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Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter Reveals Seven New Bracers, Fishing, and Viewer Mode — Out 17 September

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Nihon Falcom’s remake of the beloved 2006 JRPG Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter is two months out, and the studio has used the lead-up to September 17 wisely — a new batch of reveals this week details seven returning bracers, a full fishing system, and the game’s new Viewer Mode photography feature.

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter — gameplay screenshot showing Estelle and party in battle
Image courtesy of Nihon Falcom

Seven New Bracers Join Estelle’s Journey

The reveals centre on senior and receptionist-rank Bracers stationed across Liberl — familiar faces for players who cleared the first chapter, now with full English and Japanese voice casts confirmed.

  • Aina Holden (23) — Rolent receptionist, calm and composed, with a hidden talent for heavy drinking (Katiana Sarkissian / Sayumi Suzushiro).
  • Jean (24) — Ruan receptionist and long-time friend of Agate, upbeat and personable (Kylen Deporter / Kent Itou).
  • Kilika Rouran (27) — Zeiss branch strategist, exceptionally sharp intuition, trained in Eastern martial arts, and an old acquaintance of Zin from Calvard (Meli Grant / Haruka Michii).
  • Elnan (25) — Grancel branch leader whose leadership helped prevent the first chapter’s coup (MacLeod Andrews / Sohei Horikane).
  • Kurt Nardin (29) — High-ranked senior bracer in Grancel, masterful with a spear and Eastern Fangshu techniques; serves as a mentor figure for Estelle and Anelace (Kyle Hebert / Shouichirou Oomi).
  • Carna (25) — Ruan-area senior bracer specialising in orbal firearms and support Arts, a Royal Tournament competitor tracking the mysterious Society (Yuuki Luna / Yurina Amami).
  • Grant (22) — Bose branch vanguard, cheerful and self-taught with a greatsword, the kind of straightforward fighter who punches well above his rank (Stephen Fu / Tasuku Hatanaka).

The depth of detail here — specific ages, region assignments, and dual voice casts — signals that Falcom is treating the 2nd Chapter as a full production rather than a light visual refresh. Fans of JRPG releases will recognise several of the English voice actors from other Kiseki titles and broader anime-adjacent work.

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter — character detail showing a senior bracer
Image courtesy of Nihon Falcom

Fishing Comes to Liberl — with a Notebook to Fill

A fishing mini-game is in, playable at designated spots scattered across the Liberl Kingdom. The system asks players to match rod and bait to attract specific species — each successful catch logs into a Fishing Notebook, and completing the entries unlocks bonus items. Mechanically: pick a casting location, time a button press to hook the fish, then manage the reel with the control stick. Simple enough to pick up between story beats, deep enough to keep completionists busy.

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter — fishing gameplay at a scenic waterside location
Image courtesy of Nihon Falcom
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter — Release Date Trailer via GungHo on YouTube

Viewer Mode: Liberl as Your Photo Studio

Viewer Mode is a new photography feature that lets players pose characters against a range of backdrops and dress them in costume items and accessories — including anything unlocked from DLC or the Season Pass. Locations and characters available in the mode expand as you progress through the main story, giving fans a reason to return to the feature throughout the playthrough rather than burning through it on day one.

It is a feature set you would have expected from a modern JRPG, and its inclusion here shows Falcom is aware that Singapore and SEA audiences — who have embraced the character-collection side of JRPGs enthusiastically — expect more than just remastered battle systems.

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter — Viewer Mode photography feature with Estelle
Image courtesy of Nihon Falcom

17 September, Worldwide — Including Singapore

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter launches 17 September 2026 on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam. Publisher GungHo Online Entertainment has confirmed a worldwide simultaneous release, which means Singapore players on every major platform are in from day one — no region delays, no waiting for a separate Asia SKU.

The Switch 2 version specifically is notable: for Singapore players who already upgraded, this will run on the new hardware with whatever performance improvements Falcom has baked in for that version. A price has not been confirmed for Singapore yet; the Steam page is live for wishlisting in the meantime.

