Would you rather choose dawn, or daybreak? This edition of RPGs Coming This Week dares to ask, “Why not both?” Also on the docket are two Chinese titles, including the latest free-to-play feast for the senses from industry giant HoYoverse.
Join us as we roll out the red carpet for these blockbusters!
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail – July 2nd (PS5, PS4, XSX, Windows, macOS)
Introducing Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail is a tricky task.
For fans of Final Fantasy XIV, the first new storyline following Endwalker‘s conclusion of the Hydaelyn/Zodiark tale hardly needs any introduction. If you’re just looking to get into the series, Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail is potentially hundreds of hours away.
Either way, 2024’s most hotly anticipated expansion (not named Shadow of the Erdtree) takes place in the lands of Tural, featuring lush landscapes, a long-awaited graphical update, and typical expansion fare such as an increased level cap, dungeons, and raids. Dawntrail, of course, also adds two more jobs to FFXIV‘s roster: Viper and Pictomancer. Our own talented Zach Wilkerson broke down how each felt in his hands-on feature, and we encourage you to check it out for a more in-depth look at what to expect coming this week.
by Kyle Cantelon
Fate Seeker II – July 4th (PS5, Windows)
Fate Seeker II is a Wuxia-inspired action RPG from Chinese developer JSL Entertainment. Fate Seeker II has been available to Chinese audiences via Steam since November 2021, but will now be available to English speakers by way of English support for that existing version. It’s also coming to PlayStation 5.
Fate Seeker II promises a dynamic progression system with powerful and stylish martial arts moves to decimate your enemies. Fairly standard action RPG fare on the surface, but there is more to this title than one might expect. A rather unique investigation simulation system runs parallel to the combat, leading some to make comparisons to the Phoenix Wright series’ gameplay. The protagonist Zhuge Yu undertakes a quest to rid his world of corrupt officials by seeking clues and evidence of the various secrets and crimes throughout the story. Yu partakes in interactive debates with formidable foes, uncovering deep layers of intrigue.
This will be the first in the Fate Seeker series to be translated into English, and given its “very positive” review status on Steam (based on the Chinese release) this may present a huge opportunity for JSL Entertainment to put quality Chinese RPGs on the map and in the minds of the RPG playing world.
by Claton Stevenson
Zenless Zone Zero – July 4th (PS5, Windows, iOS, Android)
Coming this week is Zenless Zone Zero, HoYoverse’s newest free-to-play action RPG. I have to commend the company for what has to be their most slick and stylish effort across the board, from the soundtrack, to the character and world designs, to the incredibly fluid combat. The gameplay video above (courtesy of IGN) serves as a nice vertical slice of what to expect.
Also, it bears repeating for those not inclined to play on your phone or PC: Zenless Zone Zero is launching on PS5! With competitors like Wuthering Waves still absent from consoles, it can only be a good thing for HoYoverse to be on the ball here.
by Gio Castillo
The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak – July 5th (PS5, PS4, Switch, Windows)
The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak returns players to the fantasy continent of Zemuria, setting the stage for a new story in the often-discussed Calvard Republic. Players are placed in the role of Van Arkride, a “spriggan” taking on all manner of requests and odd jobs that lean less under the lawful scope than others feel comfortable with. Together with his co-workers at Arkride Solutions, they soon find themselves embroiled in Zemurian conflicts.
Trails through Daybreak features more action-oriented combat compared to its predecessors, with a morality system in play that gives Van’s decisions on the job more of a lasting impact. It’s also one of the meatiest games in the storied series, so players will have hours upon hours of content to peruse. I love how detail-driven and lore-heavy the Trails series is, and Daybreak promises to keep that tradition going while perhaps offering something more for newcomers as well. The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak is certainly a story-focused RPG players should keep an eye on when it releases later this week!
by Audra Bowling
Also Coming This Week
Bleak Faith: Forsaken – July 5th (PS5, XSX, PS4, XB1)
The Souls-like Bleak Faith: Forsaken is coming this week to PS and Xbox. Since we first covered it last year, the game’s received a ton of support from developer Archangel Studios.
by Gio Castillo
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