The Legacy of Hironobu Sakaguchi: JRPGs Beyond Final Fantasy
- A to Geekz
- Jan 12
- 3 min read
Hironobu Sakaguchi is a name that needs no introduction among JRPG fans. As one of the key minds behind Final Fantasy, it’s no surprise that he has other incredible RPGs under his belt that deserve attention. Whether you’re a die-hard Final Fantasy fan or just looking for your next great RPG adventure, here are three must-play games from Sakaguchi that showcase his genius.
1. Chrono Trigger – A Timeless Classic
The Ultimate JRPG Experience
One of the most legendary RPGs of all time, Chrono Trigger, was released in 1995 on the SNES. If you’ve played it, chances are it remains one of your favourites. If you haven’t, now’s the time to experience one of the greatest games ever made.
A Story That Transcends Time
The game follows Chrono and his allies as they travel across different eras to stop the apocalyptic entity, Lavos. From prehistoric times to the distant future, the game weaves an intricate and unforgettable narrative.
The Dream Team Behind the Game
It’s no wonder Chrono Trigger became a smash success—it was developed by what Square Enix calls the “Dream Team”:
Hironobu Sakaguchi (Final Fantasy creator)
Yuji Horii (Dragon Quest creator)
Akira Toriyama (Dragon Ball creator and character designer)
If you’re a fan of Final Fantasy, you’ve probably played or at least heard of Chrono Trigger, but it’s always worth revisiting!
2. Lost Odyssey – A Hidden Gem
A JRPG Exclusive to Xbox 360
One of the lesser-known titles from Sakaguchi is Lost Odyssey, which was released exclusively for the Xbox 360 in 2008. Due to its platform exclusivity, many fans may have missed it, but those who played it know just how phenomenal it is.
A Tale of Immortality
The game follows Kaim, an immortal who has lived for over a thousand years but has lost his memories. As he embarks on an epic quest, he meets unforgettable characters and slowly regains his past.
A Classic Turn-Based RPG
While the movement mechanics had some quirks, the turn-based battle system was incredibly polished, and the storytelling was top-notch. The mix of mortals and immortals, along with stunning world-building, makes Lost Odyssey a must-play for RPG lovers. If you missed it back in the day, it’s worth revisiting—or experiencing for the first time.
3. Fantasian Neo Dimension – A Modern Masterpiece
From Mobile to Console
Sakaguchi’s latest work, Fantasian Neo Dimension, was originally developed for mobile but has since made its way to consoles. If you haven’t played it yet, now is the perfect time to dive in.
A Unique Dimension-Hopping Adventure
Like Lost Odyssey, the main character in Fantasian Neo Dimension suffers from memory loss. However, this time, the story revolves around two dimensions: a mechanical dimension invading a fantasy world.
The protagonist, Leo, starts in the mechanical dimension before crossing into the fantasy realm, where he belongs—but he has no recollection of his past.
Innovative Battle Mechanics
One of the standout features of the game is its unique battle system. Not only can you store enemies in a “Dimengeon” to battle them later, but the game also introduces angle-based attacks:
Straight-line attacks for standard strikes
Curved attacks for magic, allowing for creative combat strategies
While some quirks remain from its mobile roots, such as occasional screen glitches and limited cutscenes, the addition of voice acting enhances the experience on console.
Final Thoughts
Hironobu Sakaguchi’s legacy extends far beyond Final Fantasy. Whether you’re revisiting Chrono Trigger, discovering Lost Odyssey, or experiencing the fresh take of Fantasian Neo Dimension, these games showcase his mastery of storytelling and gameplay.
If it’s been a while since you picked up a JRPG, now’s the time—whether it’s one of these titles or another classic, there’s always an adventure waiting for you.
Which of these games have you played? Let us know in the comments, and as always, keep it geeky!
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