Square Enix has made the decision to revive the first three titles of the iconic Dragon Quest saga, and it does so with the firm purpose of honoring its legacy. With over 94 million units sold throughout its history, Dragon Quest represents one of the most significant franchises in the RPG genre. Following the recent release of the acclaimed Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, this remastering of the first two installments, scheduled for October 30, 2025, seems to be a logical step in the evolution of the saga. A highly anticipated remake These remakes of Dragon […]
Square Enix has made the decision to revive the first three titles of the iconic Dragon Quest saga, and it does so with the firm purpose of honoring its legacy. With over 94 million units sold throughout its history, Dragon Quest represents one of the most significant franchises in the RPG genre. Following the recent release of the acclaimed Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, this remastering of the first two installments, scheduled for October 30, 2025, seems to be a logical step in the evolution of the saga.
A highly anticipated remake
These remakes of Dragon Quest 1 and 2 feature HD-2D graphics that have not only been modernized but also retain the endearing pixel art that has characterized the series. The traditional turn-based gameplay remains, although the first game incorporates the ability to face groups of enemies, a refreshing novelty that diverges from the original, where there were only one-on-one battles. This choice resonates with fans looking for a more contemporary experience, while improvements in accessibility and quality of life promise to attract new players.
Despite their modernization, the titles can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the classic JRPG conventions, due to their focus on random battles and demanding difficulty. The stories of both titles maintain the simplicity of the original plot, where the descendants of Eldrick fight against new threats in a world that intertwines the heroic and the everyday, filled with moments of humor and drama.
These remasterings arrive in a context where Square-Enix seeks to consolidate its legacy, especially while awaiting news about future installments of the saga. With promises of more content and secrets to discover, such as hidden costumes and additional features, Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remake stands as a nostalgic and exciting proposal for fans of this historic franchise.
Square Enix has entered a significant period of silence following the release of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, creating an aura of mystery around its upcoming strategies and projects. Despite expectations, no relevant news has been announced for its flagship franchises, leading to speculation about the company’s next moves. It will take three years, due to its ambition Recently, Square Enix has launched an ambitious three-year transformation plan, which focuses on improving the quality of its games, prioritizing multiplatform expansion […]
Square Enix has entered a significant period of silence following the release of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, creating an aura of mystery around its upcoming strategies and projects. Despite the expectations, no relevant news has been announced for its flagship franchises, which has led to speculation about the company’s next moves.
It will take three years, due to its ambition
Recently, Square Enix has launched an ambitious three-year transformation plan, which focuses on improving the quality of its games, prioritizing cross-platform expansion and reorganizing its development teams. This suggests a renewed focus on producing more refined titles, where the company seeks to increase its competitiveness in a constantly evolving market.
To focus its resources, Square Enix has made the difficult decision to cancel Kingdom Hearts Missing Link, a mobile game. The decision responds to the need to redirect more funds towards Kingdom Hearts 4, the highly anticipated next chapter of the saga. According to statements from the company, the reallocation of resources involves a selection and concentration strategy focused on titles that require greater development and refinement.
In addition, Square Enix has chosen to manage all its projects under one studio, which will prevent outsourcing and allow for better cohesion and sharing of internal knowledge. This aims to ensure that future releases maintain a high standard of quality, a critical point in the company’s strategy.
Finally, the company plans to implement measures to improve the profitability of its games in development, such as diversifying payment methods and optimizing operational costs. This comprehensive approach could mark a new direction for Square Enix, strengthening its legacy in the video game industry.
In a year marked by uncertainty for Chrono Trigger fans, rumors have emerged about a possible remake of the classic title, but these have been quickly denied. It is understandable that fans feel anxious, as Square Enix has not released new updates about the series in years. During an interview, Yuji Horii, co-author of Chrono Trigger, mentioned his interest in working on a remake for the 30th anniversary of the game, but his comments were misinterpreted by a translator at a recent event, leading to unfounded speculation. Demands that seem unlikely to fall […]
In a year marked by uncertainty for Chrono Trigger fans, rumors have emerged about a possible remake of the classic title, but these have been quickly denied. It is understandable that fans feel anxious, as Square Enix has not released new updates about the series in years. During an interview, Yuji Horii, co-author of Chrono Trigger, mentioned his interest in working on a remake to celebrate the game’s 30th anniversary, but his comments were misinterpreted by a translator at a recent event, leading to unfounded speculation.
Lawsuits that seem unlikely to fall on deaf ears
Horii, known for his work on the Dragon Quest series, echoed the fans’ demand during his conversation with Gamereactor, stating: “Yes, it has been a long time. Yes, I want to do something.” This came after a rumor claimed that the remake was confirmed, which was quickly denied by specialized media such as Gematsu.
