Here’s some good holiday news for JRPG fans — Octopath Traveler 0 is officially releasing worldwide on December 4, 2025 for Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam & Microsoft Store).
I first got into Orsterra through Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent on mobile. Even if the series already had a big reputation thanks to the first Octopath Traveler back in 2018 on Switch (and later on PC, Xbox, and Stadia), CotC was my entry point. Honestly, it blew me away — not just because it was free-to-play, but because of how much heart it had.
What really stuck with me wasn’t even the main story, but the character-driven side quests. With so many characters to meet and unlock, I found myself spending hours just following their stories instead of pushing the main plot. The gacha system? It didn’t bother me at all — the sheer number of characters made it feel like I always had something fresh to explore, and I never felt pressured to spend. Add in full voiceovers and an amazing soundtrack, and CotC became one of my favorite mobile RPG experiences.
I played through three chapters before stepping away after the Solistia update dropped in May 2025. But now, with Octopath Traveler 0 on the horizon, I’m ready to dive back in.
This isn’t just CotC with the gacha stripped out — Square Enix is reimagining it as a premium, standalone JRPG. You’ll still build a party of eight, but now with more focus on creating your own custom protagonist, rebuilding the burned-down town of Wishvale, and pushing deeper into the series’ signature mix of tactical combat and branching stories.
For me, Octopath Traveler 0 feels like a dream come true. Imagine a game that carries the spirit of Suikoden with its wide cast of recruitable characters, mixes in the Break & Boost combat system from CotC, and tops it off with pixel-style graphics that bring back memories of my old Final Fantasy favorites. It’s basically the perfect mix for the holidays — the kind of RPG I’d love to sink into with a cup of warm cocoa on a cold December night.
And the timing? Perfect. Launching in December, it feels like Square Enix is setting Octopath Traveler 0 up to be the holiday JRPG event of the year. Hopefully, there won’t be any last-minute hiccups like what happened with Konami’s Suikoden I & II HD Remaster, which was supposed to drop in December but got pushed all the way to March.
If you’ve been waiting for a story-driven JRPG without the gacha strings attached, Octopath Traveler 0 should definitely be in your holiday carts. This just might be the JRPG gift we all needed for 2025.
🎅 Holiday Hype: Quick Facts on Octopath Traveler 0 🎄
Release Date: December 4, 2025 (worldwide)
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam & Microsoft Store)
Developer / Publisher: Acquire & Square Enix
Genre: Turn-based JRPG (premium, no gacha)
Story Setup: Starts in Wishvale, a burned town you’ll rebuild as part of your journey
Protagonist: Custom-created hero instead of 8 separate storylines
Combat: Break & Boost system returns, now with 8-character party battles
Town-Building: Place structures, recruit townsfolk, and expand your base
Presentation: Full voice acting, expanded soundtrack, and HD-2D pixel art visuals
Monetization: 100% premium, no gacha or RNG pulls
🔥 I can already see this one being the perfect holiday binge — what about you? Planning to pick it up day one, or waiting to see first reviews?
Through the years, whenever my buddies ask me what game I’m grinding on my phone that feels long and epic, one of my top answers has been The Last Remnant Remastered on mobile.
Now, don’t get it twisted—I’m no pro at this game. In fact, I’d still call myself a beginner even after all the hours I’ve sunk into it. But maybe that’s exactly why I want to talk about it. Because when I first picked it up, I was just as lost as anyone else, especially with the game’s biggest curveball: the Union System.
This is my take on it—not as an expert, but as someone who slowly figured things out and wants to make it a little less confusing for the next beginner diving in.
So What’s the Deal With the Union System?
Before The Last Remnant, JRPGs mostly stuck to familiar formulas:
Classic Turn-Based (like Dragon Quest or Final Fantasy I–X) → You control each character one by one, pick from “attack, magic, item, defend,” and watch the turns play out. Simple and reliable.
ATB – Active Time Battle (popularized by Final Fantasy IV–IX) → Each character has a gauge that fills in real time. When it’s full, you act. It added pressure and speed to the turn-based formula.
FFXII’s Gambit System (2006) → This one let you pre-program AI behavior, like “if ally HP < 50%, then cast Cure.” It was revolutionary for letting battles play out more automatically but still under your rules.
And then along comes The Last Remnant. It said: “Forget controlling individuals—what if you controlled squads instead?”
