With Sega’s recent announcement to rejuvenate its rebellious spirit by publishing new releases in iconic series like Jet Set Radio, Shinobi, Golden Axe, Streets of Rage, and Crazy Taxi, the gaming world is abuzz with excitement and nostalgia. This bold move by Sega not only rekindles fond memories but also sparks curiosity about what other treasures lie in their extensive catalog, especially considering their ownership of Atlus. So, in the spirit of this resurgence, we’ve put together a list of 10 Sega and Atlus RPGs that are ripe for a remaster or reboot. Let’s dive in and explore these hidden gems, waiting to shine once again on modern platforms.
Radiant Historia
Radiant Historia was initially released on Nintendo DS before in eventually came to 3DS in an updated form. This is a turn-based RPG developed by Atlus, featuring team members from both the Megami Tensei series and Radiata Stories by tri-Ace. The game is set in the fantasy world of Vainqueur, a continent torn by war, where players step into the shoes of Stocke, a young soldier on a quest to reshape history and prevent global desertification. The gameplay is characterized by its unique approach to narrative, allowing players to explore alternate timelines and witness different outcomes based on their choices. Environments are navigated from a top-down perspective, opening progressively with the narrative, and include puzzles and challenges that involve environmental manipulation and treasure hunting for items, armor, and weapons.
Despite its critical acclaim and innovative mechanics, Radiant Historia faces accessibility challenges on modern gaming platforms, particularly following the closure of the 3DS eShop. This makes a compelling case for its introduction to current platforms, offering fans of JRPGs an experience that combines traditional gameplay elements with a rich, time-manipulation narrative. Its blend of strategic combat, puzzle-solving, and a story-driven journey through a war-torn world make it an easy recommendation for enthusiasts of the genre.
Skies of Arcadia
Skies of Arcadia is a standout RPG from SEGA’s Dreamcast era and later ported to the Gamecube. This game is tough to overlook when discussing SEGA’s RPG catalog. The adventure is known for its immersive world and engaging narrative, where players take on the role of Vyse, a sky pirate, and his team, battling against the Valuan Empire to prevent the resurrection of ancient weapons. The gameplay is reminiscent of early Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest titles featuring turn-based battles where players earn experience points to strengthen their characters. The expressive world of Skies of Arcadia is a major draw, offering a rich and alluring environment for players to explore and immerse themselves in.
The game’s overworld is split into six regions, each traversed by flying airships in a 3D space. Unique to Skies of Arcadia is the concept of “Discoveries” – hidden locations that reward players with extra benefits when found. The world map is, at first, a blank canvas, encouraging players to chart the map through exploration. Additionally, there’s a recruitment system where characters encountered during exploration can be added to the player’s ship or base staff, providing various benefits to further enhance the exploration and battle experiences. This blend of exploration, strategic battles, and character recruitment positions Skies of Arcadia as a prime candidate for a modern console revival, appealing to both fans of classic RPGs and new players alike.
7th Dragon 2020
While the West hasn’t received many entries in the 7th Dragon series, that didn’t stop us from including 7th Dragon 2020 on our list. This DS release stands out as a unique entry, notably for shifting the franchise’s setting from high fantasy to a modern-world scenario besieged by dragons. This game explores an intriguing premise: what if dragons wreaked havoc in the contemporary world, specifically in 2020 Tokyo? The result is a game where players navigate a drastically altered Tokyo, dealing with challenges brought on by the Dragonsbane flower and its associated monster hordes. The game features a blend of classes, including Hackers and traditional Samurai warriors, offering a fresh take on RPG character roles. Enhancing the game’s appeal are the character designs by Shirow Miwa, known for his work on Soul Hackers 2, which add a distinct visual flair to the experience.
In this world, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government grapples with the crisis caused by the Dragonsbane flower and its monstrous consequences. With the Self-Defense Forces overwhelmed, a special group named Murakumo steps in to manage the situation. The narrative includes a pivotal operation in Shinjuku, which doubles as an induction exam for Rank S elite youths recruited by Murakumo. The player happens to arrive last to the group and is tasked with navigating and surviving the transformed city. This backdrop sets the stage for a compelling gameplay experience, combining strategic combat with a storyline that mixes modern-day elements with fantastical threats, making 7th Dragon 2020 an intriguing candidate for a modern console remaster.
Stella Deus
Stella Deus is a tactical RPG co-developed by Atlus and Pinegrow for the PS2. The game features the artistic touch of Shigenori Soejima, later famous for his work on the Persona series, and a story supervised by Ryo Mizuno of the Record of Lodoss War franchise. The game is set in the world of Solum, slowly being devoured by a life-destroying mist called “Miasma.” This backdrop creates a stage for various factions to respond: the Aeque Church, led by High Priestess Lumena, sees Miasma as divine will, signaling a quiet end to the world; warlord Dignus enforces survival of the fittest, while alchemist Viser, under Dignus’s patronage, drains life from Spirits to power his inventions, believing them to be the key to salvation. Amidst these conflicting ideologies, the protagonist, Spero, takes the role of deputy to Viser and navigates the complex political landscape in an attempt to save Solum.