Despite these confusions, the interest in a modern adaptation of Chrono Trigger is undeniable, especially after the commercial success of the HD-2D remake of Dragon Quest 3. This suggests that Square Enix might consider a similar approach to revitalize Chrono Trigger. However, although many are eagerly awaiting a treatment in the style of the Final Fantasy VII remake, market expectations and the company’s high sales standards are factors to consider.
For those who can’t wait, the original version of Chrono Trigger is currently available on Steam with a 50% discount, making it more accessible for new players. While fans continue to speculate about the future of the series, the legacy of Chrono Trigger remains alive, awaiting a revival that many consider inevitable at some point.
Square Enix has confirmed that the highly anticipated title Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will be available on Nintendo’s next console, the Switch 2, with a scheduled release for 2025. This news was announced through a video published on Nintendo’s YouTube channel, where Naoki Hamaguchi, the game’s director, expressed his enthusiasm for establishing a strong collaboration with the Japanese company. Hamaguchi not only referred to Rebirth but also mentioned the word “saga,” suggesting that a possible third part of the remake could be released in 2027 or 2028, as long as Square Enix’s plans […]
Square Enix has confirmed that the highly anticipated title Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will be available on Nintendo’s next console, the Switch 2, with a scheduled release for 2025. This news was announced through a video published on Nintendo’s YouTube channel, where Naoki Hamaguchi, the game’s director, expressed his excitement about establishing a strong collaboration with the Japanese company.
Hamaguchi not only referred to Rebirth, but also mentioned the word “saga,” suggesting that a possible third part of the remake could be released in 2027 or 2028, as long as Square Enix’s plans unfold as expected. This raises expectations among the fans of the series, who are eager to relive the story of Cloud, Tifa, and Aerith on this new platform.
The Nintendo Switch 2 aims to establish itself as a console capable of handling AAA titles, with developers like CD Projekt and FromSoftware already confirming that recognized titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring are on their way to the new console. This occasion represents a crucial moment not only for Square Enix but also for Nintendo, which seeks to attract a broader audience with its new platform, set to debut on June 5 of this year.
In addition, other companies like Ubisoft have expressed their commitment to support the Switch 2 in the coming years, which could further increase the appeal of the console. Players of Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch, who have stayed on the sidelines of the early titles of the remake, now have reasons to feel excitement about imminent releases that could change the dynamics of access to iconic stories in the realm of JRPGs.
Since its release, Nier Automata has captured the attention of players and critics for its innovative narrative and complex gameplay. One of the most notable elements of the game is its impressive number of endings, which totals 26. This approach, reminiscent of the philosophy of its predecessor Drakengard, was driven by the intervention of Square Enix, which requested PlatinumGames to add more content to the title. According to director Yoko Taro, this requirement arose in response to the need to make the game more appealing in a competitive market. Yoko Taro blames Square Enix […]
Since its release, Nier Automata has captured the attention of players and critics for its innovative narrative and complex gameplay. One of the standout elements of the game is its impressive number of endings, which totals 26. This approach, reminiscent of the philosophy of its predecessor Drakengard, was driven by the intervention of Square Enix, which requested PlatinumGames to add more content to the title. According to director Yoko Taro, this requirement arose in response to the need to make the game more appealing in a competitive market.
Yoko Taro blames Square Enix for the craziness of Nier Automata
During a recent interview on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the series, Taro revealed how, initially, Nier Automata contained fewer endings, but the development team was instructed to expand the player experience, resulting in the rich variety of outcomes found in the game. This decision not only enriches the narrative but also extends gameplay time, offering players various forms of interaction and rewards.
However, Taro also shared more serious concerns in recent interviews, expressing his worry about the impact of artificial intelligence on the video game development industry. The creator warned that, in the near future, developers could face the threat of losing their jobs due to automation, suggesting that they could be displaced and treated like minstrels in a context where human creativity is underestimated in favor of machines.
On the other hand, the head of PlayStation has praised Nier Automata as a savior of Japanese games in the international landscape. Despite this recognition, Taro was urged to focus on the Japanese market, reflecting the ongoing challenge of balancing local creativity with the demands of the global market.
Square Enix has hinted at the possibility of a remake of Final Fantasy 9 through a recent post on Twitter, which has sparked a wave of speculation among fans. The post includes a screenshot from the game with the phrase “My memories will be part of the sky…”, an iconic line recognized by series followers. The message was accompanied by the comment “If you know, you know,” followed by a crying face emoji, which has fueled hopes for a formal announcement. Final Fantasy 9 could arrive in the form of a remake The trilogy […]
Square Enix has hinted at the possibility of a remake of Final Fantasy 9 through a recent post on Twitter, which has sparked a wave of speculation among fans. The post includes a screenshot of the game with the phrase “My memories will be part of the sky…”, an iconic line recognized by followers of the series. The message was accompanied by the comment “If you know, you know,” followed by a crying face emoji, which has fueled hopes for a formal announcement.
