The year 2020 was one to remember. It affected all the industries around the world, and the gaming sector was no exception. But the year did inspire some new themes for video games, and players had more time to hone their game skills. So everyone’s excited to see what comes next.
Japanese companies have kept up with the trends. And while the Tokyo Game Show has been officially scheduled this year as an online event (dates have been tentatively set for September 30 to October 3, 2021), some video games are very well worth waiting for.
Some of the games may be available in Japan before being released to other parts of the world. If you can’t wait to get your hands on the latest releases, you can always use a VPN to get early access.
So what exactly awaits you this year? Let’s take a quick look.
1. Re:Zero –Starting Life in Another World– The Prophecy of the Throne
This action-packed game by Spike Chunsoft is a new storyline by Tappei Nagatsuki with your favorite characters along with some newly designed characters by Shinichirou Otsuka. A Day One Patch is available for English voice-over. The exciting story begins with the main character, Subaru, in his new life as an emissary of the royal castle. In no time, there are complications with choosing the next ruler of the Kingdom of Lugunica. The Dragon Stone has prophesied that there will be five candidates, but a sixth one has appeared. It means one of them is an imposter, but which one? It’s up to you to find out. And you can already start because the game was released on January 28.
2. Code Geass: Genesic Re;Code
The popular anime series Code Geass was launched in 2006 and soon became a best-seller. It was adapted to a series of video games in 2007. The most recent episode in the series is slated for release this spring. Genesic Re;Code offers a new and exciting storyline integrating all original characters with a few new ones. It boasts a new story involving another reason for revenge and two different battle formats. Pre-registration is available, but there is still no gameplay preview.
3. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation – I’ll Seriously Try Even If It’s Made Into a Game
Mushoku Tensei, I Will Seriously Try If I Go to Another World is a popular series where a jobless man loses his life while saving someone else. And then he’s reincarnated as a baby in a world of swords and magic. He retains his former memories and skills and uses his knowledge to get ahead in his new life. The series ran from 2012-2015, and the video game is scheduled for release in late 2021 for iOS and Android.
4. The Promised Neverland
This game, based on an award-winning manga series, is slated for release sometime in 2021. Gamers anxiously await the announcement for this spectacular game portraying the “solution” to end the war between demons and humans. Idyllic orphanages are actually “farms” to raise “meat” to appease the demons and keep the peace. The main characters, raised in one of the “farms,” find out what is going on and set out on a mission to save their friends and end the carnage.
5. Digimon Survive
With the pandemic in full swing, many games focus on apocalyptic events and survival strategies. After several delays, Digimon Survive has been scheduled for release in 2021, celebrating 20 years of Digimon. The survival and tactical role-playing start as Takuma’s classmates are attacked by other Digimon, and Koromon digivolves and saves them. They find themselves in another world, and so the story begins.
6. Gran Turismo 7
Do you feel the need for speed? Then this sim racing game is the one for you. Polyphony Digital developed it with the main menu similar to the one in Turismo 4. PlayStation 5, with a DualSense controller, haptic feedback, and an adaptive trigger, ensures a lifelike driving experience. Get your adrenaline rush by going through special events, driving school, and championships in your awesome hot rod.
7. New Pokémon Snap
This classic role-playing game was originally released in 1996 and has only gotten better as time goes by. Boasting the most successful anime series, Nintendo is proud to release the newest version in 2021, this time by developer Bandai Namco Studios. This first-person rail shooter simulation will take you to unfamiliar islands where you can observe and learn about the Pokémons in their natural habitat.
This list of new games available from Japanese developers shows off incredible creativity. It’s still early, and many of the release dates are yet to be announced, so keep your ears and eyes open. Whatever your preferred genre, you’ll find the perfect game to keep you busy in the eventful year of 2021.