The gameplay of Stella Deus is a blend of story-driven tactics and RPG systems. Players control a group of characters, some integral to the story and others met in side events. The world of Solum is explored through an overworld map with point-to-point navigation, featuring a date system that marks the passage of time to each destination. Towns are vital hubs where players can create and customize weapons and armor, sell equipment, and buy items like healing potions. Camps set up during journeys serve as preparation grounds, where characters can swap out weapons and armor and equip items for upcoming battles. If you have yet to experience this fantasy adventure, well, Sega should really consider reviving the IP or at least making it available on modern platforms.
Growlanser Series
Before SEGA’s acquisition of Atlus, Atlus had already acquired Career Soft, known for its expertise in SRPGs and later for their work on the Devil Survivor series for the DS. This acquisition not only brought the team on board but also transferred the rights of the Growlanser series to Atlus. Initially conceptualized as a spiritual successor to Career Soft’s Langrisser series, Growlanser blends elements of real-time strategy combat, RPG gameplay, and dating sim aspects, creating a multifaceted and player-driven experience. The series has numerous installments spanning across the PlayStation, PlayStation 2, and PSP and is celebrated for its depth and complexity, notably in titles like Growlanser IV: Wayfarer of Time, which boasts over 40 different endings. The prospect of a remaster collection of these games presents an exciting package for fans and new players alike.
The Growlanser series unfolds in a world threatened by ancient evils. Its heritage as a successor to the Langrisser series is evident in its strategic gameplay and thematic depth. For those confused about the release order and their availability outside of Japan, Growlanser II and III were published in North America by Working Designs called ‘Growlanser Generations and contained a few added features. Growlanser V: Generations, known internationally as Growlanser: Heritage of War, and the PSP version of Growlanser IV: Wayfarer of Time, also saw releases in North America. A distinguishing feature of the series is the character art by Satoshi Urushihara, lending a unique visual identity to the games. We sadly, never got the first game, which means there’s no better time for a reboot.
Segagaga
Described as a “Sega simulation,” Segagaga represents a unique and introspective chapter in Sega’s history. This game takes players on a meta-journey where they assume the role of Sega Tarō, who is tasked with saving Sega from losing the console market to their fictional rival, DOGMA. This game not only embodies a humorous and self-reflective look at Sega’s real-life struggles in the console race but also serves as a profound commentary on the gaming industry of the time. The game’s absence from Western markets is likely due to Sega’s decision to exit the console market the same year, leaving many players in these regions unable to experience this significant piece of Sega’s legacy.
In Segagaga, players navigate through various Sega development studios, encountering employees who have mutated under the intense stress and pressure of tight work constraints. The game diverges from traditional RPG mechanics, as Tarō “attacks” these mutant employees with verbal abuses and insults, critiquing their games or personal lives to weaken their will. This unique combat system features an enemy “will meter” that depletes with each successful insult, and battles are won once this meter is fully drained. However, failure in combat translates to lost development time, adding a layer of strategic management to the gameplay. The game is packed with cameos and multiple Sega IPs alongside unique meta-mechanics related to game development and production management. An English-localized remaster of Segagaga would not only preserve a crucial part of gaming history but also offer a uniquely entertaining experience to a new generation of gamers.
Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood
Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood is not your typical Blue Blur adventure. It might be because it’s an RPG developed by BioWare. While it may not share the same scale or depth as BioWare’s Mass Effect or Dragon Age, this game stands out as a unique interpretation of the Sonic universe. The setup has players embark on a mission with Sonic and his friends to rescue Knuckles and recover the Chaos Emeralds from a group known as the Marauders. I would only assume that a release on modern systems would attract a broader audience, allowing more players to appreciate this distinct approach to the Sonic series.
The gameplay of Sonic Chronicles is a blend of turn-based combat and exploration, with a unique rhythm and timing component. During exploration, players control characters by tapping the stylus on the DS screen to direct movement and action buttons are utilized for specific actions like navigating vertical loops. Players are sometimes required to switch the lead character to leverage unique abilities, such as flying, climbing, or jumping across large gaps, to progress. Additionally, Sonic Chronicles incorporates puzzle elements, sometimes necessitating the party to split up to complete tasks, like pressing switches in different locations. The turn-based combat is augmented by the use of the stylus, where players activate special moves during rhythm sequences, adding a dynamic and interactive layer to the battles. Perhaps if Bioware finds the capacity, we can one day see a modern take on this gameplay approach. Yeah, I know it’ll never happen, but we can dream.
