7 Best Nintendo 64 JRPGs - Investment Policy

In the 90s, it was commonly acknowledged that the PlayStation 1 was the preferred choice for Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), and rightly so.

It showcased innovative series such as Suikoden and Wild Arms, sequels including Breath of Fire III and the renowned Final Fantasy VII, and individual games like The Legend of Dragoon.

To put it another way, was the PlayStation 1 (PS1) so iconic in the realm of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) due to its extensive library, or did its rivals scarcely delve into this genre? Today’s discussion centers around the top JRPGs for the Nintendo 64. However, you might find that the list is rather compact.

The Nintendo 64 didn’t delve deeply into the world of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPG) primarily due to its limited cartridge storage capacity compared to CD-ROMs. Since JRPGs were extensive games incorporating CGI scenes, many creators preferred Sony’s console for development instead.

Nevertheless, upon further exploration, I unearthed a collection of JRPGs that are exclusively playable on the Nintendo 64. Although the number is limited, they possess an endearing quality and will satisfy your craving for nostalgia if you’re a retro gamer in search of timeless classics.

Note: Two games featured in this list are exclusive to Japan and were not available for me to play. I have included them for contextual purposes only. Additionally, I do not categorize The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask as Role-Playing Games (RPGs), so they were not considered for this list.

7. Shiren the Wanderer 2: Shiren’s Castle and the Oni Invasion

Nintendo 64 Mystery Dungeon Debut

As a dedicated gamer, I stumbled upon an intriguing title that originated exclusively in Japan – it’s the sequel to “Shiren the Wanderer,” a captivating game series created by the brilliant minds at Chunsoft, known for crafting the enchanting Mystery Dungeon game style.

Currently, the show continues to run, having recently unveiled its most recent installment in 2024 titled: “Shiren the Wanderer: The Enigma of Serpentcoil Isle“.

In the vein of its predecessors, Shiren the Wanderer 2 invites players to traverse randomly generated roguelike labyrinths using a grid-based, turn-by-turn gameplay system. Each move or action instigates reactions from the in-game adversaries.

In the event of death, you forfeit all accumulated knowledge and experiences, but retain a single possession which can be developed further as you advance.

In my gaming adventure, I find myself squaring off against an onslaught of demons as I wander through a quaint village in “Shiren the Wanderer 2: Shiren’s Castle and the Oni Invasion.

In this JRPG, players will need to construct a fortress to ward off evil spirits. To do so, they must venture into dark dungeons and collect scarce resources, creating the main gameplay cycle. This game is ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy the style of Mystery Dungeon games.

6. Super Robot Wars 64

Mecha Pot-pourri Strategy RPG

In natural and easy to read language: The second game exclusive to Japan is part of the “Super Robot Wars” series, an esteemed Japanese Role Playing Game (JRPG) franchise with more than 30 titles. “Super Robot Wars 64” was the only game in this series released on a Nintendo console, maintaining the strategic JRPG style that the series is known for.

Originating from Japan as “Super Robot Taisen 64”, this game is a fusion of multiple mecha anime series, such as “Gundam”, “Getter Robo”, “Dancouga”, and “Mazinger”, to name but a few.

On strategic arenas that operate in turns, conflicts unfold. In these engagements, players command their troops, overpowering adversaries to gain experience points and currency, often referred to as gold. This accumulated wealth is then utilized for enhancing mechas.

The tale commences by letting players select from among four rival duos for their main characters, shaping the sequence of events as they go along. This twist provided more than a hundred different missions, each with its own captivating storylines and distinctive characters.

With the Game Boy Color title “Super Robot Wars: Link Battler“, you can obtain fresh mechas via the Transfer Pak.

5. Pokemon Stadium

The Quota Vacancy Entry

Initially, it’s important to note that Pokemon Stadium isn’t technically a JRPG because it doesn’t have a narrative or other significant RPG components beyond turn-based fights. However, considering the dearth of such games on the Nintendo 64, I couldn’t resist including it in this list.

Particularly because it enabled us to employ the Transfer Pak, we were able to transfer our Game Boy Pokemon to the N64 and watch them fight in stunning 3D.

For individuals accustomed to viewing pocket monsters as small sprites on a portable device, that experience was the realization of a long-cherished dream.

It’s worth noting that the game, Pokemon Stadium, is truly exceptional. The Pokemon series stands out in discussions about the decline of turn-based games due to its ability to break genre and playstyle boundaries.

Yet, it’s important not to underestimate the development of Pokemon games’ iconic one-on-one turn-based battles, which they have consistently made both tactical and engaging throughout the years.

In the game Pokemon Stadium, we can either build our own teams of Pokemon or select pre-made ones to engage in battles. Although some fights seemed to be about capitalizing on an opponent’s weaknesses, there were deeper strategies hidden within these encounters. For those seeking a break from combat, the minigames available offer enjoyable and relaxing activities to pass the time.

4. Hybrid Heaven

Metal Gear Cousin

Hybrid Heaven” can be categorized primarily as a Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG) due to its geographical backdrop, seeing as it was created by Konami. Its environment, much like “Metal Gear,” has an American feel to it.

As a fan, I can’t help but point out that the game “Hybrid Heaven” offers a similar gaming experience to “Parasite Eve,” a title that takes place in New York. Interestingly, it shares this city setting with other RPGs like “Brave Fencer Musashi,” making it as much a part of the JRPG genre as those classics.

In the realm known as Hybrid Haven, extraterrestrial entities devise a plan to seize control of the United States by swapping in duplicates for top-tier government officials. Their initial focus is on the Secret Service, but their long-term objective is the president himself.