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter — overworld exploration in the Liberl Kingdom
Image courtesy of Nihon Falcom

For those new to the series: the 2nd Chapter is the direct sequel to last year’s Trails in the Sky remake, picking up immediately where Estelle’s first journey ended with Joshua’s disappearance and the Ouroboros conspiracy beginning to surface. Falcom has built the remake with modern 3D visuals while keeping the turn-based battle system and dense world-building that made the originals cult classics — and the 2nd Chapter is widely considered the stronger of the two Liberl arcs.

Game News

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Switch 2 Edition Reveals MOMO, Merc Assault Details — Digital July 30

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Nintendo and Monolith Soft have dropped the Xenoblade Chronicles 2 – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition overview trailer, and it’s packed with new content reveals: MOMO from Xenosaga is joining as a new Rare Blade, a brand-new Merc Assault battle mode is detailed, and exclusive new costumes for Pyra and Mythra are confirmed. The digital version arrives July 30 — next Wednesday. As we covered when the Switch 2 Edition was first announced, the upgrade brings full 4K/60fps in TV mode and 1080p/60fps handheld — but today’s trailer goes well beyond the specs.

MOMO Joins as the Third Xenosaga Rare Blade

MOMO from Xenosaga appearing as a new Rare Blade in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Switch 2 Edition
Image courtesy of Nintendo
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition – Overview Trailer — via Nintendo of America on YouTube

MOMO — the 100-Series Observational Realian from the Xenosaga trilogy — is joining the Blade roster as the third Xenosaga crossover character in the game, alongside the existing KOS-MOS Re: and T-elos Re:. She comes with a dual-form mechanic that toggles between Light and Dark elemental affinities depending on the situation, and she brings her own exclusive new quest. The Xenosaga fan service here is real — and for anyone who missed KOS-MOS during the original run, it’s a reminder that the Switch 2 Edition is the most complete version of the game.

Merc Assault — Now You Control the Blades Directly

Merc Assault mode in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Switch 2 Edition showing direct Blade control
Image courtesy of Nintendo

The original game’s mercenary mission system is getting a major upgrade. Merc Assault is a new action battle mode where you choose up to six Blades and control them directly in combat — switching between them freely mid-battle. It expands the existing system with Special Arts and a FEVER mechanic, turning what was a passive menu into live action. For Singapore Switch 2 owners who found the original mercenary missions a bit hands-off, this is a meaningful gameplay addition.

New Pyra and Mythra Outfits — Earned via Merc Assault

New star-themed outfits for Pyra and Mythra in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Switch 2 Edition
Image courtesy of Nintendo

Pyra and Mythra are both getting exclusive new equipment designs — red star-themed and white star-themed respectively — earned as rewards through the Merc Assault mode. The outfits carry through into cutscenes, not just exploration, and you can swap between the new and original designs at any time. It’s the kind of bonus that rewards investing time in the new mode rather than being a simple cosmetic toggle.

Torna Gets a Free Update — and Physical Ships October 1

On the same day as the digital launch — July 30 — Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna – The Golden Country receives a free update for Switch 2 owners, unlocking 4K/60fps in TV mode and 1080p/60fps handheld. If you own the original Switch digital version, a paid upgrade pass is available. The physical edition follows on October 1, 2026.

Pre-orders are open now on the Nintendo Singapore store. For more Switch 2 game coverage, check our full library of Switch 2 news.

Game News

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World — December 3 Launch Date and Full Details Revealed

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Square Enix has locked in December 3, 2026 as the launch date for Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World — the latest entry in the long-running spin-off series — alongside a detailed breakdown of battles, synthesis, and monster progression. Pre-orders are already live on the Nintendo Malaysia eShop, and Square Enix Asia’s Singapore portal has a dedicated page up for Southeast Asian fans.

