5 Hidden Gem JRPGs You Probably Missed in 2023

2023 has been a nonstop avalanche of quality video games, but there have been plenty of games flying under the radar that people are missing. In this video I'll share 5 hidden gem JRPGs you probably missed so far in 2023 but REALLY should consider giving a look!
Watch Next 👉 10 Best MODERN Tactical JRPGs: • 10 Best MODERN Tactica...
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:17 Cassette Beasts
2:45 8-Bit Adventures 2
4:34 Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2
6:56 Meg's Monster
8:37 Dungeon Drafters
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[@CriticalGamesDev]

Developer of 8-Bit Adventures 2 here - Aw Taylor, thank you SO much for including 8-Bit Adventures 2 on your list! It's a really big help in getting the word out there, and your support sincerely means a lot to me and our team 💖 It's incredibly flattering to have 8-Bit Adventures 2 included alongside such awesome games 🥰

[@uppernimbus]

I had no idea about these games. Cassette Beasts and Fuga look right up my alley, I'm hoping there's physical copies, because I'd definitely add them to my ever-growing collection.

[@NaviWolf9]

Cassette Beast has been 10/10 for me, minus performance issues on Switch. Luckily, Devs are aware and working on it. (Also, new patches and monsters added soon)

[@Thew32]

As a fan of mystery dungeon and someone who has been looking for more single player card collecting games, I have no idea how I've never heard of Dungeon Drafters. Immediately added to my wishlist!

[@TheGamingShelf]

Oh man you're gonna love it! It's a really fun game :D

[@tenebrasm]

I don't think that the young ones know what CDs are either🤣

[@TheGamingShelf]

I think you’re right 😂

[@solutionxero]

u mean things werent always just digital files on mini computers we can fit in our pockets!?! 😱😭😭

[@martinde-serres8724]

FUGA Melodies of Steel 2 (and its prequel) is definitely a must-buy for everyone. CyberConnect2 is a super underrated developer known mostly for those anime licensed games like Naruto, Dragon Ball and Demon Slayer, but their original IPs are unique and are really fun to play. Their only caveat is the latter are commercial flops despite the rave reviews they have, mostly because they get released almost at the worst of times, but they shouldn't be missed. With CC2's Montreal branch closing down next month, we fear the worse is also coming to the main Japanese studio, so PLEASE get FUGA 1 and 2 to help support them so they can stay much longer and deliver us even more unique and charming games.

[@Sybir.]

What a list! I’ve personally enjoyed Cassette Beats and plan to play Fuga 2 next month, and it looks like I’ll be adding Meg’s Monster and Dungeon Drafters (which is announced for consoles later this year) to my list as well. Really do want CC to do well too, Fuga has been a joy to experience!

[@Eu023]

Thanks for the suggestion! If I hadn’t an already big backlog I would try Fuga 2 and Cassette Beasts right now

[@DungeonDrafters]

I'm thrilled to see Drafters included on your list alongside other incredible games! 🔥🔥 We're always happy to know that someone we admire got hooked in our game 😄 Hope you had a great time playing it and that you'll continue to enjoy it for a long time. Thank you very much! ❤

[@TheGamingShelf]

Thank you for making such a great game! I'm glad I could highlight it here :D

[@J0nawithazero]

Saving my money up to hopefully get it soon!

[@davidclark765]

Man, as soon as you played the snippet of music from Cassette Beasts, I was taken right back. That's one of those games that left a real impression on me, in a great way. Loved that game a ton, and always happy to see more shout outs for it! Great vid as always, my friend.

[@TheGamingShelf]

Watch Next 👉 10 Best MODERN Tactical JRPGs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHOTXoh8hqp5fK8

[@michaelacriscione3834]

The universal praise I saw for Fuga 2 got me to scoop up the first game on sale since I missed it in 2021 and now I’m about to beat it this weekend!! Perfect indie binge for a turn based junkie waiting for FFXVI, I’ve fallen hard for Fuga!!

[@LowResLeafa]

So far my favorite hidden gem of 2023 is Mato Anomalies. I didn't expect much going into this game but to my surprise it ended up being quite enjoyable.

[@Lemonade_Stand_]

I was interested in this game but got discouraged when i heard all the negative reviews. Im still kind of interested but may wait for a sale or something.

[@anntakamaki1960]

I like it, but the dungeons are so darn tedious (regular enemies take forever to kill), however the actual combat is fun when fighting bosses.

[@YouDonkeyfu]

Thanks, i added them all to my wishlist, now to wait for steam sale before grabbing them all. As for Fuga, idk man, i dont think my heart can take more of that.

[@TheGamingShelf]

Haha fair enough! There's only so much animal cruelty once can endure.

[@TheBigBruvv]

Great video Taylor, you definitely just put me on to some hidden gems for sure. Apart from fuga melodies of steel 2 i wasn’t aware of the other games, Dungeon Drafters looks super interesting definitely gonna check it out 👌🏾

[@TheGamingShelf]

Glad to hear it! I hope you have fun with them.

[@gemodemplay415]

Big thumbs up for this video. Cassette beasts is my 4th favorite game of all time, it is that good.

[@TheGamingShelf]

Wow nice! Yeah it's a really charming game for sure.

[@sofaris576]

I adore the first Fuga game. Its my favorite Videogame and I played through it 14 times. I am currently doing my third playthrough of the second game and its great. Fuga and the Manga/Anime series Made in Abyss are my favorite works of fiction. I just wish these games had an optional super boss. I would ssy the mainstory dificulty is just right but somthing optional that is a bit more challanging would be nice.