That’s the Union System. Instead of giving commands to each party member, you organize them into unions (basically mini-teams). You don’t pick every spell or attack. You issue orders to the entire squad, and they act as one.
This flipped combat into something totally different. Suddenly, you’re less like a hero leading a party and more like a commander directing armies. Positioning, morale, and squad synergy mattered just as much as raw stats.
For some players, that shift felt groundbreaking. For others—me included when I first tried it—it felt confusing as hell.
The Flow of Battle – What You Do Before You Even Swing
The real fight doesn’t start when you press “attack”—it starts in how you set up your unions. As a beginner, this part felt overwhelming to me because you have to think about:
Who leads each union (leaders bring skills and arts)
Who fills the squad (soldiers add stats and stability)
What formation you’re using (offensive, defensive, or balanced setups)
And then, once you’re in a dungeon or field, you also have to pay attention to enemy groups. Do you charge them head-on? Try to flank? Or split your unions to keep them from surrounding you?
This whole “prep before action” makes fights feel more like mini war puzzles. If you mess up the setup, the battle feels 10x harder no matter how strong your characters are.
Commands – The Clear and the Confusing Ones
Once the fighting actually starts, the game gives you commands for your unions. Some are straightforward and easy to understand:
Attack with combat arts! → your melee moves
Attack with mystic arts! → your spells
Heal with remedies! → your items and recovery
But then you get the vague stuff like:
Play it by ear
Go all out!
Wait and see
And here’s where the frustration kicks in. As a beginner, I remember just staring at those and going, “What am I actually telling my squad to do?”
How I Learned to Read the Vague Commands
After a lot of trial and error (and a few rage quits), here’s how I’ve come to understand those vague orders:
Play it by ear → Think of it as “do what makes sense.” The union might attack, heal, or buff depending on the situation. Good for balanced teams.
Go all out! → Pure offense. They’ll blow AP, use their strongest moves, and ignore healing. Best for when the enemy’s on the ropes.
Wait and see → Defensive or conserving mode. They’ll defend, poke with weak moves, or just save AP. Use it when you’re setting up or trying to survive.
Save them no matter what! → Your emergency revive/heal button. Everyone drops offense to bring allies back.
Keep your HP up! → Focuses on healing and survival above all else.
Once I started thinking of them like battle moods instead of strict commands, they made a lot more sense.
Strategy – When to Use What
Here’s my beginner advice on using these commands without losing your mind:
Use “Play it by ear” for balanced unions that can attack and heal. It gives the AI room to adapt.
Use “Go all out” when you know you’re safe or you just need raw damage to push through.
Use “Wait and see” to stall or when you’re trying to build AP for big moves later.
Use “Save them no matter what” sparingly, because sometimes it wastes turns if no one is actually down.
Use “Keep your HP up” when facing tough bosses or multiple enemy unions that can shred you in a turn.
It’s not perfect—you’ll still sometimes scream at your squad for making dumb choices—but it’s part of the chaos that makes this system fun.
Wrapping It Up – Why I Still Recommend This Game
Here’s the truth: The Last Remnant is still hard to understand, even today. If you’re new, the Union System will feel overwhelming and the vague commands will confuse you. But once you get past that hump? The game transforms. Battles feel bigger, strategies feel deeper, and experimenting with different unions actually becomes addictive.
That’s why I keep it on my phone. I’ve spent hours tweaking squads, retrying fights, and just enjoying the controlled chaos of this system. And yeah, the mobile remaster costs around $19.99, which isn’t exactly cheap. But for me? If I dropped twenty bucks and didn’t play it, that would be the real waste.
So I keep coming back. And maybe that’s the magic of The Last Remnant: it doesn’t hold your hand, but once you start to get it, you’ll want to stick around and keep learning.
It’s been barely two weeks since I got my RG28XX, and I’ve been completely glued to it. Like a kid with a new toy, I’ve been switching between games non-stop, quickly learning what plays well and what doesn’t. As a JRPG/RPG fan, I naturally gravitate toward that genre. But let’s be real about the PSP emulation: it’s a bit of a hit-and-miss.
The Allwinner H700 chipset is powerful for a budget device, but most PSP games are a bit laggy, and some are downright unplayable due to the missing analog stick. Plus, the screen’s resolution isn’t a perfect 16:9 match for the original PSP, so you have to scale and fit it to fill the screen, which is a no-no for purists.
But for someone not too picky about screen size and is more focused on playing something on a small retro handheld, it’s perfect.
