The Evolution Of The JRPG

Diverged But Not Forgotten

However, whilst majority interests may have evolved over time, the genre isn't gone. Nor is it dormant, as evidenced by the earlier mentioned FFVII Remake, not to mention Suikoden spiritual successor Eiyuden Chronicle amassing a whopping $4.5 million Kickstarter amount (from an original target of $500k).

This kind of dedication proves the lasting impact that the JRPG has had on people over the years.

We do see remasters and ports, as well as spiritual successors and tributes pop up along the way, too. Grandia saw a port of its first two games make it to the Nintendo Switch, whilst 3DS newcomer Bravely Default is seeing one too. Octopath Traveler, also on Switch, harks back to a familiar time of classic JRPG games from the last century.

Indeed the format isn't dead. It may never reach the highs that it held, but that it's evolved into what it is today without burying those that lay the path for it is a testament to the titles the genre brought with it.