10 JRPGS With Short Runtimes - Investment Policy

Among a handful, or perhaps uniquely, the genre known as JRPG (Japanese Role-Playing Game) incorporates its nation of origin into its title.

Despite some Japanese developers not being fond of the term, genres such as “Final Fantasy XIV’s” style are aptly defined by this subcategory, capturing the essence of the games it encompasses.

In many Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), players are accustomed to finding a set team of characters, who are usually young and initially embark on their journey through commonplace circumstances that eventually lead them to confront deities, or in some cases, the very concept of God.

Developing intricate narratives like this usually takes a significant amount of time because it’s essential to detail the journey of our protagonist, who just got up to visit the market, only to encounter a catastrophic event from extraterrestrial origins.

Despite the fact that some JRPG enthusiasts might enjoy immersing themselves in lengthy games, not everyone shares this preference. To cater to those who value brevity, we’ve curated a collection of JRPGs with shorter playtimes that don’t require the same level of investment as other more expansive titles, acknowledging the importance of respecting players’ time.

To ensure my findings aren’t just based on my own playtime, I’ll be using data from HowLongToBeat – a platform where numerous users collaborate to calculate the typical length of games across different playing styles.

10. Chrono Trigger

Packaged To Perfection

Main Story: 23 Hours
Main + Sides: 26 Hours
Completionist: 42 Hours

Give it a try, it’s none other than “Chrono Trigger” – there’s no need for persuasion to enjoy it! However, if you’re new to Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), it’s worth noting that one reason “Chrono Trigger” is considered a masterpiece in the gaming industry is due to its relatively shorter playtime compared to other games in the genre.

In the game named “Chrono Trigger“, our protagonist Crono, accompanied by an eclectic team, embarks on a journey that spans various periods of time. They traverse from ancient epochs all the way to a far-off post-apocalyptic era.

Eventually, they come to understand that the world will be annihilated by a cosmic force. Equipped with this grim truth, they choose to act, despite the fact that the catastrophe is eons away from their own existence.

By blending it with battle sequences based on the Active Time Battle (ATB) system, captivating characters, innovative dual and triple techniques that were groundbreaking at their time, an outstanding soundtrack, and graphics that pushed the boundaries of the SNES, you create a true gaming masterpiece.

9. Cris Tales

Spectacular Time Travel Indie JRPG

Main Story: 22 Hours
Main + Sides: 25 Hours
Completionist: 31 Hours

Cris Tales” isn’t an RPG originating from Japan; instead, it’s a creation of the Colombian studio, Dreams Uncorporated. It maintains all the distinctive traits characteristic of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPG).

The narrative centers around Crisbell, who experiences an assault on her home by the Time Empress. With her ability to control time, Crisbell has the power to modify the surroundings and encounters, whether that be leaping through temporal gaps into the past or future, or transporting adversaries across distinct epochs.

The indie game, Cris Tales, truly lives up to its accolades in the genre of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs). The unique time-travel gameplay it offers is a joy to experience.

Though the primary narrative is quite reliant on the concept of time and falters occasionally, it doesn’t significantly diminish the overall enjoyment of the game.

In just 22 hours, a compact timeframe for JRPGs, Cris Tales stands out as an exceptional choice for those seeking a unique experience while still enjoying the traditional aspects of this genre.

8. Trials of Mana

Short If Focusing on One Protagonist

Main Story: 20 Hours
Main + Sides: 27 Hours
Completionist: 43 Hours

In simpler terms, “Trials of Mana” is a role-playing game (RPG) developed by Square Enix where you can select from six main characters. If you aim to finish the game with each character, your playtime may extend more than expected and the experience might become somewhat repetitive.

If you concentrate on a few game sessions instead (which I strongly suggest), you should complete it within approximately 20 hours.

As a gaming enthusiast, I must say, the gameplay is refreshingly simple yet captivating, perfect for those who appreciate character advancement. Each character in this game undergoes two transformations, offering a choice between the Light or Dark path. This decision significantly impacts their visual aspect and both active and passive skills, adding an extra layer of excitement to the gameplay.

The tale maintains a simple structure, playing out the familiar theme of righteousness battling against wickedness. It’s straightforward enough for anyone to grasp, requiring minimal effort from its readers.

