Top 10 Most Anticipated Games by Japanese Players at the End of 2025
Which titles made the list, and will we get to play them next year? Let’s find out.
This is another highly interesting column from Famitsu, Japan’s leading video game magazine, which regularly conducts nationwide surveys asking players which games they are most excited to play each week. This round is particularly significant, as it is the final poll of the year, allowing us to see end-of-year trends and speculate together on whether these titles will actually be playable next year. Without further ado, let’s take a look.
Note: Famitsu separates each game by platform. For this article, if the same game appears on multiple platforms, the ranking is calculated based on the version that received the highest score.
Pragmata (PS5) – 567 votes
Kicking off the list is CAPCOM’s long-awaited title. Pragmata is a sci-fi themed action-adventure game in which players take on the roles of Hugh and Diana, who are forced to journey together by chance. Hugh is a space traveler who encounters an advanced AI robot girl, and together they must survive within an abandoned space station drifting through the galaxy, fending off brutal enemy forces. The gameplay emphasizes combat using various weapons, alongside a hacking system that plays a key role in solving puzzles.
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined
Switch 2 – 472 votes / Switch – 345 votes / PS5 – 307 votes
This JRPG is a full remake of Fragments of the Forgotten Past. The story revolves around the kingdom of Estard, where the hero travels to the past to battle enemies that have overtaken their homeland in the present timeline. The time-travel mechanic remains a major narrative hook, now enhanced with additional story content, new quests, and new minigames. As one of Japan’s most beloved franchises, it’s no surprise that the game scored highly across all major platforms. When combining all versions, it would easily surpass Pragmata for the top spot.
Resident Evil Requiem (PS5) – 429 votes
The latest entry in the survival horror series tells the story of Grace Ashcroft, daughter of Alyssa, the fearless journalist who survived the T-Virus outbreak of 1998. One day, Grace is mysteriously murdered, prompting her journey back to locations tied to her darkest memories. The story may also uncover secrets connected to a long-forgotten city, adding further intrigue to the narrative.
Pokémon Pokopia (Switch 2) – 398 votes
A cozy life-simulation game centered around a Ditto that transforms into a trainer and lives alongside Pokémon. Players can build a community, gather crafting materials in a voxel-based world, dig terrain, create waterfalls, and design living spaces freely to form their dream Pokémon town. Farming systems and numerous side activities further enhance the relaxing gameplay experience.
Persona 4 Revival (PS5) – 339 votes
A major remake rebuilt with technology on par with Persona 5 and Persona 3 Reload. While preserving the original story, the game features significant improvements to both gameplay and visuals. This turn-based RPG follows a group of students caught up in a mysterious murder case, who discover their ability to summon enigmatic beings known as “Personas” during their investigation.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties (PS5) – 196 votes
The third chapter of the Yakuza saga has been fully remade, from visuals to gameplay systems. Set one year after the war between Kanto and Kansai, Kiryu and Haruka leave the chaos of Kamurocho behind to live a peaceful life in Okinawa, where they run an orphanage. This version includes substantial new content, along with a side story titled Dark Ties focusing on Mine.
Mario Tennis Fever (Switch 2) – 180 votes
A tennis game featuring Mario and friends in unpredictable, high-energy matches. Players can use classic techniques such as topspin, slice, and lob, along with flashy special actions. The new Fever Gauge system allows players to unleash powerful Fever Shots, with effects influenced by the tennis racket’s attributes. Both offline and online play are fully supported.
Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave (Switch 2) – 172 votes
A tactical RPG that alternates between large-scale battles and kingdom exploration phases. The story centers on warriors competing in “The Heroic Game,” a tournament offering a legendary reward said to grant any wish. Multiple protagonists take part, including Cai, who seeks to save his ailing father, and Theodora, who pursues ultimate strength.
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream (Switch) – 170 votes
A life-simulation game where players create Mii characters representing themselves, friends, family, or anyone they choose. Personality traits, gestures, and birthdays can be customized before placing everyone together on a shared island. Players observe their quirky relationships and daily lives from a godlike perspective, all synced to real-world time.
Splatoon Raiders (Switch 2) – 166 votes
An action RPG offering an offline adventure campaign starring the mischievous Inklings. The story takes place on the Spirhalite Islands, where the protagonists become entangled in mystery after surviving a plane crash. Players explore expansive environments, investigate tornado-related incidents, utilize mechanical skills, and team up with a massive fish companion. The poll concludes with a title that has yet to receive a confirmed release date, but has clearly captured strong player interest.
It is clear that RPGs remain a core part of Japanese gaming culture, especially long-standing franchises like Dragon Quest VII Reimagined. While it ranks second individually, combining votes across all platforms would place it firmly at number one. Feel free to share which titles you’re personally looking forward to, and stay tuned for more updates in the future.
Source: Nintendo Everything
