2012 Looking Up For JRPGs

Life of a fan of Japanese gaming from the west has it’s ups and downs.  At times you get great games to spend hours upon.  While at other times you go so long wondering if Japan still loves you.  Getting a localization of great titles just seems like pulling teeth at times.  Well, it almost seemed like 2011 was one of those years.

Well, negativity aside, it looks like 2012 is shaping up.  Companies are looking to bring their great titles to the west and JRPG fans are ready to snag them up.  Here’s a lineup I put together to get you all as excited as I am.  Some may debate that some arn’t “RPG”, you get the gist.

Valkyria Chronicles 3 (PSP): While Sega told Gamespot a solid ‘no’ to it’s localization in the west, after a huge signature campagne the question of their minds being changed went up in the air again.  Maybe we won’t see it on PSP, but there’s still a chance for a Vita port which would be amazing.  So.. while most my hopes are shattered, I still keep shred somewhere in the back of my mind.  [Unconfirmed - Unlikely]

Tales of Graces f (PS3): Finally an amazing new Tales title is coming to America.  This installment is the first PS3 exclusive Tales game for the West and it gets the amazing sharpness in graphics to support it.  I may have to get a second PS3 on standby because I may kill my PS3 playing this to death.  [Confirmed March 13 Release Date]

Tales of Abyss 3D (3DS): Another great Tales game hitting the west.  While this is just a remaster of the PS2 game, I never played the PS2 version.  Also, Abyss was acclaimed one of the best Tales games of all time, so those who have played it may want to play this one as well!  [Confirmed February 14 Release Date]

Tales of Xillia (PS3) and Tales of Innocence R (PSV): Tales of Xillia is the first native PS3 title and takes on an amazing art style.  While Tales of Innocence R is a remake of a PSP title to the Vita.  Both look amazing and fun.  However neither is confirmed for US, Xillia has gotten some “promising” comments.  With Graces being in early 2012, it may take some time to get Xillia to prevent sales collisions.  [Both Unconfirmed - Both Likely]

Grand Knight History (PSP): A very beautiful styled game.  With a truly unique gameplay style.  It’s from the same makers as Odin’s Sphere and Muramasa, so the style is spitting image. [Confirmed - 1st Quarter]

Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance (3DS): The next installment of the Kingdom Hearts series.  The videos for this game look like a blast.  While I’m not too much a fan of pure hack and slash, this title looks like it has so much more to offer.  As well as I loved Birth By Sleep.  [Confirmed - 2012]

Wrath of the White Witch (PS3): Also known as Ni No Kuni, this amazing looking title is slated for US release.  It’s artwork is done by Ghibil Studio who did Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke.  It’s an open world RPG and has a combat system similar to a Open battle field / turn based / pet system.  One of my most anticipated titles of 2012.  [Confirmed - Early 2012]

Persona 4: The Golden (PSV):  I’ve enjoyed the Persona series.  Melding the classic RPG aspects with amazing presentation and unique elements.  This is a remastering of the PS2 title to the PSV.  I havn’t played the PS2 title so this is a welcome move for me.  [Unconfirmed - Likely]

Disgaea 3 (PSV): Disgaea has been known to have some completely over the top gameplay and grinding.  It’s also known for having some insane depth and customization.  You can’t go wrong with investing in a Disgaea title.  This is a remake of the PS3 version for the Vita.  It has added features and character art.  I’m looking forward to this as one of my first Vita games.  [Confirmed - Vita Launch Window - March?]

Xenoblade (Wii): Finally confirmed for the US.  After so long waiting.  This title just looks like one of the only games that would make me touch my Wii.  Just a solid looking RPG if I’ve ever seen one.  It really looks like it pushes the limits of the Wii.  [Confirmed - Unknown]

The Last Story and Pandora’s Tower (Wii): While both are not confirmed for US, they are both great looking games.  No, I can’t leave it at that for The Last Story.  I’m drooling for The Last Story.  It’s made by one of the fathers of Final Fantasy.  The gameplay looks amazing and the characters look solid as well as interesting.  The Last Story got a EU release date, but US is still up in the air sadly.  I don’t think they realize that this would be one of the only games to make the Wii actually worth a darn to many fans.  [Unconfirmed]

Gravity Rush (PSV): This game looks utterly amazing.  Singly the reason I want the Vita.  It looks artfully amazing, uniquely fun gameplay, and so much more.  If you havn’t seen me talk this game to death, you havn’t been reading my blog (which is likely hah). [Confirmed - Vita Release Window]

Devil Survivor 2 (DS): Another great title from the SMT series.  I havn’t gotten ahold of Devil Survivor 1, but want to.  Just trying to decide wether I want to get the 3DS version or the DS version.  Once I have an idea of the game, I’ll be able to better look forward to the second.  But wanted to note it here for those who have played the first.  [Confirmed - February 28]

Final Fantasy X HD (PS3/PSV): I guess that name isn’t matching anymore.  SquareEnix has confirmed this title isn’t just a polishing like your standard HD working.  They are doing a “Remake.”  So the possibilities of how this will turn out are up in the air. [Unconfirmed - Likely]

Beyond Labyrinth (3DS): A very unique looking game.  From what I gather you control 4 sprites(?) that are following a girl through a dungeon.  The interactions with the female protagonist seem very animated and great.  The possibilities here are very interesting and I can’t wait to get ahold of it.  [Unconfirmed - Likely - Late 2012]

Final Fantasy Type-0 (PSP): While this title hasn’t gotten an official press release confirmation, the hope is high here.  It’s a good chance that this title may never get a physical release, it’s highly likely the US will get a PSN release.  Just because Type is slated to be a 3 piece series.  With this, missing the first in the west will make it’s sequels not be as appealing to the west.  The promising aspect is that they have stated many things in a Japanese magazine that they are working on ‘west’ or ‘international’ release.  This may be lost in translation, but promising none the less.  The game looks amazing and deep.  [Unconfirmed]

Bravely Default: Flying Fairy (3DS): A classic looking Final Fantasy game with turned base combat.  Also featuring Augmented Reality story telling.  It looks very artistic.  I can’t wait to get this on my 3DS. [Unconfirmed]

Hope you all enjoyed this list, and if you’re like me, this is enough to make you drool!!  Bring them on!  If you think I missed any, comment below.  If you are looking forward to any specifically, let us know!

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