Unleashing Nostalgia: A Grand Revival of Classic Final Fantasy Awaits in 2023

2023 is undeniably a landmark year for RPG enthusiasts, as beloved and long-standing franchises continue to release major installments almost every month. One prominent example is Square Enix, whose highly-anticipated Final Fantasy 16 has garnered significant attention and is widely expected to be a leading contender for Game of the Year. Nonetheless, there exists a considerable number of RPG fans who express dissatisfaction with the series' new direction, leaving them yearning for turn-based RPGs that evoke nostalgia for the illustrious 16-bit era of gaming. Luckily, the remainder of 2023 offers a selection of games that precisely cater to this desire.

Among these forthcoming titles is Sabotage Studio's Sea of Stars, which unabashedly draws inspiration from the seminal Chrono Trigger, satisfying fans with its homage. Additionally, the gaming landscape includes a range of exceptional AAA and indie games that either debuted earlier in the year or are highly anticipated for release in 2023. While many RPG enthusiasts are well-acquainted with the commendable revival of classic JRPG gameplay seen in Octopath Traveler 2 or eagerly await the return of the cherished CRPG tactical combat in Baldur's Gate 3, there are also lesser-known titles deserving attention from fans of the original Final Fantasy's turn-based combat, party management, and instantly recognizable 16-bit pixel art.

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Sabotage Studio is set to release Sea of Stars, a new game that takes place in the same universe as their acclaimed title The Messenger but explores a different genre and retro influences. With its strong inspiration from Chrono Trigger and the musical talents of Yasunori Mitsuda, Sea of Stars aims to join the ranks of recent retro-inspired RPGs like Chained Echoes.

Before its official release, a substantial demo of Sea of Stars is available, catering to fans of turn-based RPGs with its nostalgic graphics and aesthetics reminiscent of the 1990s. However, there are also numerous other indie-developed RPGs with retro styles that players can enjoy, including Alterium Shift, which draws elements from Octopath Traveler, and Eiyuden Chronicle, the new project from the original creators of the beloved Suikoden series, scheduled for release in 2023. For fans seeking classic JRPG gameplay, there are plenty of alternatives to explore, even if the latest installment of Final Fantasy breaks away from some traditional elements.

Final Fantasy 16 is available now exclusively on PS5.