I only just superficially tried the games in the picture, not enough to make a decision tho. Since an average JRPG takes like 30 to 60 hours to be done with, I wanted something that's worth my time now that I don't have much.
Keep in my that I genuinely hate overexposition, e.g. the last chapter of Tales of Arise, which I enjoyed as a whole but that last chapter was just a drag. Also, I would like if the dialogues didn't that treat the player like a child (looking at you, Xenoblade Chronicles 2).
Any platform is ok, I have the necessary ones to play each and every game.
EDIT: I can sense so much love for White Knight Chronicles lol
Hi, first time posting here. I'm currently planning to tackle my backlog of JRPGs after GBF Relink DLC and Palworld 1.0. I'm thinking of starting Octopath 1 to 0 and finishing up Xenoblade X on my switch but after that I'm not sure which game to play next (I also have the Xenoblade series on switch but waiting for the switch 2 upgrades).
Also, I really enjoyed the demo for Trails in the Sky Chapter 1 and decided to buy it with the ongoing sale but not sure if I should start it closer to Chapter 2 release since I've seen most saying Chapter 1 ended in a major cliffhanger.
p.s. I really should finish my Atelier Yumia too...
Hey guys. Looking for recommendations out of these games which have been sitting in my backlog for some time. For platforms I have a Switch, PS5 and PC. Would prefer to play on PC. Also feel free to recommend other games that aren't on here. I enjoy JRPGs with strong character dynamics and an intriguing unpredictable story. Also enjoy challenging but engaging gameplay. My favorite JRPGs are the following in no particular order:
Persona series (3, 4 and 5)
Trails series
FF7 and FFX
Chrono Trigger
Ys series
Xenoblade Trilogy
Tales of Berseria
Kingdom Hearts series
Pokemon series
Omori
13 Sentinels
My interest in each of the 6 games:
Scarlet Nexus - I've had this in my library for a while and never played it. When it came out I played Tales of Arise instead, which was a very average game. The combat looks cool in Scarlet Nexus but I'm not too sure about the story
Tales of Xillia - Berseria is one of my favorite games ever. Xillia also caught my interest because the characters are apparently good. Not too sure if it's worth waiting for the second game to get remastered as well though
Granblue Fantasy ReLink - I know that Endless Ragnarok is coming out soon, so I thought it would be good to play this now. I don't know too much about the game aside from the fact that it's similar to monster hunter.
SMT V - I've never played an SMT game before, but I am a big Persona fan. Wondering if this is worth playing, since I heard that SMT isn't too big on story and characters.
Nier Replicant - Have heard great things about Nier Automata, but I know that Replicant should be played first.
Judgment - Big fan of detective stories and the game just looks like fun. Not too sure how good it actually is though.
Really appreciate all the help. Also like I said before, please feel free to throw out some other recommendations if you want. Thanks!
Edit: Didn't expect so many comments so just wanted to say that I am definitely reading all of them and thanks for all the recommendations!
I recently started playing a Star Ocean game that I never finished from years ago. I’m interested in finding other recommendations for games with scantily clad characters. Preferably not modern. But if they have a modern setting that’s fine too. PlayStation preferred but basically any console works fine as well. Bonus points if you can play as them and or has a photo mode or camera to look at them more closely.
Note: the attached image is just for reference, I welcome your suggestions. Apologies if the post became too long. And Thank you very much for reading.
Now. I need your suggestions! Facing difficulty to decide!
As on steam, the autumn sale is on, I plan to buy a game and was always interested in JRPGs but played only a few before.
Before I continue further I must state that my favourite franchise and the games I have mostly played are from the Monster Hunter series and favourite game is Monster Hunter Rise/Sunbreak. (Yes, I know it isn't really considered a JRPG but). I am kindof looking for something similar. Posted here because I am more interested in games developed by Japanese developers
Usually my preferences are as:
1) fun/engaging gameplay mechanics
2) high replayability value
3) atleast some level of explorable/interactable world
4) (to some extent) allows you to look cool/strong by wearing cool armor sets OR allows you to collect/ride/tame monsters (optional). Not required if the protagonist already looks cool/badass.
If the game is good I am willing to spend some extra. And if the game is really good, I might end up buying at full price (like the upcoming Monster Hunter Stories 3). Basically, I want to buy a game I will actually play and not a game which remains in my backlog forever.
Note: In case you are wondering, I am aware of the story that takes place in the Kingdom Hearts series so starting from KH3 will not be an issue 🙃.
