The appetite for remakes and remasters in the gaming industry continues to grow in 2026, and a new reader survey from Japanese publication Famitsu highlights exactly which classics fans want to see return. At the top of the list are two legendary JRPGs—Chrono Trigger and Xenogears—both of which continue to dominate fan discussions decades after their original release.
The poll reflects a broader industry trend where nostalgia-driven revivals are no longer niche projects but major expectations from global audiences. Alongside these top two titles, the survey also features heavy demand for franchises like Final Fantasy, Persona, and Dragon Quest, reinforcing the dominance of story-driven role-playing games in the remake conversation.
JRPG Giants Lead Fan Demand for Modern Remakes
The most striking outcome of the Famitsu poll is the clear leadership of Chrono Trigger and Xenogears. Both games are widely regarded as milestones in RPG history, known for their narrative ambition, character depth, and innovative gameplay systems.
Chrono Trigger continues to be praised for its time-travel storytelling structure and multiple endings, while Xenogears is remembered for its philosophical themes and layered narrative complexity. Fans have long argued that both titles are ideal candidates for full-scale modern remakes rather than simple visual upgrades.
Their position at the top of the list signals a strong desire from players to see these classics reimagined with modern production values while preserving their original identity.
Beyond the top two, the Famitsu survey reveals a wide range of requested titles spanning multiple generations of gaming. The full list includes:
- Chrono Trigger
- Xenogears
- Pokémon Black and White
- Final Fantasy VIII
- Tales of the Abyss
- Persona 2
- Sakura Wars
- Final Fantasy IX
- Dragon Quest IX
- Final Fantasy VI
- Bloodborne
- Persona 1
- Tales of Eternia
- Dragon Quest V
- Shadow Hearts
- Sengoku Basara
The list shows a strong concentration of JRPG franchises, particularly from Square Enix, Atlus, and Bandai Namco-associated properties. Notably, Final Fantasy IX, Final Fantasy VI, and Final Fantasy VIII all appear, underscoring long-standing demand for revisiting different eras of the franchise.
Many of the titles featured in the poll are considered foundational works in the RPG genre. Games like Persona 1 and Persona 2 represent earlier stages of a franchise that has since become globally mainstream, while Dragon Quest V and IX are still remembered for their emotional storytelling and accessible design.
The inclusion of Bloodborne also stands out, as it reflects demand beyond traditional JRPGs. FromSoftware’s gothic action title remains one of the most requested modern remaster candidates, driven by its atmosphere, combat system, and enduring cult status.
Meanwhile, Pokémon Black and White continues to receive strong fan support, often cited as one of the most narratively focused entries in the long-running series.
