Playstation 4LinuxNintendo SwitchPC WindowsMac OSXbox OnePlaystation 5Xbox 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.
Nintendo SwitchXbox One)(Xbox Series X/sPlaystation 4Playstation 5PC 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
super famicomPlaystation 5Playstation 4PC WindowsNintendo 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
Playstation 5PC WindowsXbox Series XXbox OnePlaystation 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
5
Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream (2022)
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.
Pro:
Beautiful anime-inspired world
Captivating story with rich characterizations
Engaging alchemy crafting system
Excellent turn-based combat with weather manipulation gimmick
Lovable characters
Cons:
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
6
Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg (2023)
sega saturnps1Nintendo SwitchPlaystation 5Playstation 4ps2dreamcastPC Windows
It's not about saving the world. In this "leisure adventure RPG," failing student Marie pursues alchemy, adventures, and quests while aiming to graduate in five years. "Atelier Marie," the origin of the Atelier series, has been remade with new elements!
japanese
rpg
remake
jrpg
turn-based
battle
crafting
time-management
combat
relaxing
7
Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy (2021)
Playstation 4PC WindowsPlaystation 5Nintendo Switch
Embark on an imaginative new adventure in Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy. Explore fascinating ruins, uncover mysteries, and meet strange creatures that will change your life. With new field actions like underwater diving and magic ropes, as well as action-filled real-time battles, this game offers a thrilling and immersive experience. Discover the art of synthesis and create unique items in a straightforward and easy-to-use system. Get ready for an unforgettable journey!
Pro:
Improved combat and crafting systems
Charming and likeable cast of characters
Great exploration mechanics
QoL improvements from the first game
Cosy and enjoyable gameplay
Cons:
Alchemy system feels largely the same
Camera function hampers perfect guard mechanic
Synthesis mechanics feel too similar to the first game
PC WindowsXbox OneXbox Series XPlaystation 5Playstation 4Xbox Series X/s
Embark on a thrilling RPG adventure with the Straw Hat crew in One Piece Odyssey. Shipwrecked on a tropical island, separated from your crew, it's up to you to find them and escape. Encounter dangerous enemies and unpredictable forces of nature in the world of ONE PIECE. With the Digital Deluxe Edition, you'll get extra content and bonuses to enhance your gameplay. Don't miss out on this exciting journey through the New World!
Pro:
Impressive graphics and character design
Well-animated combat system with rock-paper-scissors vulnerability types
Faithful to the One Piece franchise
Good dialogue from various characters in the anime
A must-buy for fans of the One Piece franchise
Cons:
Confusing setting for non-fans
Tedious and repetitive gameplay with excessive running
Lack of life and motion in the game world
Limited character outfits and accessories
Easy fights, lacking challenge throughout the game
PC WindowsPlaystation 4Playstation 5Xbox OneXbox Series X
Join Ringo and Figue, agents of the sentient digital hivemind Aion, in a supernatural RPG set in cyberpunk Japan. Investigate the end of the world, unlock and fuse powerful demons, and strengthen bonds with teammates. Save humanity from an apocalypse and uncover the truth of their stories and yours.
PC WindowsPlaystation 5Playstation 4Nintendo Switch
Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song- returns as a stunning remastered edition, with new gameplay elements and quality of life features! Get ready for an even deeper story and an even more thrilling adventure!