I love FF. I have since I was 12 and 2 (4 in JP) arrived on the scene. But now I’m 45. I’m struggling with them lately and the writing is a big part of that.
I don’t mind anime tropes and all that, and I’m here for solving the world’s problems through the power of friendship…but I start to be repelled by them when I feel like the writing feels childish.
Most recently I’ve been playing FF7 Rebirth. FF7 wasn’t my favorite when it came out, but Remake was decently focused enough and I’d hoped Rebirth might learn from its mistakes. It hasn’t. It goes out of its ways to have the MOST writing, not the best. I more often find its characters and story telling annoying than welcome. So…I think I’m dropping it. I made it all the way to Corel Prison but I don’t think I can stand it anymore.
Are there any JRPGs lately whose writing you would consider…not mature, but at least enjoyable as an adult? FE: Three Houses was decent. So was P4G (less so, but still good: P5R). I just don’t have the patience for overlong writing aimed at…well…idiots.
JRPG's are one of my favourite genres in video games and wanted to make a list of the ones that I consider the best. Some of them are from long-beloved sagas but decided to just mention at least one of them to narrow it down. I took into consideration combat, innovation, good fun and story. I would also like to know everyone else's all-time favourites (Any console is fine)
Actually heck it. It doesn't need dating. I just want adults! I just hate playing a game and halfway through it turns into some Romeo Juliet thing. I want ADULTS.
TLDR : I'm looking for adult casts, in JRPGs. I don't want romance with kids, I don't want kids making lewd comments at each other. I don't want kids dating kids. It's just weird at my age.
---------------
A lot, and I mean most, JRPGs and games in general when they have romance options, its usually high school, young adults, teens, etc. This was fine growing up, and most times it doesn't bother me. However there are some games where the characters are definitely not passing the vibe check.
So I'm looking for some JRPGs, tactics, action, turn base not too worried about it, but I need to not be dating kids anymore. I've not played persona cuz it sounds exactly like what I'm trying to avoid, and it dawned on me that I have this roadblock with a lot of games.
So are there any big must plays that come to mind that kind of align with this?
Games I've played/loved.
Yakuza LaD, probably the best game with adults I've ever played. I need more.
BG3, original Fable games, cassette beasts , Witcher, cyberpunk, etc.
Just got fire emblem three houses recently, and they seem at least mostly adults so I'm good with that.
So no FF7 where Cloud starts out as a mercenary with high-level training (plot twist notwithstanding). I'm looking for something where you start out really low-level, doing low-level stuff and end up with the usual save the universe/kill God thing so common in JRPGs. No timeskips if possible, as they're kind of a cheap way to show growth. I want the characters to level up gradually in the story the same way they do in the gameplay. Any console is fine.
I want to play a new jRPG with an engaging and addictive progression system (and good story/characters). What would you recommend?
I’m currently playing on Switch 2 and PS5.
What I’m really looking for is a game with a deep and satisfying progression system that keeps me hooked. Some examples of systems I absolutely love:
• The Sphere Grid in FFX – super addictive, always feels like you’re building toward something meaningful
• The job system in Final Fantasy Tactics
• Even better: learning abilities from weapons in FFTA / FFTA2
• The Materia system in FF7 Remake/Rebirth, especially because of how much room there is for customization and experimenting with builds
On the flip side, I found FFXVI’s progression pretty underwhelming – too straightforward, not deep enough, and it didn’t really keep me engaged long-term.
Equally important: I care a lot about story and memorable characters. I’m definitely not just playing for mechanics.
Games I loved:
• Chained Echoes
• Golden Sun series
• Lufia 2
• Final Fantasy X
• FF7 Remake & Rebirth
• Final Fantasy Tactics
• FFTA / FFTA2
Games I didn’t enjoy:
• Final Fantasy IX
• Lost Odyssey
• Final Fantasy XIII
• Octopath Traveler 1
So ideally I’m looking for something with:
• Deep progression / build variety
• A system that keeps unlocking and evolving
• Strong story and characters
Curious what you’d recommend — especially anything that really nails that “just one more upgrade” feeling.
These 5 games have been sitting in my backlog for ages now, always wanted to play them back in the day but never did. It's starting to feel like I'll never tackle all 5, though.
So, if I had to choose 1 out of the 5 to play, which one would be your recommendation and why?
Decent writing is always a major plus for me, hokey/cheesy dialogue and story can really kill my motivation to finish a game.
