10 JRPGs Reviewed Better Than Final Fantasy VII

The story of Final Fantasy VII is legendary. It completely changed the world of Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs). Not only did it make Square and the Final Fantasy series incredibly popular, but it also made RPGs easier for new players to enjoy, with a straightforward story and characters you didn’t have to create yourself.

Square took a big gamble by ending its relationship with Nintendo and instead betting on Sony’s new console. They poured millions into developing the game, and thankfully, it paid off, earning them a huge and dedicated fanbase.

Interest in Japanese role-playing games, or JRPGs, has steadily increased over time. The genre is now more popular than ever, with new games gaining fans around the globe and influencing other creators.

Cloud and his team certainly deserve all the praise they’ve gotten, but several other excellent Japanese role-playing games also stood out. In fact, these 10 games actually received better reviews than Final Fantasy VII. This isn’t meant to take anything away from Final Fantasy VII, just to highlight some other truly great RPGs.

To give you a benchmark, I’m looking at Final Fantasy VII, which has a Metacritic score of 92. Because that’s a very high score, I also considered other games with the same score that were reviewed by more critics.

10. Fire Emblem: Awakening

The Series’ Phoenix

A defining characteristic of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) is the developers’ strong belief in their franchises. They often go above and beyond to revive a series, even when a new game isn’t successful and seems beyond saving.

Fire Emblem: Awakening is often credited with revitalizing the entire Fire Emblem series. Faced with pressure, the developers responded with innovation and determination, resulting in one of the most beloved and highest-rated games in the franchise’s history.

Fire Emblem: Awakening was incredibly refined. The developers listened carefully to player feedback, improving what people didn’t like and expanding on popular features like the Support System. They also made battles even better, introduced the easier Casual Mode, and added a few other helpful elements, making it a great game for newcomers and veterans alike.

Fire Emblem: Awakening is widely credited with saving the Fire Emblem series. While it might not be everyone’s personal favorite, it’s definitely one of the most important games in the series’ history, and critics agreed – the game received very positive reviews.

9. Chrono Trigger

The Original Was Never Rated

I believe Chrono Trigger isn’t ranked as the top JRPG on most review sites because those sites don’t include scores from the original Super Nintendo version. The 92/100 score you often see actually comes from the later Nintendo DS version.

Many reviews of that game seemed to focus on what it *didn’t* include – things like a bigger story, more expansive levels, or connections to the game Chrono Cross. I think that’s unfair, though. A game should be judged on what it actually *tried* to achieve, not on what reviewers hoped it would be. But I’m getting off topic.

Chrono Trigger remains a classic, widely considered one of the greatest Japanese role-playing games of all time. Its success comes from a perfect blend of elements: a well-paced story, memorable characters, exciting and streamlined battles, stunning pixel art, and an unforgettable soundtrack. It demonstrated Square’s incredible talent even before the release of Final Fantasy VII, building on the foundation laid by Final Fantasy VI.

If you’re curious about classic JRPGs but worried they might feel too old-school or clunky, definitely check out Chrono Trigger. You won’t be disappointed.

8. Paper Mario

Allegedly Mario’s Best RPG

My idea seems more likely now that I’ve noticed Super Mario RPG, a highly-rated role-playing game for the Super Nintendo, wasn’t included in the usual score rankings. Interestingly, its follow-up, Paper Mario, *was* included and received a very high score of 93.

Paper Mario stood out from other games with its unique art style, looking like it was made of colorful paper even though it was a 3D world. It kept the cheerful and upbeat feeling of classic Mario games, and of course, Mario had to save Princess Peach!

The game’s turn-based battles are similar to those in Super Mario RPG, still using timed button presses to affect damage. However, there are some changes: instead of a team of three, Mario now adventures with just one partner, and each partner has unique abilities. The game also adds Badges, which act as a new equipment system.

Paper Mario really stands out thanks to its consistently funny writing, which always manages to get a laugh. The game’s well-managed pace also contributes to it being one of the best role-playing games available on the Nintendo 64 – and considering the competition, that’s saying something!

