From new franchises to big sequels to impressive remakes, there was a large variety of role-playing games released this year. From that list, here are our favorites from 2025.

Timestamps

0:00 - Introductions and Outline

8:06 - Best Remaster or Re-release

1:14:35 - Best Writing or Storytelling

2:22:35 - Best Artwork

3:07:39 - Best Design & Immersion

4:18:40 - Best Music

4:55:53 - RPG of the Year top Ten

5:49:43 - RPG of the Year 2025

6:26:14 - Thank You and Sign Off

In this week's episode, we review Octopath Traveler 0, talk Inazuma Eleven, Romancing SaGa, GenAI, and more.

Timestamps

• 0:00 - Introduction and end-of-year show/site notes
• 6:45 - Octopath Traveler 0
• 1:03:42 - Staff holiday video game plans
• 1:16:18 - Article Shout-outs: Inazuma Eleven, Let it Die: Inferno Review, GenAI discussion
• 1:44:59 - Article Shout-out: Romancing SaGa Minstrel Song Remastered International
• 1:54:35 - Article Shout-out: Ys VS Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga Interview
• 2:02:17 - Inazuma Eleven updates tangent
• 2:10:40 - Article Shout-out: The God Slayer interview
• 2:21:41 - Article Shout-outs: Demeo X Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked Review, Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian Review
• 2:24:51 - Space samurai action RPG Sol Shogunate is coming to PC via Steam
• 2:27:45 - Dungeons of Dusk announced for PS5, Xbox, Switch 2, Switch, iOS, Android, macOS, and PC
• 2:31:14 - Sacred: Last Pixel of Ancaria announced
• 2:34:20 - Retro-style first-person fantasy action RPG Queen’s Domain announced for PC
• 2:37:17 - Fontworks LETS game font licensing cessation might affect Japanese game developer companies in 2026
• 2:46:07 - Final Fantasy XIV Patch 7.4 "Into the Mist" gets new trailer, new Tom Morello collaboration revealed
• 2:51:51 - Code Vein II Prologue Trailer, Kyle McLeish trailer
• 2:52:38 - Elden Ring Nightreign's The Forsaken Hollows DLC has shipped over 2 million units worldwide
• 2:54:55 - Date updates: Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2 Steam updates, Digimon Story: Time Stranger 1st DLC - Alternate Dimension, Mado Monogatari: Fia and the Wondrous Academy Steam
• 2:59:20 - Wrap-up and sign-off

In this week's episode, we review Demonschool, check out Sektori, and return to both The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy & Road to Empress.

Timestamps

• 0:00 - Introduction
• 1:36 - Thanksgiving
• 6:13 - Programming notes going into 2026
• 8:01 - Demonschool
• 33:00 - Sektori
• 45:32 - The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy
• 56:25 - Road to Empress
• 1:16:56 - Magical Girl’s Witch Trial
• 1:27:38 - SacriFire open playtest set for January 2026
• 1:29:47 - Tsurugihime launches in Early Access in 2026
• 1:33:13 - Haishin Shoujo no Uraaka Meikyuu debut trailer
• 1:36:37 - Danganronpa 2x2 showcases new gameplay during Danganropa 15th Anniversary FES: Ultimate Appreciation Festival
• 1:41:10 - Octopath Traveler 0 screenshots showcase path actions, amity levels, party chat, ocean exploration, and three more travelers
• 1:44:04 - Sega confirms Yakuza 0 Director's Cut, Kiwami 1, and Kiwami 2 upgrade options for PS5, Xbox, and Steam
• 1:58:01 - Another Eden x FF9 collab / AC Shadows x AoT collab / NieR x FFVII Ever Crisis
• 2:02:46 - Warframe's The Old Peace launches on December 10 for all platforms
• 2:03:37 - Caves of Qud for Nintendo Switch delayed to January 2026
• 2:04:08 - Wrap-up and sign-off

In this week's episode, we preview Nioh 3, return to The Outer Worlds 2, check in on Guild Wars 2, and discuss the news of the week.

Timestamps

• 0:00 - Introduction
• 1:53 - Nioh 3 Preview
• 44:13 - The Outer Worlds 2
• 1:02:38 - Guild Wars 2: Visions of Eternity
• 1:24:48 - Birdcage
• 1:47:18 - Article shout-outs: Dragon Quest I&II HD-2D Remake scored review, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined Preview, Demonschool review, Quartet review
• 1:58:50 - Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road has sold more than 500,000 copies worldwide
• 2:15:24 - Tales of Berseria Remastered launches for PS5, Switch, Xbox Series X|S, and PC Steam on February 26/27, 2026
• 2:27:53 - Steins;Gate Re:Boot releasing on Steam in North America and Europe through Spike Chunsoft
• 2:34:32 - Code Vein II character trailer – Josee Anjou
• 2:34:43 - Utawarerumono: Shiro he no Michishirube is coming to PlayStation 5, Switch 2, and PC via Steam
• 2:37:00 - Dragon's Dogma 2 has sold 4 million copies worldwide
• 2:42:42 - Ys X: Proud Nordics launches on February 20, 2026 for PS5, Switch 2, and PC in the West

In this week's episode, we review Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road and discuss the newly revealed Steam hardware announcements.

Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction

1:56 - Inazuma: Victory Road

1:09:27 - Article Shoutouts: Octopath Traveler Zero, Atelier Ryza Trilogy DX, Yakuza Kiwami 2 on Switch 2

1:27:41 - New Steam Hardware announcements

2:03:52 - Horizon Steel Frontiers is a new MMORPG coming to PC and mobile

2:09:08 - Dynasty Warriors: Origins Visions of Four Heroes DLC revealed with pre-orders now live

2:11:45 - Elden Ring Nightreign: The Forsaken Hollows DLC launches December 4

2:13:06 - Dragon Quest VII Reimagined Follow-Up Trailer appeared at November 2025 State of Play

2:19:35 - The Blood of Dawnwalker ‘Gameplay Overview Part II’

2:24:02 - Code Vein II character trailer – Noah G. MagMell

2:25:30 - Arknights: Endfield gameplay preview shows off combat, locales, and cutscenes

2:27:36 - Corpse Party Tetralogy Pack physical release canceled in the West, digital games no longer launching as well

2:32:19 - Kingdom Come: Deliverance II has sold 4 million copies

2:34:13 - Super Robot Wars Y DLC1 set releases on November 20/21

2:36:35 - Monster Hunter Wilds Title Update 4 launches on December 16

2:39:24 - Wandering Sword PS5 edition launches on May 26, 2026

2:42:46 - Wrap-up and sign-off

In this week's episode, we review Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2, and Aeruta.

Timestamps

• 0:00 - Introduction
• 2:41 - Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
• 40:25 - Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2
• 1:19:17 - Aeruta
• 1:34:57 - Tales of Xillia Remastered
• 1:47:51 - Square Enix AI and Layoff news
• 1:56:39 - Amazon Game Studios announces the end of content updates for New World: Aeternum
• 2:05:02 - Article Shout-out: Blue Protocol: Star Resonance
• 2:08:48 - Etrange Overlord releases in 2026 for PS5, PS4, Switch, and PC in the West through NIS America
• 2:11:03 - Alchemia Rogue: Mia and the Mystery Labyrinth releases for PC via Steam and Epic Games Store in 2026
• 2:12:42 - Quick Headlines for Daemon X Machina 2, Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road, Atelier Ryza DX, Sacred 2 Remaster, Code Vein II
• 2:16:20 - BioWare reconfirms next Mass Effect is in development for this year's N7 Day
• 2:18:22 - Pokemon Legends: Z-A - Mega Dimension DLC launches on December 10 for Switch and Switch 2
• 2:19:39 - Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties reveals new story, gameplay, and combat details
• 2:21:50 - Quick Headlines for Pillars of Eternity turn-based mode, Kingdom of Night date, Elminage Original on Switch
• 2:24:40 - Wrap-up and Sign-off

In this week's episode, we review Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, Stray Children, and Duet Night Abyss. https://www.rpgsite.net/podcast/18874-tetracast-418-burger-burger-burger-fries

Timestamps

• 0:00 - Introduction
• 1:20 - Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake
• 40:33 - Dragon Quest VII Reimagined and general Dragon Quest tangent
• 1:08:41 - Stray Children
• 1:31:13 - Duet Night Abyss
• 2:12:55 - Tales of Xillia Remastered programming note
• 2:14:26 - Sci-fi dungeon crawler Descent of Lunaris set to release for PC in 2026
• 2:15:57 - Action RPG Loulan: The Cursed Sand announced for PlayStation 5 and PC, featuring an undead warrior in ancient China
• 2:19:34 - Former Rune Factory 3 & 4 staff members work on developing Farnia Village for PC via Steam
• 2:21:30 - Of Ash and Steel delayed to November 24
• 2:22:08 - Final Fantasy XIV Patch 7.4 "Into the Mist" launches on December 16
• 2:27:32 - Calamity Angels: Special Delivery releases on February 17, 2026 for PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch
• 2:28:02 - Sigma Star Saga DX launches for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Steam in 2026
• 2:29:43 - Wrap-up and sign-off

In this week's episode, we review The Outer Worlds 2 and preview Fantasy Maiden Wars. We also discuss newly announced Switch 2 RPGs, Fallout series updates, and more.

