5 JRPGs Worth Playing Just For The Main Characters

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen my fair share of JRPGs that have come and gone. But when it comes to unforgettable party dynamics, few games can hold a candle to the ones I’ve listed here. From the heart-wrenching bonds forged in Persona 4, to the camaraderie of Final Fantasy 15’s motley crew, these games have left an indelible mark on my gaming journey.

The quality of a JRPG is determined by various aspects, including well-developed, relatable characters who form the main party and go on exciting quests that often involve defeating powerful opponents.

Many outstanding JRPGs offer exceptional narrative quality, particularly in the relationships between the playable characters. Well-crafted personal conflicts, authentic motivations, and gameplay relevance often leave a lasting impression on players, ensuring they remember the connections these characters forged even after their heroic adventure concludes.

5 Persona 4

The Small-Town Setting Of Inaba Enhances The Bond Between The Main Characters

In Persona 4, they fine-tuned the formula initially presented in its predecessor, creating a captivating blend of social simulation gameplay and classic JRPG elements. Both the original version and Golden enhanced this unique concoction with several improvements, making it a favorite among many fans of the Persona series. It’s hard to discuss the outstanding features of Persona 4 without acknowledging its charming main characters.

The unique charm of this game lies in its depth, as players delve deeply into the emotional landscapes of their party members, confronting their deepest fears and aiding them in overcoming their inner turmoil. This process serves to fortify the relationships between characters, making the bonds forged during this game more profound than ever. The quaint atmosphere of Inaba further enhances these connections, making them feel particularly close-knit.

4 Final Fantasy 15

The Bond Between The Main Cast Lends A Sense Of Wonder To The Game’s Adventure

It’s undeniable that Final Fantasy 15 encountered numerous challenges during its launch, as the difficult journey of its development occasionally surfaced. Despite certain parts of the game appearing unfinished and fragmented at times, one element that resonated with everyone was the bond between the main characters.

The conversation is consistently lively and captivating, showcasing the high-quality writing in this game. Watching Brotherhood: Final Fantasy 15 gives insight into the deep relationships that form among the characters, making their repeated hardships even more poignant. By the game’s conclusion, you’ll find yourself deeply connected to these four friends, which makes it difficult not to feel emotional at the end of this intense and moving journey.

3 Chrono Trigger

A Tightly-Paced Narrative That Gives Equal Importance To Every Party Member

For numerous reasons, Chrono Trigger has earned its reputation as one of the best JRPGs ever crafted by many players. The engaging overworld battles, captivating storytelling, and innovative time travel elements make this game an unforgettable adventure that keeps players hooked from start to finish. Remarkably, even a silent protagonist like Crono manages to convey more character depth than most contemporary video games.

Absolutely, it’s often the side characters who significantly enhance the appeal of this title for numerous viewers. Each character gets their moment to shine and leaves an impression, one way or another. Frog’s quest to restore his original form, Magus’ efforts to change his ways, Lucca’s passion for inventing, Schala’s endearing ferocity, Marle’s captivating charm, and Robo’s future-oriented kindness create a cast that stands out as one of the most beloved in the series, drawing fans back repeatedly.

2 The Legend Of Heroes: Trails In The Sky

A Quaint Adventure Where The Main Party Members Are All Endearing In Their Own Way

The Legend of Heroes series might not easily appeal to gamers who are fed up with run-of-the-mill JRPGs, as Trails in the Sky is no stranger to this criticism. Yet, once players look past the familiar setting, they’ll find captivating NPC interactions, enjoyable battles, and a host of unforgettable characters that make the journey truly immersive. The dynamic duo of Estelle and Joshua takes center stage, demonstrating a relationship that remains strong throughout the first two games.

It might seem unusual for two individuals raised by the same parent to develop a romantic relationship, but this detail adds depth to their characters, enhancing every main figure in the story. The portrayal of Kevin Graham as a protagonist in the third game, delivering an outstanding performance, underscores the memorability of each primary character, despite their temporary departures at the end of each episode.

1 Omori

The Bond Sunny/Omori Shares With His Friends Is A Huge Driving Force For The Plot

The game titled “Omori” can send shivers down the spines of gamers, particularly those who are sensitive to psychological horror. Instead of revealing its hand immediately, the game gradually unveils Sunny’s traumatic experiences over time, as players delve into his dreams. This gradual exposure builds suspense and ultimately reveals one of the most shocking plot twists in gaming, which carries a significant impact on Sunny’s relationships with his friends.

In Mari, Kel, and Hero’s dreams, they are flawless and radiate a happiness that is contagious. Yet, in reality, these friends have faced hardships and have grown apart over time. It was mainly due to Kel’s efforts that their friendship was rekindled, with the bond serving as a tribute to Mari. Although it’s an option for players to follow the Hikikomori path, most will opt for the standard route initially, cherishing the friendship between the four main characters, whether it unfolds in Dreamscape or the real world.

2024-08-28 11:34