Vagrant Story creator Yasumi Matsuno has shared ideas for a potential new entry in the beloved RPG series, even as he recently described himself as “practically retired” from game development.
The discussion began around Matsuno’s October 24 birthday, when SaGa series creator Akitoshi Kawazu asked what kind of game he would create if he ever returned to Vagrant Story.
Matsuno, whose previous work includes Final Fantasy Tactics, Tactics Ogre, and Final Fantasy XII, responded with a detailed explanation of his vision. Interestingly, his concept would revisit ideas originally planned for Vagrant Story but abandoned because of the PlayStation’s technical limitations.
A New Vagrant Story Would Focus on Survival and Rescue
Matsuno explained that he would approach a new Vagrant Story as a hybrid JRPG combining third-person action with command-based mechanics. It would be similar to the original game, but hopefully less brutal.
However, he was adamant that he wouldn’t simply follow the direction set by successful games like Elden Ring or The Legend of Zelda. Instead, he believes a new installment would need to establish its own identity.
One of the most interesting ideas he discussed involves traveling with companions, a feature originally planned for the first game.
According to Matsuno, the development team wanted players to have companions throughout their adventure, but the original PlayStation’s limitations prevented them from implementing it.
Unlike traditional JRPG party members, these companions would be ordinary civilians who might actually make survival harder. The central gameplay experience would involve infiltrating a sealed-off city, rescuing stranded survivors, and escorting them back to safety. Rescuing civilians near the city’s outskirts would be relatively straightforward. However, reaching those trapped deeper inside would be much harder.
Matsuno explained that survivors who managed to remain alive in these dangerous areas might possess unique abilities that helped them survive. Some could become valuable companions, while others might complicate the journey back.
Difficult Moral Choices Would Shape the Experience
Another major aspect of Matsuno’s proposed design involves forcing players to make difficult moral decisions. He specifically mentioned introducing situations resembling the trolley problem, where saving one person might mean sacrificing another.
Depending on how players approach their rescue missions, certain survivors could become impossible to save.
He also wants the game’s storytelling to be directly connected to its rescue mechanics. Players would uncover the city’s mysteries through conversations with survivors and the events surrounding their rescue.
Beyond rescuing civilians, survival would serve as the other major gameplay component. Players would need to find weapons, armor, and medicine in the city to support continued exploration.
Akitoshi Kawazu Hopes Matsuno’s Vision Becomes Reality
After Matsuno’s response, Kawazu expressed enthusiasm for the concept, particularly the tension of rescuing civilians while trying to escape without losing anyone.
He suggested that entering the city could be exciting, but returning safely with everyone would be much scarier. Kawazu also commented that while others might use AI to develop similar concepts, he believes Matsuno’s particular approach to game design would be difficult to replicate.
He concluded by expressing hope that Matsuno’s vision would eventually become reality.
For Vagrant Story fans, the conversation offers an intriguing glimpse into what could have been and what a modern follow-up might look like.
Of course, Matsuno was discussing a hypothetical game, not announcing an actual project. His recent comments about being practically retired also raise questions about whether he’ll ever return to develop another major JRPG.
Nevertheless, hearing Matsuno discuss these ideas after more than 25 years is extremely exciting for a huge fan of the game. I hope we see a modern way to play this original one day and a follow-up, if possible!
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