Brand-New Turn-Based JRPG From Chrono Trigger Writer Is Making New Game Plus Matter Again

Yet another role-playing game is joining the already long list of RPG releases this year, titled Another Eden Begins. Coming from the mind of STUDIO PRISMA, Another Eden Begins is a time-traveling RPG with the most unique New Game Plus I have ever set my eyes on. While the story is your typical magical fare with anime-style imagery and a world in dire straits, added content via New Game Plus is said to turn the story on its head, allowing players to embark on new adventures even after the game is finished.

The concept of New Game Plus isn’t new. Many games feature unlockable content offered to players after their first playthrough. It is a tool used in almost every modern title, including remakes, from Nintendo and Capcom to FromSoftware. Another Eden Begins does call into question the proper use of New Game Plus, and how, when utilized correctly, it can offer players much more than intended.

10 Endings Mean 10 Different Games

Another Eden Begins was originally a mobile game, adapted from Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space. It is one of many titles launched this year in the RPG category, alongside giants like Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, and GreedFall: The Dying World. Players follow the story of Aldo and his younger sister Feinne as they lead a peaceful life in Baruoki. That is until the Beast King appears and abducts Feinne to use her dormant powers against humanity. While trying to get his sister back, Aldo is thrown into a time rift that launches him 800 years into the future. He must fight his way back through three distinct eras to save Feinne.

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With all that in mind, and so many RPGs available today, why does Another Eden Begins standout? Well, for starters, Another Eden Begins‘ New Game Plus has more than 10 endings and major new story material, a huge leap in the right direction for unlockable content. All of these endings can be unlocked via a second playthrough, and seem to diversify the outcome of the game each time. Players can carry over their levels, gear, and unlocked content from previous playthroughs, while experiencing something new and maybe even more difficult. Changes and additions made to all 10 endings seem to expand upon lore and flesh out characters that might have gotten lost in the shuffle.

These new endings unfold as you play the game, with choices made determining the ending received, similar to something like Silent Hill 2 remake, which features around eight endings. While the main storyline seems fulfilling, I find that there is less replay value in a constant story. Nothing motivates me to pick the controller up again, unless something happens in the narrative that changes my perspective entirely.

While sometimes New Game Plus can unlock a few extras, like harder difficulties and snazzy new weapons, other times, it can be quite impactful.10 endings mean 10 different games to experience, each with its own unique aspect to the main story. If someone truly loves a game, the best way to hook them in deeper is to introduce more content that expands on the story they already love. These endings could mean revealing something about Aldo not previously known, touching on a neglected part of the narrative, and/or deep-diving into lore.

If the 10 endings didn’t entice you enough, the game also features scenario writing and creative direction led by Masato Kato, a veteran in the RPG world with works like Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy VII, Xenogears, Chrono Cross, and Final Fantasy XI under his belt. Kato’s direction is philosophical. He’s been known to craft characters and settings with a melancholy touch, focusing on time-spanning narratives. Time, memory, and existentialism are common motifs seen in the creative’s work. Another Eden Begins seems to mirror Kato’s past works, at least somewhat, with a time-spanning narrative that focuses on loss and family.

Here’s What Other Gaming Companies Can Learn from Another Eden Begins’ New Game Plus

These days, a slew of games feature unlockable content via New Game Plus. From Elden Ring and Bloodborne to Marvel’s Spider-Man and Resident Evil 4 remake, these games feature added weapons, dialogue, missions, and even dialogue not previously seen in a first playthrough. Some feel as if New Game Plus could be obsolete, but I’d argue it is because many games aren’t utilizing it to their full potential.

I think that New Game Plus is at its best when the content reveals something about the main story you didn’t get before, changing the player’s perception. It can be used just like a narrative tool to expand upon a beloved story and characters, giving them more depth and color. It also pushes players to play outside the box, changing their technique with added weapons and upgrades. Added content can make gameplay more satisfying or challenging, and can equip players with god mode tools needed to take down newly introduced tougher enemy variants.

Image via Studio Prisma

Take, for example, the Dead Space remake. When you run the game again, new areas, Marker fragments, and text logs become available to Issac, painting an entirely new picture than what was presented during the first playthrough. Finding and placing all of those new Marker fragments unlocks a secret, canon-expanding alternate ending, further expanding the lore of the game.

Alan Wake 2‘s New Game Plus mode, called “The Final Draft,” features new text/video collectibles, new voice narration from Alan, extra live-action segments, and a brand-new definitive true ending. Again, New Game Plus is utilized in this title to bring a fresh perspective to the story. Another Eden Begins utilizes New Game Plus correctly, which, in the long run, helps with replayability. Sometimes I found myself more excited about playing a game, knowing New Game Plus was waiting for me on the other side. From my perspective, more content can never be bad.

Systems

Released

September 17, 2026

Developer(s)

Wright Flyer Studios, Studio Prisma

Publisher(s)

Wright Flyer Studios

Number of Players

Single-player

Steam Deck Compatibility

Unknown

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