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Withered World | Release Date Trailer — via Square Enix on YouTube

DQ5’s Bianca and Nera Take Centre Stage

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World banner art featuring Bianca and Nera
Image courtesy of Square Enix

Set in a withered, dying world, the game stars the two iconic heroines from Dragon Quest V: Bianca and Nera. Players take the role of a monster wrangler — the wranglers themselves don’t fight, but they direct their creatures in battle through direct commands or AI strategy. Each wrangler has a once-per-battle Wrangler’s Spirit ability: Bianca’s heals HP and boosts attack, while Nera’s restores MP and raises defence, giving the two protagonists distinct playstyle identities.

Eight Monsters, Endless Strategy — Battle System Breakdown

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World battle screenshot showing party combat
Image courtesy of Square Enix

Parties consist of up to four active monsters plus four in reserve — eight total in your squad at any time. Each monster comes with its own spells, abilities, and traits, and you can flip between auto-strategy and direct orders mid-fight. Recruiting new creatures happens during battle: trigger a Show of Force, and defeated monsters may volunteer to join your team, with items available to raise success rates.

Monsters level up and earn Talent Points through each victory. You invest those points to teach new abilities or buff raw attributes, and personality items let you tweak a monster’s growth curve if the default doesn’t suit your build.

Synthesis — Two Parents Become One Stronger Offspring

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World synthesis screen showing monster combination
Image courtesy of Square Enix

Synthesis is where The Withered World rewards the grinders. Combine two parent monsters (both must be at least level 10) to produce an offspring that can inherit — and evolve — maxed-out parental Talents. The Plus Values system lets you pass attribute bonuses through successive synthesis, so offspring can eventually exceed their parents’ rank. Specific pairings unlock exclusive creatures you can’t recruit in the wild: confirmed examples include Stump Chump + Bad Egg = Mitey Oak and a Golem-line chain leading to Balhib. Four-monster synthesis (using grandparent chains) opens even rarer results.

Over 500 Monsters — Including Three Brand-New Designs

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World showing new monsters including Slime Balls
Image courtesy of Square Enix

The roster clears 500 monsters, arranged across nine ranks (G through X) in eight family groups. Monsters come in Small or Large sizes — Large creatures occupy two party slots but hit harder and act more frequently per turn. Three brand-new monster designs were unveiled today:

  • Slime Balls (Slime family) — three flavour variants: sour plum, veggie mix, and shrimp tempura
  • Bamboo Badboy (Nature family) — lures in hungry folk disguised as a bamboo shoot, then attacks
  • Groovy Grouse (Nature family) — bobs to its own internal soundtrack

Editions, Pricing and Pre-Orders for Singapore

The game ships on Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch (eShop), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam and the Microsoft Store on December 3, 2026 — with the Steam version following on December 4. Physical editions cover Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and PS5 only.

Confirmed USD pricing (Singapore store pricing to be confirmed):

  • Standard Edition — $59.99 USD
  • Digital Deluxe Edition — $94.99 USD: includes a 4-item DLC set and 48-hour early access (playable December 1)
  • Collector’s Edition — $219.99 USD (via Square Enix Online Store): adds figurines of Bianca, Nera, and Debora; flocked Slime plushies; a Slime silicone pouch; and a microfibre cleaning cloth

Pre-orders are live on the Nintendo Malaysia eShop for both Switch 2 and Switch versions. For physical pre-orders, check major games retailers closer to launch as regional listings are confirmed. More coverage as Singapore pricing is announced.

Game News

Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster Is on Switch 2 Tomorrow — What SG Fans Need to Know

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Final Fantasy X turns 25 this month, and Square Enix is marking the occasion with a Switch 2 debut that finally delivers features long-time fans have been requesting for years — and does it as a Switch 2-exclusive package landing on the Nintendo eShop tomorrow, 23 July.

Tidus overlooking the ruins of Zanarkand at sunset in Final Fantasy X HD Remaster
Image courtesy of Square Enix

Two Classics, One Switch 2 Package

The collection bundles Final Fantasy X HD Remaster and Final Fantasy X-2 HD Remaster in a single purchase — both based on the International versions, which means every piece of bonus content that never made it to the original Western PS2 releases is here: Dark Aeons, Penance, Last Mission, and the full Creature Creator system. Between the two games you are looking at well north of 100 hours if you chase the platinum-equivalent completion.

