In recent years, Square Enix has been releasing remakes of classic games and new JRPGs using HD-2D graphics, developed and owned by the company. The term was coined when Square released Octopath Traveler for Nintendo Switch in 2018 and consists of 2D characters moving through high-quality backgrounds as a tribute to classic pixel art games.
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However, the visual style is not exclusive to the company, and various games have been and are being developed with this graphic style to the delight of fans of one of the greatest video game genres. For players looking to check out some great HD-2D JRPGs, here are some options to consider.
11
Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent
HD-2D In The Palm Of Hand
- Released
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July 27, 2022
- Developer(s)
-
Acquire
Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent is a free-to-play JRPG released for Android and iOS that utilizes the mechanics and visuals of its predecessor, Octopath Traveler. The game features in-app purchase mechanics and touchscreen controls for better adaptation to smartphones.
The game serves as a prequel to the original Octopath Traveler and is set on the same continent of Osterra. In Champions of the Continent, three stories unfold simultaneously, allowing players to follow the adventures of Herminia the “Witch of Greed,” Tytos the “Hero,” and Auguste the “Playwright.”
10
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
More Than 100 Heroes With Amazing Visuals
- Released
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April 23, 2024
- Developer(s)
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Rabbit and Bear Studios
The first game on the list that was not developed by Square Enix but has a graphic style similar to the company’s HD-2D games is Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes. Developed by Rabbit & Bear Studios, the game aims to provide a modern perspective on the classic JRPG experience and became the highest-funded game on Kickstarter in 2020.
Players can control over 100 playable characters in a world devastated by war, with their stories intertwining to change the fate of the world.
9
Wandering Sword
A High-Quality Chinese HD-2D
- Released
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September 15, 2023
- Developer(s)
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The Swordman Studio
Wandering Sword is not a game developed by Square Enix and is not strictly a JRPG as it is a Chinese RPG. However, players who enjoyed the experience of games like Octopath Traveler and Live A Live might love this title developed by The Swordman Studio.
It features 75 different locations across 5 regions, each more beautiful than the last, with high-definition graphics. The game tells the story of a young swordsman who was captured and left on the brink of death. However, upon escaping his fate, the character embarks on a grand journey to become the greatest hero of all.
8
Octopath Traveler
The Game That Inaugurated A New Era Of JRPGs
- Released
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July 13, 2018
- Publisher(s)
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Nintendo
The game that inaugurated the era of HD-2D JRPGs is Octopath Traveler. With visuals that caught attention since its announcement, the game was a commercial success, selling over 3 million copies and paving the way for new RPGs inspired by classics but with modernized mechanics.
Players embark on a journey through the game’s vast world, taking control of eight characters, each with their own storylines, abilities, and paths. The game’s turn-based combat system alongside its rich narrative has garnered praise from both fans and critics.
7
Tactics Ogre: Reborn
A Classic With Enhanced Visuals
- Released
-
November 11, 2022
Although developed by Square Enix, Tactics Ogre: Reborn does not exactly use the company’s renowned HD-2D JRPG visual style. However, it stands out visually and can be a major draw for players seeking classic experiences with modernized visuals.
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The game is a tactical RPG originally released in 2010, born as a spin-off of the Ogre Battle franchise. It tells the story of an archipelago called Valeria, which undergoes a power struggle between three groups after the death of King Dolgare, who left no heirs to the throne.
6
Star Ocean: The Second Story R
The HD-2D Style In Different Worlds
- Released
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November 2, 2023
- Developer(s)
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Gemdrops, Inc.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a remake developed by Square Enix of the classic PlayStation action RPG, revamped with various quality-of-life elements and visuals inspired by the new HD-2D style, although not necessarily using the same technology as games like Octopath Traveler.
The game’s story follows the adventures of Claude and Rena, two young people from different realities who meet after Claude ends up on an underdeveloped planet called Expel. Upon meeting Rena, they embark on a journey to uncover the origin of phenomena that threaten all of civilization.
5
Unicorn Overlord
Save The World With Many Allies
Developed by the same studio behind 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, Unicorn Overlord is another game that utilizes 2D characters in beautiful high-definition settings inspired by the new HD-2D JRPGs.
The game is a medieval fantasy tactical RPG that puts players in the role of the crown prince of a defeated kingdom who must gather forces across the continent to reclaim territories from an evil empire. With over 60 unique characters, ranging from humans to elves, Unicorn Overlord features complex and addictive gameplay.
4
Live A Live
Live Different Lives In Live A Live
Live A Live (2022)
Live A Live was the first classic RPG to receive a revamped version with the HD-2D visual style. The classic, originally released for the Super Nintendo, was brought back by Square Enix with seven heroes, each with their own abilities and lives to experience in different historical periods and locations.
From the Wild West to Imperial China, feudal Japan, and a distant future, players will experience unforgettable stories in what is considered one of the most acclaimed JRPGs of all time.
3
Triangle Strategy
All Choices Matter For Players In This HD-2D RPG
Developed by the same team that created Octopath Traveler, Triangle Strategy was announced as a surprise during a Nintendo Direct. The game, which features HD-2D visuals, is a tactical JRPG with a focus on actions and choices within the game that will affect your path through the story and the allied units that will join your cause.
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The story revolves around three great powers warring on the continent of Norzelia following an incident that disrupted the balance of forces. The player will need to gather units and engage in battles to capture territories, using the terrain to their advantage.
2
Octopath Traveler 2
The Pinnacle Of HD-2D Enhances What Was Already Good
- Released
-
February 24, 2023
Considered the best HD-2D JRPG, Octopath Traveler 2 not only repeats the success of its predecessor’s formula but also improves on all aspects that faced criticism upon its release.
Developed by Square Enix, the game is set in Solistia, a world composed of two continents during a prosperous era where a true industrial revolution is about to occur, giving rise to new technologies. Just like its predecessor, players will have the opportunity to experience the journey of eight travelers in this world, with their intertwined adventures shaping the fate of the world.
1
Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake
A Game That Impresses With Quality And Nostalgia
- Released
-
November 14, 2024
- ESRB
-
E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes
What makes the remake of Dragon Quest 3 one of the best HD-2D games ever produced is its ability to deliver a modern experience while staying true to the elements that made the original 1988 release so beloved among fans. This not only highlights how Square Enix’s JRPG was ahead of its time when it first launched but also shows how the developers respected its foundations in this updated version. As a result, the game appeals to new players experiencing it for the first time while also delighting longtime fans with a faithful and nostalgic product.
While the gameplay received a few simple modernizations, it still feels fresh and engaging. However, the biggest improvements in this remake come from its enhanced visuals, as the art direction has seen a massive leap in quality. The game not only looks better but stands out as one of the most beautiful HD-2D JRPGs ever made by Square Enix. The updated pixel art brings environments to life with new details that weren’t possible in the past. Additionally, Akira Toriyama’s iconic designs have been carefully preserved, making the monsters and characters even more visually stunning in this remake.
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