There are so many truly amazing JRPGs from the original Chrono Trigger to Xenoblade Chronicles 3. Each one offers something new to the genre, whether it’s vast open worlds or emotional storytelling. Fortunately, for JRPG fans and newcomers alike, 2024 is one of the best years to jump on board and try out some of these truly incredible games, as the majority of them are more accessible than ever.
There are JRPGs for every type of person, from JRPGs for those who love Studio Ghibli films to ones for players who prefer the old school style of turn-based pixel art adventuring. Fortunately, developers make JRPGs for all types of players, with indies preferring the more old-school design, while AAA ones offer bombastic story-driven extravaganzas.
10
Crosscode (2018)
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
crosscode is a single-player JRPG about a girl named Lea with amnesia who finds herself in an MMO. The entire story, which can take up to 80 hours to beat, revolves around this MMOBut more broadly, the people playing it and the mystery surrounding Leia. It’s a compelling story, one that runs alongside the MMO’s story as well, and is used well to sell the engaging cast of characters players will meet along the way.
When it comes to gameplay, Players must adventure across vast open areas, solve puzzles, fight enemies, venture into surprisingly challenging dungeons, and do a plethora of MMO-style fetch quests if they want to.. They also have a strong combat system to engage with that expands and grows throughout the runtime and makes sure it never gets old. All of this culminates in an amazing JRPG that is sure to stay with players long after they’ve beaten it and rightfully warrants it a place as one of the best indie JRPGs available.
9
Bloomtown: A Different Story (2024)
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Bloomtown: A different story is a 2024 indie game from the people behind Cemetery keeper that s A blend between Persona 5 And earth bond With a smell of Stranger things For good luck. It features social sim elements, turn-based combat to a jazzy soundtrack, gardening, monster collecting, and a story about children who are missing in a mysterious dimension called the Underside. It manages to combine all the best elements of its influences and still offer something completely new.
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Bloomtown: A different story is also a relatively long adventure, taking anywhere between 20 and 50 hours to beat, giving players a lot of value for their money. There are dozens of monsters to collect and fuse, collectible vinyls to find and various minigames to play. Its stunning visuals and incredible soundtrack complete the overall packageMaking this an indie JRPG is worth checking out.
8
Sea of ​​Stars (2023)
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Sea of ​​stars is easily the definitive modern-old-school JRPG This is perfect for those who want the JRPGs of yesteryear. Its gorgeous pixel art visuals, sweeping storyline, expansive world and soundtrack by Eric W. Brown and guest composer Yasunori Mitsuda of Chrono Trigger And Xenoblade Chronicles Room, giving it a nostalgic yet modernized and accessible feel. Players will explore a huge overworld, embark on an epic adventure and take on enemies in challenging turn-based combat throughout the 30-hour story.
It’s still supported, with a huge free DLC coming Sea of ​​stars Adding a lot of new content and a whole new storyline for players to enjoy. It’s no wonder that Sea of ​​stars Reviewed so well and continues to be a fan favorite among the JRPG community. Although there are many other JRPGs that offer a similar experience, such as Chained echoesSea of ​​Stars really stands out as the best of the bunch.
7
Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom (2018)
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Nowhere 2: Revenant Kingdom Still remains the best JRPG for Studio Ghibli lovers. It offers a heartwarming and whimsical story full of adventure told through the stylings and art direction that Studio Ghibli is famous for. Although it had much less involvement in making the sequel, No Kuni 2s Improved mechanics and more varied gameplay make it the better experience of the two.
It has one of the best soundtracks in JRPG history, thanks to long-time Studio Ghibli collaborator Joe HisaishiAs well as frenetic combat that is sure to delight those sick of turn-based battles. No Kuni 2 Makes the most of its gorgeous visuals by letting the player explore a densely detailed overworld and gorgeous cities. It’s truly a delightful game and perfect for those who want a slightly more family-friendly JRPG.
6
NieR Replicant Ver.1.22474487139… (2021)
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
NieR Replicant ver. 1.22474487139… – Now referred to as NieR replicant for brevity’s sake – is a complex but ultimately incredibly fulfilling JRPG and the perfect example of a great remake. It massively updates the original experience with improved visuals and quality-of-life featuresBringing back a largely overlooked JRPG experience. Its story is beautifully told throughout its long runtime, with gorgeous cutscenes, art direction and phenomenal voice acting.
