10 Best JRPGs Featuring Child Protagonists, Ranked

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Summary

  • Children characters in JRPGs offer unique perspectives and growth opportunities in epic quests.
  • Child protagonists show emotional growth and maturity in their journey, shaping the game’s narrative.
  • Young heroes in JRPGs balance ordinary life with epic quests, adding depth to the story and worldbuilding.

Many JRPG games excel in their storytelling, often featuring familiar themes within the genre. These stories are usually extensive and captivating, contributing significantly to their appeal. A significant portion of this impact is due to the diverse protagonists, who can be unforeseen heroes or those specifically prepared for their grand moments. They play a crucial role in shaping the game’s universe and often take part in key events.

One popular type of protagonist in many stories is young characters, who are frequently featured as companions or leads in various games. This choice brings diversity to the cast. Therefore, notable JRPG titles featuring child heroes embody that youthful spirit and weave tales about development. They offer unique gaming experiences for players, typically centering on a path towards maturity.

10. Inazuma Eleven 2

This JRPG Let’s Kids Save The World Through Soccer

Similar to Captain Tsubasa, Inazuma Eleven stands out among JRPG series due to its distinctive blend of soccer and role-playing game elements. As the story unfolds, players engage in numerous matches to progress, with the second installment even featuring Endo and his team traveling across Japan to protect schools from alien attacks.

Despite being somewhat excessive and occasionally bordering on the ridiculous, the Inazuma Eleven series manages to work exceptionally well due to its comprehensive world-building. This world often entrusts significant responsibilities to children, making for an interesting narrative twist. Furthermore, the game’s straightforward mechanics offer a unique and captivating spin on the versatility found in Japanese Role Playing Games (JRPGs).

9. Final Fantasy 3

Four Children Are Chosen To Save The World In This JRPG

In the popular series known as Final Fantasy, some of the initial leading characters were youthful, and this was evident in the game titled Final Fantasy 3. This classic role-playing game features four primary characters who embark on a journey to restore harmony amidst chaos. These young heroes have no specific age and acquire powers following the discovery of the Wind Crystal. They then undertake a mission to preserve the world’s balance.

In the initial release of Final Fantasy 3, the four main characters seemed rather one-dimensional and unremarkable compared to other characters, but they were given more depth and distinct personalities in subsequent remakes. Now, with revised backstories and enhanced characterization, they are now easily memorable, joining the ranks of other complex child characters from Final Fantasy 6, such as Relm Arrowny.

8. Pokemon Scarlet And Violet

Ten-Year-Olds Embark On An Adventure In This JRPG

In the world of Pokemon, one continuous aspect across each new game is the inclusion of numerous new creatures, and another consistent element is the main characters being ten years old. This reflects the series’ emphasis on youthful enthusiasm. At the onset of Pokemon X and Y, we see these youngsters asking for parental approval before embarking on their first partnership. This scenario illustrates how children can undertake adventures that intertwine exploration with fundamental Pokemon concepts.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but appreciate how Pokemon Scarlet and Violet masterfully encapsulate the youthful spirit by centering around school activities and the characters’ roles as students. While it maintains a playful facade, it also offers deeper narratives, such as the Path of Legends, which leaves an indelible impression. This unique mix continues the JRPG tradition of young heroes juggling everyday life with extraordinary adventures.

7. Final Fantasy Tactics Advance

This Tactical JRPG Explores Ivalice In A New Way

Titles situated in the realm of Ivalice, such as Final Fantasy Tactics and Final Fantasy XII, delve into more serious subjects and political strife. In contrast to its predecessors, Final Fantasy Tactics Advance alters the mood by introducing a young protagonist and tailoring Ivalice according to the dreams of youthful heroes. This method focuses on providing an escape from reality and personal development instead of war, offering a unique twist on the setting.

By featuring children as main characters, we discover fresh aspects of Ivalice that connect with our imagination and deep-seated yearnings. Unlike other games set in Ivalice, this one minimizes political conflicts and instead focuses on dispelling illusions. It uniquely highlights the personal growth stories of young individuals, making Final Fantasy Tactics Advance a distinctive title within the overall series.

6. Blue Dragon

The Child Protagonist Is A Major Highlight Of This JRPG

As a gamer, I’d say, “Blue Dragon was an unforgettable JRPG experience for me. Akira Toriyama’s captivating artwork and a heartwarming story of courage and growth truly made it stand out. I remember playing on my Xbox 360, where I took on the role of the young hero, Shu. In a fateful encounter with Nene’s mechanical forces, I found myself wielding the mighty Blue Dragon’s shadow. This newfound power came with immense responsibilities, as I was thrust into tackling challenges far beyond my years.

