10 Games That Will Make Anyone A JRPG Fan

Japanese Role-Playing Games, or JRPGs, are known for their expansive stories, detailed worlds, and large numbers of characters, which can seem overwhelming to some players. This has led some people to avoid the genre altogether, or stick with classics like Final Fantasy VII. Although there’s discussion about exactly what defines a JRPG, they’re actually much easier to get into than many think.

As a huge JRPG fan, I love how diverse the genre is! There are so many different stories and ways to play, it’s awesome. Whether you’re into epic fantasy, futuristic sci-fi, or even something set in the real world, I genuinely believe there’s a JRPG out there for absolutely anyone.

Persona 3 Reload Combines Plot With Style

Though it was the first game in its series, the original Persona 3, released in 2006, is seen by fans as the start of a new era for the franchise. It combined managing your time with exciting turn-based battles within Tartarus. The game’s compelling story, memorable music, and distinctive high school environment drew in many JRPG players.

Persona 3 Reload updates the classic experience for today’s players with improvements to the user interface, more control over your team, and a clearer translation that makes the story even better. It takes the best elements from both Persona 3 and Persona 5, making it an excellent game to start with if you’re new to the series.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Is A New Spin On A Classic

Both Final Fantasy VII and Chrono Trigger are frequently mentioned as influences on today’s games. While there’s plenty to enjoy in the original Final Fantasy VII even with the remake available, newcomers to role-playing games might find the remake a more accessible starting point.

This remake reimagines the first part of the original game with completely updated graphics and a new combat system. Instead of the original’s static environments, characters now move freely through 3D worlds, and players have direct control over their actions. There’s a lot to keep players engaged, including optional quests and the ability to improve weapons and items, offering hours of gameplay. If you enjoy the remake, you can then experience the classic original game.

Nier: Automata Is A Gorgeous Game

Originally launched in 2017, Nier: Automata lets you play as 2B, an android battling robots to protect what remains of humanity. The game is known for its unique style and cool aesthetic, especially in the character design of 2B, and this extends to the exciting gameplay. It also boasts one of…

Nier: Automata truly shines when you explore its world, revealing deeper story details, funny moments, and clever jokes. What makes it special is how it gets you invested and encourages you to really look at everything – a skill that’s great for any Japanese role-playing game, where important clues are often hidden in plain sight. All of this comes together in a game that’s incredibly engaging and difficult to stop playing.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses Is A Solid Strategy RPG

Fire Emblem: Three Houses is the most popular game in the Fire Emblem series and a great place to start if you’re new to the franchise. It tells a complete story on its own, meaning you don’t need any prior knowledge of previous games – something that can be true of other Fire Emblem titles like Engage. While the maps and strategy aren’t as complex as in some other games, this actually makes it easier for beginners to learn the ropes before tackling more difficult games such as Engage or Fates.

Three Houses excels at immersing players in its world, and even the slower moments feel interesting because you’re motivated to learn more about the characters. The game features a compelling cast, and the Support conversations are a great way to build relationships with everyone. It’s also a fantastic starting point for anyone new to the Fire Emblem series to see if they enjoy it.

Octopath Traveler Is A Sprawling Game Inspired By Retro JRPGs

Octopath Traveler is a fantastic game for anyone who enjoys large, beautifully designed worlds. It’s known for its unique HD-2D art style, which blends classic pixel art characters with impressive 3D backgrounds. The game successfully evokes the charm of older Super Nintendo games while looking modern and visually stunning.

This game is packed with content, featuring eight playable characters who impact both the narrative and how you play. Its turn-based battles are deep and strategic, giving you many ways to advance the story and win fights. If you’re looking for a JRPG that feels like a classic from the 90s but with a modern twist, this is a great option.

Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch Lets You Play Through A Ghibli Film

Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is a charming game that combines the beautiful storytelling and art style of Studio Ghibli with engaging gameplay. It features a mix of turn-based and real-time battles, and you can collect and train a variety of creatures to join your team. This makes it a fantastic JRPG that will keep you hooked, and a perfect starting point for anyone new to the genre who wants to experience a Ghibli-inspired adventure.

The game features beautiful animated cutscenes created by the renowned Studio Ghibli, and its music was composed by Joe Hisaishi, a frequent collaborator with Hayao Miyazaki. Fans of Miyazaki’s films will especially appreciate the game’s art and music, which also serve as a great entry point for players new to Japanese role-playing games.

Super Mario RPG Is A Classic Nintendo Game

Originally created by Square, the team famous for Final Fantasy, and published by Nintendo, Super Mario RPG smoothly blends the Mario universe with the style of Japanese role-playing games. If you’re already a Mario fan and curious about RPGs, this is a great place to start, as it clearly explains and uses turn-based combat in a user-friendly way.

The game is full of funny moments that have kept it popular online, thanks to internet memes. While Mario games are famous for their jumping and running, many other great games have been released over time, and starting with the original can open the door to discovering even more fantastic titles.

Bravely Default Is Making A Comeback

Though not as widely known as some JRPGs, the original Bravely Default was a hidden gem on the 3DS. It’s exciting to see an updated version as a launch game for the Switch 2. While the game might not have cutting-edge graphics, it makes up for it with strong gameplay and a compelling story.

Bravely Default offers a fresh take on classic turn-based battles with its Brave and Default system. Players can choose to act now, save up actions for later, or use resources strategically. The game also has a deep class system, letting players customize their characters and fight in a way that suits their playstyle.

Yakuza: Like A Dragon Brings JRPGs To The Modern Day

Instead of the typical fantasy or sci-fi settings of many Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs), Yakuza: Like a Dragon is set in present-day Yokohama. Despite this modern setting, it keeps the classic turn-based combat system, and in a signature move for the series, characters can use anything around them as weapons. You can expect the same blend of humor, action, and incredibly fun side activities that have made the Yakuza series so popular.

While technically the eighth game in the Yakuza series, Like a Dragon starts a new story with a new main character. This means you don’t need to have played previous games to enjoy it! You can jump right in and experience the fun gameplay and JRPG elements in a setting that’s easy to get into.

Chrono Trigger Shows JRPGs At Their Very Best

Released in 1995, Chrono Trigger remains a highly acclaimed JRPG even three decades later. The game was made by a legendary team – the minds behind Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest – with character designs from Akira Toriyama, famous for Dragon Ball.

Despite originally being released for the Super Nintendo, Chrono Trigger feels remarkably modern. Its story and gameplay are still excellent, and it stands out from other classic JRPGs because it doesn’t rely on random battles. The engaging time-travel plot keeps the experience fresh. Now, Chrono Trigger is available on PC, iOS, and Android, making it easier to play than ever before.

2025-11-14 07:47