The Japanese role-playing game The Legend of Dragoon, originally released for the PlayStation 1, has managed to become a cult classic, despite initially being seen as an imitator of the famous Final Fantasy series, especially in relation to Final Fantasy 7. Developed by a team of 100 people, many of them recent graduates, and with a budget of 15 million dollars, this title was the result of its creators’ passion for providing an original experience. It was the result of the efforts of Shuhei Yoshida and the team that Shuhei Yoshida formed, producer of the […]
The Japanese role-playing game The Legend of Dragoon, originally released for the PlayStation 1, has managed to become a cult classic, despite initially being seen as an imitator of the famous Final Fantasy series, especially in relation to Final Fantasy 7. Developed by a team of 100 people, many of whom were recent graduates, and with a budget of 15 million dollars, this title was the result of its creators’ passion for providing an original experience.
It was the result of the efforts of Shuhei Yoshida and the team he formed
Shuhei Yoshida, producer of the game and former head of PlayStation Studios, recalls that the creative freedom he received from Sony was crucial in bringing his team together. Among his hires was Yasuyuki Hasebe, combat designer and one of the key figures in the game’s development, although he left the industry shortly after its release. Hasebe had previously worked at Squaresoft on the design of video games like Mario RPG, which influenced the development of the combat system in The Legend of Dragoon.
In a recent interview, Yoshida shared anecdotes about the creation of the title. Despite comparisons to Final Fantasy 7, the team focused on developing its own style and narrative; “We were not told to make any kind of game. We wanted to make this game,” Yoshida stated. This dedication has remained alive, evidenced by the relaunch of the game on PS5 in 2023, which reaffirms its popularity among fans.
Despite his status as a fan favorite, Hasebe retired from the industry just weeks after the game’s release. However, his legacy endures, showing that The Legend of Dragoon remains a valued product for players who experienced it in its time and those who discover it for the first time today.
The game Expedition 33 is captivating JRPG lovers by paying homage to classics like Final Fantasy 7, 8, and 9. Developed by Sandfall Interactive, this modern title blends elements of traditional turn-based RPG gameplay with more dynamic components, inspired by From Software titles like Sekiro. François Meurisse, producer and co-founder of the studio, has emphasized that their goal is to recreate the nostalgia of past experiences in an environment that feels both familiar and innovative. Inspired by JRPGs, but with a vein of action The defense system of […]
The game Expedition 33 is captivating JRPG lovers by paying homage to classics like Final Fantasy 7, 8, and 9. Developed by Sandfall Interactive, this modern title blends traditional turn-based RPG gameplay elements with more dynamic components, inspired by From Software titles like Sekiro. François Meurisse, producer and co-founder of the studio, has emphasized that their goal is to recreate the nostalgia of past experiences in an environment that feels both familiar and innovative.
Inspired by JRPGs, but with an action vein
The defense system of Expedition 33 introduces a rhythm mechanic that adds a real-time component and requires player skills, something that resembles the complexity of boss encounters in From Software games. During a demonstration, the enemy attack patterns revealed the difficulty that players can expect, which contrasts with the more accessible approaches of other JRPGs.
Additionally, the game incorporates a unique combat system that combines turns and action, allowing the special abilities of the characters to synergize, which is based on the action points mechanic, a nod to deckbuilding games. This particularity stands out as an innovative element that can attract both veterans of the genre and new players looking for a challenge.
Visually, Expedition 33 deviates from the typical stylized graphics of Japanese JRPGs. Instead, it draws inspiration from Belle Époque art and Art Deco, creating a style that stands out for its originality and avoids anime conventions. Meurisse has emphasized that the desire from the beginning has been to forge a unique identity in the game’s art.
With Expedition 33, the developers seem to have the ambition to learn from the best while seeking a prominent place in the legacy of JRPGs.