Playing Mana is like escaping into a Japanese role-playing game when you want to relax your mind. Although some boss battles may need more attention and strategic thinking to expose their vulnerabilities, generally speaking, it offers a casual, stress-free gaming journey that’s perfect for those seeking a less time-consuming adventure.

7. I Am Setsuna

Inspired by Chrono Trigger

Main Story: 20 Hours
Main + Sides: 26 Hours
Completionist: 44 Hours

It’s often the case that JRPGs (Japanese Role-Playing Games) acknowledge being inspired by “Chrono Trigger”. This is a smart marketing move as leveraging its fame can be effective, as demonstrated with “Sea of Stars”. Since “I Am Setsuna” was developed by Tokyo RPG Factory, a division of Square Enix, they had the authority to reference “Chrono Trigger”.

The gameplay of “I Am Setsuna” is undeniably reminiscent of other titles. In its turn-based combat, you’ll find that your team of three characters possess unique abilities. These skills enable adjustments in enemy positions, making it possible for area attacks to strike multiple targets at once. Furthermore, there’s an exciting feature called double or triple techs, a clever homage to the beloved game “Chrono Trigger”.

Regrettably, the game I Am Setsuna doesn’t meet the high expectations set by its hype. Although it’s set in a snowy landscape with a melancholic storyline, it doesn’t stand out in any particular area. If you’re interested in giving it a go, be prepared to invest around 20 hours into this JRPG, as that’s roughly how long it takes to reach its ending.

6. Star Ocean: First Departure

Shorter If You Master The Item Creation Mechanic

Main Story: 20 Hours
Main + Sides: 27 Hours
Completionist: 50 Hours

As a dedicated fan, I must confess that I was taken aback by how brief the playtime of “Star Ocean: First Departure” turned out to be. Given the seemingly endless backtracking, which gives the game a sense of prolongation, I had expected a lengthier experience.

As a gaming enthusiast, if you’ve ever been curious about what makes the Star Ocean series stand out among other Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), it’s all about their exceptional progression system. This is largely due to the Item Creation mechanic. Diving in at the beginning is the perfect spot to witness this magic for yourself!

In “Star Ocean: First Departure,” you’ll encounter the series’ distinctive elements, which revolve around the fusion of two contrasting worlds – one advanced with futuristic technology and the other more reminiscent of a medieval era.

In this story, the collision of cultures forms a significant part of the plot, and it’s no less evident in the initial installment. Here, our hero, Roddick, hailing from the relatively undeveloped world of Roak, is faced with Earth’s inhabitants for the first time.

In the game ‘First Departure‘, combat occurs when you come across opponents on the map, and it happens on a separate battlefield once engaged.

To highlight, the unique aspect lies in its advancement method. The process of creating items grows increasingly beneficial over time, giving you the ability to manufacture powerful gear that can significantly impact gameplay at an early stage when invested in.

5. Granblue Fantasy: Relink

Best of Both Worlds

Main Story: 15 Hours
Main + Sides: 33 Hours
Completionist: 128 Hours

Granblue Fantasy: Relink represents an exceptional action role-playing game in the JRPG genre, crafted by Cygames, derived from their widely popular web browser and mobile game titled Granblue Fantasy.

The game doesn’t emphasize wrapping up the main story in just 15 hours; rather, there are other aspects of the game that hold more significance.

In this role-playing game, it’s perfect for those who enjoy gathering resources, enhancing skills through repetitive battles, and challenging their characters to reach their maximum potential. Consequently, a dedicated player might spend over 100 hours completing all aspects of the game.

In the game Granblue Fantasy: Relink, the multiplayer aspect mirrors that of Monster Hunter. When playing online, you choose a mission, enter a gathering place (lobby), and anticipate fellow players to assemble for the designated objective.

As a gamer, I’d put it this way: The main gameplay rhythm is all about tackling missions, collecting loot, boosting my characters, enhancing weapons and equipment, then crushing bosses ruthlessly. Although the storyline alone makes the game worth buying, if you’re after more gaming hours, Granblue Fantasy: Relink has a heap of content to keep you engaged.

4. Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster

The Simplicity of the First One

Main Story: 15 Hours
Main + Sides: 18 Hours
Completionist: 19 Hours

The Pixel Remaster compilation brings the initial Final Fantasy games to a fresh group of gamers. If you’re seeking a soft entry point, there’s nowhere better to begin than with the first game in the sequence. Known as Final Fantasy I, it might not be flawless, but it provides a fantastic glimpse into the genesis of what evolved into one of the most prominent JRPG series globally.