Timestamps

• 0:00 - Introduction
• 2:29 - The Outer Worlds 2
• 1:01:40 - Fantasy Maiden Wars: Dreams of the Stray Dreamer
• 1:25:27 - Persona 3 Reload on Nintendo Switch 2
• 1:32:48 - RPGs coming to Switch 2: Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader, System Shock (2023). Not coming: Gothic 1 Remake
• 1:38:37 - Fallout updates: Fallout 76 - Burning Springs update on December 2, Fallout 4 Anniversary Edition, Fallout: New Vegas 15th Anniversary Edition Bundle
• 1:46:33 - Open world action RPG Project TAL unveiled with announcement trailer
• 1:49:40 - Ariana and the Elder Codex launches in 2026 for PS5, PS4, and Nintendo Switch
• 1:50:44 - Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road livestream updates (and release schedule tangent)
• 2:08:00 - Famitsu Tales of Series remaster update: Xillia 2 + ???
• 2:13:17 - New trailers for Shadow of the Road and Rue Valley
• 2:14:53 - Pokemon Legends: Z-A sells 5.8 million copies in its first week
• 2:16:56 - Aeruta will leave Early Access and have its full release on PC via Steam on November 5
• 2:18:38 - Kingdom Come: Deliverance II - Mysteria Ecclesiae story expansion launches on November 11
• 2:20:11 - Release dates: Kingdoms of the Dump, Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, Solasta II
• 2:22:22 - Wrap-up and sign-off

In this week's episode, we review Pokemon Legends Z-A and Dark Deity II, as well as take a look at Steam Next Fest demos.

Timestamps

• 0:00 - Introduction
• 1:21 - Pokemon Legends Z-A
• 54:33 - Steam Next Fest Demos: Ghost Vanguard, Skate Story, Nighthawks, Birdcage, Hell Maiden, Homura Hime, Shadow of the Road
• 1:03:15 - Dark Deity II
• 1:19:02 - Article shout-out: Final Fantasy XIV & Monster Hunter Wilds Interview
• 1:20:51 - Article shout-out: Pokemon Legends Z-A Switch and Switch 2 comparison
• 1:23:12 - Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy is the newest entry in the Dissidia series, coming 2026 for iOS and Android
• 1:36:45 - Octopath Traveler 0 screenshots showcase the monster arena, museum, primary antagonist, and four more travelers
• 1:40:31 - Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection - The Princess Ranger trailer released
• 1:41:18 - Medieval fantasy RPG Of Ash and Steel launches on November 6 + Demo
• 1:42:03 - Mado Monogatari: Fia and the Wondrous Academy is coming to PC Steam in 2026
• 1:43:01 - Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is coming soon to Nintendo Switch 2
• 1:46:04 - Witchbrook has been delayed to next year
• 1:49:20 - Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road ‘INA-DAI’ live stream set for October 21
• 1:50:41 - Wrap-up and Sign-off

In this week's episode, we review Absolum & Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga, preview Dark Auction, and discuss the latest RPG news. https://www.rpgsite.net/podcast/18684-tetracast-415-i-need-someone-to-explain-time-tra

Timestamps

• 0:00 - Introduction
• 1:41 - Absolum
• 22:07 - Steam Next Fest - Dark Auction
• 32:03 - Article shout-out: Aether & Iron Interview
• 34:00 - Article shout-outs: Let it Die: Inferno Preview, Metaphor ReFantazio Anniversary event
• 43:24 - Article shout-outs: Square Enix articles (Romancing SaGa II: Revenge of the Seven platform comparison, Final Fantasy Tactics comparisons, Square Enix’s physical releases)
• 54:35 - Article shout-out: Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga unscored review
• 1:01:50 - Code Vein II Story Trailer and character notes
• 1:05:34 - System Shock 2 (1999) is being delisted on October 10 for PC for standalone purchases
• 1:07:12 - Mina the Hollower has been delayed (indefinitely), no longer launching on October 31
• 1:09:22 - More characters revealed for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
• 1:11:11 - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has sold 5 million copies worldwide, new update announced
• 1:12:40 - New Square Enix physical editions for Final Fantasy VII, VIII, and IX, + Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade and Rebirth Twin Pack (+ Life is Strange tangent)
• 1:23:50 - Sacred 2 Remaster launches on November 11 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
• 1:25:12 - Utawarerumono Zan for PC has been delayed to December 16
• 1:25:57 - Fallout Day 2025 broadcast set for October 23
• 1:28:25 - Wrap-up and Sign-off