Even with the quirks, limiting recommendations to just RPGs doesn’t do this little handheld justice. It’s given me the chance to play other games, and after two weeks of non-stop play, here’s my top 10 games to try.
Prinny 2: Dawn of Operation Panties, Dood!
psp box art
I’ll be honest—I’ve never been great at platformers on PSP using my phone. The tiny screen, touch overlays, and lack of a proper controller made even basic levels frustrating. But on the RG28XX, everything changed. While the screen is a bit cramped and the buttons are small, I finally beat the first level and a saw Etna inside the castle. It felt like a real win.
Gameplay-wise, Prinny 2 is a classic side-scrolling platformer, but Nippon Ichi Software adds its signature style. The animations are smooth, and the game’s humor is just absurd enough to keep you laughing even while dying repeatedly. You’ll really end up caring about the side characters and NPCs, dood!
Fun Fact: Nippon Ichi’s dialogue is so ridiculous and over-the-top that even minor characters steal the spotlight. I’m not usually a fan of side-scrolling platformers, but Prinny 2 had me invested in the story and the laughs, and that’s what matters most.
Kisou Ryuhei Gunhound
Kisou Ryuhei Gunhound is a side-scrolling mecha shooter that had me glued from start to finish. You pilot your giant robot through futuristic stages filled with enemies and obstacles. The controls on the RG28XX are precise enough that even intense shooting sequences feel smooth.
The story follows a world under siege, and while it’s not particularly deep, the excitement comes from blasting through waves of enemies and upgrading your mecha. For someone who enjoys mecha and action, this is a perfect handheld experience.
Fun Fact: Despite its small screen, the RG28XX handles the visuals perfectly, making every boss fight feel as epic as it would on a console.
ZHP: Unlosing Ranger vs. Darkdeath Evilman
Unlosing Ranger psp box art
ZHP is one of the quirkiest tactical RPGs I’ve ever played. You lead a colorful, bizarre team through strategic missions filled with absurd story beats and hilarious dialogues. On the RG28XX, it feels surprisingly comfortable, even during long grind sessions.
The game’s humor is its standout feature, but don’t mistake it for a joke game—the strategy is real. Positioning your characters and timing your attacks can mean the difference between victory and defeat.
Fun Fact: Some levels are so absurdly funny that you’ll spend more time laughing than strategizing, which is part of the charm. It’s a tactical RPG that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Ys vs. Sora no Kiseki
This one is a little different from the others on my list. Ys vs. Sora no Kiseki is a fighting game that’s a total love letter to fans of both the Trails and Ys series. You get to play through each character’s unique story arc, and you can upgrade their equipment and customize them, which really makes you want to keep playing long after the main story is over. That ability to customize is what gives it some serious replay value.
Fun Fact: A worldwide release is scheduled for October 10, 2025, on PS4, PS5, Switch, and PC with enhanced features, according to the publisher refint/games.
TwinBee Portable
TwinBee Portable is a vertical shooter with an aesthetic that’s so colorful it’s almost hypnotic. Controlling the ship is straightforward, making it easy to pick up on the RG28XX. The power-ups add a layer of strategy to the simple shooting mechanics, turning it into a deeper experience than it first appears. Since it’s a Japanese-only release, I’m just assuming the story is light and charming, but seriously, who needs a story when what hooked me to this game is the retro vibe and pure nostalgia? It’s the kind of game that’s easy to jump into for a quick session or a longer run.
Fun Fact:TwinBee’s charm comes from its cheerful music and playful visuals—Konami really nailed that arcade vibe.
Mega Man Powered Up
megaman powered up psp cover
Mega Man Powered Up is classic Mega Man with upgraded graphics and remade levels. It’s challenging but fair, and controlling the blue bomber on the RG28XX felt surprisingly natural. The satisfaction of finally defeating a tough boss never gets old.
The story is minimal but fun, staying true to Mega Man’s roots as a robot hero battling evil. The level design is clever, and each stage has its own personality.
Fun Fact: You can create and share your own levels, making it a mini creative outlet on the go.
Yuusha 30 Seconds
Yuusha 30 Seconds is a fast-paced mini-RPG where battles and decisions happen in short, exciting bursts. Perfect for handheld play, it keeps you on edge while still being strategic. The story follows a hero who must make quick choices to save their world, making every second count.
