My top 3 JRPG remakes of 2025 - stellar titles from Square Enix, Falcom, and more

It’s been a special year for JRPG remakes in 2025, but these 3 games really stood out Features (Image credit: SQUARE ENIX) (Image credit: Nihon Falcom, GungHo) (Image credit: ARMOR PROJECT / BIRD STUDIO / SPIKE CHUNSOFT / SQUARE ENIX) Harry Padoan published I’m treating this as my personal game of the year awards ceremony This year has been an absolutely unbelievable one for gaming. Just a few highlights include Donkey Kong’s long-awaited return to 3D, a Hollow Knight sequel that lived up to the hype, and a very French take on the Japanese role-playing game. Speaking of JRPGs, there have been a whole lot of awesome titles released throughout 2025 - especially if we’re talking about remakes. I’ve personally reviewed and played through many of these, and now I’m here to share my undisputed favorites of the year. I’ve included everything from traditional turn-based entries to action-based adventures, with heavy hitters from the likes of Square Enix and Nihon Falcom. Before we kick things off, it’s worth noting that I’m specifically ranking the best JRPGs that have been remade - not remastered. Sure, the lines can be blurred at times - more on that later - but titles such as Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army and won’t be making an appearance here. We did love them, though! With that out of the way, let’s get into my top three picks. Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster 3. Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles OK, this one straddles the line between remaster and remake, but I think there’s a big enough overhaul to consider it to be a member of the latter camp. With expertly enhanced visuals, full voice acting, and wonderful quality of life updates, Square Enix’s Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles feels like the definitive way to play one of the greatest tactical RPGs ever released. Something that makes this game incredibly addictive - hence my decision to pour more than 60 hours into it on PS5 - is the iconic and wonderfully designed job system. This allows you to experiment with your units to optimize their skill set, adopt useful passive abilities, and ultimately, crush your opponents in battle. I spent hours upon hours tinkering with my team in order to make it through some of the game’s tough battles - there are a lot of those, by the way. And the story? Well, it’s easily the most compelling and engaging out of every entry on this list. In a kingdom riddled with corruption, political instability, and inequality, you’ll take control of Ramza Beoulve, a young noble who is forced to navigate a war over Ivalice’s throne. With themes that cover class warfare and institutional power abuse, the narrative is both intricately layered and more timely than ever. More generally, though, you’re getting brilliantly designed tactical combat, a wonderful score, and excellent performance from a true classic reborn. With all of that in mind, it’s no surprise that The Ivalice Chronicles won Best...

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