The Final Fantasy franchise has reached a monumental milestone by surpassing 200 million copies sold worldwide, according to an official statement from Square Enix. This achievement coincides with the success of the Pixel Remaster series, which has sold over 5 million copies since its release, thus consolidating the enduring popularity of the saga that began in 1987 with the first game. Through a post on its official Twitter account, Square Enix celebrated this progress and thanked players for their support in the various adventures offered throughout […]
The Final Fantasy franchise has reached a monumental milestone by surpassing 200 million copies sold worldwide, according to an official statement from Square Enix. This achievement coincides with the success of the Pixel Remaster series, which has sold over 5 million copies since its launch, thus consolidating the enduring popularity of the saga that began in 1987 with the first game. Through a post on their official Twitter account, Square Enix celebrated this progress and thanked players for their support in the various adventures offered over the years.
Dizzying numbers for any other Japanese franchise
Among the most recent releases are Final Fantasy XVI, launched in 2023, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, which has not only been a sales success but has also set a record for concurrent players on Steam. This performance highlights the ongoing relevance of the franchise, especially in a competitive market where other series like Resident Evil and Monster Hunter have amassed impressive numbers, although they still fall short of the figures for Call of Duty, which has sold over 500 million copies.
The Pixel Remaster series, which includes the first six main games of the franchise, was initially released on PC and mobile devices in 2021, later arriving on consoles like Nintendo Switch and PS4 in 2023, and on Xbox Series X and Series S in 2024. A version for Xbox is expected to launch in 2024, in line with Square Enix’s recent promise to offer more titles for this platform following the success of Final Fantasy XIV on Xbox Series X and S.
Despite the recent successes, Square Enix had indicated in September that both Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Final Fantasy XVI had not met initial sales expectations. However, the success of the franchise suggests that its legacy in the world of video games is stronger than ever.
Time passes for everyone. Even for the JRPGs that have marked entire generations and have defined video games in a way that most can hardly even dream of. This has been the case with Chrono Trigger, one of the most important games of the SNES and one of the most legendary JRPGs in history, which has just turned 30 years old. Something that, of course, Square Enix has already announced it plans to celebrate as it deserves. How that celebration will be is what remains unclear. They have said they plan to celebrate it, but not how. […]
Time passes for everyone. Even for the JRPGs that have marked entire generations and have defined video games in a way that most can hardly even dream of. This has been the case with Chrono Trigger, one of the most important games on the SNES and one of the most legendary JRPGs in history, which has just turned 30 years old. Something that, of course, Square Enix has already announced it plans to celebrate as it deserves.
How is that celebration going to be? That is what remains unclear. They have said that they plan to celebrate it, but not how. That’s why we can only speculate and dream, knowing that they will have to do something. And in the meantime, we prefer to remember and above all, explain something that perhaps many people do not know: why Chrono Trigger is important. And that is what this article is about. The reasons why this thirty anniversary should be your excuse to replay a legendary game. Or to play it for the first time.
Chrono Trigger is a classic role-playing video game developed by Square, in which a group of young adventurers travel through different eras to save the planet from a future disaster.
The biography of Chrono Trigger
Published on March 11, 1995 for Super Nintendo, it wouldn’t reach the US until August 11 of that same year. And Europe and Australia? I’m afraid we would have to wait until February 2009 for a remaster to be released for Nintendo DS. This does not mean that the game was not played outside of Japan and the US until then.
Because Chrono Trigger is one of those games that was highly imported at the time. Although it was sold at completely outrageous prices outside of North America, it was also sold in English outside the US. And over time since the Super Nintendo, its legend continued to grow, partly thanks to a re-release on PlayStation that was published in 1999 in Japan and in 2001 in the US, which would further cement its cult status. This led to the fact that over the years and with the rise of emulation, anyone interested in JRPGs not only had heard of Chrono Trigger but could also play it, even if it never legally reached their territory.
