Last year, Square Enix announced it had opened a new studio, called Studio Istolia, with Tales veteran Hideo Baba at the helm. The studio’s first game is tentatively titled Project Prelude Rune, and the game was officially given the teaser trailer treatment as part of the PlayStation LineUp Tour. This included a blog post over at the Japanese PlayStation Blog, which included a statement from Baba addressing JRPG fans and providing a brief update on where the game is in development.
Here’s the statement, which was translated by Gematsu:
Today, at the PlayStation LineUp Tour, we debuted new content that Square Enix Group’s Studio Istolia is working on.
We started from zero and are currently in the middle of development with some way to go, but we are pushing forward to accomplish various new challenges.
Regarding the game’s visual presentation, we are developing the game with a warm, gentle, painting-esque expression. With this artistic direction, we want to depict a fantasy world and a story imbued with themes and messages.
Studio Istolia is launching a new RPG IP in Square Enix Group, and aims to create content that more people can enjoy. Although the road is still long ahead, I would be happy if you could look forward to it.
I look forward to your support of Studio Istolia in the future.
The trailer shows off some of the game’s colorful environments, as well as provides a look at who is presumably the main playable character.
[Source: Gematsu via PlayStation Blog]
JRPG Revival
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JRPGs That Need a PS4 Revival
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Operation Darkness
Release Date: June 24, 2008
Platform: Xbox 360
Developer: Success
Look, I know this will probably get a lot of flak, because let's be honest, this game was hot garbage. However, the story was actually really good. The rest just needs some major TLC.
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Radiata Stories
Release Date: September 6, 2005
Platform: PlayStation 2
Developer: tri-Ace
I actually didn't like this game much around the time it released, but having replayed it recently, it's a very good game that would do well with a reboot.
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Rogue Galaxy
Release Date: January 30, 2007
Platform: PlayStation 2
Developer: Level-5
This game screams Level-5, with a really great visual style to it. It also features a good story and memorable cast of characters. Would love to see how this would look while taking advantage of the power of the PS4.
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Saiyuki: Journey West
Release Date: August 13, 2001
Platform: PlayStation
Developer: Koei
This was one of those games that started my descent into the depths of the Tactical RPG. This game had a great story, following along with the novel, Journey to the West.
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Shadow Hearts: Covenant
Release Date: September 27, 2004
Platform: PlayStation 2
Developer: Nautilus
This is a JRPG set in the middle of World War I in Europe. Not only is it unique enough to deserve another shot, but the Judgment Ring has a great place in my memories.
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Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne
Release Date: October 12, 2004
Platform: PlayStation 2
Developer: Atlus
There are so many great Shin Megami Tensei games, but Nocturne was the one that really stuck with me. I don't have the time to do it, but I still want to replay it to this day.
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Stella Deus: The Gate of Eternity
Release Date: April 26, 2005
Platform: PlayStation 2
Developer: Atlus
I know that Heath is going to give me so much crap for this, but I don't care. I loved everything about this game. From the characters and story to the art style & combat. Easily one of my top SRPGs.
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Suikoden III
Release Date: October 24, 2002
Platform: PlayStation 2
Developer: Konami
You could really put any of Suikoden I-III in this place, but I am going with the game I have finished over 10 times. You just don't see many games with a storyline from multiple perspectives.
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Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together
Release Date: February 15, 2011
Platform: PlayStation Portable
Developer: Square Enix
This game actually released first on the PlayStation, but my experience with it was for the PSP. I'd love to see it redone for the PS4 so more could play it.
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Tales of the Abyss
Release Date: October 10, 2006
Platform: PlayStation 2
Developer: Namco Tales Studio
This game gets a lot of grief for Luke fon Fabre, but he was a great character. Plus, there's a great setting and story that would lend itself well to an update.
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The 3rd Birthday
Release Date: March 29, 2011
Platform: PlayStation Portable
Developer: Square Enix 1st Production Department
An extremely well done PSP game that would look and play great on the PS4/Vita. Such an interesting blend of shooter and RPG.
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Valkyria Chronicles 2
Release Date: August 31, 2010
Platform: PlayStation Portable
Developer: Sega
This is somewhat of a touchy subject, as Sega decided to spurn the PS3 for the PSP following the first VC game. Valkyria Chronicles 2 was a great game, but left most people yearning for a return to PS3. Now, let's get it on PS4!
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White Knight Chronicles
Release Date: February 2, 2010
Platform: PlayStation 3
Developer: Level-5
This is another game in this list that catches a lot of crap, but it was a solid game with a fun online component. It could do pretty well on PS4, and I'd love to see an active online community.
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Wild Arms 3
Release Date: October 15, 2002
Platform: PlayStation 2
Developer: Media.Vision
The Wild West. Guns. Great characters. This is one JRPG that really had it all.
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Chrono Trigger
Release Date: June 29, 2001
Platform: PlayStation
Developer: Square
This one sort of speaks for itself. It's one of the greatest games of all-time after all.
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Dark Cloud 2
Release Date: February 17, 2003
Platform: PlayStation 2
Developer: Level-5
Level-5 makes a huge dent in this list and for good reason. The games they release are amazing, and Dark Cloud 2 is no exception.
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Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII
Release Date: August 15, 2006
Platform: PlayStation 2
Developer: Square Enix, Monolith Soft
Possibly one of the coolest characters to come from not only FFVII, but the entire Final Fantasy series. We know it's not technically a RPG, but I couldn't help myself. After all, it's Vincent Valentine!
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Eternal Sonata
Release Date: October 21, 2008
Platform: PlayStation 3
Developer: tri-Crescendo
Eternal Sonata was a part of that initial JRPG push by Microsoft and the Xbox 360. It released later for PS3 and with good reason. This is an amazing game, with a truly breathtaking story.
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Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core
Release Date: March 24, 2008
Platform: PlayStation Portable
Developer: Square Enix
Another game from the FFVII timeline, but can you blame me (Editor's Note: Yes.)? Crisis Core follows Zack Fair and the events take place right before the main game.
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Gemfire
Release Date: December 1992
Platform: Super Nintendo
Developer: Koei
Oh, where to begin. A truly marvelous game that needs to return to us. This needs to be made. Gemfire is a true time sink, if there ever was one.
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The Last Remnant
Release Date: November 20, 2008
Platform: Xbox 360
Developer: Square Enix
The Last Remnant could have been so much, but an epic combat system and good story were let down by some of the worst screen tear and technical issues ever seen. It later released on PC and was better, but a PS4 release could give it a second shot at greatness.
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Legend of Dragoon
Release Date: June 13, 2000
Platform: PlayStation
Developer: SCE Japan Studio
One of the best games to ever be released on a Sony system. Legend of Dragoon is screaming to be brought back into the spotlight!
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Lost Odyssey
Release Date: February 12, 2008
Platform: Xbox 360
Developer: Mistwalker, Feelplus
I would argue that this was the best game released for the Xbox 360. A truly beautiful game, with no real downside to anything in the game.
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Metal Saga
Release Date: April 25, 2006
Platform: PlayStation 2
Developer: Success, Crea-Tech
Metal Saga had the humor and gameplay, but it lacked so much polish and needed direction. This could be the perfect chance to rectify that.
