10 Best Indie JRPG Party Members

We cherish JRPGs for their diverse cast of characters we encounter throughout gameplay. From faithful companions to cunning deceivers and the odd psychopath, these personalities keep us hooked. As long as they aid us strategically in battles, many of us grow fond of each one.

In contrast to many traditional JRPGs that feature fantastic companions, some uniquely entertaining and unorthodox team members can be found in independent JRPGs. Here are several standout characters from the indie JRPG world that left a lasting impression.

10. Vi

Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling

If you’re the kind of player who craves a fresh turn-based JRPG experience akin to Paper Mario, chances are you’ve already come across Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling.

This tale tells a delightful, tiny narrative set within a realm inhabited by insects. Among these inhabitants, there’s an engaging character named Vi, who happens to be a small bee.

This story presents a captivating miniature world populated by bugs, and one of the most intriguing characters in this realm is a tiny bee named Vi.

Though Vi is affectionately known as a short form of Violet, it doesn’t reflect her rich personality. She exhibits a self-assured attitude and a strong desire for more, suggesting that she believes in her own capabilities to achieve anything. Initially, she may seem indifferent towards her teammates Leif and Kabbu, but upon closer observation, you’ll find that she’s not entirely cold-hearted.

Vi stands out from the crowd by not simply following societal expectations of being a diligent worker. Instead, she aspires to be a prosperous adventurer, and traveling with her is an enjoyable experience.

9. Gilda

Ikenfell

In the vibrant, magical realm of Ikenfell, you’re invited to express your individuality. Among the array of captivating characters, none stand out quite like the remarkable Gilda.

Initially, she presents a formidable opponent as a tough boss, but eventually demonstrates her worth by becoming an indispensable part of your expanding workforce.

Gilda stands out because she’s completely authentic. She’s bold, outspoken, and openly displays her emotions. She isn’t shy about embracing herself and showing affection for whom she cares.

If you find no appeal in it, let me share something else that might excite you: She is an intriguing character who controls lightning as if she were a Norse deity and delivers electrifying performances to boot.

8. Lea

Crosscode

Initially, CrossCode may appear to be just a Action Role-Playing Game (ARPG), but as you progress through the narrative, you’ll begin to notice and appreciate its Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG) aspects.

Among the fascinating characters found in this adventure, Lea stands out as an exceptional main character. Remarkably, she excels despite her dual challenges: amnesia and muteness, which makes her performance all the more impressive.

Regardless of her challenges, Lea will form valuable friendships during this journey, among them being Sergey, a fellow Spheromancer named Apollo, and Shizuka Sakai.

Keep pushing towards the positive outcomes, and you may uncover how Lea came to be in this peculiar realm…

7. Miranda

This Way Madness Lies

Platform PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5
Publisher Zeboyd Games
Genre JRPG
Release Date November 10th, 2022

I find it challenging to truly value Shakespeare’s works, yet “This Way Madness Lies” by Zeboyd Games managed to impress me. Not only was the game entertaining with its vibrant personalities, but it also made Shakespeare’s works more digestible for me.

What significantly aided in this was the group of numerous magical characters banding together within the game, with Miranda standing out particularly. Known for her frequent interactions beyond the screen’s boundary, her passion for video games and tech, and her subtle hints towards the audience, she played a crucial role.

To be clear, playing as Miranda can be challenging at times, yet I don’t mind dealing with her combat idiosyncrasies because her captivating personality makes it all worthwhile.

6. Corrina

Rise of the Third Power

Platform PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One
Publisher DANGEN Entertainment
Genre JRPG
Release Date February 10th, 2022

In essence, desiring one’s own demise is generally not a positive trait, often signaling deep internal damage that warrants concern. However, in the tale of Rise of the Third Power, this longing for death serves as a driving force for a reckless combatant named Corrina, propelling her actions forward.

Due to her parents passing away during the Great War when she was still young, she found herself an orphan. Her desire to die isn’t a symptom of self-destruction, but rather a deeply emotional longing to join her parents in whatever lies beyond this life.

Thus, her fighting approach is blazingly aggressive and carries significant elements of danger and opportunity. This makes her an intriguing and exciting character within the Stegosoft Games adventure.

5. Willhelm

Cris Tales

In games where the central theme involves time travel, it’s not surprising to encounter peculiar characters. That’s precisely what Cris Tales offers. Although Wilhelm appears youthful, he’s in fact a Time Mage, and far older than his appearance suggests.