Blitzball arena interior in Final Fantasy X HD Remaster
Image courtesy of Square Enix

The music is the fully remastered orchestral score — not the original MIDI tracks — and the character, monster, and background visuals have all been rebuilt in full HD. For anyone who remembers squinting at blurry PS2 textures on a modern TV, the difference is striking.

FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster | Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date Announcement Trailer — via FINAL FANTASY on YouTube

What Is Actually New on Switch 2

This is the headline for anyone who played the original Switch release from 2019: the Switch 2 version adds high-speed mode and a no random encounters toggle — two quality-of-life features that have been part of the PC (Steam) version for years but were absent from the original Switch and console releases. High-speed mode accelerates battles and movement so grinding the Sphere Grid or farming AP does not become a full-time job; the encounter toggle lets you explore at your own pace without interruption.

Tidus, Auron and the party in the ruins of Zanarkand in Final Fantasy X HD Remaster
Image courtesy of Square Enix

If you are coming to FFX for the first time, these additions meaningfully reduce the friction that put off a lot of players on earlier console versions. If you are a veteran revisiting Spira after years away, toggling encounters off while you revisit Besaid Island or Mi’ihen Highroad is a small luxury that makes a big difference.

The Fine Print Before You Buy

A few things worth knowing before you head to the Nintendo eShop tomorrow:

  • Switch 2 exclusive. This version is not compatible with the original Nintendo Switch. It is a separate product, not a free upgrade. If you own the Switch 1 version, you will need to purchase this separately.
  • Save data does not carry over. Progress from your Switch 1 save cannot be imported into the Switch 2 version.
  • Digital launch: USD $49.99. The Singapore eShop listing is expected live from 23 July — check the SG Nintendo eShop for local SGD pricing.
  • Asia physical Game-Key Card also out 23 July. A physical Game-Key Card edition for Asia launches on the same day digitally — useful if you prefer a box on the shelf, though note it functions as a download code rather than a game cartridge.
  • File size: 27.8 GB. Clear some space on your Switch 2 before download.

FFX remains one of the most beloved JRPGs in Singapore — a game many local players first encountered on PS2 around 2001–2002 — and 25 years on it still holds up as both a mechanically satisfying and emotionally resonant ride. Whether you are picking it up for the first time or returning for a nostalgia run, the Switch 2 version is the best console version yet. Check out our other game news for more Switch 2 coverage.

Game News

Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave Reveals Sirocco the Bard — September 17 Switch 2 Launch Counts Down

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Nintendo Japan’s official Fire Emblem account has dropped the latest character spotlight for Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, and this week’s reveal is Sirocco — a mysterious, smooth-talking bard who joins the roster of companions as the game’s September 17 Nintendo Switch 2 launch edges closer.

Fire Emblem Fortune's Weave - Theodora cinematic scene
Image courtesy of Nintendo

Sirocco, the Whimsical Wind

Revealed via Serenes Forest’s translation of Nintendo Japan’s Part 4 character spotlight, Sirocco is described as a wandering bard who appears during the story path of Leda, one of Fortune’s Weave’s four protagonists. He introduces himself as “The Whimsical Wind” — a name that suits his personality perfectly. He is known for flirting with every woman he considers beautiful, yet behind that carefree exterior lies someone well-educated and possessed of unusually keen insight.

His voice actor is Katsuyuki Miura, a rising name in the Japanese voice industry. Sirocco’s likes are listed as the goddess Karla, all women, and poetry — a running joke that writes itself into the game’s tavern dialogue, where he first crosses paths with Leda, a performer the locals have taken to calling a “Goddess of Fortune.”

Sirocco on the Battlefield — The Diviner Class

Where it counts, Sirocco is no slouch. He is classed as a Diviner, one of Fortune’s Weave’s hybrid combat roles that lets him wield both swords and magic. His confirmed starting kit includes an Iron Sword, a Zanbato (anti-cavalry axe-sword), and a Venin Edge (poison-inflicting blade), giving him unusual versatility in the early game. His Combat Arts — Sunder, Grounder, and the newly revealed Mist Ripper — round out a toolkit that leans into disruption and positioning. His passive skill “Leave it to the Wind” grants a +5 effect (stat details to be confirmed), reinforcing his evasive, wind-themed identity.

Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave – Nintendo Direct 6.9.2026 — via Nintendo of America on YouTube

Four Paths, One Grand Tournament

If you haven’t been following Fortune’s Weave since its announcement at the June 9 Nintendo Direct, here’s a quick catch-up. The game is set in the Dagosian Empire, an Ancient Rome-inspired nation in the same universe as Fire Emblem: Three Houses — and there are hints that the goddess Sothis appears here aged-up, suggesting events take place in the distant future of that world. The central conceit is the Dagosian Games, a grand gladiatorial-style tournament that draws four competing protagonists:

  • Cai — a kindhearted spear-wielder from Ribeira Village fighting to free his imprisoned father
  • Dietrich — a warrior from Fódlan wielding a Hero’s Relic-style sword called “Answerer”
  • Theodora — Queen of Salamis, armed with the legendary Spear of Mahadou
  • Leda — a revenge-driven performer who uses swords and bows, and whose path includes Sirocco as a companion
Fire Emblem Fortune's Weave - Dagsion hub city exploration
Image courtesy of Nintendo

Dagsion: A Hub Between Battles

Between tournament bouts, players explore Dagsion, the empire’s gleaming hub city. It draws clear comparisons to Garreg Mach Monastery from Three Houses, functioning as the social and logistical heart of the game. Shops, characters to recruit, arena side events, and treasure-hunting opportunities fill the downtime — and character-specific tavern scenes like Sirocco’s introductory encounter happen here. The city’s Greco-Roman aesthetic (colonnaded buildings, tiered marble steps, open plazas) is a deliberate departure from the European-medieval look of earlier entries.

Fire Emblem Fortune's Weave - Kai and companions dialogue
Image courtesy of Nintendo

What Singapore Switch 2 Fans Should Know

Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave launches worldwide on September 17, 2026 on Nintendo Switch 2 — that’s less than two months away. Nintendo has been running weekly character spotlight posts on its Japanese social channels since the June Direct, with English-region coverage following close behind, so expect more companion reveals before launch. The Sirocco reveal is Part 4 of that campaign, meaning at least three other characters (across the various protagonist paths) have already had their moments in the spotlight.

For Singapore fans, the Switch 2 eShop remains the most convenient route to pre-purchase, and the game is included in Nintendo’s global September line-up. Physical copies will be available at major game retailers. The Three Houses fanbase in Singapore is vocal and active — if you are one of them, Fortune’s Weave has been shaping up as one of the most anticipated Switch 2 exclusives of the year, and Sirocco looks like the kind of charming wildcard character fans love to rally around.

Fire Emblem Fortune's Weave - divine character cinematic
Image courtesy of Nintendo

Keep an eye on our Game News section for more Fortune’s Weave character reveals and coverage as the September 17 launch approaches.

Game News

Persona 4 Revival: Chie’s Trailer Is Live — New VA, Same Iconic Kick

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Atlus has released the Persona 4 Revival Chie Satonaka character trailer, putting the Investigation Team’s resident martial arts enthusiast in the spotlight ahead of the remake’s February 2027 launch. Singapore JRPG fans, the karate-green tracksuit is officially confirmed for the new era.

Chie Satonaka in Persona 4 Revival: Tomoe, Galactic Punts and a New Look

Chie Satonaka executing a flying kick with her Persona Tomoe in Persona 4 Revival
Image courtesy of Atlus

According to the official Persona 4 Revival Asia character page, Chie is described as “an energetic and sociable girl who sits next to the protagonist in class” with “a strong sense of justice” and a double passion for kung fu films and, naturally, meat. Her Persona is Tomoe — drawn from legendary female warrior Tomoe Gozen — and she fights up close, knocking enemies across the screen with physical skill-heavy combos.