A game created by a dream team
Why did the game cause such a stir? Probably because it was designed from the beginning to do so. Chrono Trigger was developed by what Square conceived as a dream team of three designers who had just created indisputable masterpieces: Hironobu Sakaguchi, creator of Final Fantasy; Yuji Horii, creator of Dragon Quest; and Akira Toriyama, creator of Dragon Ball. Together, they conceived the entire foundation of the game, from the visuals to the mechanics, resulting in the most idiosyncratic JRPG of its generation.
But it is not a dream team just because of its dream trio. It is also because of the excellent team that accompanied them. Takashi Tokita, director of Live A Live and Parasite Eve, would be co-director and co-writer of the game. Kazuhiko Aoki, director of Final Fantasy IV and Final Fantasy Chronicles, would be producer. And Masato Kato, writer of Final Fantasy VII, would be the other co-writer. Creating an absolutely dream team for the game.
An incredible story, magical designs, and unforgettable characters
But what is the game about? Basically, in the year 1000AD, Crono and Marle see how Lucca and her father demonstrate how their teleportation works at the fair of the Kingdom of Guardia. Due to an accident, they are teleported back in time 400 years, which leads them on an adventure of time travel, time paradoxes, and also a fight against a mad scientist who wants to end the world, which unfolds through different eras of the same world.
All of this, moreover, with seven tremendously charismatic characters that we can recruit in different time periods. Traveling from prehistory to the distant future, we will have all kinds of allies to fight against the evil Magus and the consequences of his actions, first trying to solve the disaster of our time travels, and then trying to prevent The End of Times with one of the most unforgettable castings of all time. Let’s remember, all designed by Akira Toriyama.
Although it remains a classic JRPG in terms of gameplay, the game would feature the Active Time Battle system, which would allow rivals to take actions while we make decisions in the menus. And surely the most striking aspect is the existence of cooperative skills, for which two or more characters will need to be in our party to perform a particularly powerful ability together. As long as the enemies are in the right position, as they can move during combat.
A game with many versions
With versions for SNES, PlayStation, Nintendo DS, mobile, and PC, it has undergone small changes over time. That said, there is no definitive version of the game. Although many people recommend the Nintendo DS version for having extra content and being relatively more accessible, it is generally accepted that the best version is the original. The SNES version remains the best-adjusted version, with fewer compromises and, while it shows its age, for many people this is not a problem but a plus: it has all the beauty of a game from its era.
What will Square Enix do to celebrate the 30th anniversary? While we would settle for a better port than the one we currently have for PCs, it wouldn’t hurt to have a good remaster. They will probably hold concerts, some kind of art exhibition in Japan, and everything else they do aside from that should be considered a bonus. Unfortunately, Chrono Trigger, as beloved as it is, doesn’t seem to be a priority like Final Fantasy is. Therefore, while we hope for at least the announcement of a series of ports, a Pixel Remaster-style version, or a remaster or remake, everything is still uncertain. But until we know, we can always return to this immortal game that hasn’t aged a single day since March 11, 1995.
Chrono Trigger is a classic role-playing video game developed by Square, in which a group of young adventurers travel through different eras to save the planet from a future disaster.
Today, the highly anticipated update 7.2 of Final Fantasy XIV was revealed, which promises to be one of the most significant releases in a while. With a launch trailer and a live stream, the developers at Square Enix have shared a series of new features that will debut on May 27, 2025. Among the highlights is the new island The Occult Crescent and completely new classes called Phantom Jobs. A long time waiting for this patch The update will also introduce the exploration zone Cosmic Exploration, where players will be able to participate in large-scale events and operations with […]
Today, the highly anticipated Final Fantasy XIV update 7.2 was revealed, which promises to be one of the most significant releases in a while. With a launch trailer and a live stream, the developers at Square Enix have shared a series of new features that will debut on May 27, 2025. Among the highlights is the new island The Occult Crescent and completely new classes called Phantom Jobs.
A long time waiting for this patch
The update will also introduce the Cosmic Exploration zone, where players can participate in large-scale events and operations with mechs. This new content aims to enrich the player experience, although some fans express frustration over the slow patch frequency in the game. However, despite these delays, there is an air of optimism about the solutions that this update could bring.
