The Best JRPG Games

Update : Star Ocean The Second Story R added at rank #4.
1

Chained Echoes (2022)

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90
Review score
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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.


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

2

Octopath Traveler II (2023)

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84
Review score
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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.


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

3

The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero (2020)

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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.


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

4

Star Ocean The Second Story R (2023)

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87
Review score
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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
  • combat

5

Octopath Traveler 2 (2023)

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86
Review score
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Nintendo Switch PC Windows Playstation 5 Playstation 4

Dive into Octopath Traveler 2, a vividly immersive RPG game that captivates you with its eight compelling narratives. Experience strategic, engaging combat, and explore a beautifully crafted world. Uncover hidden treasures, engage with unique NPCs, and enjoy the breathtaking HD-2D visuals. Don't just play a game, live eight unforgettable stories.

Buy

What we like:
  • Engaging, strategic combat system
  • Eight captivating narratives
  • Stunning HD-2D visuals
  • Non-linear approach to side quests
  • Well-developed characters
What could be improved:
  • Intricate details can be overwhelming
  • Minor issues with monster designs
  • Lighting effects could be improved

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

6

Live A Live (2022)

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81
Review score
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Nintendo Switch PC Windows Playstation 5 Playstation 4

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!


What we like:
  • 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
What could be improved:
  • Some may feel disappointed by the lack of 3D remake feature

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

7

Bravely Default II (2021)

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77
Review score
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Nintendo Switch PC Windows

Bravely Default II is an excellent JRPG that offers a unique job system, turn-based combat, beautiful worldbuilding and music. Players will be able to mix and match jobs to create unique combinations, enjoy the strategy of reserving turns through the Default and Brave functions, explore the detailed overworld, learn more about characters through optional text-based cutscenes and listen to Revo's stellar soundtrack.


What we like:
  • Unique job system
  • Turn-based combat with strategy elements
  • Detailed overworld with secrets to unlock
  • Optional text-based cutscenes for character development
  • Stellar soundtrack
What could be improved:
  • Grind nearly required for some bosses
  • Graphical differences between Switch/PC versions are minimal
  • Little reason to purchase if already playing on Switch version

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

8

The Caligula Effect 2 (2021)

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83
Review score
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PC Windows vita Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch Playstation 5 l

Experience a world without regrets in The Caligula Effect 2. Transport yourself into the virtual world of Redo, where you can redo your life and become the person you've always wanted to be. Join the Go-Home Club as they strive to escape this false world and return to reality. Unravel the mysteries of each club member's past and engage in turn-based battles with the power to predict the future. Use WIRE's group chat function to uncover hidden truths. Embark on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery.


What we like:
  • Streamlined graphics and mechanics compared to the first game
  • Deeper passive and equipment system
  • Great voice acting and music
  • Well-balanced combat system with satisfying combo hits
  • Natural progress of the story with character development
What could be improved:
  • Story heavily relies on the prequel
  • Side quests are mediocre
  • Lack of variety in music
  • Little difference in graphics compared to the original game

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

9

Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream (2022)

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82
Review score
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Nintendo Switch Playstation 4 PC Windows

Embark on a heartwarming journey with Sophie the Alchemist in Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream. Explore a world where you can fulfill your dreams while attempting to return a friend's soul to human form. The game features a beautifully designed anime-inspired world, a captivating story, and an engaging alchemy crafting system. Battle with six party members and utilize weather manipulation to open up new paths. Enjoy lovable characters, great music, and improvements over previous Atelier titles. With a variety of DLC content available, the adventure never ends.


What we like:
  • Beautiful anime-inspired world
  • Captivating story with rich characterizations
  • Engaging alchemy crafting system
  • Excellent turn-based combat with weather manipulation gimmick
  • Lovable characters
What could be improved:
  • Panel Synthesis alchemy system returns mostly unchanged from previous game
  • Fully voiced in Japanese without an option for English
  • Gathering system can be tedious
  • Alchemy system requires a lot of understanding

  • japanese
  • rpg
  • jrpg
  • turn-based
  • grid
  • battle
  • combat
  • crafting

10

DRAGON QUEST XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age (2019)

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88
Review score
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Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch PC Windows Xbox One

DRAGON QUEST® XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age™ follows the perilous journey of a hunted Hero who must uncover the mystery of his fate with the aid of a charismatic cast of supporting characters.


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

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