8 JRPG Remakes That Improved Everything From The Original Games

As a gamer, I’ve learned one thing for sure: if a game is really popular and people still love it, it will get a remake or remaster eventually. It’s just a matter of time!

Remakes aren’t a new thing – they’ve been around since the Super Nintendo days. As someone who didn’t always have easy access to games, I really welcome them, particularly when they make older titles more appealing and easier for new players to enjoy.

Despite that, I understand we’re currently seeing a lot of JRPG remakes, especially from Square Enix. Fortunately, most of them have been well-received.

Many classic Japanese role-playing games, or JRPGs, have been beautifully remade recently, offering significant improvements over the originals. While the original games are still enjoyable, the remakes are generally a better starting point for new players, offering a more modern experience and a greater respect for your time.

8. Star Ocean: The Second Story R

Going Out With A Spacial Bang

I thought the Star Ocean series was finished after The Divine Force came out. While I really enjoyed the game, it seemed like Square Enix didn’t put much effort into promoting it, and I feared that would be the end for the franchise. So, I was happily surprised when they announced Star Ocean: The Second Story R.

The second game in the series has always been a fan favorite, so it was natural to remake it. While it doesn’t use the HD-2D style exactly, the game comes very close with its combination of 3D backgrounds and charming 2D pixel art – a real standout feature. The remake also includes helpful quality-of-life improvements, like markers that show you when you can interact with different groups.

The gameplay and character development remain largely the same, but have been significantly improved with updated menus, smoother performance, and potentially new items you can craft using the game’s Item Creation system. If you’re looking to experience the Star Ocean universe, Star Ocean: The Second Story R is the perfect place to begin.

7. Trials of Mana

No More Cartridge Storage Issues

The original Seiken Densetsu 3 never came to Western audiences because it completely filled the SNES cartridge, making it impossible to translate. After 25 years, a full remake, Trials of Mana, was finally released worldwide. What’s remarkable about this game is that it was the only title Square ever released that surpassed their sales projections.

Trials of Mana is a classic action RPG where you begin by choosing a main character and two companions. Your choices affect the story and the final boss you’ll face, but the overall game experience stays the same. Each character in your group can develop into different classes, specializing in either light or dark abilities, and learn new skills as they progress.

What makes Trials of Mana so enjoyable is its charming simplicity and rich story rooted in the Mana universe. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it executes its classic JRPG formula flawlessly. Crucially, it also introduced a game previously unavailable outside of Japan to Western players.

6. Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg

Alchemy 101

The Atelier games are known for being relaxing and enjoyable JRPGs, perfect for unwinding after a long, complex game. But with so many titles in the series, it can be tough for new players to know where to start. Luckily, Gust has released Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg, a fresh version of the very first Atelier game, which originally came out in 1997.

The biggest change is that the game is now available in English, since the original version was only released in Japan. I also appreciate that you can now choose a mode without a strict five-year time limit, letting you play at your own pace. Even the standard mode isn’t too difficult, especially considering the game is fairly short.

Okay, so a lot of people are saying Atelier Marie Remake isn’t as complicated as modern games, but honestly, that’s kind of the point! It’s meant to be an entry point for anyone new to the series, a gentle introduction to learning alchemy. It’s perfect for bringing this classic to a new audience. Even if you’re a seasoned JRPG player, I think you’ll appreciate how chill and relaxing Marie’s daily life is – it’s a nice break from all the epic, stressful games out there.

5. Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake

Erdrick’s Legacy Best Iterations

I might be a little biased – I just finished reviewing Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, and that’s probably influencing my opinion. But honestly, these remakes are incredibly faithful to the original games, capturing their spirit perfectly. If you’re looking to experience Dragon Quest, I’d say this is the best way to do it.

We recommend starting with the remake of Dragon Quest III before playing these two games. Together, these three titles tell a connected story with expanded lore and deeper mythology surrounding the hero Erdrick. All of this is brought to life with beautiful HD-2D graphics and, for the first time, fully voiced dialogue.

The battle system is classic turn-based RPG, which long-time fans will appreciate. However, it’s been updated with fresh elements like Sigils and Scrolls to make it feel faster and more responsive. The game also includes helpful features like quest markers, autosaving, and an easy difficulty option. Given the success of the remakes of the first three games, I expect Square Enix to continue supporting and improving this series for years to come.