In the main story, players will encounter an enigmatic child scientist and a hooded figure that is sure to capture the community’s attention. Additionally, the promises of the queen of Alexandria about eternal life, a theme that has been recurrent in the game’s narrative, stand out. The developers have noted that, starting with this update, each new patch will add a different planet to explore, which could maintain interest and interaction in the game’s universe.
Although the excitement in the community is palpable, some still wonder if the quality and quantity of the content justifies the long wait. The anxiety to see if this patch will improve the game’s reputation is high, especially after the lukewarm reception of the Dawntrail story. The coming months will be crucial to determine if Square Enix can regain the trust of its player base.
Magic: The Gathering has a great 2025 ahead. With several impactful collections, it is expected to be one of the biggest years in its history. One of the reasons for this is that this is the year where its new strategy begins: more collaborations, more frequently, and better integrated with other IPs. This is something they have been doing for a few years, for example with Fallout or Assassin’s Creed, but from now on they want to do more. And above all, integrated in a more natural way with the overall game. This year we expect a Spider-Man collection and […]
Magic: The Gathering has a great 2025 ahead. With several impactful collections, it is expected to be one of the biggest years in its history. One of the reasons for this is that this is the year where its new strategy begins: more collaborations, more frequent and better integrated with other IPs. This is something they have been doing for a few years now, for example with Fallout or Assassin’s Creed, but from now on they want to do more. And above all, integrated in a more natural way with the overall game.
Magic: The Gathering Arena is a free online card game for Windows developed by Wizards of the Coast. Magic is undoubtedly one of the most important and iconic collectible card games, with millions of players worldwide and official competitions with great prizes. Now, thanks to Magic: The Gathering Arena, you can enjoy this card game on your computer for free.
Final Fantasy arrives in Magic: The Gathering
Magic: The Gathering — Final Fantasy will be a standard card collection that will arrive in stores on June 13, 2025. This means that the cards will be playable in all formats within the game. This is a novelty that surprised at the time of its announcement, because collaborations with other IPs, such as the hugely successful Lord of the Rings collection, were limited to being collections for eternal formats. Formats that do not have rotation and whose competitive play is much more limited, as they do not have a presence in the main digital card game, Magic: Arena.
This means that Magic: The Gathering — Final Fantasy will arrive with all the fanfare of any previous collection. Including Magic: Arena. With everything that entails.
It will not be the entirety of Final Fantasy
The most interesting thing is how, despite being a collection of Final Fantasy, we will not see all of Final Fantasy. The collection will be limited to the numbered Final Fantasy games, to the sixteen of them. So we won’t see some popular games like Tactics or Crystal Chronicles, except perhaps as nods or specific references. But aside from that, we can expect to see all the main protagonists and villains from all the main installments, all the iconic places, artifacts, and creatures, as well as some unexpected choices. As always happens with the team behind this kind of collections.
For now, what we have been able to see is a very eclectic selection, where we have seen a bit of everything. With a strong emphasis on characters that transform when certain conditions are met and even with a new type of card, the Creature Saga, which will be used to represent summons like Shiva or Ifrit, everything they have shown so far perfectly captures the essence of Final Fantasy. And cards like Cecil, Dark Knight make us fear how strong the black color might be at the release of this collection.
Commander fans will have something specially dedicated
Additionally, as it could not be otherwise, they have presented four Commander decks. Being one of the most popular formats of Magic: The Gathering, it was logical that it would be present in a special way here. And indeed it is.
Each of these decks is centered around a specific video game, with all the cards focused on that particular title. Thus, we have decks from Final Fantasy VI, VII, X, and XIV, where their commanders are Terra, Cloud, Tidus, and Y’shtola. This shows that Wizards of the Coast knows perfectly well which Final Fantasy games are the favorites of the people and which characters everyone wants to play with. Because there is no doubt that in Cloud’s deck there will be at least one Tifa and one Sephiroth to throw in your friends’ faces.