Her iconic Galactic Punt is back and enhanced for the remake. Atlus has also introduced Series Finale attacks, high-damage super moves that function similarly to Persona 5 Royal’s Showtime sequences. In Chie’s case, her Prime Time Finish sends her and Tomoe diving in together for a devastating flying kick, exactly the kind of moment P-Studio knows fans wanted to see in full modern fidelity.

Persona 4 Revival – Official Characters Overview — via IGN on YouTube

A New English Voice for a Beloved Fighter

Chie Satonaka character art portrait from Persona 4 Revival
Image courtesy of Atlus

Anne Yatco takes over as Chie’s English voice actress, replacing Erin Fitzgerald, who had voiced the character in Persona 4 Golden and through years of spin-offs and appearances. Atlus has recasted the entire English cast for Persona 4 Revival — the same total-recast approach the studio used for Persona 3 Reload — with Japanese voice actors reprising their original roles. Yui Horie, who has played Chie since the original 2008 Persona 4, returns in Japanese.

Fitzgerald addressed the change on Bluesky with a statement that resonated widely in the fan community, as reported by GamesRadar: “Everything in life is transient. I celebrate that the experience happened. I am grateful that I lived it FULLY. Thank you for sharing the journey with me.” She added a brief personal note to the characters she voiced alongside — Yukiko and Yosuke.

It is worth saying plainly: recasting a beloved English cast is always divisive, and Persona 4 Golden’s voice work is genuinely iconic for a generation of JRPG players. That said, Atlus’s handling of Persona 3 Reload’s new cast ultimately won most fans over once the game was in hand. The proof for Revival will be in the playthrough.

Chie Satonaka Social Link scene at a restaurant in Persona 4 Revival
Image courtesy of Atlus

What Singapore Fans Need to Know Before February 2027

Atlus has been releasing individual character trailers at a steady pace: the protagonist Yu Narukami led the way, then Rise Kujikawa debuted at Anime Expo, then came Yosuke Hanamura, and now Chie. Still waiting in the wings: Yukiko Amagi, Kanji Tatsumi, Naoto Shirogane, and Teddie. Expect the trailer cadence to run through the rest of 2026.

Persona 4 Revival launches on 18 February 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam and Microsoft Store). It hits Xbox Game Pass on Day One. Singapore fans can pre-order digitally now; local SGD pricing has not been confirmed yet. MAPPA is animating every cutscene, which sets a high bar for a Persona title visually. For P4 veterans on PS Vita and PS4, this is shaping up to be the definitive version of a game that has never been anything less than special.

Follow GameTrader’s game news coverage for every update on Persona 4 Revival as launch gets closer.

Game News, News

EXSTETRA HD Remaster Launches on Steam July 30 — Japan’s Kiss-Powered JRPG Gets Its World Debut

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FURYU Corporation’s cult PS Vita and 3DS JRPG EXSTETRA is finally making its way to PC after more than a decade as a Japan-only release. The EXSTETRA HD Remaster launches on Steam on July 30, 2026, bringing the romance-driven RPG to a worldwide audience for the very first time — with full English language support included at launch.

Originally released in Japan in 2013, EXSTETRA takes place in Amazia — a world born when Tokyo fuses with a parallel dimension. Players take on the role of Ryoma, a high school student who discovers he is the chosen Prisma: a being with the power to awaken warrior guardians known as Prisma Knights. What makes EXSTETRA stand apart from most JRPGs of its era is its central mechanic — Ryoma awakens each Knight’s power through a kiss, a device that drives both the story’s progression and its character relationships in ways that were fairly audacious for the genre in 2013.

Selene character portrait in EXSTETRA HD Remaster
Selene is one of the Prisma Knights Ryoma awakens on his journey through Amazia.

Combat is turn-based, built around a four-character party system and the EXS energy mechanic, where managing your team’s EXS gauge is central to pulling off powerful abilities in battle. The system rewards tactical thinking about resource management alongside the usual JRPG decision-making around skill selection and target priority. Between fights, players navigate dungeons and the fused landscapes of Amazia, uncovering the story of how two worlds collided — and what it means for those caught between them.

