I’m going to say something that might not sit well with everyone, but in my view, Tokyo Game Show is clearly superior to Gamescom, and it proves it every year with the sheer number of announcements and the new stuff it highlights.
This year, too, we got plenty: debuts, new looks at familiar names, and a few “didn’t-see-that-coming” reveals. This roundup pulls the key updates into one place, what’s new, what’s playable, and when it’s coming, so you can stay on top of the games that fit our corner of the genre.
Here’s everything I consider both relevant and revealing from the famed 2025 Japanese event.
Threads of TimeDeveloper: Riyo GamesRelease Date: TBAPlatforms: PC & Xbox confirmed So FarSteam Page
It’s fair to say that Threads of Time could be a worthy spiritual successor to Chrono Trigger, after seeing the new trailer for the JRPG developed by Riyo Games and published by Humble Games.
I’m talking about an RPG that takes us time-hopping to recruit heroes from different eras and fight a mysterious evil threatening the world and every timeline. A while back, I wrote an “everything we know so far” article with all the information about the game, essentially, everything that was documented up to that point, but we were still missing real gameplay and exploration sequences until now.
The trailer that premiered during the PC Gaming Show cleared up a few doubts and delivered plenty of confidence about the game’s quality, the visual style, and what the combat system will be, which looks genuinely dynamic. Definitely one of the highlights I appreciated most. No release window for now.
Mars TacticsDeveloper: Takibi GamesRelease Date: May 2026Platforms: PCSteam Page
A completely different setting and style for Mars Tactics. It’s another title I’ve been following for a while, and with a new trailer, it also announced a launch window set for May 2026.
From solo dev (or at least it started as a solo dev) Takibi Games and publisher Hooded Horse, the game will keep us waiting a little longer, but I can’t wait to dive into the fight between the two human factions on the Red Planet.
The trailer spotlighted tactical gameplay built around fully destructible environments, the ability to call in airstrikes, and more, plus the strategic layer, where you capture key locations, develop new weapons, oversee production, and plenty else. As I’ve said before in other pieces, in my view, it’s one of the closest things to XCOM we have right now.
People of NoteDeveloper: Iridium StudiosRelease Date: 2026Platforms: PC, PlayStation, XboxSteam Page
A music-driven turn-based RPG, sure, there are already several, but maybe not with the level of production that makes you hope for a major release. I’m talking about People of Note, a JRPG that blends timing-and-reflex-based mechanics into its combat system.
Annapurna’s Tokyo Direct montage highlighted Iridium’s turn-based RPG musical, where every fight is staged like a performance: evolving battle conditions, real-time rhythm prompts, and genre-mashup attacks as you recruit bandmates to chase stardom. It’s unabashedly theatrical.
With a 2026 window, expect a lot of style, pastel cel-shading, and diegetic music systems, backing traditional turn queues. It’s a rare game aiming to make set-piece numbers and combat feel like the same thing. Here is the trailer.
Tiny Metal 2Developer: AREA 35, Inc.Release Date: TBAPlatforms: PCSteam Page
Another major reveal during TGS Week was Tiny Metal 2, the third entry in the Advance Wars–style strategy series.
Area 35’s sequel was hands-on at the show. It immediately clicked: readable grid tactics, an expanded unit roster that now includes naval warfare, and a new two-commander setup that also enables co-op. It’s still fast, legible, and very “one more turn,” just with a slicker presentation.
The Tokyo demo even staged a tongue-in-cheek defense of TGS itself, but the bigger takeaway is systemic variety, mixing generals for synergistic perks and eight-player online skirmishes on top. Launch is slated for 2026.
TurnboundDeveloper: 1TKRelease Date: TBAPlatforms: PCSteam Page
With Turnbound, we’re talking about a hybrid of inventory management, turn-based mechanics, and, above all, an autobattler. I didn’t know it before; this is my first time coming across it.
Revealed as a world premiere during the Tokyo Direct, Turnbound reframes PvP tactics as an asynchronous cursed board game where inventory is the moveset and you channel the souls of literary icons. Deckbuilding-adjacent loadout puzzles meet turn-based duels.
Because turns resolve when you’re ready, it’s a natural fit for slow-burn rivalries, and the fiction gives license to wildly different kits (Sun Wukong to Robin Hood) without breaking its internal logic. One to watch if you like clever 1v1 mind games. There’s also a demo available.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted ReflectionDeveloper: CapcomRelease Date: March 13, 2026Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch 2Steam Page
We also got an in-depth look at the new turn-based entry in the Monster Hunter series. Twisted Reflection is the third installment in the series, and during Xbox TGS, plenty of new details were shown. It was also announced that Monster Hunter Stories 1 & 2 are coming to Xbox.
