When it comes to Microsoft as a video game company with a western background, it’s only natural for them to prioritize aligning their consoles, services, and offerings primarily with other western gaming companies. This preference is particularly noticeable in services like Game Pass, where you’ll find a greater variety of games and genres that originate from this part of the world.
Absolutely, it’s important to note that even Microsoft isn’t exclusively self-contained, and there are several games available on Game Pass developed by well-known Japanese studios. Regrettably, compared to other platforms, the selection of JRPGs might not be as extensive.
Even though Game Pass wouldn’t be very useful without offering games across different genres, it’s worth noting that you might need to explore the library a little to find fantastic Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) to fulfill your nostalgic appetite for them.
To broaden our horizons, we’re exploring JRPGs available on Game Pass, not just those from Japanese developers but also from other parts of the world. It’s important to note that a game doesn’t have to originate in Japan to be categorized as a JRPG. So, here are some games we recommend you check out.
Note: This list is being written in May 2025 and is subject to change.
8.
Persona 3 Reload
A Modern Classic With A Fresh Coat Of Paint
Among the prominent modern Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), few titles garner as much recognition as the Persona series and its assorted sequels and offshoots.
Enjoying Persona 5 Royal was once a major attraction for Game Pass subscribers, but unfortunately, it’s no longer available. However, don’t let that dampen your spirits! Another fantastic Persona game, Persona 3 Reload, is still accessible on the service for you to enjoy.
As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled about the complete reimagining of the 2006 PS2 gem, Persona 3 Reload. This new version follows a group of high school companions in a Japanese metropolis who, at the stroke of midnight, delve into an unseen dimension known as the Dark Hour. In this realm, armed with spiritual guardians called Personas, we confront enigmatic Shadows to untangle the mystery surrounding the colossal tower that materializes from our school every night.
Persona 3 Reload revisits the narrative and environment of the initial game, but enhances it significantly with contemporary enhancements for player convenience, innovative gameplay features, and a touch of freshness through revamped character designs and tunes.
The game maintains the same flawless aesthetic found in other contemporary Persona titles, and it’s battle system is swift and rhythmic, reminiscent of quick beats.
7.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Aggressively French, Positively Brilliant
A video game doesn’t have to originate from Japan to be classified as a Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG). What truly matters is capturing the essence of JRPGs through the appropriate atmosphere and playing style.
For instance, although Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 hails from France, it possesses an unquestionable rhythm akin to that of a Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG).
In the domain of Light and Shadow, the story unfolds within the realm of Lumière. From afar, a colossal Painteress works on a humongous stone pillar, painting a number. Each number she paints causes those of that age to disappear mysteriously. For years, numerous expeditions have been sent out from the nation in an attempt to halt this calamity, only to return unsuccessful. Now, we find ourselves with the courageous members of Expedition 33.
Clair Obscur offers a stunning, wordlessly expressive aesthetic journey, where the Artist’s domain is meticulously crafted. Each area stands out uniquely – from vast blooming meadows to the depths of a massive, desiccated lake bed.
In this game, each battle takes turns, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s a leisurely affair. You’ll need to anticipate the right moments for dodges or counterattacks during your opponent’s turn to keep your team unscathed. Once it’s your turn, choose your actions wisely, employing your strategically-placed skills and abilities to strike back effectively.
6.
Sea Of Stars
A Little Bit Of Everything
A significant number of independent game creators draw inspiration from the Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) that they were raised on.
This approach results in the development of intriguing blend-games, which merge game mechanics and aesthetic styles from several diverse sources, ultimately yielding a game similar to Sea of Stars.
In the game titled “Sea of Stars”, we follow two knights with magical abilities embarking on a journey to confront an old alchemist and his hordes of bizarre, extra-dimensional creatures. Throughout their adventure, they are joined by their longtime friend from childhood, along with various other party members and supportive characters. The narrative has a classic feel, reminiscent of the storylines found in games like Chrono Trigger.
As for that topic, Sea of Stars appears to draw inspiration from Chrono Trigger, particularly in the realm of combat. It employs a partially interactive combat system, where both characters and enemies are positioned dynamically.
Additionally, it features a timing-sensitive action mechanism, allowing you to either tap or rapidly press buttons for unleashing powerful attacks or evading adversaries.
5.
Trials Of Mana
A Blast From The Past
Over time, the role-playing game series known as Mana, initially conceived as a side project from Final Fantasy, has managed to carve out a modest niche in the annals of video game history.
Originally launched for SNES in the past, games from that era are still widely recognized. However, the third installment in the series, Trials of Mana, was exclusively available in Japan. This situation significantly altered when the game underwent a complete 3D remake and received an international distribution through Game Pass, broadening its reach beyond Japan.
In 2020’s reimagining of Trials of Mana, you journey through a magical world with six distinct heroes, initially choosing one as your main character along with two allies. As you traverse this realm, you’ll eventually encounter and unite with the other protagonists on your quest to safeguard the sacred Mana Tree from fearsome, ancient monstrosities.
