The attitude towards JRPGs in our country is, to put it mildly, ambiguous. Especially among those players who prefer to play on computers rather than consoles. JRPGs are often accused of being hardly role-playing games - the characters are written in such a way that playing a role is purely nominal (although this is not always the case). In addition, players often do not like the linearity of the narrative and the large amount of grind, without which sometimes you simply cannot move on. However, if we assume that "regular" RPGs and JRPGs are games of different genres that are united by the presence of leveling, these features can be accepted and in return, you can get interesting stories, vivid characters, and worlds in which you can spend tens or even hundreds of hours. Besides, the genre is changing and developing. In this article, we're going to look at some really interesting JRPG games of the last decade (with some exceptions), both big high-profile projects and small indie developments. Interesting enough to be released on PC and earn high marks on Metacritic and other resources.
Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age
Release date 2017 (the very first version for PlayStation 4), 2020 (Definitive Edition for PC)
Rating on Metacritic 91/100
Platforms Windows, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One / Series X|S
Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age is a traditional Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) from Square Enix in a modern visual design (although in the extended version with the letter S in the title, you can play in classic isometry).
The Dragon Quest series is not very well known in Ukraine, although the first game of the franchise is considered the first JRPG in general. It was released back in 1986 on the Famicom platform (Nintendo Entertainment System, NES outside Japan). 31 years later, the 11th installment of the famous series was released.
When creating Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age, the developers sought to create the most traditional JRPG with all the relevant attributes, but with the latest graphics, modern engine, and a huge open world. And they succeeded. So if someone needs to recommend the quintessence of the genre, which is as friendly to beginners as possible, the 11th installment of Dragon Quest is probably the best choice.
Dragon Quest XI tells the story of a young hero who learns that he is the embodiment of the legendary "Light One" destined to save the world from darkness. His adventure begins in his native village, but quickly turns into an epic journey through endless lands where he meets allies and fights against evil forces. Along the way, he meets interesting characters, faces powerful enemies, and sometimes witty NPCs. And for some reason, everyone is also in awe of the protagonist's hair.
The game, as befits the genre, focuses on exploring a fabulous open world. It is also full of story puzzles, new acquaintances, and turn-based battles. Players control a team of heroes, each with unique abilities and classes. The combat system is focused on tactical planning: it is important to choose the right skills and strategies to confront different types of enemies.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
Release date 2021 (PlayStation), 2022 (Windows)
Rating on Metacritic 89/100
Platforms PlayStation 4/5, Windows
Final Fantasy is probably the most famous JRPG series, at least in our country. For those who have ignored the series so far, it's worth noting that the parts with different numbers are usually unrelated, and they take place in different worlds that may be similar in some ways, but are different. That is, if there are several games with the number VII, it is one universe, but they have nothing to do with Final Fantasy with the number VI or VIII.
The original Final Fantasy VII was released back in 1997 on the first PlayStation, and it was a bolt from the blue. The game featured an intense plot, extraordinary characters, and a world that you could immerse yourself in for many hours. Unlike most RPGs, the plot was not too fairytale-like, although, of course, it was not realistic. But it was relevant to the world of that time and remains so to this day. The game is about the Shinra Electric Power Corporation (or simply Shinra), which has the power to siphon energy from the planet despite the inevitable catastrophe. But money and power have always been and remain the most powerful drugs in the world. Cloud Strife, a former fighter for Shinra's elite unit and now a mercenary, joins a small resistance group called Avalanche, which not only educates about the corporation's crimes but also actively acts to blow up the reactors that pump out the energy.
The game features friendship, betrayal, struggle, loss, and death. Not the temporary death of a character in battle with subsequent resurrection, but the plot death of one of the main characters, which at one time struck many players.
In the remake, the story of Claude Strife and his environmentalist friends has been adapted and expanded, but, as the "veterans" note, the spirit of the original is preserved quite well. You seem to find yourself in a place where you were in your childhood, but you realize that not everything has been preserved and not very accurately. Square Enix managed to turn this story into an exciting adventure with modern graphics and an updated combat system. The latter in the game is not step-by-step, as in the original, but dynamic, with an emphasis on quick combinations of blows and tactical decisions during the battle.
The remake covers and expands on the first part of the original Final Fantasy VII. On February 29, 2024, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the second part of the remake, was released, continuing the story started in Final Fantasy VII Remake. It is currently exclusive to PlayStation 5. It will probably also appear on PC, as well as the final part of the trilogy, the release date of which has not yet been announced.
