10 Best JRPGs Currently On PS Plus

Highlights

Dive into the world of PlayStation JRPGs for a heartfelt story with twists & turns and epic battles against gods.
Modern JRPGs still offer amazing experiences, with titles like Trials of Mana in the PS Plus Catalog.
Immerse yourself in the best of the best traditional JRPG games like Disgaea 5 and Dragon Quest XI available for a fix.

As a seasoned JRPG enthusiast who’s spent countless hours exploring the vast and fantastical realms these games have to offer, I must say that my personal favorite among the bunch is none other than Tales of Arise. This game, in my humble opinion, has raised the bar for the series and the genre as a whole.

If you were raised in the 1990s and had the chance to experience the golden era of JRPGs, which included masterpieces like Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger, Vagrant Story, Secret of Mana, and many others, then you’re well aware that this genre is known for delivering emotional, action-packed narratives with numerous surprises along the way. Moreover, it often culminates in a climactic showdown against a deity at the conclusion.

Nevertheless, Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) didn’t cease to exist following this remarkable era; instead, they continued to appear in abundance, featuring a blend of well-known franchises and fresh concepts competing for players’ affections. The good news for PlayStation enthusiasts is that numerous titles from this period can now be found within the PS Plus Collection.

If you’re looking for a new role-playing game to satisfy your cravings, here are some excellent choices you should definitely consider.

As an enthusiast of the genre, I’ll be highlighting the best traditional JRPGs from the PlayStation Plus catalog that have captured my heart, setting aside the thrilling action titles like Nier Replicant and Bloodborne for now.

10 Trials Of Mana

Getting excited for the upcoming launch of Visions of Mana? Let’s take a moment to appreciate the entire Mana series! If you’re a PS Plus member, you won’t be short on options. But among them is Trials of Mana, a contemporary 3D remake of Seiken Densetsu 3. Enjoy your gaming experience!

As a die-hard fan, I’m thrilled to say that this game is an outstanding addition to the beloved Mana series. It’s been meticulously crafted with a contemporary touch to deliver a more polished and immersive JRPG experience. The dynamic gameplay keeps me hooked, the engaging storyline draws me in, and the charming Mana series flair is as vibrant as ever – just what I was hoping for!

As a seasoned gamer with years of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that this game offers a delightful fairytale-like narrative, coupled with combat systems that are both intricate and easy to grasp. Reminiscent of classic JRPGs, it provides an NG+ mode for those who crave a challenge. However, like many games in the genre, it can become somewhat repetitive at times. Nevertheless, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this game a try, as it offers a rewarding experience that’s worth your time and effort.

9 Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII: Reunion

Even though there are superior “Final Fantasy” installments within our upcoming discussion, it’s worth appreciating the charm of “Crisis Core”, a captivating spin-off from “Final Fantasy VII”. This game offers you the opportunity to delve into Zack Fair’s compelling narrative without having to dig out your old PSP system.

As a gamer, I can tell you it’s not just a straightforward port of an old game. It’s been given a fresh breath of life, transitioning from its original PSP visuals to something more contemporary. The battle system, once seemingly stuck in the past, has been revamped to align with the combat mechanics of more recent Final Fantasy games. But that’s not all! A new soundtrack, updated graphics, and re-recorded vocal performances have also been added, making this classic game feel like a brand new adventure.

Despite its age, you’ll find that the charm of the protagonist, Zack, coupled with the game’s lighter atmosphere and captivating storyline make this prequel a must-play, even in its polished version. In essence, it’s a classic worth revisiting.

8 Rune Factory 4 Special

As a fellow enthusiast who thrives on the day-to-day farming life depicted in games like Stardew Valley and Coral Island, yet yearns for a dash of JRPG dungeon-crawling excitement, let me introduce you to the Rune Factory series. This game is an exquisite fusion of these two sub-genres that I believe you’ll find utterly captivating.

In this new adventure, you’ll continue caring for animals, farming, and courting the town’s charming lass, but there’s more! You’ll embark on journeys, battle formidable foes to enhance your abilities, and when fatigue sets in from endless combat, you can always return to your homestead, rejuvenate, and then set off again.

You’ll find an exquisite blend of comfort and chaos that’s typical of the Rune Factory series, and even though there’s a newer version called Rune Factory 5, many players believe that the previous one offers a more comprehensive and immersive experience. So, pick up your seeds and let’s dive in!

7 Cris Tales

If you’re a fan of video games that involve time-loops and manipulating temporal mechanics, I bet you’ll really enjoy the game Cris Tales. It’s definitely worth checking out!

Title Translation: You’ll assume the role of Crisabell, a warrior who was once an orphan and possesses the unique skill to manipulate time at will. Your objective in this narrative is to bring down the Empress of Time.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but share my enthusiasm for perfecting the extraordinary time-travel combat system in Cris Tale. This innovative feature enables you to leap not just forward, but also backward in time, skillfully dodging enemy assaults, decreasing recharge periods, and even reducing attack cooldowns – all while unlocking a plethora of additional advantages!

As someone who’s spent countless hours immersed in Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), I can confidently say that this game offers a truly exceptional and innovative twist on the classic turn-based formula. Its captivating narrative is sure to draw you in, making it an experience worth looking forward to. Peeking into the future, I envision myself losing track of time as I delve deeper into this gem of a JRPG.

6 Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance

If you blend the classic atmosphere and sensation of a traditional JRPG with the strategic, grid-based combat found in games like Into the Breach, the result might resemble Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance.

