JRPG Pursuit

Are turn-based JRPGs making a major comeback? The discussion explores Square Enix’s shift toward action, the demand revealed by Resonance and Expedition 33, and what Final Fantasy XVII should become. Ideas range from hybrid combat and player choice to multiple Final Fantasy branches, richer turn-based mechanics, and a high-budget 3D future for classic systems.

Fans of Trails in the Sky know her voice very well, and we were thrilled to get the chance to sit down and talk with her about her storied career in anime and video games! Stephanie Sheh fills us in on how anime fandom used to be, how it's evolved over time, and what it's like voicing so many iconic characters in shows and games. Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content every month!).Emily:YouTube: @orbalologyX: x.com/orbalologyBluesky: orbalology.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/orbalologyBranden: YouTube: @JustTheGems X: x.com/_justthegemsBluesky: justthegems.netInstagram: instagram.com/_justthegemsAbdallah: YouTube: @DallahGamesX: x.com/dallahgamesBluesky: dallahgames.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/thegeekyglobetrotter

We're getting into the weeds with one of the greatest JRPGs -- the greatest GAMES -- of all time. Come along with us and be sure to let us know down in the comments what Chrono Trigger means to you.Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content every month!).Emily:YouTube: @orbalologyX: x.com/orbalologyBluesky: orbalology.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/orbalologyBranden: YouTube: @JustTheGems X: x.com/_justthegemsBluesky: justthegems.netInstagram: instagram.com/_justthegemsAbdallah: YouTube: @DallahGamesX: x.com/dallahgamesBluesky: dallahgames.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/thegeekyglobetrotter

We once feared the HD-2D style might be overused and get stale... But these games have really proven this look is here to stay! We dive into the best HD-2D titles from Square Enix, from Octopath Traveler all the way to Final Fantasy Resonance, with plenty more (like Dragon Quest) in between!Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content every month!).Emily:YouTube: @orbalologyX: x.com/orbalologyBluesky: orbalology.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/orbalologyBranden: YouTube: @JustTheGems X: x.com/_justthegemsBluesky: justthegems.netInstagram: instagram.com/_justthegemsAbdallah: YouTube: @DallahGamesX: x.com/dallahgamesBluesky: dallahgames.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/thegeekyglobetrotter

A definitive JRPG starter list spans timeless classics and modern must-plays. Explore Final Fantasy VI’s flexible design, Chrono Trigger’s inventive battles, Xenogears’ ambitious themes, and Final Fantasy IX’s love of tradition. The journey continues through Kingdom Hearts, Persona 4 Golden, Radiant Historia, Dragon Quest, and Trails in the Sky.

More than 50 action JRPGs face off in a sprawling tier-list showdown. The discussion spans NieR, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Kingdom Hearts, Ys, Tales, Mana, Star Ocean, and overlooked gems like Terranigma and Scarlet Nexus. Expect fierce debates over combat, storytelling, exploration, presentation, nostalgia, and whether modern blockbusters truly earn S-tier status.

Looking for the perfect JRPG gateway? This guide matches familiar genres with standout adventures, from Soulsborne-inspired combat and cozy farming to space operas, urban fantasy, visual novels, tactical strategy, and cooperative quests. Discover cinematic blockbusters, stylish Metroidvania hybrids, and approachable starting points for every kind of player.

Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content every month!).Emily:YouTube: @orbalologyX: x.com/orbalologyBluesky: orbalology.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/orbalologyBranden: YouTube: @JustTheGems X: x.com/_justthegemsBluesky: justthegems.netInstagram: instagram.com/_justthegemsAbdallah: YouTube: @DallahGamesX: x.com/dallahgamesBluesky: dallahgames.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/thegeekyglobetrotter

Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content every month!).Emily:YouTube: @orbalologyX: x.com/orbalologyBluesky: orbalology.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/orbalologyBranden: YouTube: @JustTheGems X: x.com/_justthegemsBluesky: justthegems.netInstagram: instagram.com/_justthegemsAbdallah: YouTube: @DallahGamesX: x.com/dallahgamesBluesky: dallahgames.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/thegeekyglobetrotter

Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content every month!).Emily:YouTube: @orbalologyX: x.com/orbalologyBluesky: orbalology.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/orbalologyBranden: YouTube: @JustTheGems X: x.com/_justthegemsBluesky: justthegems.netInstagram: instagram.com/_justthegemsAbdallah: YouTube: @DallahGamesX: x.com/dallahgamesBluesky: dallahgames.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/thegeekyglobetrotter