Shin Megami Tensei I + II
The Shin Megami Tensei series, along with its various spin-offs, has grown in popularity since its inception, yet the seminal titles that laid the foundation for this acclaimed franchise remain confined to Japan. While the first Shin Megami Tensei game did receive an English release on iOS, it has since become incompatible with current devices, adding a layer of inaccessibility to its history. A remaster of Shin Megami Tensei I + II on modern systems would not only revive these classic turn-based RPGs but also introduce them to a broader audience. Despite these titles being available on Japanese Switch Online, bringing them to a global audience with updated graphics and quality-of-life improvements would enhance their appeal, allowing players to delve into the post-apocalyptic narratives and the unique blend of fighting alongside demons in a futuristic world.
In Shin Megami Tensei, players assume the role of an unnamed protagonist, a teenager adept at communicating with demons through a computer program. The game is played in a first-person perspective, navigating dungeons and engaging in battles against demons. Players use a variety of weapons and items, primarily swords and guns, which can be purchased from merchants. Shin Megami Tensei II, set decades after the events of the first game, unfolds in the encapsulated city of Tokyo Millennium, built atop the ruins of Tokyo. In this world, where mutants, fairies, and demons coexist, the city is ruled by the Messian religion’s followers, divided into districts with the central unit called the Center. Players navigate this complex society, where opportunities like gladiator tournaments in Valhalla offer a chance to ascend to the Center, a place free from demonic influence.
Shining Force III
While we share plenty of fond memories of playing the Shining series, Shining Force III remains our favorite. This entry was the final collaboration between Sega and Camelot, the developer who would go on to create the Golden Sun series. Shining Force III is unique in its structure, being divided into three scenarios, each offering a distinct perspective from different young men embroiled in the conflicts between the nations of Aspinia and Destonia. Unfortunately, only the first chapter was released in the West, with script revisions suggesting it was the complete story. A remastered version of Shining Force III would be an excellent opportunity to bring all three scenarios together into one package, finally offering the full experience in English and allowing players to fully appreciate the depth and complexity of the game’s narrative.
As a turn-based tactical RPG, Shining Force III features battles on square grids where each unit occupies one square and moves according to its Move stats. Units can attack, cast spells, use items, or search the area, with their actions influenced by their position relative to enemies and allies. The order of turns is determined by each unit’s agility score and a random element. The player’s objectives in battle are straightforward: defeat all enemies, eliminate the enemy leader, or reach a specific town or landmark. The enemy wins if they defeat the player’s leader, Synbios in Scenario 1, Prince Medion in Scenario 2, and Julian in Scenario 3, or if the player retreats. However, defeat doesn’t mean Game Over, as players can retry battles, retaining any experience gained, which allows their army to grow stronger even in defeat, though the leader’s death results in a monetary loss. This strategic depth and the ability to progress even through setbacks make Shining Force III a compelling game that would greatly benefit from a modern remaster.
Sakura Wars Series
Sega’s limited release of the Sakura Wars series in the West remains a significant oversight, considering the franchise’s popularity in Japan. While the series’ animations and manga came overseas, the majority of the games, including four main titles and fifteen side stories, remained exclusive to Japan until Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love was brought to the PS2 and Wii by publisher NIS America. Sakura Wars combines tactical role-playing with dating sim and visual novel elements to deliver a memorable gaming experience. The absence of an English remaster collection for the entire series is simply a missed opportunity for Sega.
So, let’s briefly go over the release history of this series. The original Sakura Wars was released in 1996 for the Sega Saturn and saw multiple ports, including Dreamcast, Microsoft Windows, and mobile devices. Its PlayStation 2 remake, Sakura Wars: To My Heating Blood, featured enhanced voice acting, improved graphics, and an updated battle system. Sakura Wars 2: Thou Shalt Not Die, the Saturn’s last developed title, was also ported to Dreamcast, Windows, and bundled with the first game for the PSP. Sakura Wars 3: Is Paris Burning? and Sakura Wars 4: Fall in Love, Maidens continued the series on the Dreamcast, with the latter being the final Sakura Wars game for Sega hardware, later ported to Windows. Sakura Wars V: Farewell, My Lovely, was first released for the PS2 in Japan in 2005 and marked the series’ transition post-Sega’s exit from console production. In the West, it was localized as Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love for the PS2 and Wii in 2010. The series saw a soft reboot with Shin Sakura Wars, titled Sakura Wars in the West, for the PS4 in 2019. The game introduced a new cast and an action-based combat system. This history underscores the series’ evolution and the potential value of a comprehensive English remaster collection for modern consoles.
As we wrap up our journey through these 10 RPG titans from the Sega and Atlus vaults, it’s clear that there’s a treasure trove of gaming experiences just waiting to be rediscovered by a new generation of players. These titles, each with their unique charm, engaging gameplay, and compelling stories, represent an era when creativity knew no bounds. With Sega’s current mission to revive its rebellious past, the potential for these classics to make a comeback is not just a dream but a tantalizing possibility. Here’s hoping that Sega and Atlus heed the call of fans old and new, breathing new life into these games and ensuring their legendary status for years to come. After all, in the world of gaming, some stories are too good not to be retold.