Fuga: Melodies of Steel
Year of release 2021
Rating on Metacritic 84/100
Platforms Windows, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One / Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
Fuga: Melodies of Steel is a tactical RPG developed by CyberConnect2. The game takes place in the world of anthropomorphic animals, where there is a war (an allusion to the events in France during the Second World War). After the powerful Berman Empire attacks the country of Gasco, a group of children escapes from the aggressors and finds a huge Taranis tank, which becomes their main weapon in the fight against the enemies.
The gameplay of Fuga: Melodies of Steel combines tactical turn-based battles and interaction between characters during recreation. During battles, the player places children in the tank's combat positions, and each of them has unique skills that affect the outcome of the battle. Individual tank turrets can be equipped with different types of weapons: from rapid-fire machine guns to powerful cannons, each of which is suitable for different types of enemies.
The developers paid special attention to the elements of social interaction between children. During breaks between battles, characters can socialize, do household chores, such as growing vegetables, cooking, or repairing a tank. This part of the gameplay allows you to strengthen friendships between characters, which affects their effectiveness in battle.
The game has an equally successful sequel Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2, which takes place a year after the events of the first part.
Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom
Year of release 2018
Rating on Metacritic 84/100
Platforms Windows, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom is the second installment of the Ni no Kuni series created by Level-5 in collaboration with Bandai Namco Entertainment. The first game in the series, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, was released in 2010 for the Nintendo DS in Japan and in 2011 for the PlayStation 3 worldwide.
The second part retains the atmosphere of a fairy-tale world inspired by Studio Ghibli animations, although the studio itself was not directly involved in the development of this part. However, the art style was created by Yoshiyuki Momose, who had previously worked with Studio Ghibli.
The game revolves around a young king, Evan, who falls victim to a coup d'état. To regain the throne and save his kingdom, Evan embarks on an exciting journey during which he will have to create his own kingdom from scratch.
One of the main features of Ni no Kuni II is the combination of elements from different genres. There are additional mechanics, such as urban planning and military. A special role in the game is played by small creatures called higgledies, which replaced the familiars from the first part. These magical creatures represent different elements (fire, water, wind, etc.) and help in battles, adding tactical variety.
Unlike the first installment, which featured a hybrid combat system with real-time and turn-based elements that was quite difficult for players, the combat system in Ni no Kuni II has been completely rethought. It now focuses on dynamic real-time battles where players control both characters and higgledy-piggledies to create tactical attack combinations. This makes the combat system more accessible to new players in the JRPG genre.
The visual animation style of the game remains one of its main strengths. Bright colors, detailed locations and charismatic character designs create a unique atmosphere of a fairy-tale adventure. We should also mention the soundtrack composed by the famous composer Joe Hisaishi, who also worked on many Studio Ghibli films.
Octopath Traveler II
Year of release 2023
Rating on Metacritic 85/100
Platforms Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5
The first part of Octopath Traveler was released in 2018 and quickly became known among JRPG fans for its innovative visual style and outstanding gameplay. It is important to note that it is not necessary to complete the first part before the second. Although both games have similar mechanics and style, they tell completely different stories in different worlds with new characters.
Like the first part, Octopath Traveler II features eight characters, each with their own story, motivation, and path. The player can choose with whom to start their journey and in what order to follow other storylines. Each character has unique abilities that affect both combat and interaction with NPCs.
The combat system in Octopath Traveler II is turn-based, but with some peculiarities. It combines classic elements with the mechanics of power-ups and special attacks. Players can exploit enemies' weaknesses and accumulate points to strengthen their attacks, which adds more depth and strategy to battles.
One of the main innovations of the second part is the system of changing day and night, which affects the gameplay and plot. Some characters have different abilities during the day and night, and certain quests are only available at certain times of the day. This adds a new dimension to the game and encourages players to explore the world at different times.
The visual aesthetics of the game remains its main feature. This is HD-2D graphics that combine pixel sprites with modern 3D effects. Therefore, it is able to attract new players and looks quite modern, but at the same time it can evoke nostalgia among fans of classic JRPGs.
Octopath Traveler II is set in the new world of Solistia, which is different from the world of the first game. This allows newcomers to easily enter the series without feeling like they've missed anything. At the same time, players who have completed the first installment will encounter many familiar elements and mechanics that have been improved and expanded.
The game received high marks from critics and attracted both fans of the first part and new players. The only thing it is regularly criticized for is its rather high price (1799 UAH without discounts on Steam).