There is still more to reveal in the future
For the rest, this is a collection of Magic: The Gathering. That means there will be packs, collector packs, boxes, bundles, and also starter kits for those who want to start playing the game, this time featuring Cloud and Sephiroth as the main characters. And if you want something more special, they have already announced that there will be three Secret Lairs dedicated to Final Fantasy, although they haven’t provided more details about it. Even if we already know that there will be a card treatment, THROUGH THE AGES, where classic artists from Square Enix will reproduce the art of iconic Final Fantasy characters on no less iconic Magic: The Gathering cards.
Although the bulk of the collection is still to be presented, this has been enough to leave us wanting more. It is now possible to reserve all the sealed material from this collection, which will be released on June 13 and, personally, we can’t wait to get our hands on it. Yes, hands. Because on the Internet, no one knows if you’re a moguri.
Magic: The Gathering Arena is a free online card game for Windows developed by Wizards of the Coast. Magic is undoubtedly one of the most important and iconic collectible card games, with millions of players worldwide and official competitions with great prizes. Now, thanks to Magic: The Gathering Arena, you can enjoy this card game on your computer for free.
If you were playing Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Remastered on iOS, we’re sorry. Because Square Enix has announced that it will end support for the iOS version due to a change in the in-app purchase model. Since January 24, 2024, players have reported that they could not access additional content they had purchased, affecting both those using the free version and those who opted for the paid one. Don’t worry, if you spent money they will refund you. The company has explained that the cause of the problem lies in changes that modified […]
If you were playing Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Remastered on iOS, we’re sorry. Because Square Enix has announced that it will end support for the iOS version due to a change in the in-app purchase model. Since January 24, 2024, players have reported that they could not access additional content they had purchased, affecting both those using the free version and those who opted for the paid version.
Don’t worry, if you spent money they will refund you
The company has explained that the cause of the problem lies in changes that modified the structure of purchases within the application. After investigating the situation, Square Enix concluded that it would not be possible to completely fix the error while implementing the new changes in the system. As a consequence, the decision was made to completely cease the service of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Remastered on iOS.
Square Enix has stated that it will offer refunds to users who made in-app purchases from January 2024 onwards for a total of up to 15 eligible items. Although no explicit deadline has been set for requesting these refunds, the developer has indicated that users can contact its customer service center with related questions until August 31.
It is important to highlight that this end of support only affects the iOS version, while the Android, PS4, and Nintendo Switch versions will continue to function without issues. This decision continues a trend observed in recent years, as other mobile games in the Final Fantasy saga, such as Brave Exvius, Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia, and Final Fantasy VII: The First Soldier, have also ceased their support.
Whenever a Final Fantasy title sees the light, there are many expectations placed on it. Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth on PS5 has generated divided opinions among analysts and players. Although Square Enix is confident and happy with the commercial performance of the title, the company has admitted that overall expectations were not met, despite a positive sales pace. In fact, the game became the best-selling in the United States during the week ending January 25, in both its physical and digital versions, which suggests that, […]
Whenever a Final Fantasy title is released, there are many expectations placed on it. Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth on PS5 has generated divided opinions among analysts and players. Although Square Enix is confident and happy with the commercial performance of the title, the company has admitted that overall expectations were not met, despite a positive sales pace. In fact, the game became the best-selling in the United States during the week ending January 25, both in its physical and digital versions, suggesting that, although the desired goals were not reached, interest in the franchise remains high.
According to analyst Mat Piscatella, the RPG managed to exceed initial expectations on Steam, a platform that had generated doubts about its success from Square Enix. During its release, Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth reached a total of 40,564 players on its launch day, a figure boosted by a 30% discount that is still available. This contrasts with the PS5 release, where the company acknowledged that the game did not meet the established expectations.
This positive performance on Steam could influence future strategic decisions by Square Enix, who have begun to consider simultaneous releases on consoles and PC. This shift in focus reflects a clear intention to adapt to a constantly evolving market. Additionally, Square Enix has confirmed that the third part of the remake is already in development, suggesting that the process to complete the trilogy is accelerating.