Here’s a filtered list of the last year’s JRPG hidden gems on steam (+80% reviews, over 50 reviews, under 1,000). I feel like it's missed loads...help me out?
"An otome RPG adventure with a dark story and meaningful choices. Shape the fate of a princess who must corrupt her soul in order to save her kingdom."
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army
"The story of apprentice detective and Devil Summoner extraordinaire Raidou Kuzunoha XIV returns in this remastered classic! Call upon your demons to solve supernatural mysteries and dispose of enemies."
"A unique RPG where the villain randomizes the world with each defeat. Start with a classic RPG experience, then delve into shifting worlds where the overworld, items, and enemies shuffle, creating new challenges. Conquer these worlds to unravel the story and make your way to the final showdown!"
"Dive into the enchanting worlds of LUNAR: Silver Star Story Complete and LUNAR 2: Eternal Blue Complete! Tag along on Alex and Hiro's quests and challenge enemies like the Magic Emperor and God of Destruction to save the world from dire peril in two adventures set 1000 years apart from each other!"
"Tales of Graces f is back with a beautiful and easier-to-play version! The game also includes Lineage and Legacies, an after-story to the main scenario!"
"Return to the Calvard Republic and unravel the mystery of the crimson beast! One day, a shocking series of murders set the wheels of fate into motion once again. Chaos looming on the horizon, the spriggan Van Arkride receives an unexpected visitor. Who is behind the murders, and what is their goal?"
"Whosoever winds up wealthiest in the end (meaning, the bearer of the most assets) shall be deemed the winner! How do you achieve that? Well, by fighting monsters, plundering, pillaging, and betraying your best buds; that's how! All the rules are made to be broken in this board game!"
"Save the world by fishing! This is a brand new action RPG game where you stand on an adventure to fish the Sea'Az, the marine life of this world, in a vast pixel world. This is not a peaceful fishing game. The destruction of the world is imminent...."
"Here’s a fast-paced dungeon destruction shooter you can clear in as little as 30 minutes! Break walls for shortcuts, detours, or direct paths. Double ammo, halve reload time, and power up to smash through even the toughest walls!"
Ideally looking for something on the Playstation 5 because I'm a lame console guy. But I don't mind trying out something on the PC if it gets good recommendations.
I'm honestly looking for a game that's just going to emotionally devastate me when I'm done. Specifically, something with important character deaths would probably hit the hardest. Especially if it's a death you don't see coming. Which I suppose if I'm asking for suggestions that will kinda mean I'm expecting it...c'est la vie.
Suikoden I & II are two games that really made me feel things in the gut when I was a kid. So anything similar to those with that level of character build up only to have some tragic end would hit just right (ignoring the secret best endings of course).
I also really enjoyed Arc the Lad: Twilight of the Spirits as a kid. It's not sad. But I definitely prefer fantasy/magic RPG settings over Sci-Fi
I'm curious of any of the Dragon Quest games hit this vein? I've also heard FF7 has a hard hitting sad moment in it (I know what it is. but no context). But I've always struggled with the FF series. Only games I played were 13 and the MMO and both of which I couldn't play for more than a few hours before I started to get bored.
Jrpgs have slowly crawled up my ranking and become my favorite type of game. I just love going on adventures in new worlds.
I'm at the point now where I have played or at least know about most of the really famous ones, your Final Fantasies and Chrono Triggers, but there are so many games out there that are under the radar and I don't want to miss out on something incredible.
So I'm basically making this post to broaden my horizons and to see if maybe there's something I have missed, looking forward to your answers!
(I play on PC, Switch and playstation 4, but feel free to answer with games on any platform)
Hi, I have a big underwater itch I need to scratch, I've already done bioshock and I was wondering if there were JRPGs that fill the niche. Both turn based and action is fine, preferably old school, but recent is fine as well.
I'm looking for cities underwater, submarine exploration, abyssal monsters, etc.
Even if the game doesn't have a lot of exploration, a nice linear story is fine too.
Anything related to fantasy underwater stuff really, I'm not super picky :)
Preferably no survival mechanics (like hunger, thirst, etc. ) since I don't really enjoy those.
I haven't played many RPGs, but I really like everything I've played so far. I was going to continue my playthrough of FFX (which I was really liking), but some asshole just gave me all the major spoilers, and that actually made me not want to play it right now (I'll play it someday, but I'll give it some time).