His character has a touch of sarcasm, and there seems to be a strained relationship between him and Crisbell’s amphibian advisor, Matias. In simpler terms, it could be stated that they don’t see eye-to-eye, as the tension appears to be mutual.

1. On the battlefield, he’s an invaluable asset, capable of thwarting undesirable outcomes. Interestingly enough, his green fingers are equally adept at nurturing plants and growth.

2. In conflict, he stands as a strong ally who can divert unfavorable outcomes. To top it off, he’s got a knack for gardening and everything green.

3. On the battlefield, his strength lies in averting unwanted futures. A curious trait of his is a keen interest in plants and cultivation.

4. In combat, he’s an essential ally that can keep unfavorable outcomes at bay. It’s noteworthy that he also has a passion for gardening and plant care.

5. When it comes to conflict, he’s a powerful asset who can ward off unwanted futures. Intriguingly, he’s quite the green-fingered individual when it comes to plants.

4. Baba Yaga Chan

Cthulhu Saves Christmas

Typically, people who know folklore wouldn’t consider Baba Yaga as a hero. Instead, she is often depicted as an ancient, somewhat eerie woman living in a peculiar house perched on chicken legs.

However, it’s quite different in Cthulhu Saves Christmas! This spin-off from Cthulhu Saves the World introduces us to a vibrant, energetic, and utterly mad young witch named Baba, who is an absolute joy to watch.

Although none of her teammates may fit the typical definition of a hero, they’re performing a heroic act by rescuing Santa. Despite their motives perhaps not being entirely noble, sometimes achieving the goal is what makes the actions justifiable.

As a devoted admirer, I’d put it this way: In the heat of battle, Baba Yaga Chan, alongside her steadfast feathered comrade perched upon her head, collaborate to pick at enemies, blast them with fierce gusts of wind, and amplify their might as each turn progresses. A witch whose powers you’d be ecstatic to have on your team!

3. The Robot

8-Bit Adventures 2

8-Bit Adventures 2 elegantly pays tribute to classic role-playing games from yesteryears. You have the freedom to rename your characters if you wish, but the Robot character particularly resonated with me post-gameplay.

Initially, he functions as a weapon of war, with a single-minded purpose to eliminate the malicious Glitch. However, as you battle together, it becomes apparent that this mechanical being is not just a mere instrument of destruction. Over time, he exhibits signs of sentience and emotions, demonstrating his complexity and individuality beyond his intended function.

In combat, my robot companion, whom I’ve nicknamed Arnold, proves indispensable. He has the unique ability to execute potent skills without needing any mana each turn. His arsenal includes laser blasts and missile attacks, but that’s not all. He also has the power to revive fallen comrades and heal the entire team, making him an invaluable ally on the battlefield.

2. Lita

Ara Fell: Enhanced Edition

Platform PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One
Publisher DANGEN Entertainment
Genre JRPG
Release Date June 2nd, 2016

There’s a certain charm to lively characters, particularly those who serve as the foundation upon which an entire tale depends.

In Ara Fell: Enhanced Edition, Lita’s role isn’t about actively seeking a great adventure; rather, the adventure sought her. If she were to turn it down, her very own town would be irretrievably lost to her.

Regardless of the gravity of her mission, Lita continues to be shrewd, grumpy, and brimming with spirit. Frequently, she engages in debates with her old companion, Adrian, whom she might harbor affection for as well.

Everything gets mixed up in a realm filled with Elves, Vampires, and levitating lands. Luckily, Lita excels with a bow and arrow, and she’ll muster the courage required to rescue the world.

1. Garl

Sea of Stars

Typically, tales of fantasy revolve around heroes endowed with magical abilities. However, they rarely feature amicable childhood companions transformed into chefs. Yet, that’s who Garl is in Sea of Stars, but he proves to be far more than meets the eye.

Contrary to his fellow childhood companions who are renowned Solstice Warriors, Garl doesn’t possess that title. Instead, all he has is a cookbook, pots, and pans, yet he exhibits the bravery needed to fight alongside them on the battlefield.

Initially, I wasn’t convinced about Garl, but as the story unfolded, I came to understand that he was the pulsating core of our journey. By the finale, he turned out to be so much more.

In battle, Garl not only mends his companions but also strikes enemies with his gadgets; meanwhile, in the open world, he transforms ordinary ingredients into mouthwatering meals. Above all, it’s hard to overlook Garl as one of the key factors behind Sea of Stars’ exceptional journey as a JRPG success story.

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2025-01-09 17:10