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However, it is important to note that in order to get the most out of the game, players must unlock each ending in NieR replicantHow they build on the themes, characters and story in relevant and meaningful ways. Of course, it is absolutely worth putting the effort to get them all, as in the sequel NieR AutomataAnd players will be thankful they have. This may not be for everyone, just because of its complexity, however It’s a truly breathtaking JRPG and worth the investment for those who have the patience for it.
5
Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020)
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
It is still mesmerizing that these Yakuza franchise got a turn-based JRPG entry inspired by the Dragon Quest Games, and still here Yakuza: Like a dragon stands with a full-blown sequel under its belt to boot. This completely revolutionized the Yakuza franchise, giving players something they never thought to expectAnd ends up being one of the best entries in the Yakuza Series. It switches the action-packed combat of the original games for thrilling turn-based battles while retaining much of the Yakuza Magic.
This is the perfect jumping on point for newcomers to the franchise As it introduced a whole new area to the Yakuza franchise and a new protagonist. It is, for the most part, divorced from the original Yakuza Games, although it has references and characters. Yakuza: Like a dragon is the definitive JRPG for those looking for something more grounded, violent and still full of hacky fun.
4
Dragon Quest 11 (2017)
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Whereas Sea of ​​stars Taking the old school JRPG formula and reviving it almost verbatim, aside from some modern quality-of-life changes, Dragon Quest Shi Offers a completely modernized version of ​​this formula with gorgeous 3D visuals, large open areas and a fully voiced narration. It still retains a lot of the magic that made older JRPGs so compelling, with its largely unchanged turn-based combat and exploration, but makes it much more approachable for a modern audience. what makes DQ XI So compelling is his colorful cast of characters who feel fleshed out and believableMaking the adventure that much more immersive.
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There are also genuine emotional stakes that help drive the story along And ensure that the player never feels bored. The huge amount of variety in enemy types also keep combat from feeling old, like the epic boss fights. Dragon Quest Shi is the perfect game for those who grew up on JRPGs, those looking for something a little more simple, or those who just love Dragon Quest Series.
3
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (2024)
Platforms: PS5
The list simply would not be complete without at least some mention of Game Final FantasyAnd what better game to play in 2024 than the epic Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Adapting the middle section from the original Final Fantasy VII, It’s a huge JRPG packed with so much gameplay for fans to sink their teeth into, as well as one of the most emotional stories in JRPG history. It’s a satisfying game in its own right, but is obviously best played after enjoying the amazing Final Fantasy VII Remake.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Still remains one of the best open-world JRPGs currently available, with its sprawling landscapes and lush verdant valleys just begging to be explored. There’s so much side content crammed into every nook and cranny, from card minigames to monsters to hunt, giving those who crave plenty of distractions plenty to enjoy. This is easily the most triple-A feeling JRPG availableAnd a perfect jumping-on point for those more accustomed to open-world RPGs looking to make the leap.
2
Persona 5 Royale (2019)
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
As frustratingly outdated as some of Persona 5 Royale can feel, at least in terms of its history, There’s so much to love about this social sim JRPG that it’s hard not to continue recommending it. From his undeniably impeccable style to his enthralling narrative packed full of interesting characters, Persona 5 Royale Really feels like it’s got it all. The whole package is made even more compelling thanks to the massive upgrades and improvements Royal Version made to the base game.
At the very least, JRPG enthusiasts should listen to its soundtrack, as it’s easily one of the most unique in the genre. with these Persona 5 Royale Nintendo Switch port has proven to be phenomenal, there is a way to play it for practically every type of gamer. moreover, Thanks to its more grounded approach to storytelling, it serves as a good starting point for JRPG newbies.
1
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (2022)
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
basically, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is one of the best JRPGs ever madeA masterclass in game design and storytelling with some of the best directed cutscenes and music in the entire genre. Although its controversial predecessor surpasses it in several areas, XBC3 Evolved the series in surprising ways, giving it a much darker tone in storytelling, and greatly expanded its approach to exploration. It features huge open areas that are as dynamic as they are varied, with each of them full of engaging side quests.
It is the main search of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Which is likely to capture players as it tells the sweeping story of Noah and the mysterious world he inhabits. To spoil any of it would be a disservice to those yet to experience it, but rest assured, this is a truly emotional and groundbreaking JRPG story that is incredibly memorable. Xenoblade Chronicles 3’s Only downside is that it’s locked to the Nintendo Switch, but for those who have one, it’s a must-play.