In the story, it’s Diaz who first starts experiencing voices telling him to eliminate the clones. This sets our main character on their path.

In the game Hybrid Heaven, you’ll experience a blend of adventure and role-playing game (RPG) action. During gameplay, if you come across an adversary on the map, it initiates a battle, isolating both you and your opponent to a defined zone.

As energy accumulates, you collect bars which enable you to execute moves such as punches, kicks, or combine them into powerful combos.

In response to an attack by the opponent, the player has options to dodge, protect themselves, or strike back, setting up a strategy similar to the classic game of rock, paper, and scissors.

Victory in battles increases a character’s experience points, enabling them to advance to higher levels. Similarly to Lara Croft, Diaz is capable of leaping, scaling, firing weapons, and solving riddles while exploring, all actions that occur outside of combat scenarios.

3. Quest 64

A Bonafide JRPG

Back in the day, when I was gaming on my trusty Nintendo 64, Quest 64 stood out as the sole authentic Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG) we got our hands on stateside. It was the trailblazer that made its grand entrance first.

In a fantasy landscape modeled after ancient Ireland, known as Celtland, lies the backdrop for our story. The central character, Brian, is a powerful mage on a mission to rescue his homeland. He seeks the Eletale Book, which was stolen, while simultaneously searching for his missing father who had embarked on a quest to find the mysterious artifact.

In the game Quest 64, the gameplay combines both turn-based and real-time elements. As Brian navigates through the world, he frequently comes across various creatures.

In a battle scenario, a confined space encircles the participants. One by one, each combatant takes their turn to act. If there are several adversaries, Brian will strike at different points in time. The mage is equipped with both staff strikes and magical elemental spells for attack options.

Quest 64 showcases an exclusive progression mechanism, whereby Brian’s core abilities – Agility, Defense, Health Points (HP), Magic Points (MP), as well as his four elemental traits – enhance via particular activities.

As I dart across the virtual battlefield, my agility naturally boosts with each step I take. Each time I get hit, my defense and health points seem to swell, like a protective shield around me. And here’s the best part – every time I dish out damage, my MP bar fills up just a bit more.

Plus, I can crank up my elemental powers by vanquishing enemies or discovering magical orbs scattered throughout this magical world. These discoveries unlock mightier spells for me to unleash!

The gameplay pattern in this game is reminiscent of traditional JRPGs for enthusiasts: players traverse a vast world to achieve an objective, stopping at villages and dungeons as they go. Although it’s not particularly innovative, Quest 64 stands out as one of the few Nintendo 64 games that contribute significantly to their JRPG collection.

2. Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber

Welcome To The Big League

Prior to crafting the Ivalice universe, where hits like Final Fantasy Tactics and Final Fantasy XII reside, Yasumi Matsuno was the mastermind behind the Ogre Battle series on the Super Nintendo.

On the Nintendo 64 gaming console, they introduced “Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber,” a game that significantly built upon its forerunner in all aspects.

In this new round, the action unfolds once more across the land of Zeteginia. This time, players step into the shoes of Magnus Gallant, a character who becomes part of a rebellion aimed at overthrowing the Holy Lodis Empire and preventing its relentless conquest of the continent.

In this game, there are three unique conclusions, which depend on a hidden Chaos Frame adjustor that isn’t visible. If your points are high, it indicates kindness, whereas low scores imply evil.

In the game Ogre Battle 64, the gameplay revolves around strategy. The players construct teams made up of multiple unique character classes. During encounters between allies and foes on the battlefield, we choose the tactics, while the fights themselves are handled autonomously.

A good approach would be to dispatch several teams throughout the map to seize settlements, enlarge our territory, and ultimately outmaneuver the opposition.

As a devoted strategy RPG enthusiast, I can’t help but reminisce about the pivotal impact that “Ogre Battle 64” had on the genre. Its innovative branching narrative and distinctive strategic gameplay set it apart from its contemporaries, leaving an indelible mark that continues to inspire new titles even up until 2024, as evident in the release of “Unicorn Overlord” by Vanillaware.

1. Paper Mario

Hard To Beat Mario In His Turf

Mario resides on Nintendo gaming systems, and the Japanese corporation seldom fails in their portrayal of our iconic mustached character.

In simpler terms, Paper Mario is essentially the continuation of the story from Super Mario RPG. It reintroduces an engaging plotline within Mario’s world, while incorporating a turn-based battle system that involves both time-sensitive inputs and action commands.

In the game titled “Paper Mario“, Bowser once again resorts to his mischievous ways. He manages to snatch the Star Wand from Star Haven and forces the Star Spirits into exile. Not content with just one capture, he abducts not only Princess Peach but her entire castle as well. It falls upon Mario to retrieve the Star Spirits, gain strength along the way, and ultimately save the princess.

Mario can partner up with eight unique characters, each one symbolizing a kind of adversary from the series. Each ally possesses a special skill for combats and exploration, which assists in solving puzzles.

In turn-based combat, Mario performs as anticipated. However, he can boost his attacks using well-timed inputs and other on-screen instructions. At any given moment, only one companion can aid Mario.

The original “Paper Mario” game was extremely popular on the Nintendo 64 and is frequently hailed as the console’s finest Role-Playing Game (RPG). It launched a series of similar titles, with the latest installment being a remake of the classic “Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door,” originally from the GameCube, for the Nintendo Switch.

Besides Super Mario RPGs, other series like Mario and Luigi have come out over the years too. The Mario and Luigi series started with the game “Superstar Saga” and recently released “Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time.

2025-01-08 17:09