One clear distinction between this updated version and the original lies in its advanced 3D graphics, which have replaced the original character sprites with far more dynamic and emotive models.
In combat, actions are performed in real time, allowing for both light and heavy attacks. With the ability to tailor classes, you can effortlessly configure your ideal team lineup.
4.
Octopath Traveler 2
Eight Stories, All Bangers
One notable achievement for Square Enix in recent times is their “HD-2D” games, where classic 2D character designs coexist with a meticulously crafted 3D environment. This unique blend offers a visual style that seamlessly merges the nostalgia of the past with contemporary charm.
It seems that the games which employ this style most impressively might be the two-part series known as the Octopath Traveler duology, comprising Octopath Traveler and Octopath Traveler 2.
In Octopath Traveler 2, you’ll encounter eight distinct heroes, each possessing unique skills and hailing from various regions across the globe.
As you decide on your primary character, you’ll gather the remainder of your party during your journeys. Each character has a unique tale that unfolds, leading you to different parts of the world, including numerous cities and diverse environments, as their quests progress.
In this game, you’ll find yourself strategically waiting for the right moment to unleash special abilities, accumulating points that amplify the power of your next attack or magic. You can switch characters among multiple classes at will, and they retain skills from one class to another. With a bit of leveling up, or what some might call grinding, you’ll quickly assemble an optimal party to suit your playstyle.
3.
Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom
I Was A Teenage President
One enjoyable aspect of playing Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) lies in their ability to weave fantastically improbable tales, yet transform these into compelling, dramatic journeys within the realm of high fantasy.
In Ni No Kuni 2, you’ll encounter a scenario where the U.S. President is unexpectedly struck down by a missile attack, only to awaken later as a teen in a mystical realm. This extraordinary event serves as the game’s initial event.
In Ni No Kuni 2, the story revolves around two main characters: Roland, a president reborn, and young Prince Evan, who manages to flee from an attempted coup with Roland’s assistance. Their mission is to restore order within their kingdom and also strive for global unity, fostering harmony among different nations.
Battles occur within secluded battlegrounds, where team members engage in conflicts, either directly participating or calling upon tiny allies to do the fighting for them.
Beyond just battles and discovery, it’s essential to oversee Evan’s expanding realm as well, ensuring the populace is cared for, establishing trade routes, and more.
2.
Cassette Beasts
Pokémon Fusion, Basically
Reminding ourselves that the initial Pokémon video games were actually role-playing games (RPGs) or a specific type of RPG can be easy to overlook, considering how widely spread the franchise is today.
It seems unlikely that any Pokémon games will be added to Game Pass during our lifetimes, yet the independent gaming sector continues to offer unique takes on the traditional creature-collecting theme, such as Cassette Beasts.
In Cassette Beasts, your character is unexpectedly stranded on a peculiar island teeming with enigmatic creatures and fellow castaways from various temporal and spatial dimensions. Utilizing your reliable cassette player, you can capture the essences of these creatures, granting you the ability to morph into them yourself as you delve into the island’s hidden mysteries.
Just as I’ve come to master the elemental types in Pokémon, I find myself drawn to the captivating world of Cassette Beasts. Each creature I encounter has its own set of strengths and vulnerabilities, much like my trusty pocket monsters. As they grow and evolve, they learn an array of unique moves, which I must strategize around to ensure victory in battle.
In a battle scenario, if you and your ally are perfectly coordinated, you can combine your magical beings to generate a stronger, cross-breed warrior, boasting the cumulative strengths and abilities of both entities.
1.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
That’s A Whole Lotta Heroes
Over time, numerous significant Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG) series and brands have emerged, but regrettably, not every one of them has survived into the current era. One such series is Suikoden, which hasn’t launched a new main title since 2006.
As development teams shift focus towards fresh initiatives, the essence of these franchises continues, with Suikoden being carried forward in Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes.
In this crowd-funded game, the action unfolds within a vibrant fantasy world inhabited by diverse species and magical beings coexisting uneasily.
In this epic gaming adventure, I, a seasoned gamer, find myself stepping into the shoes of Nowa – a brave protagonist in a world where an oppressive empire is amassing power. My quest? To traverse the lands and gather an army unlike any other, a force prepared to take a stand against tyranny. If you thought managing six or eight heroes was challenging, brace yourself for a game that boasts over 100 unique playable characters, each with their own distinct abilities!
As a gamer, a significant chunk of my gaming experience lies in discovering and amassing a multitude of recruits. The thrill of exploration is heightened by this aspect. When it comes to confrontation, however, I have to strategically decide which of these companions will be at my side in the heat of battle.
Characters interact differently, boasting unique team-up skills that can swiftly reduce opponents’ strength.
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2025-05-02 19:10