The Best Japanese Games

Update, : Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg added at rank #20.
1

Persona 5 Royal (2022)

View Similar Games
94
Review score
Logo of Persona 5 Royal Screenshot of Persona 5 Royal Screenshot of Persona 5 Royal Screenshot of Persona 5 Royal

Android PC Windows Xbox One

Persona 5 Royal is a JRPG that mixes turn-based combat with stealth and puzzles, creating an unbelievably cool and unique gaming experience. You play as a high schooler fighting supernatural forces while balancing everyday activities and relationships. The game features excellent visuals, an outstanding soundtrack, and a well-realized story that deals with some serious teenage issues. With refined mechanics and new additions, Persona 5 Royal is undoubtedly worth playing.


Pro:
  • Well-realized story
  • Unique gameplay loop
  • Top-notch combat system
  • Outstanding soundtrack
  • Multiple meaningful additions
Cons:
  • Heavy on dialogue and story
  • Slow start
  • Can be overwhelming

  • japanese
  • rpg
  • dungeon
  • jrpg
  • turn-based
  • battle
  • combat
  • fight

2

The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero (2020)

View Similar Games
93
Review score
Logo of The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero Screenshot of The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero Screenshot of The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero Screenshot of The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero

Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch PC Windows

The Legend of Heroes: Trails From Zero is a classic Japanese JRPG that has been localized for the West. Players take control of a team of young police recruits in a major city as they strive to improve the reputation of their force by completing odd tasks for citizens. With impressive visuals and engaging characters, Trails From Zero will provide an enjoyable experience for both newcomers and veterans alike.


Pro:
  • Tactical turn-based combat
  • Dynamic shadows
  • Keyboard & mouse support on PC
Cons:
  • Boring side quests
  • PC offers higher frame rate but needs powerful hardware

  • japanese
  • rpg
  • jrpg
  • detective
  • battle
  • turn-based

3

Chained Echoes (2022)

View Similar Games
90
Review score
Logo of Chained Echoes Screenshot of Chained Echoes Screenshot of Chained Echoes Screenshot of Chained Echoes

Playstation 4 Linux Nintendo Switch PC Windows Mac OS Xbox One Playstation 5 Xbox Series X

Chained Echoes is an indie JRPG that surprises players with engaging combat, compelling characters, and stellar worldbuilding. It pays homage to classic RPGs and adds clever twists. The turn-based combat system is excellent, requiring strategy and skill upgrades. Well-written characters and a thought-provoking story make the game enjoyable throughout its 30-40 hour runtime. The music perfectly complements the high fantasy setting. Chained Echoes is a fresh and smart adventure that celebrates classic JRPGs while incorporating modern improvements.


Pro:
  • Engaging combat
  • Compelling characters
  • Stellar worldbuilding
  • Thought-provoking story
  • Excellent music
Cons:
  • Grindy levelling system

  • japanese
  • rpg
  • jrpg
  • turn-based
  • mech

4

FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE (2022)

View Similar Games
88
Review score
Logo of FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE Screenshot of FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE Screenshot of FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE Screenshot of FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE

Playstation 4 PC Windows Playstation 5 intergrade

FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE - join a group of idealists fighting against the Shinra Electric Power Company, who are destroying the planet for their own gain. With a mix of traditional and real-time action combat and stunning graphics, the classic game has been re-born with new elements and an expanded story. The new DLC episode featuring Yuffie Kisaragi adds more excitement to the game. Get ready to save the world from certain doom!


Pro:
  • Deep and engaging storyline
  • Stunning graphics
  • Fun and exciting gameplay
  • Expansion of original story with character development
  • Exciting DLC with promising plot
Cons:
  • Departure from original storyline may disappoint some fans
  • Too much padding
  • Micro-stutters and performance issues on some systems

  • rpg
  • ninja
  • remake
  • japanese
  • real-time
  • combat
  • fps
  • jrpg
  • fight
  • action
  • battle
  • first-person
  • narrative
  • turn-based
  • tower-defense

5

Octopath Traveler II (2023)

View Similar Games
84
Review score
Logo of Octopath Traveler II Screenshot of Octopath Traveler II Screenshot of Octopath Traveler II Screenshot of Octopath Traveler II

Nintendo Switch Xbox One) (Xbox Series X/s Playstation 4 Playstation 5 PC Windows

Octopath Traveler is a stunning homage to 16-bit era JRPGs. It features beautiful art design, nuanced and mature storytelling, complete with 8 unique characters that the player can get to know in their own journeys. Players will also experience a behemoth of an overall narrative, a robust combat system, and plenty of content to explore.