Persona 5 Royal
Year of release 2022 (PC)
Rating on Metacritic 95/100
Platforms PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Windows, Xbox One / Series X|S
The Persona series embodies many of the elements that players either love or hate about JRPGs. These include anime aesthetics, bright colors, schoolboy protagonists, and turn-based combat. But Persona has its own unique features that set it apart from other games in the genre. And, judging by the rating, Persona 5 has finally reached PC players to the fullest.
One of the key features of the last three numbered games in the series (from the third to the fifth) is a kind of school life simulator with strict time management. Players develop relationships with other characters, which directly affects the combat characteristics of the heroes. At the same time, players explore the locations of Japanese cities, in Persona 5 it is Tokyo.
So, by day, the protagonist is a schoolboy who moved to Tokyo due to personal difficulties. At night, he is the leader of the Phantom Thieves, a group of just avengers. The game offers a unique concept of metaphorical "castles" - subconscious worlds created from people's desires and ambitions. The protagonist and his friends are able to penetrate these worlds and use their "Persons" - powerful beings that embody their inner strength (this is a reference to the philosophy of Carl Jung, and, in my opinion, it was best revealed in the fourth part of the series). The game's plot touches on deep themes of freedom, justice, and rebellion against the social system, which makes the story emotionally rich and meaningful.
The combat system in Persona 5 is distinguished by the use of these "Personas". Turn-based battles are combined with tactical exploitation of enemy weaknesses, which adds variety and puzzle elements to fights, especially boss fights.
The system of social connections attracts special attention. Every encounter and relationship with other characters affects your abilities in battle. Every day, the player faces a choice: go to work, improve skills, spend time with friends, or explore dungeons in the metaphysical world.
Persona 5's visual style has become its trademark. The game's striking art design with a predominance of red and black colors, dynamic interface, and unforgettable soundtrack by composer Shoji Meguro set it apart from the rest.
Persona 5 Royal is an expanded version of the original game (without the word Royal in the title), adding new storylines and content for 20-30 hours of play.
The game has become one of the most highly rated JRPGs of recent years, appealing to both fans of the genre and newcomers.
Sea of Stars
Year of release 2023
Rating on Metacritic 87/100
Platforms Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S
Sea of Stars is a modern game, but it is designed in a classic style, as the authors were inspired by the games of the 90s. It was created by Sabotage studio, also known for The Messenger. The plot and world of the game are related to this platformer, but knowledge of The Messenger events is not necessary for full immersion in Sea of Stars.
Sea of Stars tells the story of two main characters, Valer and Zayel, who are the children of the solstice. They have special magical powers that come from the sun and the moon, respectively. Their mission is to confront the evil that threatens the world, in particular the powerful alchemist known as The Fleshmancer. During the adventure, the heroes will assemble a team of diverse characters, each with their own story and unique abilities.
The combat system in Sea of Stars is turn-based, but with innovative elements. It includes timing mechanics and tactics to strengthen attacks and block enemy attacks. This adds dynamics to traditional turn-based battles and makes every fight exciting. Players can combine character abilities to create powerful attacks, as well as use environmental elements to gain an advantage in battle.
One of the key aspects of the game is the travel system. Players can freely explore the world, swim, climb walls, and interact with the environment. This makes the process of exploring the world as exciting as the battles themselves.
The game offers about 30-40 hours of the main plot, with additional content that can increase the time of passing.
Bonus: Chrono Trigger
Release date 1995 (Super Nintendo), 2018 (Steam)
Rating on Metacritic 94/100 (оригінальна версія)
Platforms Super Nintendo, PlayStation, Nintendo DS, Mobile, Windows
Although the original game was released a long time ago, back in 1995 on the Super Nintendo, Chrono Trigger is so important to the genre and well executed that it can be recommended even to a modern player who is interested in good stories. Moreover, it is now quite officially available on PC.
Chrono Trigger is considered to be one of the best Japanese role-playing games created by a team of true legends of the genre: Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of Final Fantasy, Yuji Horii, and Akira Toriyama, who were behind the Dragon Quest series. The game combines a fascinating time travel story with innovative gameplay mechanics.
In the game, the heroes can travel through six different time periods, meeting a variety of unique characters, such as a robot from the future, a girl from the prehistoric era, or a knight who was turned into a frog. As a result of their travels, they learn about the alien creature Lavos, which appeared on the planet in prehistoric times and will almost completely destroy life on Earth in the future.
