What you need to know
- Square Enix has revealed several new Xbox ports for the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection, Legend of Mana, and Trials of Mana during Microsoft’s livestream presentation at Tokyo Game Show 2024.
- In addition, it showed more gameplay footage for the upcoming HD-2D remake of Dragon Quest 3, which is set to launch on Xbox Series X|S and PC via Windows and Steam on November 14, 2024.
- Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster, Legend of Mana, and Trials of Mana will be available for purchase later today for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC. In addition, Legend of Mana and Trials of Mana will also be available to download via Xbox Game Pass.
As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for JRPGs that spans decades, I must say 2024 has been nothing short of a dream come true for us Xbox enthusiasts! The nostalgia-inducing ports of classic titles like Suikoden and Grandia, coupled with the high-quality releases of Persona 3 Reload and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, have truly made this year a JRPG paradise.
On September 26, 2024, I was present during Microsoft’s Tokyo Game Show 2024 finale, where Square Enix graced us with some exhilarating announcements that long-time fans of their classic JRPGs would surely appreciate. Today itself, Square Enix is unveiling the long-awaited Xbox version of Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster, and two unexpected additions to the Xbox library from the Mana franchise — Legend of Mana and Trials of Mana.
Additionally, Square Enix unveiled some fresh gameplay clips for the soon-to-be-released 2D-HD revamp of the timeless Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG), Dragon Quest 3. Here’s a rundown of what we learned from these updates.
Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection
To start things off, it’s officially confirmed that the Xbox version of the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection has been long awaited and is now on the cards, following numerous speculations over several months. For those who might be in the dark, the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection is a collection that brings together the first six installments of Square Enix’s highly praised Final Fantasy series.
Among the games in this collection, several stand out as significant and exceptional contributions to the JRPG genre, including Final Fantasy 6, Final Fantasy 4, and the original Final Fantasy. However, this isn’t just a typical port of the originals; instead, all six titles have been updated for modern consoles with enhanced pixel-art graphics and reworked soundtracks.
Furthermore, the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection offers convenience enhancements like a switch for quicker leveling (experience point booster), an automatic battle mode, and a toggle for eliminating random battles.
You can now buy the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
Trials of Mana
Following our Square Enix JRPG lineup for Xbox, we’ve got an exciting update: Legend of Mana and Trials of Mana, hailing from the Mana series, are coming to Xbox! Notably, Trials of Mana is a remake of the third installment in the Mana series (originally Seiken Densetsu 3), which was previously exclusive to Japan. In this game, players journey on an epic quest to prevent wicked villains from releasing monstrous beings called Benevodons and saving the world.
In this exciting game, you’ll assemble a group of three heroes from a pool of six, each with potent abilities, to take on monsters and wrongdoers in an intense real-time action RPG battle. When it was launched in 2020 for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC through Steam, it garnered widespread praise due to its intricate character class customization, captivating characters, and enchanting soundtrack.
Xbox enthusiasts can now delve into this critically acclaimed installment of the Mana series, as it’s now up for grabs on both Xbox Series X|S and Windows platforms.
Legend of Mana
Meanwhile, Legend of Mana is the fourth game in the Mana series, initially launched only in Japan during the 1990s and later re-released as an HD remaster for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam in 2021. Unlike other JRPGs where you embark on a global journey, this game presents a unique concept by having you construct your own world instead.
In this game, you have a blank world map at your disposal. By finishing a sequence of quests that intertwine to create intriguing storylines and open up new areas to discover, it’s your job to fill in the gaps. You can choose the order in which you take on these quests, and the order you complete them will shape your own unique world map, with secrets and obstacles exclusive to each playthrough.
Furthermore, similar to other games in the Mana series, Legend of Mana incorporates a real-time action RPG battle system and an intricate character customization system designed to aid you in combating diverse creatures who may obstruct your journey.
As a tech-savvy fan, let me share my excitement about the updated version of Legend of Mana! This revamped edition boasts stunningly redesigned pre-rendered backdrops and an unforgettable soundtrack, masterfully crafted by the legendary Yoko Shimomura. She’s renowned for her work on Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy XV, Mario & Luigi series, Street Fighter 2, Live a Live, and so much more!
Today, you’ll have the opportunity to buy Legend of Mana on your Xbox Series X|S and PC via Windows. Additionally, not only is Legend of Mana becoming available, but also Trials of Mana will join Xbox Game Pass’s library today. This means that Xbox Game Pass subscribers can download these games for free without any additional cost!
With the latest arrival of Visions of Mana, we can confidently assert that the Mana franchise has returned and will continue its presence on Xbox gaming platforms.
Dragon Quest 3 2D-HD Remake
The last announcement from Square Enix for this showcase is a montage of new gameplay footage for Dragon Quest 3 2D-HD Remake. This game is a remake of 1988’s Dragon Quest 3, one of the most influential and critically-acclaimed JRPGs of all time that set the standard for future JRPGs to come.
In this game, you assume the challenging task of rescuing the world from the malicious conquest of Archfield Baramos, and seeking vengeance for your fallen father Ortega, who valiantly attempted to vanquish Baramos in battle. To accomplish your mission, you’ll need to enlist mighty champions to your team and upgrade your equipment and skills if you aim to have any hope of overcoming Baramos and his legion of beasts.
As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled about the fresh take on Dragon Quest 3! This remake isn’t merely a facelift; it boasts an enchanting HD-2D art style, similar to what we’ve seen in other Square Enix masterpieces such as Octopath Traveler and Live a Live reboot. But here’s the real kicker: the game will introduce a brand new Vocation class for my party members – the Monster Wrangler! I can hardly wait to see how this adds depth to my adventure!
In simpler terms, the role of a Monster Tamer allows you to harness the skills of creatures you meet during combat. Not only that, but you can also train these monsters to join your team for battles in the arena, providing an additional source of income.
3D remastered version of Dragon Quest 3 will become available for purchase on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and personal computers through Windows and Steam platforms around November 14, 2024.
Xbox JRPG fans are eating good in 2024
2024 has been an extraordinary year for Xbox enthusiasts of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPG). This year, we’ve seen top-notch JRPGs from SEGA, including Persona 3 Reload and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Additionally, several beloved titles from the ’90s are making a comeback and being adapted for contemporary consoles, such as Suikoden and Grandia.
Additionally, Square Enix is now planning to release the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection on Xbox, as well as Xbox versions for Legend of Mana and Trials of Mana. Notably, they are also working on an HD-2D remake of a highly-regarded Dragon Quest series installment.
Although it may be some time until we see Xbox versions of Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and Final Fantasy 16, the possibility of these adaptations becoming a reality is growing increasingly promising.
Looking forward to an array of upcoming Xbox games in the JRPG genre, including Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land, Atlus’ Metaphor: ReFantazio, and the recently announced indie game Threads of Time, among others, I believe the future for JRPGs on Xbox is promising a vibrant future.
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2024-09-26 17:13