Pro:
  • Homage to 16-bit era JRPGs
  • Beautiful art design
  • Nuanced and mature storytelling
  • Unique characters with personal stories
  • Robust combat system
  • Plenty of content to explore
Cons:
  • Can be difficult to navigate the world at points
  • Battles tend to go overlong
  • No visual indication when bosses are weakened or close to death

  • japanese
  • rpg
  • jrpg
  • turn-based
  • battle

6

NEO: The World Ends With You (2021)

View Similar Games
87
Review score
Logo of NEO: The World Ends With You Screenshot of NEO: The World Ends With You Screenshot of NEO: The World Ends With You Screenshot of NEO: The World Ends With You

PC Windows Nintendo Switch Playstation 4

Dive into the vibrant streets of Shibuya in NEO: The World Ends with You, where you're in a high-stakes Reapers' Game. Use your psychic abilities, unravel a gripping story, and change your fate. With its unique art style, high-energy music, and addictive combat, you'll be hooked from start to finish.


Pro:
  • Engaging and unpredictable storyline
  • Exciting combat system with psychic abilities
  • Unique and stunning art style
  • High-energy, genre-bending soundtrack
  • Gradually complex and satisfying gameplay
Cons:
  • Combat can sometimes be visually cluttered
  • Some story elements may be overwhelming for newcomers
  • Repetitive moments
  • Lack of fast travel option

  • japanese
  • rpg
  • battle
  • jrpg
  • team
  • anime
  • combat
  • fight
  • cult
  • boss-fight
  • action

7

Live A Live (2022)

View Similar Games
81
Review score
Logo of Live A Live Screenshot of Live A Live Screenshot of Live A Live Screenshot of Live A Live

super famicom Playstation 5 Playstation 4 PC Windows Nintendo Switch

Live A Live is a cult classic Super Nintendo game that has been brought to the west with this remastered version. With a unique story told across multiple time periods and characters, enjoy an ambitious scope of HD2D visuals, voiceovers in both English and Japanese, unique turn based combat, and fantastic music!


Pro:
  • Unique story told through multiple time periods
  • HD2D visuals and particle work
  • Voiceovers in both English and Japanese
  • Unique turn based combat system with risk/reward elements
  • Fantastic music
Cons:
  • Some may feel disappointed by the lack of 3D remake feature

  • japanese
  • rpg
  • jrpg
  • grid
  • turn-based
  • remake
  • battle
  • fight

8

Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020)

View Similar Games
88
Review score
Logo of Yakuza: Like a Dragon Screenshot of Yakuza: Like a Dragon Screenshot of Yakuza: Like a Dragon Screenshot of Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Playstation 5 PC Windows Xbox Series X Xbox One Playstation 4

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is an open world brawler set in a stylized version of Japan, where you control Ichiban Kasuga, an honorable ex-yakuza who took the fall for a crime he didn't commit. As he attempts to get his life back on track, you'll have to navigate the underworld of Yokohama as you battle foes using RPG style combat and utilize environmental objects to aid you in battle. You can also take on jobs and explore side activities such as gambling or kart racing.


Pro:
  • Fast paced combat
  • Strategic use of environmental objects
  • Variety of side activities
  • Funny and touching human stories
  • RPG style battle system with summons feature
Cons:
  • Combat can end abruptly if protagonist is knocked out
  • Long distance travel for some tasks
  • Restrictions on summons use

  • rpg
  • japanese
  • turn-based
  • jrpg
  • crime
  • combat
  • fight
  • brawler
  • battle
  • drama
  • narrative

9

Final Fantasy III Pixel Remaster (2021)

View Similar Games
85
Review score
Logo of Final Fantasy III Pixel Remaster Screenshot of Final Fantasy III Pixel Remaster Screenshot of Final Fantasy III Pixel Remaster Screenshot of Final Fantasy III Pixel Remaster

PC Windows Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch Android IOS iPhone

Immerse yourself in the timeless adventure of FINAL FANTASY III. Experience the captivating story and charming retro graphics, now remastered with updated 2D pixel graphics and a beautifully rearranged soundtrack. Dive into a world of magic and darkness, where only the chosen adventurers can save the world. With improved gameplay and additional features, this remastered edition brings new life to a beloved classic. Are you ready to embark on this exciting journey?


Pro:
  • The redemption arc of Final Fantasy series
  • Robust job system with customization
  • Challenging battles and well-designed dungeons
  • Captivating narrative and character development
  • Remastered soundtrack and immersive sound design
  • Quality-of-life improvements
Cons:
  • Expensive pricing
  • Balancing issues with difficulty spikes
  • Tedium of grinding for different jobs
  • Lack of individuality among party members

  • japanese
  • rpg
  • remake
  • pixel
  • dungeon
  • jrpg
  • nostalgia
  • class
  • 2d
  • magic
  • turn-based
  • battle
  • party
  • boss
  • remaster

10

Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster (2022)

View Similar Games
86
Review score
Logo of Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster Screenshot of Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster Screenshot of Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster Screenshot of Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster

PC Windows IOS iPhone Android Nintendo Switch Playstation 4

The original FINAL FANTASY VI comes to life with completely new graphics and audio! A remodeled 2D take on the sixth game in the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series! Enjoy the timeless story told through charming retro graphics.


  • rpg
  • japanese
  • pixel
  • dungeon
  • jrpg
  • auto-battle
  • classic
  • battle
  • class
  • empire
  • nostalgia
  • emotional
  • 2d
  • remake
  • narrative

Not seeing your game?