7. Skies of Arcadia

Dreamcast’s JRPG Swan Song

We’ve all likely heard of amazing games released near the end of a console’s lifespan that, despite being fantastic, didn’t sell well and were eventually forgotten. Skies of Arcadia was one of those games – it originally came out only for the Dreamcast.

I remember when Skies of Arcadia first came out – it didn’t get a ton of hype back then, and honestly, it kind of flew under the radar. It’s become a bit of a hidden gem over the years, but anyone who *did* play it absolutely loved it. Seriously, it’s one of those cheerful, epic air-pirate RPGs that people still rave about!

Skies of Arcadia is a fantastic JRPG with charming characters, a timeless story, and a smart combat system. It does have a lot of random battles, but that was pretty common in games of that era, and it didn’t bother most players at the time.

Many fans around the world want to see Skies of Arcadia remade or remastered, so more people can enjoy the game’s story and characters. With Sega recently re-releasing some of its older titles, there’s reason to be optimistic about this happening.

6. Persona 4 Golden

All That Glitters Is Gold

The PS Vita wasn’t a commercial success, disappointing both Sony and gamers. However, I still have a soft spot for it, largely because it’s a fantastic system for playing Japanese role-playing games, especially thanks to its ability to play older titles. Plus, the highest-rated game on the Vita, the excellent Persona 4 Golden, is a classic turn-based JRPG.

Okay, I’ll admit, I’m usually a little hesitant when Atlus decides to revisit their massive RPGs with new versions. But honestly, they always manage to take something great and make it even *better*. Take Persona 4, for example. They really built on everything they started with Persona 3 – the Social Links were even more fleshed out, the dungeons were way more interesting than just endless trips through Tartarus, and the battles just felt smoother and more fun overall.

As a huge fan, I have to say Persona 4 Golden really took everything to the next level. It’s considered the best, most complete version of the game – pretty much the official one! They added so much: more Social Links to build, tons of extra things to do day and night, even more Personas to collect, and bigger dungeons with new bosses. It wasn’t just more *stuff* either, they polished and improved everything already there, making it a truly amazing experience.

If you’re interested in playing Persona 4, the Golden version is now available on all major platforms and is a great choice. However, if you’d prefer an even more enhanced experience, it might be worth waiting for the upcoming Persona 4 Revival remake.

5. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

It All Started With Final Fantasy

Okay, so can we include games that take after JRPGs? Even if not, I *have* to mention Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. It’s seriously stunning – a really beautiful and epic game. Honestly, it feels like it wouldn’t exist without Final Fantasy VII being a thing. The director, Guillaume Broche, actually said Final Fantasy VIII was the first JRPG he ever played, so that gives you an idea of the inspiration!

Okay, so Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 really shook things up for JRPG fans like me. Honestly, it was amazing to see a game with gorgeous graphics *still* use turn-based combat – it proved they could work together beautifully. But beyond that, the story was incredible, and I genuinely connected with the characters. It really felt like a masterpiece, a game I won’t forget.

It’s disappointing to see some players using Expedition 33 as a reason to criticize other Japanese role-playing games. This game owes a lot to the classics, and Sandfall Interactive actually wanted players to appreciate those earlier games, not put them down. It’s a bit shameful to see such negativity.

My apologies for going on about it, but Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 really deserves all the praise it’s getting. It’s a unique and exciting JRPG that’s introduced a lot of new players to the genre, and it showed that developers can achieve amazing results even with limited resources. It’s just a shame the game’s fanbase isn’t as charming as the game itself.

4. Metaphor: ReFantazio

Closest To Game Of The Year

You might have noticed Atlus has been consistently releasing excellent games lately, and it’s true! Their newest game, Metaphor: ReFantazio (developed by Studio Zero, a part of Atlus), takes everything they learned from the popular Persona series and reimagines it in a classic medieval fantasy world.

Metaphor: ReFantazio is a fantastic JRPG, built on everything the developers have learned throughout their careers. It features a detailed calendar system, meaningful social connections, a wide range of activities, strategic turn-based combat, modern themes, and a deeply emotional story. It’s considered one of the greatest JRPGs ever made – and its 2024 Game of the Year award wasn’t a surprise.

