the remake of classic PS2 RPG Persona 3 was released just before the opening of the 2023 Tokyo Game Show, and it reintroduces some of the game’s iconic villains, the terror group Strega.
Strega are a trio of sinister characters that, like the protagonist and the members of SEES, are able to access the Midnight Hour and the power of Personas. Unlike SEES, though, Strega are out to expand the Midnight Hour’s domain, putting them at odds with SEES.
Persona 3 Reload launches for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series, Xbox One, and PC on February 2, 2024.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 gameplay reveal shows off Vocations
Capcom revealed more about the highly-anticipated sequel to cult hit Dragon’s Dogma in a 9-minute video presentation. The presentation showcased more of the game’s updated graphics, while giving players more tastes of Capcom’s character action-derived approach to combat.
As before, players will be accompanied by AI-controlled “Pawn” companions, using class synergies and unique abilities to express their creativity in combat. Players have starting “Vocation” classes that determine their initial play style.
Fighter, Mage, Thief, and Archer are the initial Vocations, though players can change their Vocation and unlock new Vocations as they proceed through the game. The Mystic Spearhand and Magick Archer Vocations are examples of advanced Vocations that blend weapon-based attacks with the use of magic in combat.
The showcase also highlighted the dynamic, changing environment between the nations of Vermund and Battahl. Vermund is ruled by Arisen, the protagonists of the original Dragon’s Dogma, while Battahl is populated by “Beastren”, a group with a unique culture.
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth Brings Ichiban and Kiryu to Hawaii
Sega had more to share about the next two games from superstar studio RGG Studios: Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth (also known as Yakuza 8) and Like A Dragon: The Man Who Erased His Name.
Infinite Wealth is the next game in the mainline series, and stars the protagonist of Yakuza: Like A Dragon (aka Yakuza 7), Ichiban Kasuga.
After an assignment gone wrong, Ichiban is stuck in Hawaii, trying to make ends meet amidst the bustling Japanese immigrant community living in Hawaii. There he makes new connections, uncovers new shadows, and meets Kazuma Kiryu, the protagonist of the previous Yakuza titles.
Meanwhile, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth‘s first gameplay trailer revealed more about what Ichiban will have to do to repeat his rise from rock-bottom to the apex of gangster life.
New jobs, techniques, and other minigames will improve Ichiban and his party’s chances in the game’s turn-based RPG combat system. Gameplay sections with Kiryu, though, include the ability to temporarily suspend the turn-based combat portion and beat down enemies in real-time, just like the original Yakuza games.
Sega even included a nod to arcade classic Crazy Taxi in the form of a bike delivery minigame activity.
Further Reading
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