4. Pokémon Heart Gold / Soul Silver

The Most Content-Rich Pokémon

Many fans consider Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver to be the best games in the series, and not just the best remakes. However, these games don’t drastically change the originals, so players who didn’t enjoy Gold, Silver, or Crystal likely won’t enjoy these versions either. What really makes HeartGold and SoulSilver special is the huge number of new features they add.

The game received a lot of improvements, like the Battle Frontier after completing the main story, a fun mini-game called the Pokéathlon, and both brand new areas and updates to existing ones. They also added compatibility with the PokéWalker accessory, introduced new Pokémon, and let you have one Pokémon follow you around. Beyond these big changes, many smaller details were refined based on player feedback, and the graphics were updated to give the game a fresh look.

I evaluated Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver based on how much content they offer, because that’s where these games really shine. While Johto and Kanto are quite alike, and the games feature a smaller Pokédex and relatively straightforward Gyms compared to other titles from that era, that’s actually what makes these remakes so good. They successfully build on the originals, and I believe they’re better than the games they’re based on.

3. Romancing SaGa: Minstrel Song

SaGa For Non-SaGa Fans

Look, the SaGa series is… well, it’s complex. I’m a big fan, but honestly, I don’t tell everyone about it because it’s not for everyone – you really have to get it to appreciate it. But if someone asks, I always point them to Romancing SaGa: Minstrel Song. It’s a remake of the original Romancing SaGa, and it just got remastered… and then they enhanced the remaster! It’s a little strange, but it’s the best place to start, in my opinion.

Romancing SaGa: Minstrel Song updated the original game’s pixel art with full 3D graphics, but many of the key events remained the same. Having played both versions, I was impressed by how well they maintained the game’s open-ended nature, while also adding fresh surprises in each city and throughout the adventure.

The game introduces exciting new features like Proficiencies that make exploring more rewarding, and you can now adjust the pace of the story for a more relaxed experience. Some JRPG fans might be put off by the unique progression system, which doesn’t use traditional levels – instead, each character improves their abilities separately. However, these concerns are easily forgotten when you unlock a brand new Tech; it’s a truly satisfying feeling!

2. Persona 3 Reload

Baby, Baby, Baby, Yeah

Persona 3 was the game that propelled the Persona series to greater popularity than its parent series, Shin Megami Tensei. Its high school setting, more approachable story, the innovative Social Link system (which became incredibly popular in JRPGs), and a combat system that was challenging yet accessible, all contributed to its success. The game retained many of the elements that made Shin Megami Tensei popular in Japan, but reimagined them for a new audience and setting.

The first version of the game had a few frustrating things, like only being able to control your main character during battles. Later versions fixed this, and thankfully, those are available on today’s devices. But if you’re looking to play, Persona 3 Reload is the best choice. It keeps everything that made the original game great while making improvements – and that’s exactly what you want in a remake: the same experience, but better presented.

The core story, the events that happen each month, and the overall speed of the game are almost identical to the original Persona 3. It’s so similar that you could essentially use a guide for Persona 3 Portable to beat Persona 3 Reload. While there are gameplay changes, they’re all improvements – and, to be honest, they’ve finally made the Tartarus dungeon fun to play.

1. Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter

The Most Well-Rounded JRPG Remake Ever

A common mistake in game marketing is when developers say a new game in an established series will appeal to both longtime fans and new players. While some games manage to pull this off, it often feels like a strategy to simply reach the widest possible audience. However, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter genuinely succeeds in appealing to both those familiar with the series and those who are completely new to it.

I don’t say this just because Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter started a story that continues throughout the entire series. Many JRPG remakes stick to the original story’s timeline, but don’t quite get the gameplay right – either they don’t satisfy anyone, or they try to please everyone and end up pleasing no one. But somehow, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter managed to succeed. It’s wonderfully nostalgic for players who enjoyed the original game from 2004, yet still feels fresh and welcoming to newcomers.

Falcom successfully achieved this by staying true to what defines the Trails series: a compelling story, memorable characters, and a richly detailed world where even minor characters feel alive. They also modernized the gameplay by refining the turn-based combat and adding a brand new real-time option.

The way this game switches between fast-paced action and traditional turn-based combat is incredibly smooth. It works so well that it should satisfy everyone – those who prefer a purely turn-based experience and those who want quicker, more direct control. While major battles, like those against bosses, are always turn-based, by that point you’ll be completely invested in the characters and world, and won’t mind at all. You’ll be too busy enjoying the game to notice!

2025-11-14 18:41