A common complaint about the Persona series is its high school setting – it doesn’t grab everyone. But ReFantazio offers a fresh start. Instead of students, you play as someone vying for the throne in the world of Euchronia.

Metaphor’s story, while set in a fantastical world with unique creatures, cleverly reflects issues in our own society, making it easy to connect with and care about the characters. The game combines exciting action with strategic turn-based combat, showcasing the strengths Atlus has demonstrated in games like Shin Megami Tensei and Persona.

3. Final Fantasy IX

Carrying The Torch

Everyone knows the saying that lightning doesn’t strike the same place twice – and that’s especially true if you’re talking about a bottle! While Final Fantasy IX didn’t achieve the same level of sales or become as widely known as Final Fantasy VII, it was still highly praised by critics and fans.

Many critics actually rate Final Fantasy IX as the stronger game, but ultimately it depends on what you enjoy. I especially love its bright, cheerful style, the classic fantasy world it creates, and how it felt like a return to the series’ origins. Plus, I find Zidane’s lively personality more appealing than Cloud’s serious demeanor.

Final Fantasy IX’s equipment-based learning system is charmingly straightforward. It encourages you to experiment with every item you discover, even if it isn’t the best. Plus, each character feels distinct and fulfills a clear role, similar to the classic Job systems in other RPGs.

Ultimately, which Final Fantasy game is better really comes down to personal preference. Both games feature characters and stories you won’t forget, and their turn-based combat fits the overall feel of each one. It’s a great reminder of just how enjoyable the classic Final Fantasy games were.

2. Chrono Cross

Yeah, It’s That Good

Okay, so if you’re new to JRPGs or just getting into them, you’ve probably heard that SquareSoft back in the day was *amazing*. Everyone talks about Final Fantasy VII, and rightly so, but what a lot of people don’t realize is they followed that up with two other games that critics actually loved *even more*. It was a seriously incredible time for them.

Before Final Fantasy VII made them famous, the developers had already created amazing games like Final Fantasy VI and Chrono Trigger, which came before Chrono Cross. We’re not debating which game is better, but rather highlighting how Chrono Cross successfully expanded on the story and world of what many consider the greatest JRPG of all time, while also forging its own unique identity.

Chrono Cross follows Serge’s adventure across two different versions of the world, where his actions determine the destiny of both. Throughout his journey, he encounters many characters – friends and enemies alike – and their motivations and stories change depending on which world you’re in.

Chrono Cross, like its predecessor Chrono Trigger, unfolds at a comfortable and engaging pace. Although the game occasionally includes lengthy explanations of its story, it’s easy to become invested in the characters and plot. The battle system is also a standout feature, encouraging strategic thinking instead of simply repetitive button presses.

1. Persona 5 Royal

The Highest-Rated JRPG Ever

Persona 5 is one of my all-time favorite games, but I understand it can be a bit intimidating, even for experienced RPG players. It doesn’t take *forever* to get going, but it’s still a Persona game, meaning you’ll be balancing everyday life – like going to school – with exploring the supernatural world.

Despite some initial fan concerns about the length – adding another 80 hours of gameplay for a new semester seemed like a lot – critics absolutely loved the game. Persona 5 received a score of 93, and Persona 5 Royal even topped that with an incredible 95. Currently, it stands as the highest-rated JRPG of all time.

There are many reasons why this game is so good. It tackles modern issues, has a captivating story full of unexpected twists, features characters you’ll genuinely like, boasts an amazing soundtrack, and its smooth turn-based combat system takes the classic Shin Megami Tensei style to a whole new level.

Atlus has become one of the most respected game developers in Japan, and for good reason. They were well-regarded before, but the release of Persona 5 brought them widespread popularity. Now, with games like Metaphor: ReFantazio and the remake of Persona 3, plus a Persona 4 remake on the way, it feels like everyone is becoming a fan and looking forward to the next installment, Persona 6.

2025-10-13 22:13