Ryoma and Selene exploring the world of Amazia in EXSTETRA HD Remaster
Ryoma and Selene venture through Amazia’s fused landscapes on their journey.
Dungeon exploration in EXSTETRA HD Remaster
Dungeon crawling is a core part of EXSTETRA’s gameplay loop, with treasure and enemies around every corner.

The HD Remaster brings the experience to Steam with support for English, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese — this is the first time the game has been officially available outside Japan in any language. FURYU is best known in Singapore for titles like Caligula Effect and Mary Skelter, so fans of the publisher’s niche-but-devoted style of JRPG storytelling will know what kind of ride to expect. The developer has also confirmed that console versions for PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2 are in development, though no release windows for those platforms have been given yet.

Watch the official opening movie to see EXSTETRA’s story and visual style in action:

Party management screen in EXSTETRA HD Remaster
Manage your Prisma Knights’ stats and loadouts between battles.
Turn-based combat in EXSTETRA HD Remaster
EXSTETRA’s turn-based combat lets you command a party of four Prisma Knights against Amazia’s threats.

If you’re a fan of classic JRPGs and want to jump in before launch, EXSTETRA is available to wishlist on Steam now. It goes live on July 30, 2026.

Game News

Star Ocean: Second Story R Is Now on Switch 2 — No Upgrade Path

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Square Enix and Gemdrops quietly dropped Star Ocean: The Second Story R onto the Nintendo Switch 2 eShop today (16 July), giving JRPG fans on Nintendo’s latest hardware access to one of the most polished remakes of the past few years. The timing lands squarely in the middle of the Star Ocean 30th Anniversary celebrations, with the franchise’s big anniversary livestream happening this Sunday, 20 July, at 7pm SGT.

Star Ocean: The Second Story R — outdoor field battle with Link Combo Dragon Roar
Image courtesy of Square Enix

What Is Star Ocean: The Second Story R?

Originally released in November 2023, Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a full remake of the 1998 PlayStation classic, rebuilt around Gemdrops’ distinctive 2.5D aesthetic — 2D pixel art characters moving across richly detailed 3D environments. You choose between two protagonists at the start: Claude, a young Earth Federation officer stranded on an underdeveloped planet, or Rena, a Nedean healer who encounters him first. Their paths intertwine, but the story unfolds differently depending on whose perspective you play.

The battle system layers in “Break” mechanics and “Assault Actions” on top of the original’s real-time combat, and the soundtrack has been fully recomposed by Motoi Sakuraba — the composer behind the entire Star Ocean and Valkyrie Profile series. Three difficulty settings (Earth, Galaxy, Universe) and an expanded Private Actions system mean there’s room to go as deep as you like.

STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R – Launch Trailer — via Square Enix on YouTube

What the Switch 2 Version Brings

The Switch 2 edition runs at a higher resolution than the original Switch release, taking advantage of the hardware’s bump in output quality. Beyond the resolution lift, Square Enix has not published a detailed changelog of Switch 2-specific features — no confirmed frame-rate target or exclusive additions have been announced. The game itself is otherwise the same version that launched on PS4, PS5, Switch, and PC in 2023.

Star Ocean: The Second Story R — cave dungeon battle scene
Image courtesy of Square Enix

The Catch — No Upgrade Path, No Save Transfer

This is the part existing Switch owners need to read before purchasing. In line with several other Square Enix Nintendo Switch to Switch 2 transitions, there is no upgrade pack — you cannot pay a small fee to unlock the Switch 2 edition if you already own the Switch version. You will need to purchase the game again at its full price of US$49.99 (check your local Nintendo eShop for the regional price in Singapore dollars).

Equally important: save data does not carry over between versions. Picking up the Switch 2 edition means starting your playthrough fresh, even if you had a 40-hour file on the original Switch version.

Star Ocean: The Second Story R — party exploring a countryside village
Image courtesy of Square Enix

Is It Worth Getting?

If you already cleared the game on Switch, the Switch 2 version’s incremental visual upgrade probably doesn’t justify repurchasing — especially without save transfer. But if you’re new to Second Story R, or if the Switch 2 is simply your primary gaming platform going forward, this is an excellent entry point. The game ranked among the best JRPGs of 2023 across every platform it touched, and the 2.5D presentation holds up beautifully on a larger screen.

