Xbox surprised fans at the Tokyo Game Show by announcing the release of several Square Enix JRPGs, including the Final Fantasy I-VI Pixel Remaster collection, for Xbox and PC. These remastered versions of the classic games, originally launched on Steam in July 2021, later made their way to PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android. Now, Xbox and PC players can experience the updated 2D pixel graphics and enhanced gameplay. The collection is available as a bundle or individual titles.
While Final Fantasy VII often steals the spotlight with its ongoing remake project, alongside the popular MMO Final Fantasy XIV and other newer entries, the first six games hold a special place in the hearts of many fans. Final Fantasy VI, in particular, is highly regarded for its innovative gameplay, player freedom, and compelling narrative. Its introduction of detailed 2D character sprites, a hallmark now carried through the pixel remaster series, set a new standard for the franchise. These earlier titles provide a rich history and foundational experience for understanding the evolution of the Final Fantasy series.
The Pixel Remaster series offers a number of improvements over the original releases. These include rearranged soundtracks (with the option to switch between original and remastered versions), updated fonts, the ability to toggle random encounters, and additional bonus content. These enhancements modernize the classic experience while preserving the core gameplay that captivated players decades ago.
Alongside the Final Fantasy releases, Xbox also announced the arrival of Trials of Mana and Legend of Mana for Xbox and PC, both available on Xbox Game Pass. Furthermore, a new trailer was showcased for Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, slated for release on November 14th for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Switch, and PC. This visually stunning remake offers a perfect entry point for newcomers to the Dragon Quest series.
This multi-platform release from Square Enix is a notable move, considering their long-standing partnership with Sony, particularly with the PlayStation exclusivity of the original Final Fantasy VII. While recent titles like Final Fantasy VII Remake, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and Final Fantasy XVI remain exclusive to PlayStation platforms, the arrival of these classic RPGs on Xbox signals a potential shift in strategy, broadening access for a wider audience. This expansion also bolsters the Xbox JRPG library, which has seen growth in recent years with the addition of Persona titles and other Dragon Quest games.
For a comprehensive overview of other Xbox announcements from the Tokyo Game Show, visit the Xbox Wire.
Final Fantasy I-VI Bundle
Trials of Mana
Legend of Mana
Xbox Wire
