The Shadow Hearts Franchise
JRPGs That Still Need to Come to PC
We’ve had a bit of a resurgence in horror games as of late. Survival horror games, horror-themed RPGs, but where are the horror-themed JRPGs? Few have ever been made, but chief among them is the Shadow Hearts franchise. Shadow Hearts sets itself apart from other JRPGs with a historical fantasy setting and a vaguely Lovecraftian atmosphere, as well as a unique combat mechanic, the “Judgement Ring,” which injects a sense of risk vs. reward. The ring determines if abilities and attacks hit, miss, or deal critical damage, which makes the franchise more skill-based than other JRPGs.
One of the reasons why horror games are back in the public eye is PC survival horror games made in RPG Maker, including Ib, Ao Oni, Mad Father, and Yume Nikki. Gamers drool over these games and would likely flock to a bonafide horror JRPG like Shadow Hearts if it were ported to the PC.