In terms of the Disgaea series, this particular game stands out as relatively accessible for newcomers due to its consistently familiar core mechanics over time. Yet, it doesn’t skimp on intricate systems, exclusive character classes, and tougher-than-usual challenges found in most contemporary JRPGs. While it may require a significant learning effort, the experience is definitely worth the investment.

In addition to striking graphics and exciting personalization features, Disgaea 5 consistently pushes boundaries within its series by gradually introducing fresh systems and gameplay modes to an already well-structured Japanese role-playing game format. Therefore, if you’re looking for a fresh tactical JRPG experience, Disgaea 5 is likely your best choice.

5 YS VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA

Although some might assume that the latest installment of the YS series, “Monstrum Nox,” would be the top choice, I’d like to take a different perspective and argue that “YS VIII” stands out as the superior game within the series. This makes it an ideal starting point if you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in this series from the get-go.

As a longtime fan of the Metroid series, I was thrilled to find that this game offers a fresh take while maintaining the essence of what has made this franchise so beloved over the years. The visual upgrade is nothing short of stunning, with each environment and character design expertly crafted to reference and pay homage to previous installments in the series. The gameplay mechanics are fluid and engaging, making every encounter feel dynamic and smooth. The narrative is captivating, drawing me in from start to finish with its intricate plot twists and immersive world-building.

While it takes some time to get going, I strongly recommend persisting with YS: VIII, as there’s a good chance it could end up among your all-time favorite Japanese Role-Playing Games.

4 Dragon Quest XI: Heroes of an Elusive Age

Among many Dragon Quest games available on the PS Plus Catalog, we picked Dragon Quest XI to showcase this iconic JRPG series. Following a relatively underwhelming venture into MMO territory with its predecessor, Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age is a comeback that excels in everything it aims for.

The battle system is remarkably designed, featuring a straightforward yet intricate turn-based mechanism that showcases the distinct traits and difficulties of each fresh enemy type. To add, the game boasts stunning graphics, incentivizes extensive exploration, offers abundant content, hosts engaging mini-games, and features tough-but-rewarding boss encounters.

As a longtime fan of JRPGs, I can confidently say that this game is a must-play for any enthusiast of the genre. Coming from someone who has spent countless hours exploring the vast worlds of classic RPGs, I can attest that this title offers an unparalleled gaming experience within the Dragon Quest series. The rich and immersive world of Erdrea will captivate you, making it hard to put down once you’ve started playing. Whether you’re a seasoned player or newcomer to the series, this game delivers on all fronts and is definitely worth picking up.

3 Tales of Arise

Among the legendary JRPGs, none have left a lasting impact like the Tales series. But let me tell you, as a devoted fan, Tales of Arise stands out as the absolute cream of the crop for me.

A significant factor behind this is the outstanding group of characters involved, as well as the captivating narrative that vividly portrays the world and skillfully crafts a complex tale for you to explore.

However, the game isn’t just about its story; it’s also visually stunning, one of the most beautiful JRPGs available, boasting a dynamic and thrilling combat system that’s a pleasure to experiment with. It enhances all the areas that needed improvement in past Tales series games.

As a gamer, I can tell you firsthand that this game pulls out all the stops to make every moment pulse with epicness. The rapid-fire battles are electrifying, while the music, reminiscent of rock anthems, adds an extra layer of intensity. At times, the story unfolds at breakneck speed, but trust me when I say it’s a rush you won’t want to miss out on. So, grab your controller and jump into this whirlwind tale as soon as possible!

2 Kingdom Hearts 1.5 + 2.5 Remix

If you’re eager to explore the magical world of Kingdom Hearts for the first time, immerse yourself in this unique blend of Disney and Final Fantasy fantasies now! You can do so thanks to the updated versions that Square Enix has recently released, and with PS Plus, where all the Kingdom Hearts series games are gathered.

Among all the Kingdom Hearts games, none quite captivates me like the 1.5+2.5 Bundle, and in particular, Kingdom Hearts II stands out. Even though it was released years ago, this game remains an unmatched gem in the JRPG world, showcasing timeless greatness.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I can confidently say that the storyline of this game is notoriously complex and hard to follow, even for someone like me who has played countless games in various genres. However, if you’re willing to take on the challenge, be prepared to be bewildered and confused as you dive into its depths. But fear not, because the combat, exploration, and unique systems that this game offers are so brilliantly designed that I can assure you, even with a jumbled up storyline, you won’t mind too much. In fact, you might find yourself getting lost in the gameplay and forgetting all about the confusing narrative. As someone who has played through countless games with convoluted plots, I can attest to the fact that sometimes it’s the gameplay that keeps us coming back for more, even if we don’t always understand everything that’s happening on screen. So don your gaming hat and brace yourself for a challenging yet rewarding experience!

1 Final Fantasy VII Remake: Intergrade

Wrapping up our JRPG extravaganza, we have what is likely the most renowned JRPG ever created – complete with Buster Swords, Omnislashes, and other iconic elements. To many, Final Fantasy VII stands as a timeless classic that has already achieved perfection.

Despite the challenges, Square Enix is boldly undertaking the daunting project of reimagining this series. Instead of simply recreating it as a carbon copy, they aim to transform and enhance the original content.

It appears quite challenging, but amazingly, they’ve succeeded in reaching this goal thus far. This initial installment of the remake is now accessible on PS Plus, giving you an opportunity to witness it firsthand. By updating the core mechanics of FFVII, they’ve modernized the gameplay, abandoning the traditional turn-based system for a more fluid action-oriented experience.

Additionally, just as anticipated, the visuals are simply breathtaking, the world architecture is spot-on, and the fresh narrative twists are well-received by fans. If you’re yearning for some nostalgia or curious about the buzz, then make your way to Midgar without delay!

2024-08-16 16:10