10 Greatest JRPGs of All Time, Ranked

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Role-playing games, or RPGs, are incredibly popular, and for good reason. What sets them apart is their focus on unique characters and personalized stories, which have been engaging players since the days of the Super Nintendo. Beyond entertainment, RPGs have also pushed the entire gaming industry forward, inspiring more games to prioritize storytelling through cinematic cutscenes and high-quality voice acting.

JRPGs have a long and rich history, so there are tons of amazing games to choose from. Series like Final Fantasy, Persona, and Dragon Quest are full of memorable titles. However, a few games truly stand out as the best of the best, and deserve to be celebrated for their quality and lasting appeal.

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Is The Best Version Of The Best Pokemon Game

When discussing JRPGs, Pokémon always comes up – and when talking about the best Pokémon games, HeartGold and SoulSilver stand out. These remakes of the original Gold and Silver are a significant improvement, just like the original Generation 2 games were over the first generation.

Fans appreciate being able to revisit these beloved games with improved technology and helpful new features. HeartGold and SoulSilver offer a massive game world and a huge variety of Pokémon to collect, making it a dream for completionists. However, the story isn’t quite as strong as in some other role-playing games, which keeps it from ranking higher.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Tells A Brilliant Narrative About Two Warring Nations

For the past 15 years, Monolith Software has been consistently creating excellent Japanese role-playing games with their Xenoblade Chronicles series. Each game features a stunning world and a truly memorable story. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 may be their masterpiece, telling the story of two nations locked in a never-ending war, where soldiers only live for a decade.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 takes the best parts of previous games and refines them, while also discarding what didn’t work. The combat system is more polished and offers incredible customization with a wide variety of classes and abilities. Plus, the engaging side quests and storytelling really immerse players in the game’s unusual and captivating world.

Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age Proves Dragon Quest Is Still A Peak Franchise

The Dragon Quest series is renowned for creating unforgettable gaming experiences, and Dragon Quest XI continues that tradition. Players become the Luminary, embarking on a quest to save the world by reaching the legendary Yggdrasil. However, DQ XI is more than just a journey to a single destination; it’s a sprawling, captivating story that keeps players engaged from beginning to end.

Look, Dragon Quest XI isn’t breaking any new ground, but honestly, it’s just a really solid JRPG. Everything about it is just done so well. The world is gorgeous and has this amazing, charming feel that a lot of other JRPGs just can’t capture. Plus, I genuinely liked all the characters – they felt real and well-written. It was the perfect game to bring Dragon Quest back to consoles and reminded me why I loved the series in the first place – it still has that special something.

Yakuza: Like A Dragon Completely Transforms The Yakuza Series

On paper, Yakuza: Like A Dragon seemed destined to flop. Switching from the long-time hero to the quirky Ichiban, and completely changing the fighting style from beat-’em-up to turn-based combat, was a huge risk. But instead of failing, it became a standout title in the Yakuza series and one of the best JRPGs ever made.

The story in Like A Dragon – about starting over as an adult – is something many players will connect with, and it offers insightful commentary on the struggles of marginalized groups. It’s filled with loving references to Dragon Quest, making it feel especially rewarding for gamers who grew up with the series. As the first mainline Yakuza game to switch to turn-based RPG combat, it’s remarkably well-executed and comes incredibly close to being a perfect transition.

Suikoden II Still Has One Of The Best Stories In Gaming

The first Suikoden was a good game, but Suikoden II truly stood out. Set three years after the original, it tells the story of Riou as he tries to bring peace between two warring nations. To do so, he must gather an army and confront a legendary villain – one of the most memorable in JRPG history.

Suikoden II built upon the strengths of the first game, delivering a more compelling story and more well-developed characters. It kept all the features players loved – like a huge roster of characters and diverse battle options – resulting in a truly exceptional game that stands out in its genre.

Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero Is The Best Of A Long-Running Franchise

The Legend of Heroes series has been around for over two decades and continues to deliver great games. However, Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero is considered one of the best in the franchise. This fourth installment takes players to the city-state of Crossbell, where a new detective named Lloyd Bannings joins the Special Support Section police team to combat crime.

Trails from Zero is a fantastic entry point to the Trails series. It keeps the immersive, connected world that fans love, but it’s a relatively short JRPG, clocking in at just over 40 hours. With a smaller cast of characters, the game gives each of them meaningful development and screen time.

Persona 5 Royal Is Still One Of The Most Stylish Games Of All Time

As a huge Persona fan, I have to say Atlus just keeps outdoing themselves! For a long time, I thought Persona 4 Golden was the absolute best, but Persona 5 Royal has definitely taken that title. It’s easily one of the greatest JRPGs I’ve ever played. What really makes it special is the Phantom Thieves – they’re such a relatable and well-developed group. And honestly, they even managed to make the silent main character, Joker, a really memorable and iconic figure!

Honestly, playing Persona 5 Royal felt just as amazing as getting lost in any fantasy world – even though it’s set in modern-day Japan! The game is seriously stylish, with a UI that just pops, and the jazz soundtrack is something I’m still humming weeks later. It’s one of those games that really stays with you. Now, my biggest worry is how Atlus is going to top this with the next Persona game – it’s a tough act to follow!

Final Fantasy VI Has Somehow Become The Hidden Gem

Square had already built a strong reputation as a game developer before the release of Final Fantasy VII. Their previous game, Final Fantasy VI for the SNES, was considered a peak achievement in the JRPG genre, earning rave reviews and awards. Over time, Final Fantasy VI has become something of a hidden treasure, with many dedicated JRPG fans considering it the very best in the series.

Although some fans can be overly protective of it, Final Fantasy VI truly lives up to the hype. It still boasts one of the most frightening villains in JRPG history, and a genuinely shocking plot twist. Plus, for those who enjoy classic pixel art, the game remains visually stunning even today, decades after its 1994 release.

Chrono Trigger Is The Best Introduction To JRPGs

When talking about the best Japanese role-playing games ever made, Chrono Trigger always comes up. Created by legendary developers like Akira Toriyama, who designed the characters for Dragon Quest, and Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of Final Fantasy, it was destined to be a classic. This fantastic game ended up being a standout surprise during the 16-bit gaming era.

If you want to introduce someone to Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), Chrono Trigger is a fantastic choice. It’s designed to be easy to pick up, with simpler battles and character customization, and it’s relatively short, making it less daunting to complete. But don’t let the length fool you – with over a dozen different endings, it’s a game you’ll want to play again and again to see everything it has to offer.

Final Fantasy Tactics Is Narrative Perfection

Thankfully, Square-Enix recently updated this fantastic game so a new generation can experience it – and everyone really should play it! Simply put, Final Fantasy Tactics is the best Final Fantasy game, and arguably the best Japanese role-playing game ever made. It features a brilliantly crafted, heartbreaking story with compelling characters that will keep you invested from beginning to end.

The combat system might feel a little complex at first, but most players quickly learn it and even come to love it. With so many different classes and abilities to choose from, every fight feels fresh and unique. Even after many years, this game still sets the standard for Japanese role-playing games.

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2026-01-31 19:16