For Singapore JRPG fans on Switch 2, it’s also one of the deeper experiences available on the platform right now — a dual-protagonist structure with over 20 different endings and a post-game dungeon that will keep completionists busy for a long time.

Star Ocean: The Second Story R — characters on rocky cliff ruins
Image courtesy of Square Enix

Where to Get It

Star Ocean: The Second Story R for Nintendo Switch 2 is available now on the Nintendo eShop at US$49.99 (check the Singapore eShop for local pricing). If you want a deeper look at the broader franchise before diving in, tune in to the Star Ocean 30th Anniversary Livestream this Sunday at 7pm SGT — it’s free to watch and covers the series’ history and future. Check out other game news on the blog for more from the world of JRPGs and Switch 2.

Game News

Octopath Traveler I & II Come to Switch 2 on 8th Anniversary

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Square Enix surprised the Octopath Traveler fan base today by dropping native Nintendo Switch 2 versions of both Octopath Traveler and Octopath Traveler II during the series’ eighth anniversary broadcast — and in Japan, both are already live on the eShop right now.

Octopath Traveler key art featuring the eight protagonists
Image courtesy of Square Enix

Eight Years of HD-2D, Celebrated with a Double Drop

The original Octopath Traveler launched on Nintendo Switch on 13 July 2018 — today, eight years to the day, Square Enix marked the anniversary with a live orchestral concert, in-person events across Japan, and the surprise news that both JRPGs are now available natively on Nintendo Switch 2. The announcement came mid-stream during the official 8th Anniversary Livestream on the Square Enix YouTube channel (Japanese), making it one of the more crowd-pleasing drops the series has had.

Octopath Traveler II, which launched in February 2023 to strong critical reception, joins the original in the Switch 2 upgrade. Both titles are available digitally in Japan starting today.

Octopath Traveler II overworld — party of characters travelling by boat through a sunlit river
Image courtesy of Square Enix

What the Switch 2 Versions Actually Improve

Square Enix confirmed that the Switch 2 versions run at improved resolution and framerate — the HD-2D aesthetic, that striking fusion of 2D pixel sprites and 3D depth-of-field environments, was always stunning; running it crisper and smoother on Switch 2 should make it look even more painterly on a modern TV. Game content is otherwise identical to the original releases, including all International version content. No exclusive additions or story content have been announced.

Octopath Traveler I HD-2D town environment with pixel characters walking through a village square
Image courtesy of Square Enix

The Catch: No Upgrade Path and No Save Transfer

Here is the part that will sting for anyone who has already clocked dozens of hours on Switch: Square Enix has confirmed there is no upgrade path from the Switch 1 versions to the Switch 2 versions, and no save data transfer between them. If you want the Switch 2 versions, you are buying again from scratch. Both games are also still playable via backwards compatibility on Switch 2 — so if you own them already, you can keep playing your saves without paying twice, just without the resolution and framerate bump of the native ports.

Octopath Traveler Series 8th Anniversary Official Livestream — via Square Enix on YouTube (Japanese)

Singapore and SEA: Your Date Is 1 October 2026

Japan’s eShop gets both games today. Singapore and other western markets will need to wait until 1 October 2026 for the digital release on the Nintendo eShop. Physical editions — in game-key card format — also release on 1 October, priced at US$59.99 per game or US$74.99 for a bundle of both. SGD pricing has not been confirmed; check the Singapore Nintendo eShop and local games retailers closer to October for local prices.

The Octopath series has built a dedicated fanbase among Singapore JRPG players, and the HD-2D visual style Square Enix pioneered with these games has since spread to other titles including Triangle Strategy, Live A Live, and Octopath Traveler 0. If you missed either game on Switch, October 1 is a solid entry point — just go in knowing your Switch progress does not carry over. For more Switch 2 JRPGs to look forward to, check our Game News coverage.

Octopath Traveler II — a bustling nighttime town square filled with HD-2D pixel characters
Image courtesy of Square Enix