On the other hand, the company has started to change its exclusivity policy by bringing titles like Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection to platforms like Xbox. This move indicates a desire to diversify its releases and make its iconic franchises more accessible to a wider audience.
¿Eres fan de Final Fantasy? ¡Presta mucha atención! Porque Hironobu Sakaguchi, el creador de la icónica saga de Final Fantasy, ha anunciado su regreso al desarrollo de videojuegos con un nuevo proyecto antes de su anticipada jubilación a los 62 años. Este nuevo título será un sucesor espiritual de Final Fantasy VI, uno de los capítulos más… Continuar leyendo “”
Are you a fan of Final Fantasy? Pay close attention! Because Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of the iconic Final Fantasy saga, has announced his return to video game development with a new project before his anticipated retirement at the age of 62. This new title will be a spiritual successor to Final Fantasy VI, one of the most emblematic chapters in video game history, which marked a milestone with its 2D pixel art style and deep narrative.
In an exclusive interview with The Verge, Sakaguchi revealed that, despite having planned his retirement after the release of Fantasian in 2021, the experience of that development was so rewarding that he decided to continue creating. My goal was to tap into my inner creativity to seriously create a role-playing game once again, he stated. This new project, which he describes as a “second part of a massive project,” seeks to combine classic elements with cutting-edge innovations.
Sakaguchi’s legacy is marked by his ability to intertwine nostalgia and novelty. Although Fantasian has drawn comparisons to Final Fantasy VI, Sakaguchi noted that his approach is unique and he will not be limited to repeating past formulas. Our goal is to create something old yet new at the same time, he explained, highlighting that this upcoming title will be a continuation of his “farewell letter” to the video game industry.
Fans of Sakaguchi are already eagerly anticipating his return, anxious to see how he manages to reimagine one of the most iconic franchises of all time. Although specific details of the new game are yet to be revealed, the promise of a work that fuses nostalgia with innovation is an irresistible attraction for fans of the saga and RPG lovers in general, who give us so many hours and take so many hours from us.
Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of the iconic Final Fantasy series, has announced his intention to return to the world of video game development with a new project that is shaping up to be a spiritual successor to Final Fantasy 6. This news comes almost 40 years after the release of the first game in the series and only four years after Sakaguchi hinted at his possible retirement following the release of Fantasian in 2021. Sakaguchi has plans for a new game in the vein of Final Fantasy VI. In a recent interview with The Verge, Sakaguchi shared that, although he had thought of Fantasian as […]
Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of the iconic Final Fantasy series, has announced his intention to return to the world of video game development with a new project that is shaping up to be a spiritual successor to Final Fantasy 6. This news comes almost 40 years after the release of the first game in the series and only four years after Sakaguchi hinted at his possible retirement following the release of Fantasian in 2021.
Sakaguchi has plans for a new game in the vein of Final Fantasy VI
In a recent interview with The Verge, Sakaguchi shared that, although he had thought of Fantasian as his final project, he found so much pleasure in its development that he decided to continue working on a new title. “The fantastic team that came together to complete Fantasian was so enjoyable to work with that I found it difficult to part ways”, commented the veteran developer. Now, he is working with the same team on this new adventure.
Sakaguchi emphasizes that his goal with the new project is not simply to recycle old ideas. “Our goal is to create something old but new at the same time,” he stated, emphasizing that, although Fantasian has been compared to Final Fantasy 6, his approach to this new game differs significantly. “Drawing comparisons with existing games seemed irrelevant to me,” he added, making it clear that his desire is to explore new facets of his creativity.
This new title, which Sakaguchi describes as “part two of my farewell note,” has fans of the series full of anticipation. With the franchise’s rich history and the promise of a return to its roots, Final Fantasy followers can be excited about what’s to come. Meanwhile, the community continues to closely watch these developments in the legacy of one of the great masters of Japanese RPGs.
