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Although the original PlayStation is known for titles like Metal Gear Solid, Tony Hawk’s pro skateboarderand Crash Bandicootfans of the JRPG genre also look fondly at the 1995 console. PlayStation is remembered by many as the platform for some of the best JRPGs of all time, and the PS5 potentially seek to follow suit. From Final Fantasy 7to the underrated wild arms Released in North America just seven months later, the PlayStation was a gold mine for gamers who found comfort and excitement in turn-based combat, party management, and deeper storytelling.
The PlayStation brand has embraced a number of other genres and found success with original and third-party releases in the racing, adventure, combat, and shooter genres. PS5 already has an impressive roster of games, and Sony-owned studios are starting to find a foothold in the next generation, with Guerrilla’s Forbidden Horizon West and polyphony Gran Turismo 7 each proving to be critical hits. The latest State of Play showed two new titles in the JRPG genre from Square Enix, which could be a sign that the company is looking to recapture the magic of the original PlayStation.
The debut of the JRPG on PlayStation
After initially preparing to create a CD-ROM add-on for the Super Nintendo, Sony parted ways and created the PlayStation when their working relationship broke down. What would result from Sony might be the best system for the JRPG genre to date, a title that was previously owned by Super Nintendo with releases like Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy 6, and Earthbound. With the PlayStation ushering in the era of polygonal 3D games, the SNES’s pixel art sprites looked like a dinosaur in comparison.
Sony had a deadly blow up its sleeve in Final Fantasy 7, a genre-defining experience that proved exclusive to the company’s first home console. Still, that wasn’t the only stellar experience that would grace the system. Savage Weapons, Breath of Fire 3 and 4, wandering storyand Final Fantasy Tactics have all been critically acclaimed, and while there have been a plethora of outstanding JRPGs on other consoles, the sheer volume released on PlayStation has made them something fans of the genre look up to fondly.
PS5 Could Harken Sony’s Return of JRPG Royalty
PlayStation hardware tends to include at least one memorable experience in the JRPG genre. PlayStation 4 succeeded with personas 5and Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch assured that the PS3 was not without its crowning JRPG. The PlayStation 5 has yet to receive such a title, but with the recent State of Play ending in a reveal for The DioField Chronicle and Valkyrie ElyseePublisher Square Enix’s presence will be felt as the system enters its third year.
This is in addition to news that Final Fantasy 16 will be a PS5 console exclusive, potentially a huge step forward for the franchise after the success of Final Fantasy 7 Remake. By announcing three major JRPGs for Sony’s new home system, it could be a statement of intent that it’s preparing to double down on the ethos that made the original PlayStation great. Much of the content from first-party studios will remain focused on over-the-shoulder action/adventure titles, such as God of War Ragnarok and Spiderman 2and newly acquired Bungie is rumored to be hiring for a third-person project.
The latest PlayStation has already got off to a good start, despite an ongoing shortage of PS5 hardware. Although the AAA versions slated to launch on the system come from a litany of genres, recent news indicates that Sony won’t be neglecting JRPG fans. Sony knows a thing or two about being the go-to platform for role-playing games, and if The DioField Chronicles and Valkyrie Elysee there is something to do, there is a new commitment to JRPGs on PS5 that should be a blast from the past for many.
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