From JRPGs to lightning-fast brawlers, we’ve been treated to some brilliant Japanese PS4 games over the years.
In 2017 and beyond it’s no different, with a wave of top Japanese games once again due to hit Sony’s console.
Check out the top 10 PS4 games from Japan that are on our radar:
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age
Release Date: July 11th, 2017
Published and Developer: Square Enix
Much like Final Fantasy X and X-2, Final Fantasy XII is getting a much needed remaster on the PS4. Featuring improved battle mechanics, stellar graphical updates, and a fast forward feature which allows you to speed up the game and get through battles much faster. Oh, and Final Fantasy XII has a steller story that shouldn’t be missed.
Yakuza Kiwami
Release date: August 29th, 2017
Publisher and Developer: Sega
Kiwami and a remake of the original Yakuza. A franchise that took Japan by storm since its initial release on the PlayStation 2. Kiwami is a great place to start if you missed out on the original Yakuza which was also the only title to receive an English dub. Kiwami will implement all the gameplay updates that were implemented in Yakuza Zero. If you are a fan of stellar storytelling and fun and entertaining combat. Yakuza Kiwami should not be missed.
Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite
Release: September 19th, 2017
Publisher and Developer: Capcom
The next chapter in the historic Marvel vs. Capcom franchise comes this September and sees the return of classic Marvel and Capcom characters through various franchises duke it out. Retaining the classic three on three combat that’s made the franchise so popular. Another addition is the use of Infinity stones which can will power up and give specific advantages to players. Capcom also plans to support Marvel vs Capcom Infinite for a long time!
The Evil Within 2
Release: October 13th, 2017
Developer: Tango Gameworks
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
The Evil Within was a great return to horror for Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami. A terrifying journey through a distorted nightmarish world. Taking inspiration from Resident Evil 4 and japanese horror cinema, The Evil Within 2 will see players return to the same hellish world but this time without Shinji Mikami in the director’s chair. If Tango follows our tips for the sequel we’ll be in for a treat!
Ni No Kuni II: The Revenant Kingdom
Release: November 11th, 2017
Developer: Level-5
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Ni No Kuni II: The Revenant Kingdom sees us return to a gorgeous mystical world developed by Level-5. Keeping the fantastic Studio ghibli art style, Level -5 is not only thing bigger but also better. Moving away from the monster catching mechanics from the first game for a more traditional turn-based action role playing game.
Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen
Release: Late 2017
Developer and Publisher: Capcom
If you missed Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen on the PlayStation 3, you owe it to yourself to check out this underrated title later in 2017. This dark fantasy action role-playing allows you to climb giant monsters and target specific body it also features a robust upgrade system, crafting, and excellent combat . WIth plenty of quests and a massive open world to explore, this re-release should not be missed.
.hack//G.U. Last Record
Release: Late 2017
Developer and Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
.hack//G.U. was the second trilogy in the .hack franchise. Set in a fictional MMORPG called The World. The G.U. trilogy takes place after the original .hack series and follows Haseo as he tracks down a player named Tri-Edge who is able to put people into real life comas if they are killed in game.. Developed by CyberConnect2, this update to the G.U. trilogy packs the original three titles into one while also improving the visuals and revamping the gameplay mechanics. You will also be allowed to start the game with full stats if you so choose and retry any battles you are defeated in instead of reloading your last save.
Dragon Ball: FighterZ
Release: 2018
Developer: Arc-system Works
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Arc-system Works took everyone by surprise when they announced and showed off Dragon Ball FighterZ. A traditional 2D based fighter in the vain of their own franchises like Guilty Gear and Blazblue. The fast and furious action looks smooth and and stunning all at the same time. FighterZ also introduces a three-on-three battle mechanic allowing you to swap between three different characters in high speed action.
Dragon Quest XI
Release: (JP) July 29th, 2017 NA: TBA
Developer and Publisher: Square Enix
Dragon Quest XI is the long awaited return to the franchise’s single-player JRPG roots. Dragon Quest is one of Japan’s oldest and beloved franchises. With the help of Akira Toriyama’s distinguished and gorgeous art style, Dragon Quest XI is looking to be one of Square Enix’s biggest releases of the year.
Code: Vein
Release: Early 2018
Developer and Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Taking cues from popular titles like Dark Souls, Code Vein takes places in a post-apocalyptic dystopian future where you play a vampire. Those familiar to the Souls franchise shouldn’t have too much of a problem jumping into Code Vein and it’s anime look and art direction may give it the edge it needs to stand out.
Are you a fan of Japanese PS4 games? Let us know in the comments below.