Final Fantasy 9 could arrive as a remake
The original Final Fantasy trilogy on the first-generation PlayStation console is considered one of the most influential in video game history, with Final Fantasy 7 at the peak of popularity. However, both Final Fantasy 8 and Final Fantasy 9 have been highly valued by players, making the anticipation for a remake of the latter particularly intense, especially now that its 25th anniversary is approaching in July.
Since at least 2021, rumors have circulated about a possible remake of Final Fantasy 9, fueled by leaks related to the GeForce Now database that included several unannounced titles, as well as remakes of other games. Although the company is currently focused on the Final Fantasy 7 remake trilogy, the inclusion of FF9 in these speculations is not surprising. Some fans have expressed their concerns on social media, wishing that any remake stays true to the original narrative and avoids the criticisms that have arisen due to changes in the stories of recent installments.
Although Square Enix’s hints are intriguing, it is essential to keep expectations in check. The recent release of new merchandise related to Final Fantasy 9 could also be part of an early marketing strategy. The gaming community remains vigilant, awaiting an official announcement that may or may not be on the horizon.
Octopath Traveler II has arrived on the Xbox Game Pass catalog, offering players a fresh experience in the realm of classic RPGs. In this sequel, Square Enix moves away from the turn-based combat that characterized its most emblematic saga, Final Fantasy, and adopts a real-time gameplay style. Completely distanced from Final Fantasy, the game, which blends classic pixel art with modern lighting effects in its stylized HD-2D, stands out visually and captures the essence of old RPGs while introducing innovations in narrative and combat system. Instead of […]
Octopath Traveler II has arrived in the Xbox Game Pass catalog, offering players a fresh experience in the realm of classic RPGs. In this sequel, Square Enix moves away from the turn-based combat that characterized its most iconic saga, Final Fantasy, and adopts a real-time gameplay style.
Totally detached from Final Fantasy
The game, which blends classic pixel art with modern lighting effects in its stylized HD-2D, stands out visually and captures the essence of old RPGs while introducing innovations in narrative and combat systems. Instead of following a single linear path, players can choose from eight protagonists, each with their own story to explore. This approach allows for a non-linear experience where players can organically attract new members to the group.
Octopath Traveler II offers a strategic combat system, in which players must identify and exploit enemy weaknesses while managing boost points, generating tactical decisions during battles. This mechanic adds an additional and satisfying dimension to each encounter, thus promoting a rich and dynamic gameplay that recalls the best moments of turn-based RPGs.
Although the narrative may not be on par with the most memorable stories from Square Enix, the game manages to connect the characters as their plots intertwine, offering rewarding moments. While Square Enix’s direction may suggest a definitive departure from classic RPG mechanics, Octopath Traveler II serves as a testament that the turn-based genre still has much to offer, standing out as a possible precursor to what could be a new Final Fantasy title in this style.
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.
In an impressive year-end report, Valve has revealed that Steam Deck players accumulated 330 million hours of gameplay during 2024, representing a remarkable 64% increase compared to the previous year. This growth underscores the potential of this portable device in a market that is still considered somewhat niche, but is beginning to attract the attention of major game developers. More and more studios are supporting the Steam proposal. Developers like Square Enix and Ubisoft have officially begun to endorse the compatibility of their titles with Steam […]
In an impressive year-end report, Valve has revealed that Steam Deck players accumulated 330 million hours of gameplay during 2024, representing a remarkable 64% increase compared to the previous year. This growth underscores the potential of this portable device in a market that is still considered somewhat niche, but is beginning to attract the attention of major game developers.
More and more studies support Steam’s proposal
Developers like Square Enix and Ubisoft have officially begun to support the compatibility of their titles with Steam Deck, highlighting the importance of this platform. For example, Square Enix announced the compatibility of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, while Ubisoft confirmed that Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be verified on the device. This move suggests a shift in publishers’ perception towards the growth of the portable PC market.
Valve also celebrated the arrival of SteamOS on the Lenovo Go S, a step that marks the beginning of a possible wave of third-party portable devices “powered by SteamOS.” Additionally, the company has mentioned the possibility of installing SteamOS on other portable devices such as the ROG Ally X or the latest version of the MSI Claw, which would further expand options for gamers. According to Valve, its investments in user interface, Linux compatibility, and input technology will benefit both developers and gamers.
Despite the expectations surrounding the Steam Deck 2, Valve continues to dominate the market thanks to its platform and game store. With an expanding ecosystem, future hardware developments look promising, and players will be able to enjoy their game libraries in a variety of contexts, whether at home, at the airport, or in the garden.
