The Best Japanese Games for Playstation 4

Update : Lunar Remastered Collection added at rank #12.
1

Metaphor ReFantazio (2024)

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93
Review score
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PC Windows Xbox One Xbox Series X Playstation 5 Playstation 4

The throne sits empty after the king’s assassination. With no heirs, the will of the late king decrees that the next monarch will be elected by the people, & thus begins your fight for the throne..


  • turn-based
  • rpg
  • japanese
  • dungeon
  • fantasy
  • combat
  • battle
  • jrpg
  • political
  • orchestral
  • anime

2

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance (2024)

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86
Review score
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Nintendo Switch Xbox One Xbox Series X Playstation 5 Playstation 4 PC Windows

Become a mighty demigod and battle through a decimated Tokyo in a war between angels and demons. Make new allies along your journey, engage in intense, turn-based combat, recruit hundreds of demons and forge your own path to dictate the fate of all existence.


  • japanese
  • demons
  • rpg
  • jrpg
  • turn-based
  • battle
  • combat
  • boss
  • post-apocalyptic
  • narrative
  • dungeon
  • exploration
  • skill
  • fight
  • open-world

3

Persona 3 Reload (2024)

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88
Review score
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PC Windows Xbox Series X Xbox One Playstation 5 Playstation 4

Dive into the Dark Hour and awaken the depths of your heart. Persona 3 Reload is a captivating reimagining of the genre-defining RPG, reborn for the modern era with cutting-edge graphics and gameplay.


  • rpg
  • japanese
  • remake
  • jrpg
  • dungeon
  • turn-based
  • battle
  • combat
  • dungeon-crawler
  • supernatural

4

Octopath Traveler II (2023)

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84
Review score
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Nintendo Switch Android Xbox Series X Xbox One Playstation 5 Playstation 4 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.


What we like:
  • 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
What could be improved:
  • 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

5

Persona 5 Royal (2019)

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95
Review score
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Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch PC Windows Playstation 5 Xbox One Xbox Series X

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.


What we like:
  • Well-realized story
  • Unique gameplay loop
  • Top-notch combat system
  • Outstanding soundtrack
  • Multiple meaningful additions
What could be improved:
  • Heavy on dialogue and story
  • Slow start
  • Can be overwhelming

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

6

Chained Echoes (2022)

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90
Review score
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Playstation 4 Xbox One Mac OS PC Windows Nintendo Switch Linux

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.


What we like:
  • Engaging combat
  • Compelling characters
  • Stellar worldbuilding
  • Thought-provoking story
  • Excellent music
What could be improved:
  • Grindy levelling system

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

7

Star Ocean The Second Story R (2023)

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87
Review score
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Nintendo Switch Playstation 5 Playstation 4 PC Windows

In this science fantasy RPG, choose between Claude or Rena, play through their perspectives, and unlock various endings. Recruit allies and defeat foes in fast paced real-time battles.


  • rpg
  • japanese
  • jrpg
  • remake
  • battle
  • sci-fi
  • dungeon
  • classic

8

Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land (2025)

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78
Review score
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Nintendo Switch Xbox Series X/s PC Windows Xbox Series X Playstation 4 Playstation 5 Xbox One

"Atelier Yumia" is a story about “memory”. Explore the field to gather materials and synthesis items. The items you create can be key to advancing the story and can also be used in battles and exploration. Additionally, you can create your own base with “Building" in the field.


  • rpg
  • japanese
  • open-world
  • jrpg
  • crafting
  • exploration
  • collectathon
  • combat
  • battle

9

The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero (2020)

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93
Review score
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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.


What we like:
  • Tactical turn-based combat
  • Dynamic shadows
  • Keyboard & mouse support on PC
What could be improved:
  • Boring side quests
  • PC offers higher frame rate but needs powerful hardware

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

10

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax (2022)

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89
Review score
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Xbox 360 Playstation 3 PC Windows Nintendo Switch arcade Playstation 4

Step into the thrilling world of Persona 4 Arena Ultimax, where you'll join your favorite heroes in an epic battle against Shadows. With a diverse roster, engaging storyline, and various game modes, you'll be hooked. Master unique fighting styles, earn XP in the RPG-style Golden Arena, and immerse yourself in the Persona universe like never before!


What we like:
  • Exciting gameplay
  • Engaging story
  • Diverse character roster
  • RPG elements in Golden Arena mode
  • Great voice acting
What could be improved:
  • Grinding required for character development
  • Some filler content in story
  • Sho Minazuka character lacks personality

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

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