New Retro RPG on Steam Has Serious Final Fantasy Vibes
Fans of old-school action-RPGs like Chrono Trigger, Secret of Mana, and Final Fantasy can look forward to a brand-new retro ARPG that is aiming to revive the “Golden Age” of classic role-playing games, Philna Fantasy. Set to launch exclusively for PC via Steam on January 15, 2026, Philna Fantasy blends pixelated graphics, familiar mechanics, and modern-day upgrades for an experience that hearkens back to some of the biggest and best titles in RPG history while also making a name for itself.
Some of the best role-playing games of all time were released in the 1990s, including the original 1993 Secret of Mana, Square Enix’s Chrono Trigger, and the juggernaut Final Fantasy VI, considered by many to be one of the greatest video games released during the 16-bit era. Philna Fantasy draws a number of inspirations from these powerhouse RPGs, both visually and mechanically, and fans of those old-school classics will soon be able to take a deeper dive into the fantastical world and engaging story of a new hero ready to embark on an epic journey.
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Philna Fantasy is Bringing Back Classic RPG Vibes with Modern Enhancements
Publisher Another Indie unveiled the first-ever look at Philna Fantasy, a “classic-inspired pixel RPG” that blends “nostalgic charm with modern action-RPG systems.” When an adventurer from another world crash-lands onto the continent of Votland, they are quickly thrust into a quest to learn the mystery behind the Void, an otherworldly force slowly consuming everything in its path. Players must choose between four classes and guide this unsuspecting young hero across the lush woodlands and ancient ruins of Votland, while conquering perilous dungeons, battling dangerous foes, and uncovering the mysteries of this magical land. Among the four playable classes are the close-combat Berserker, the distant-attacking Ranger, the mystical Chrono Mage, and the quick and clever Assassin. Each class has an extensively deep skill tree, in combination with four difficulty settings, allowing players to craft an experience that best suits their ideal playstyle.
In addition to exploring the overworld of Votland, players will also encounter 9 hand-crafted dungeons, with each serving as its own maze of combat, puzzle-solving, and hidden treasures. Replaying each dungeon will unlock new loot drops, including gear of varying rarity and materials for crafting equipment or brewing potions, while special cards earned from defeated monsters can be added to the Magic Belt. This unique piece of gear can be fully customized with Magic Cards that activate powerful effects like damage boosts, resource bonuses, health buffs, and more, giving players the ability to mix-and-match their own signature tactics for both battle and exploration. Similar to the pets in games like Final Fantasy XIV Online, Philna Fantasy has animal companions that can assist in combat and treasure hunting while also providing adorable company along the journey through Votland.
While the main campaign for Philna Fantasy is estimated to take around 15 hours to complete, additional side quests will unveil even more story content and will even unlock hidden features in the game. Players will get to learn about the culture, history, joys, and sorrows of the people and lands across the continent of Votland. From its similarities to older pixel ARPGs to its unique features like the Magic Belt, Philna Fantasy offers a nostalgic yet refreshing new journey for players to enjoy. Interested fans can now wishlist Philna Fantasy on Steam and start counting down the days to its official launch on January 15.
The video game industry has seen a massive influx of new games with retro graphics, ranging from PS1-era-inspired horror games to upcoming ARPGs like Philna Fantasy that wear their predecessors and inspirations proudly on their sleeve. Whether simply wishing to scratch the itch that only 90s games can satisfy or ambitiously bucking the trends of 2020s hyperrealism, Philna Fantasy joins an ever-growing list of exciting games launching in 2026.