The gameplay of Yuusha 30 Seconds is what truly makes it a standout. Back when it was released, the concept was totally unique, and it still feels incredibly fresh today. The core loop is simple: you have 30 seconds to save the world. This crazy-fast timer forces you to make quick, strategic decisions. Every second counts as you run to level up, buy equipment, and defeat the final boss. It’s a genius concept that turns the traditional RPG grind on its head and keeps every moment filled with high-stakes action.
Fun Fact: Another title, Half-Minute Hero, was also released for western audiences on PSP. Although that’s a great game, I would still recommend hunting down an English translation patch for Yuusha 30 Seconds because the Japanese release is more challenging and has more content.
Dissidia 012 Duodecim (RPG Mode)
This one is a bit different. I play Dissidia 012 Duodecim in RPG Mode. There’s an option in the settings to switch from the usual action style to a more tactical RPG-style battle where you input attacks as the battle takes place.
While I’ll be honest, I usually play this on PPSSPP on my phone since the touch controls and ability to set hotkeys make the game more fluid for me, the RG28XX still offers a great experience in RPG Mode. Even with the controls being a bit cramped and the absence of an analog stick, it’s a perfect fit for this little handheld.
Fun Fact: Each character has a fully voiced story, and the massive cast includes heroes and villains from almost every major title in the series.
Zenonia
Zenonia is a classic hack-and-slash RPG that’s perfect for handheld sessions. You explore dungeons, fight enemies, and uncover a story of revenge and justice. The controls feel great on the RG28XX, making combat smooth and satisfying.
The story is simple but effective, with multiple endings that encourage replayability. I love how easy it is to pick up and play without losing any of the RPG charm.
Fun Fact:Zenonia was so popular that it eventually found its way to mobile devices, becoming one of the early success stories for JRPGs on the app store.
Patapon 3
Patapon 3 perfectly blends rhythm and strategy. You command a tiny Patapon tribe in battles that are essentially musical performances. The gameplay is simple, but timing your beats correctly feels incredibly satisfying.
The story follows your tribe as they journey to conquer enemies and survive in a whimsical world. It’s easy to lose track of time because the rhythm-based gameplay is so addictive.
Fun Fact: The unique rhythm-strategy gameplay of Patapon 3 has a rich history. The first game introduced the unique concept of commanding a tribe with drumbeats. Patapon 2 built on that with the introduction of hero units, new classes, and a multiplayer mode. Patapon 3 then evolved the formula even further with a persistent online focus, a more detailed leveling system, and an even deeper focus on the central hero character.
Final Thoughts
This list proves that the RG28XX can handle far more than just RPGs. From humor and platforming to epic storytelling and rhythm, this little handheld really delivers, and I can’t wait to see what other hidden gems I discover next.
When people talk about the golden age of JRPGs, the SNES almost always comes up—and for good reason. The 16-bit era was a time when RPGs weren’t just about grinding levels or saving the princess. Developers were experimenting, pushing boundaries, and proving that games could be more than simple adventures.
Chrono trigger for Snes
The SNES gave us innovative gameplay systems, like real-time combat, combo attacks, and even multiplayer RPG experiences. Its sound chip allowed composers to create some of the most memorable video game soundtracks ever made, from sweeping orchestras to catchy battle themes that still stick in your head today. Most importantly, it was an era where storytelling in games matured. We saw deeper characters, emotional twists, and moments of drama that rivaled books and movies—and that legacy is still felt in modern RPGs to this very day.
So with all that in mind, here’s my personal top 5 most iconic JRPGs on the SNES—counting down from 5 all the way to my number 1 pick.
5. EarthBound (1994)
EarthBound box cover: Developed by Ape and HAL Laboratory, released in 1994.
At first glance, EarthBound looks silly. Kids fighting aliens with yo-yos and frying pans? But the deeper I went, the more I realized how smart and emotional this game really was. It’s funny, it’s weird, and it sneaks in life lessons when you least expect it.
Earthbound gameplay
💭 What I took away: EarthBound taught me that heroes don’t always need swords or armor. Sometimes courage comes in the simplest forms—friendship, family, and a belief that even ordinary kids can do extraordinary things.
4. Secret of Mana (1993)
Secret of Mana, developed by Square Co., Ltd., released in 1993.
I’ll never forget the first time I played Secret of Mana. The real-time combat felt alive compared to turn-based RPGs, and being able to share the adventure with friends was special. The bright world and enchanting soundtrack gave it a fairy tale quality.