The tale centers around Shu’s lively personality and his emotional development as he takes on new duties. Accompanied by Kluke and Jiro, Shu encounters numerous dangers while growing up, proving that youth can defy destiny and safeguard others. This adventure underscores the significance of a young hero who stands firm in a perilous world despite the odds.

5. Kingdom Hearts 1

Sora Starts Out Quite Young In The First Game

When Kingdom Hearts 1 was released, it brought together Disney’s vibrant realms with Square Enix’s popular Final Fantasy figures. Sora, a remarkable young hero, is one of the characters who emerges from this fusion, bravely confronting numerous challenges. The narrative explores themes such as friendship and loss, chronicling Sora’s journey as he searches for Riku and Kairi, demonstrating his personal growth in the process.

Sora’s journey is marked by selfless acts, showcasing his personal growth. Subsequent games such as “Birth By Sleep” delve into his past when he was only four, offering more insights into his background and emphasizing traits that were present from the start, which ultimately stemmed from his compassion for others. This method illustrates how a young child’s bravery can serve as the foundation for an entire JRPG series, hinting at the characteristics that make him unique in every part of the story.

4. Breath Of Fire 3

Ryu Is A Child For The Early Hours Of The Game

Each installment of the “Breath of Fire” series introduces a fresh iteration of the character Ryu, who is reincarnated in various time periods. In the third game, he initially appears as a child, lending complexity to his persona as he journeys alongside Rei and Teepo, unearths secrets about his past, navigates a harsh environment, and ultimately discovers his destiny. This perspective underscores how his youth influences his decisions and lays the groundwork for his future actions.

The Time Leap showcases an evolved Ryu, contrasting significantly with his timid younger version. During his formative years, he would weep at distressing incidents or feel awkward around females, but these qualities gradually diminish as he matures. This transformation underscores the impact of personal growth on a hero, highlighting the importance of his initial journey in the JRPG genre and guiding his future choices.

3. Dragon Quest 5: Hand Of The Heavenly Bride

This JRPG Depicts The Hero From Childhood To Adulthood

In the realm of Dragon Quest series and numerous Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), Dragon Quest 5 stands out distinctively. Instead of following a linear narrative, it chronicles the protagonist’s journey across various life stages – from a six-year-old to a mature adult. This narrative style underscores the significance of growth, as each phase molds his actions and relationships. As time passes, this portrayal beautifully illustrates how a hero’s destiny can evolve and transform.

In this game, the evolving storyline humanizes the taciturn protagonist, showing that even quiet heroes in JRPGs can leave a lasting impact. The narrative further lets him establish a family and select a companion from various options once he matures. This focus on personal decisions enriches the gaming experience and distinguishes Dragon Quest 5 within its genre.

2. Ni No Kuni Wrath Of The White Witch

Studio Ghibli’s Art And A Child Hero Create A Magical JRPG

In “Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch,” the environment is beautifully rendered in a manner reminiscent of Studio Ghibli, creating a captivating backdrop for Oliver, our young hero. Tranquility fills his days until the unfortunate event of his mother’s passing, which propels him into another dimension where magic and reality intertwine. Here, he embarks on a journey to cope with grief and find a means to save his mother, fueling this role-playing game’s narrative progression.

The story primarily revolves around Oliver’s development, demonstrating how a child navigates through grief and responsibility while discovering new territories, mastering magic, and encountering companions sharing similar objectives. The seamless fusion of emotional scenes and magical settings makes Ni no Kuni Wrath of the White Witch a profoundly impactful journey. It underscores the tremendous influence a young protagonist can exert over an entire realm.

1. EarthBound

Children Must Save The World In This JRPG

EarthBound is unique in Nintendo’s collection due to its distinctive atmosphere. It combines witty humor with progressively heavy topics that center around Ness and his companions, who initially face a global crisis as children. The game serves as a metaphor for growing up, intertwining suburban American culture of the 90s with Japanese influences to transition seamlessly between humorous and serious scenes.

In this blend of tones, an adventure unfolds that carries a whimsical yet weighty feel, illustrating the harmony between innocence and responsibility. Characters like Ness navigate challenges reminiscent of personal growth, demonstrating that even young characters can lead in a thoughtful role-playing game (JRPG). Strange adversaries and intense emotional experiences make EarthBound a cult favorite, showcasing how profound themes can stem from a child-led JRPG.

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2025-04-07 10:35