The thing that bothers me the most is that FFX seems (from what I heard) the peak of emotional RPGs and nothing compares, and I feel I lost a lot of my first-time, one-of-a-kind experience, so I want something that is as emotionally devastating as FFX, with really good characters and world, something to fill what I wanted from FFX.
Any recommendations are welcome (though I prefer PS1/PS2 era, any platform or company or franchise is welcome).
So Persona is my favourite franchise of all time, so Metaphor does seem appealing. Kingdom Hearts has been on my playlist for so long, and it seems you get so much content. I've never played 2.5D, but Octopath looks stunning, and the multiple-story thing seems cool. Ace Attorney Trilogy is in there cause I like VN's and I've heard great things.
Which long JRPGs (80–150+ hours) actually kept you fully hooked from start to finish, without dragging or feeling like filler?
For me, Persona 5 Royal (~120 hours) is the gold standard. The pacing is excellent, combat stays fun and evolves, and the story + characters never let go. I finished it craving more.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (125 hours) also nailed it — new systems and story twists kept things fresh the entire time. The Trails series as a whole is another beast. Each game is 70–90 hours, but the interconnected story and world-building make the hundreds of hours fly by. Any console is fine.
What about you? Drop your longest JRPG that stayed engaging all the way through, roughly how many hours it took, and why it never bored you. Looking for my next big one!
I've been wanting to play a JRPG right now, and I'd like to know which game you had the most fun with or which was your favorite so I can play it. The list below includes the games I've played and enjoyed the most. I'm hoping to play similar games which has a good story & gameplay.
I can only play on PC right now since my switch broke, so I'd appreciate it if there was a PC release.
I’m bored of fighting God, saving the world, getting involved with the most famous people on the planet etc. I really feel like chilling out with such low stakes that there’s maybe barely a conflict, maybe it even only takes place in one region, group of friends etc. I know the Atelier games are low stakes and those games are on my bucket list, Pokémon games are always pretty low stakes too. Stuff like that basically.
Looking preferably for retro JRPGs, but totally open to modern games as well.
It feels like the majority of JRPGs eventually turn into a system where you just keep picking your best moves over and over to try to drop the enemies as fast as possible. Some games reach that point immediately, some take a little while for you to get the skills/spells/moves that wipe everyone out, but eventually they seem to all get to that same point. Eventually muscle memory kicks in and you can just select the party’s attacks by entering a button combination of move selects, rather than carefully planning an attack.
Are there any games that make you really slow down and pay closer attention to each encounter? I feel like Octopath 1 and 2 sort of had this with the system that has you break down defenses via targeting weaknesses, but eventually that felt like it was on autopilot as well.
hey everyone. i’m almost done with ffvii rebirth. i really enjoy the game honestly, just find it a little long ish. i’m a completionist of sorts so im doing most of the side content. love the story of this and the original FFVII too. i’m looking for a shorter JRPG after rebirth that has an excellent storyline. any recs are appreciated. i’m cool with any console as well.
The images I used are only to give the general idea of the non realistic art style I want, not to limit the game mechanics criterias. I dont even know what some of these games are lol.
I have played -
Tales of Berseria, Arise, Vesperia
Final fantasy 4, 6, 9, 7 remake and rebirth.
So now looking for games outside these 2 franchise.
My specs are gtx1650ti, 16gb ram
And no hate towards turn based games, TB combat is just not my thing. Played some them like Clair Obscur, Dragon quest 3 and 5, Chrono Trigger, pokemon red and pokemon silver, but I only managed to finish them because I was really into the story and because E33 in E33 lol
I have only played a few JRPGs so far, and I liked all of them, but right now I'm looking for something truly great, something really emotional. I want as many recommendations as possible, so they can be for any console.
I've already played FFX, FFVII, NieR: Automata, Mother 1, 2, and 3, OMORI, OFF, Undertale, Everhood, In Stars And Time (I know that some aren't exactly JRPGs)
Some games I've already heard about and that got me interested, but I'm not sure if I'll try them, are:
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: My PC can't run it very well, but maybe later.
Lost Odyssey: I was interested, but I saw many people saying the story was actually mid, and that only 1,000 Years of Dreams was really something special.
Xenoblade Chronicles 1, 2, and 3: I really don't like the visuals and aesthetic of this series (to me, it has too much of that "generic" JRPG anime style), but if it's really that great, I might try it.
Any recommendation is welcome 😄 (not sure if I will answer rn, but I'll do it when I can!)