The game has over ten different endings that depend on when and how the player defeats Lavos. The main focus of the game is that players can change the current course of events both in the main storyline and in side quests. For example, actions taken in the past can have a significant impact on the future, which adds depth and replayability.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Release date 2020
Rating on Metacritic 83/100
Platforms PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S, Windows
I have to admit: I adore the Yakuza series, despite its many flaws, both technical and story. So when I heard about the change in concept from beat 'em up to turn-based JRPG, I almost felt sick, even though I love turn-based combat in many JRPGs and, for example, in the old Fallout games. But this is Yakuza! Beat 'em up seems to be woven into its DNA, just like karaoke bars and numerous clan showdowns on the streets of Kamurocho! Those who know will understand. For everyone else, I'll say that Yakuza: Like a Dragon is an unusual offshoot of the Yakuza series, where the mood is very similar to the original, but the battles are now turn-based. In the previous six main parts, the protagonist was the extremely noble ex-yakuza Kazuma Kiryu, nicknamed the Dragon Dojima (he was not only honest, brave and strong, he also took care of an orphanage!). Now we have a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, who seeks to restore his honor after being framed and imprisoned.
The story begins on New Year's Eve 2001, when Ichiban, a rank-and-file member of the clan, agrees to take the blame for a crime he did not commit. Loyal to his boss, he makes this sacrifice in the hope of reward and promotion (or simply because he is the boss!). After 18 years in prison, he is released and finds that the world has changed and his former comrades have betrayed him (yes, the naivety of the main characters in Yakuza is a whole other song).
Ichiban's adventures include numerous quests, interactions with various characters, and turn-based battles that combine elements of classic JRPGs with the unique humor and eccentric situations inherent in the Yakuza series. For example, you can fight a giant robot vacuum cleaner in a sewer, which is typical of the series' absurd humor. As is often the case in JRPGs, the main character has companions who fight alongside him. Here, they are quite funny.
One of the main features of the game is the Job System, where characters can "get" different jobs, which affects their abilities and role in battles. For example, Ichiban can become a dancer, a fighter, or even a magician, which adds a lot of tactical options.
However, the transition to JRPG mechanics revealed some problems with the game's balance. Unlike the previous installments, where a skillful player could defeat a stronger opponent through dexterity and tactics, in Like a Dragon it all comes down to numbers vs. numbers. If the enemy's level is much higher than yours, it's almost impossible to defeat them, regardless of your skill.
This leads to the need to grind - to fight random enemies, perform in a battle arena, or manage a company for a long and boring time (although it depends on who you are). Grinding involves repeated repetition of battles to level up characters or increase the amount of resources. This may disappoint those players who are used to the more dynamic gameplay of the previous installments in the series, but despite these shortcomings, Yakuza: Like a Dragon turned out to be an interesting representative of the series and a good option for a less fairy-tale and fantasy JRPG set in the more or less real world of modern Japan.
Non-Japanese JRPGs
The JRPG genre has long gone beyond Japan. Thanks to tools such as RPG Maker, even enthusiasts can create their own games with turn-based battles, deep plots, and all other JRPG features. Below, we will take a look at four outstanding examples of non-Japanese JRPG games.
LISA: The Painful
Release date 2014
Rating on Metacritic 82/100
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One / Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
LISA: The Painful is a JRPG in a post-apocalyptic setting developed by independent developer Austin Yorio under the pseudonym Dingaling. Welcome to a dark world where all women have mysteriously disappeared. You play as Brad Armstrong, a former drug addict who is trying to save Buddy, the only girl left who he considers his adopted daughter. Brad's journey through a devastated, crazy world is full of dangers, moral dilemmas, and emotionally difficult decisions.
From the point of view of atmosphere and plot, everything here is great. The world is dark, the humor is black, the narrative is deep and disturbing. Everything is just how post-apocalyptic fans like it. The visual style of the game is deliberately primitive, which contrasts with its complex themes.
But LISA's gameplay may scare off impatient modern players. The battles here are turn-based, somewhat primitive, and outdated, as if designed to drag out the game rather than make it more interesting to play.
Players will find more than 30 unique characters to join their team, each with their own backstory and combat abilities. Each companion has a unique appearance and story, which demonstrates the developers' attitude to the game's lore.
Every step of the LISA journey has serious and often irreversible consequences for the player. You can lose limbs, important resources, or even regular party members. This system emphasizes the theme of sacrifice and loss that permeates the entire game and adds emotional intensity to every battle.
LISA: The Painful tackles complex topics including violence, drug addiction, trauma, and the cycle of abuse. The game is not afraid to show the darker sides of human nature, but it does so with a touch of humor, balancing between comedy and tragedy. It is not directly stated what happened, but the details are revealed through locations and characters, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the circumstances of the plot.
