This year has been absolutely incredible for gaming. Just a few highlights include the long-awaited return of Donkey Kong to 3D, Hollow Knight a sequel that lived up to the hype and a very French take on the JRPG.
Speaking of JRPGs, there have been a lot of amazing games released in 2025, especially when we talk about remakes. I've personally reviewed and completed many of them, and now I'm here to share my absolute favorites of the year. I've included everything from traditional turn-based games to action-adventure titles with heavy hitters like Square Enix and Nihon Falcom.
Before we begin, it's worth noting that I'm specifically evaluating best japanese role playing games which have been remade rather than updated. Of course, sometimes the lines can be blurred – more on that later – but headlines like Raidou Update: The Secret of the Soulless Army And Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster won't appear here. We loved them though! With that out of the way, let's move on to my top three picks.
3. Final Fantasy Tactics: Chronicles of Ivalice
Okay, this movie straddles the line between a remaster and a remake, but I think it's remastered enough to be considered a member of the latter camp. Featuring professionally enhanced graphics, full voice acting and remarkable quality of life improvements, the Square Enix game final fantasy Tactics: Chronicles of Ivalice this feels like the best way to play one of the greatest tactical RPGs ever released.
Something that makes this game incredibly addictive is why I decided to spend over 60 hours on it. PS5 is an iconic and wonderfully designed job system. This allows you to experiment with your units to optimize their skill set, unleash useful passive abilities, and ultimately overwhelm your opponents in battle. I spent hours working with my team to get through some of the tougher battles in the game—there are quite a few, by the way.
What about history? Well, this is perhaps the most compelling and captivating of all the items on this list. In a kingdom riddled with corruption, political instability and inequality, you will take control of Ramza Beoulve, a young nobleman forced to wage war for the throne of Ivalice. With themes spanning class struggle and institutional abuse of power, the narrative is both layered and more timely than ever.
Overall, however, what you get is brilliantly crafted tactical combat, great results, and excellent performance from a true revived classic. Considering all this, it is not surprising that Chronicles of Ivalice won best simulation/strategy game at Gaming Awards 2025.
Read my full Final Fantasy Tactics: Chronicles of Ivalice review.
2. Heavenly Paths, Chapter 1
If any game took me by surprise in 2025, it was definitely Falcom's Nihon game. Paths in the Sky Chapter 1. For someone who had no previous experience with the series, it was the perfect starting point. You see, this is a remake of the very first part. Trails story, and oh my god, it caught my attention.
This is an exemplary remake, offering both fast-paced combat and a slower turn-based approach. This option makes for a lot of fun gameplay, and the unique orb system means you'll have to think carefully about your approach to each battle.
Visually this game is also a treat. original game, The Legend of Heroes: Heavenly Pathsused chibi-style sprites in combat, as well as in cutscenes. But here you are presented with stunning 3D models filled with personality. Add to this the vibrant environments, natural shadows and great animations and you'll see some real beauty.
The performance is also phenomenal, at least the PS5 version I played has voice acting, fantastic remastered music and a modernized UI. With its intoxicating gameplay and unexpected storyline, I believe this game is a must-have for fans of the JRPG genre. And with a remake First chapterThe sequel will be released in the fall of 2026, there is no better time to play!
Read my full Paths in the Sky Chapter 1 review.
1. Dragon Quest I and II HD-2D Remake
Was there ever any doubt? Remake by Square Enix and Artdink Dragon Quest I and II is an incredibly good revival of two pioneering JRPGs. Honestly, except our game of the year, Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33I think this is the most fun I've had from any title all year.
So what's so special about this game? First of all, the HD-2D graphics are simply stunning: everything from the detailed and accurate character sprites to the incredible lighting and gorgeous environments completely immersed me in this medieval-inspired fantasy world. The grand orchestral score is also among the best I've heard. It's emotional, memorable, and perfect for the epic adventure that awaits you.
On top of that, the amount of new content really amazed me during my playthrough of the game. Nintendo Switch 2. Both entries feature significantly expanded areas, stories, and dialogue, resulting in a much more detailed experience than the NES source material offered. As with the previous two expansions, the voice acting is again present here, and it is truly exceptional. There is so much care and personality put into each performance that creates so many interesting and touching moments.
There are other new things too, such as Sigils, which give “improved” skills and scrolls to instantly learn new abilities. Updates like auto-saving make punishing random encounters much more manageable, and the inclusion of three difficulty modes means that Dragon Quest welcomes everyone, regardless of their knowledge of the series.
In the end, this attempt is the perfect conclusion to Erdrick's remade trilogy after the success Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake – what’s interesting is that this is the first one. Single travel Dragon Quest I it's scary, difficult, but very enjoyable. At the same time, now a four-way adventure Dragon Quest II exciting, expansive and unforgettable. If there's one remake on this list that you play, make it this one.
Read my full Dragon Quest I and II HD-2D Remake review.
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