[@Priomful]

I remember seeing dungeon drafters ages ago when it was early in development. Kinda wild to see it out now.

[@nickwick35]

Definitely grabbing Meg's Monster! I can't believe I completely missed that one.

[@TheGamingShelf]

It’s a good one! Just don’t forget those tissues 🥹

[@arikari3672]

Fuga 2 was really amazing, it kinda broke my heart at the end specially because while i give my all to save every one, bc story reasons...well, I'm still a bit of a crying mess. I re did the last battle like five times today bc i refused to sacrifice anyone. And the antagonist had a really crude background. I can't stress enough to give it a shot, and the teaser for the third gane seems wild, I'm worried abou the kids. Anyway, i may pick yhe cassette rpg, seems very original.

[@Official_RetroMania]

Cassette Beasts and Dungeon Drafters look so good! I will definitely check both games out.

[@dennisdavidov782]

Other games worth a mention: Path of the Midnight Sun, Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society and Fairy Fencer F: Refrain Chord.

[@TheGamingShelf]

Labyrinth of Galleria is great! I did a full review on it. Will probably be in my Top 10 by the end of the year.

[@chickenfillets]

So many awesome suggestions! 8 bit adventure 2 is definitely a highlight here!!!

[@TheGamingShelf]

So good if you love Retro RPGs!

[@CriticalGamesDev]

Developer here - thank you so much for saying so chickenfillets! I'm really happy that 8-Bit Adventures 2 caught your eye =D It's coming to consoles later this year too!

[@chickenfillets]

@@CriticalGamesDev no worries! Awesome can't wait!!!

[@VXMasterson]

I bought Meg's Monster immediately after watching this. It's currently on sale on the eShop. Thanks

[@TheGamingShelf]

Awesome! I hope you enjoy it 😄

[@ianboast9928]

Woah a Jade Cocoon reference what a throwback dude!

[@TheGamingShelf]

Gotta keep it old school every once in a while 😎

[@MissBubbles]

I never thought Meg's Monster would capture my attention! Looks really fun ☺️

[@TheGamingShelf]

It’s really cute!

[@deficit06]

What the FUGA?! it was already out?! I was expecting that game, why no one told me about this?! Thank you for telling me, the first one was a GEM!

[@TheGamingShelf]

This is way putting out the day before Zelda was a TERRIBLE idea 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@GeminiSunrise06]

dungeon drafter looks great! looks like my type of roguelike. Fugaa melodies of steel are such awesome games! Anyone who loves turn based should buy it.

[@DOCvip808]

I loved playing cassette beast!

[@redstratus97]

Actually I did know about Fuga 2 as other JRPG KZbinrs were all over it when it came out. Zelda is big but that release was not drowned out like you thought.

[@TheGamingShelf]

There were plenty of other comments that didn’t even know it was out. Zelda definitely over-shadowed it.

[@Lemonade_Stand_]

Ohh Cassette Beasts looks fun but i pretty much only buy games physically so hopefully it gets a physical release.

[@noof7512]

When 8-bit adventure will be in Switch? I been waiting for this game since it’s released!

[@icarusfluffybottom899]

IS 8-Bit Adventures faithful to the limitations of those old systems? Because it does NOT look like something that could've been done on an NES. Maybe with all the decades of time we've had people are able to better utilize the low tech (or simulated low tech, I guess?), but it LOOKS like something you'd be more likely to find on a SNES or Genesis.

[@keppikun]

Try this one "A Space For the Unbound"

[@publicenemaplays]

You sold me on Cassette Beasts

[@TheGamingShelf]

🥳

[@MrHarry1227]

Are there any RPG'S with realistic graphics that are on consoles ?

[@sabarafilmes]

Dungeon Drafters is an incredible game.

[@TheGamingShelf]

It's so hard to stop playing lol. It's really really fun.

[@VitalVampyr]

1:15 Do "young'uns" even know what a CD is?

[@AlexanderArts]

Yo! I'm here!

[@TheGamingShelf]

Let's Go! :D

[@MdH1307]

it sucks that the german translation for FUGA isnt already released

[@melonusk6120]

2023 is the new 1990

[@chobaka]

I actually agree with you here.

[@melonusk6120]

@@chobaka game devs trying to revive the golden era jrpgs narrative

[@chobaka]

@@melonusk6120 even the golden era have problems.

[@TheGamingShelf]

We eating GOOD this generation.

[@chobaka]

@@TheGamingShelf and that's great I just hope there new fans as much as their old ones.

[@p_ttown1979]

just came back to this vid after playing meg’s monster and it’s really good! it may be cheesy for some but for me it was pretty poignant

[@tulip811]

Fuga looks like Solatorobo😳

[@TheGamingShelf]

Set in the same universe!

[@tulip811]

@@TheGamingShelf oh good to know !

[@cheemslord9917]

they game look good but feel bad it are hidden gem

[@nifftbatuff676]

Io la mattina mi alzo e gioco ai JRPG. Poi mi fumo una bella pippa.

[@josephkasak4963]

These aren't hidden gems they're just not made by a top developer and all you guys talk about are square games.

[@PriestessOfSlaanesh]

??? 2023 is one of the worst years since a long time for jrpgs. Honestly. I literally sitting here, waiting for rain code with NOTHING to play