Despite gameplay shortcomings, LISA: The Painful has received high praise from critics and players alike for its unique world and story. The game requires players to accept some gameplay shortcomings, but in return offers a deep emotional immersion into its dark world.
Omori
Year of release 2020
Rating on Metacritic 87/100
Platforms Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Omori is a psychological role-playing game about loss, guilt, and loyal friends developed by Omocat. The game was released after a long development process (6 years), and instantly captured the hearts of many fans, especially among the teenage audience.
The plot of Omori revolves around a protagonist named Omori (or Sunny) who travels between two worlds: the bright and fictional Dream World and the dark, disturbing reality where something tragic has happened. The game starts off with a rather strange twist, but then for a while you will find yourself in a fairy-tale world, so innocent that at some point you may wonder what we are doing here at all. But gradually, as we move from reality to the fairy-tale world, getting to know the protagonist and his friends, we come to the sad conclusion of this story, immersed in the problems of depression and escape from reality... but we are not alone, and this gives us hope.
Omori's gameplay combines traditional turn-based JRPG elements. Battles are based on the emotion system, where each character and enemy can experience different states (neutral, joy, sadness, or anger), which affects their characteristics and behavior in battle. The game also includes a system of friendly assistance in attacks, which adds depth to the combat system. In general, friendship plays a very important role in Omori at all levels.
The visual style of the game is pleasant if you like anime and classic isometric 2D.
The game has several endings that depend on the player's decisions. While the resolution may seem simple, each ending gives the player food for thought about human nature, forgiveness, and acceptance.
Even though the gameplay may seem a bit long due to the RPG Maker (the game's engine), it is the emotional depth and psychological aspect that make Omori a unique gaming experience. The game evokes a wide range of emotions: from fear and sadness to joy and excitement.
South Park: The Stick of Truth
Year of release 2014
Rating on Metacritic 85/100
Platforms Windows, PlayStation 3/4, Xbox 360/One, Nintendo Switch
South Park: The Stick of Truth is the first attempt to bring the cult animated series to the JRPG format, and it has been surprisingly successful. Created in collaboration with the developers from Obsidian Entertainment, the game retains the characteristic style of the series, with its sharp humor and satire, while providing classic role-playing mechanics. The player takes on the role of a boy who has just arrived in the city with his parents.
Very quickly, the newcomer is drawn into a large-scale fantasy game that parodies everything and everyone at once, as South Park always does. Cartman and the other kids are waging a "war" for a magical artifact, the Stick of Truth. But events quickly spiral out of control, turning into absurd and hilarious chaos. The player finds himself in a fantasy conflict between "humans" and "elves", but also encounters typically provocative topics such as aliens, zombie Nazis, pedophilia, politics, religion, and more.
The battles in the game are turn-based, with a tactical bias and specific attacks. Players can combine attacks, defend themselves, and use special abilities of each character. In addition to battles, a lot of attention is paid to exploring the city of South Park, where the player can complete quests, interact with the characters of the series and find numerous jokes and references. In short, this game is a real gift for fans of the series, but everyone else should approach the game with caution. A player unprepared for South Park's trademark humor should know that almost everyone can find something to be outraged about if they want to.
The game has an equally successful sequel, South Park: The Fractured But Whole, which was released in 2017. The sequel changed the combat system: instead of turn-based battles on a single plane, as in The Stick of Truth, a tactical system on a grid appeared. The Fractured But Whole changed the theme from fantasy to superheroics, parodying popular comic book and movie franchises.
Undertale
Year of release 2015
Rating on Metacritic 92/100
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
This game, despite its very modest appearance, even by pixel standards, has long since become a cult game. Especially among pacifist-minded young people.
Created by a single developer, Toby Fox, Undertale combines turn-based combat, an emotional story, and a unique system of moral choices.
You play as a child who has fallen into an underworld inhabited by monsters. But here's the interesting thing: you can either fight them or resolve conflicts peacefully. And this peaceful way in the game is very important, in fact, it is the main manifesto of Undertale.
The battles take place in the form of turn-based combat with elements of puzzles and timing, and each of your decisions affects the further development of the plot. The game also constantly plays with the player's expectations, breaking the fourth wall and touching them.
For several years now, Toby Fox has been developing a game that can be called a sequel to Undertale - Deltarune. So far, only the first two chapters of the new game are available, and you do not need to pay for them.
As usual, we invite readers to add their own favorite modern JRPGs that you would recommend to your friends in the comments.