Stories 3 itself looks like a bigger, darker take while keeping the snappy, weakness-driven turn order the sub-series thrives on, ideal for RPG folks who love Monster Hunter’s bestiary but prefer command menus to timing windows. The game is expected on PC and Consoles on 13 Mar, 2026.
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D RemakeDeveloper: Square Enix, ARTDINKRelease Date: October 30, 2025Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo SwitchSteam Page
Square Enix brought an extended on-stage look at its two-pack remake, spotlighting new systems and content (like multi-enemy battles in DQI and an all-new undersea region in DQII) alongside a firm release date.
The TGS gameplay made clear this isn’t a simple visual pass: UI, encounter design, and mechanical additions are tuned for modern play without losing the Erdrick-era charm.
Familiar command menus with fresher pacing and optional difficulty levers. With launch set for October 30, 2025, across all major platforms, it’s positioned as one of the show’s biggest traditional JRPG draws. Ma le news che ho da condividere in merito alla serie non finiscono qui.
R-Type Tactics I•II CosmosDeveloper: Granzella Inc.Release Date: TBAPlatforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo SwitchSteam Page
Granzella’s remake collection made a playable appearance at the Happinet booth, letting attendees sample methodical, hex-style space fleet engagements with electronic warfare, fog-of-war scouting, and Bydo-versus-Space Corps campaigns.
It’s a faithful modernization of two cult PSP tactics titles. With a fresh trailer preceding TGS and word that date/details would land in late September, Cosmos looks poised to finally stick the landing in 2025, bringing deep, turn-based fleet play (and R-Type Tactics II’s first Western release) to modern platforms.
STARBITESDeveloper: IKINAGAMESRelease Date: October 16, 2025 JP – 2026 WestPlatforms: PC, PlayStation, Nintendo SwitchSteam Page
Another title that shouldn’t be underestimated is STARBITES, a mecha JRPG that was playable via Happinet and stood out for its Driver’s High system, where players can earn extra turns mid-round to extend combos and stun foes, layered over party-building on a scrapyard planet. It’s classic turn-based pacing with momentum-swing mechanics.
Japan gets it first on October 16, 2025; NIS America is bringing it West in 2026 (including Switch 2 and PC). If you want Persona-style tempo tricks in a chunky sci-fi world, this one’s squarely in your lane and mine, obviously.
Death Ring: Second ImpactDeveloper: Rouge MechaRelease Date: In E.A. since July 11, 2025Platforms: PCSteam Page
Rouge Mecha’s roguelite, turn-based mecha tactics showed up at TGS’ Indie area with a meaty ACT III: Into the Death Ring update hitting around the show. The pitch: command Griffin Squad through rotating objectives, outfit pilots, and fight colossal threats in runs that remix encounters and rewards.
It’s less campaign epic, more iteration and mastery, unlocking frames and kit between dives as you test builds against escalating arenas. If you’re hungry for faster-cycle mecha tactics with high replay value, keep an eye on it in Early Access.
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice ChroniclesDeveloper: Square EnixRelease Date: September 30, 2025Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo SwitchSteam Page
Square Enix used TGS to celebrate the remaster’s launch week, outlining quality-of-life upgrades (modern UI, autosaves, difficulty options) and fully voiced dialogue while keeping its isometric, job-driven tactics intact.
A dedicated TGS stage also underlined the team’s “respect the original, refine the experience” approach.
With release on September 30, 2025, this is essentially the definitive entry point for newcomers and a polished homecoming for veterans. Tile-based chess, political intrigue, and flexible job builds, now with smoother onboarding.
Dragon Quest VII: ReimaginedDeveloper: Square Enix, HEXADRIVE Inc.Release Date: February 5, 2026Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo SwitchSteam Page
As I mentioned, the surprises for the Dragon Quest series weren’t over, there was also room for the newly announced remake of the seventh entry, a reveal that’s lodged in my brain and won’t let go.
Square Enix brought the remake onstage at TGS 2025 with the first live gameplay, approximately 17 minutes of footage that showcases the diorama look in motion and a modernized interface, with development handled by Hexadrive.
The team also spotlighted how the game’s tactile art pipeline works: characters are based on real, handcrafted dolls that were scanned and translated into the in-game models.
The TGS panel outlined content changes aimed at pacing: three scenarios (Krage/Grondal, Litorud/El Ciclo, Probina/Providence) and several side activities (Casino, Monster Park, World Ranking, Immigrant Town) are being cut, with new episodes added instead, including a childhood chapter for the protagonist and Maribel, plus a new Colosseum and a revised Lucky Panel minigame.
AloJapan.com