But what really stuck with me wasn’t just the combat or the music—it was the relationships. Traveling with the Girl and the Sprite made the journey feel alive, like I was part of a small family fighting through impossible odds. And when the story forced me to deal with loss, it hit me harder than I expected. That bond I’d built with the characters made it feel personal, and it’s one of the first times a game really made me feel that kind of emotional weight.
Secret of mana Snes gameplay
💭 What I took away: The story reminded me that even victories can come with sacrifice. It taught me that saving the world often means letting go, and that true strength is sometimes about moving forward despite loss.
3. Final Fantasy VI (1994)
Final Fantasy VI for the SNES was developed by Square (now Square Enix) and released in Japan on April 2, 1994, and in North America on October 11, 1994
This is one of the most ambitious RPGs I’ve ever played. A huge cast, an unforgettable villain, and moments that proved games could carry just as much weight as movies or novels.
And then there’s Kefka. Growing up, he honestly terrified me. At first, his clownish personality and over-the-top antics seemed funny—but the more the story unfolded, the more those moments felt chilling. He wasn’t just another villain with a plan; he was completely unhinged, unpredictable, and capable of things I didn’t think a video game character could do back then. Even now, looking back, those “comedic” moments just make his cruelty stand out more.
Final Fantasy VI Kefka Bossfight
💭 What I took away: For me, Final Fantasy VI is about hope. No matter how broken the world feels, or how overwhelming despair can be—even when someone like Kefka is pulling the strings—people can come together, rebuild, and find meaning again. That message stuck with me long after the credits rolled.
2. Chrono Trigger (1995)
Chrono Trigger for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was developed by Square and released in Japan on March 11, 1995, and in North America on August 22, 1995 .
Chrono Trigger is legendary for a reason. Time travel, branching choices, and combat that encouraged creative teamwork—it was ahead of its time. Every jump into the past or future made me feel like I was carrying the weight of history on my shoulders.
Chrono trigger snes gameplay
💭 What I took away: This game taught me that our choices matter. Even the smallest decisions can ripple across time and change everything. It reminded me to value every moment, because what we do today shapes tomorrow. Well, that and if you drop your grades the time you binge play Chrono trigger on weekends, you’re guaranteed to let your parents revoke gaming weekends altogether.
1. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars (1996)
Super Mario RPG for the SNES was developed by Squaresoft and published by Nintendo.
My number one might surprise some people, but for me, it’s Super Mario RPG. Back then, the idea of Mario in an RPG felt impossible—but somehow, Nintendo and Square pulled it off. The humor, the button-timed combat, the quirky original characters—it was pure magic.
One of the things that stood out to me the most was Bowser. Before this game, he was always just the silent, menacing villain who kidnapped Peach over and over again. But here, he was fleshed out like never before. His bossy antics, his over-the-top pride, and the way he reluctantly teamed up with Mario gave him a lovable side I never expected. Even when I play later Mario RPG titles, I sometimes miss that version of Bowser—the grumpy but endearing ally who added so much personality to the party.
And then there’s Smithy. He may not be as famous as Kefka or Lavos, but as a kid, he left a strong impression on me. His factory world felt so different from anything I’d seen in a Mario game, and his sheer power made him feel like a true final boss. For me, he was proof that this wasn’t just a silly Mario spin-off—it was a real RPG with stakes.
Another reason it’s my top pick is a little more personal—I once made a full walkthrough and guides online for this game. Sadly, the site’s gone now, but maybe one day I’ll make another one—this time in my own writing style—for the Super Mario RPG Remaster on the Switch.
💭 What I took away: This game showed me that even familiar heroes like Mario can grow beyond what we expect. And Bowser, of all characters, reminded me that people (or villains) can surprise us if we give them the chance. It taught me to appreciate new sides of things I thought I already knew, and that sometimes the most unlikely team-ups make for the best adventures.
Final Thoughts
Currently playing Super Mario Armaggedon. Romhack on my Miyoo Mini
The SNES library is full of unforgettable RPGs, and picking just five wasn’t easy. Each one not only pushed gameplay and storytelling forward, but also left me with lessons I still think about today.
And while I didn’t grow up playing most of these on the original SNES, I’ve been revisiting them through emulators and most recently on my Miyoo Mini. The Miyoo’s small ergonomics actually fit perfectly for one-handed play, so I often catch myself holding it in one hand and still enjoying these classics just fine. Honestly, I think these are some of the must-play games on the Miyoo Mini—it’s a perfect way to relive the magic of these iconic JRPGs today.
EZRetro Plays 