Final Fantasy borrows its class system from the style used in Dungeons & Dragons, offers a straightforward storyline with unexpected elements which paved the way for later instalments, and boasts the iconic music of Nobuo Uematsu that has since attained classic status.

In a nutshell, this JRPG is designed for those who like to explore thoroughly, as you can finish it entirely within approximately 20 hours if you want to experience all it has to offer.

As a devoted fan like myself, if you’ve ever wondered about the roots of the epic saga that is Final Fantasy, I heartily suggest diving into the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster series. This version offers the original charm with its straightforward mechanics, but enhances the experience with thoughtful updates for a smoother and more delightful play on contemporary platforms.

3. Super Mario RPG

Mario Adventures End In a Hop

Main Story: 12 Hours
Main + Sides: 14 Hours
Completionist: 20 Hours

The revamped Super Mario RPG offers numerous enhancements and efficiencies, but unfortunately, it’s surprisingly concise compared to the original SNES release. You’d be hard-pressed to find more than 12 hours of gameplay before you reach the end credits after vanquishing Bowser.

On this thrilling voyage, it’s not Bowser who’s your adversary, but rather an ally. He hails from the Koopa kingdom, working side by side with Mario and his companions. Their objective is to vanquish the Smithy Gang while amassing the seven star fragments that make up the Star Road.

Back in the day, Nintendo collaborated with SquareSoft on the creation of “Super Mario RPG”. This game is visually stunning, offering top-notch graphics that truly stand out.

The game includes both a turn-based battle mechanism with time-sensitive actions, as well as the classic Mario platforming elements, such as solving puzzles and gathering different items.

For Mario, this was his initial journey into the world of Role-Playing Games (RPG), opening up paths for series like “Paper Mario” and “Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga”. Many of these games are rather brief, but if you prefer a leisurely pace, we suggest beginning with “Super Mario RPG” and drawing your own conclusions.

2. Child of Light

Poetically Beautiful and Entertaining

Main Story: 11 Hours
Main + Sides: 13 Hours
Completionist: 15 Hours

I’ve got to say, playing Child of Light by Ubisoft Montreal feels like stepping right into a classic Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG). It’s a strange sensation, but this game transports me to an entirely different world, filled with epic quests and captivating storylines.

If you’re searching for a brief game featuring dialogues that rhyme beautifully, strategic turn-based battles with a touch of real-time action, and visually captivating artwork, then I recommend giving the exceptional game called “Child of Light” a try.

In the game “Child of Light,” you assume the role of Aurora, a young girl who succumbs to an unknown ailment and finds herself in the mystical realm of Lemuria. Legend has it that if she manages to retrieve the sun, moon, and stars, she can return to her home. Despite its seemingly innocent appearance, “Child of Light” tackles deep and profound themes.

In the sequential battles, there’s also a time-dependent aspect where players must allow a meter to build up before they can launch an attack.

Certain actions can disrupt the opponent’s meter, slowing down their responses, thereby introducing an additional strategic dimension. The game “Child of Light” is typically finished within a week given its 11-hour playtime, but this can vary based on one’s gaming approach.

1. Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure

The Shortest Of Them All

Main Story: 9 Hours
Main + Sides: 12 Hours
Completionist: 14 Hours

Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure is among the most comforting Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) ever made, which might seem odd given that it was created by Nippon Ichi, known for the excessive humor in their other production, Disgaea. In Rhapsody, you assume the role of Cornet, a girl with the ability to manipulate puppets.

Surprisingly, Cornet sets off on a journey with the aim of rescuing a petrified prince, a victim transformed into stone by the enchanting sorceress known as the world’s most beautiful witch.

She fights her battles using her puppets as allies. The battles take place on a miniature grid, resembling tactical role-playing games, and usually involve just a couple of adversaries.

Among the games listed, “Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure” boasts the quickest completion time, typically taking less than 10 hours to complete.

The game is not only simple but also quick to finish, making it ideal for players with limited time. With its recent remaster, Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure has become a popular choice among gamers who prioritize efficiency.

2025-01-18 21:39