8 JRPG Party Members Who Made a Huge Impact Despite Their Short Time

Summary

Temporary JRPG party members leave lasting impact through memorable dialogues and emotional development, enhancing the journey.
Characters like Grius make heroic sacrifices that resonate in the story, influencing other characters and shaping the narrative.
Even with limited screen time, JRPG characters like Lavitz mark players with their charisma, sacrifice, and unforgettable presence.

JRPGs (Japanese Role-Playing Games) are renowned not just for their grand narratives, but also for characters that go beyond being mere combatants. Charismatic party members add depth to the adventure, blending battle strength with witty dialogues and personal growth. These interactions, brimming with humor, drama, or sensitivity, make them endearing companions, etching these games deeply into players’ memories.

Discussing the most memorable temporary party members in JRPGs, it’s more than just about how much screen time they get. These short-lived characters make a lasting impact through significant moments such as courageous acts, pivotal revelations, or crucial contributions to the storyline. Despite their temporary nature, they are not diminished; instead, their essence is distilled into scenes that echo long after they’ve left the game.

Warning: The following text discusses the fates of multiple game characters, be careful if you don’t want to learn about potential spoilers. Continue at your own risk.

8. Crick Wellsley (Octopath Traveler 2)

A Temporary Character In Temeno’s Storyline In This JRPG

In “Octopath Traveler 2”, players can experience a distinct approach to storytelling, where they decide the sequence of exploring various characters’ tales. One of these characters is Temeno, a Cleric, whose primary plot revolves around unraveling the enigmas surrounding Pontiff Jörg’s demise. During this investigation, he encounters Crick.

Although Crick was initially a temporary companion on Temeno’s adventure through this JRPG, appearing only during the opening chapter, he left a lasting impression on numerous players. It wasn’t due to his combat effectiveness, given his rather weak stats, but instead because of the captivating charm he added to dialogues, offering intriguing conversations during his brief time together.

7. Grius (Metaphor: ReFantazio)

The Character’s Sacrifice Serves As Motivation For The Group In This JRPG

In the game “Metaphor: ReFantazio”, Grius is first introduced as part of the resistance fighting alongside the Prince. As the game progresses, he briefly teams up with the main character and Strohl. This temporary alliance provides players with a more profound understanding of his character and his bond with his daughter, Maria. Throughout this period, it becomes clear that Grius is willing to make difficult sacrifices for her sake, making him a character who leaves a strong emotional impression on players.

Although Grius has a significant role in the story of this JRPG, he is merely a temporary party member who ultimately meets a sad end by trying to eliminate Louis. Unfortunately, his efforts fail, and his death serves as a poignant moment in the narrative. His memory motivates the main characters to continue their journey and even shapes Maria’s character development significantly. Frequently mentioned throughout the plot, Grius’ legacy remains an influential factor in the story’s progression.

6. Teepo (Breath of Fire 3)

From Childhood Companion To Pillar Of The Game’s Mythology

In the game “Breath of Fire 3”, Teepo starts off as part of the trio who make up the initial group of characters. Alongside Rei and Ryu, he spends his days engaging in petty crimes to get by, blending mischief with sibling-like bonding. His unique mix of humor and magical powers catch attention in the early skirmishes. However, following a troubling encounter with Balio and Sunder’s gang, Teepo goes missing, creating a gap that resonates strongly through the storyline.

In due time, meeting Teepo once more in Eden uncovers his role within the Brood, the pivotal dragon tribe in our tale. Now serving as an adversary, he presents Ryu with a difficult moral choice: to endure eternal banishment or confront the deity Myria. His poignant demise underscores concepts of sacrifice and self-discovery, cementing him as a significant character in the game’s mythos – an influence that surpasses his brief stint alongside our party members.

5. Lavitz Slambert (The Legend of Dragoon)

A Loyal Knight Who Stays In The Party For A Short Time

In the game “The Legend of Dragoon”, Lavitz Slambert embodies genuine honor. Serving as the captain of the Basilian Guard, he teams up with Dart in their struggle against Sandora. Throughout this JRPG, he proves to be a valuable party member due to his strength and character. His charming demeanor, demonstrated through heartfelt conversations and unwavering dedication, makes him an engaging character throughout the adventure, highlighting his true potential.

Regardless of being a temporary member, Lavitz makes an indelible impact on his fellow travelers. His untimely demise at the hands of Lloyd’s Dragon Buster fuels Dart’s thirst for vengeance and sparks Albert’s determination as Lavitz’s successor, the Jade Dragoon. In a strange twist, his spirit resurfaces in Mayfil, breaking free from its possession to offer assistance to friends. As a result, despite having only briefly joined their journey, Lavitz remains deeply etched in everyone’s memory.

4. Shinjiro Aragaki

Atlus Is Known For Including Temporary Party Members In Their JRPGs

Characters who briefly become part of the group are common in many games by Atlus, including Persona 3. In this particular game, the final member to join, Shinjiro Aragaki, portrayed as a somewhat aloof and detached figure, does not remain with SEES for much time, since he meets his end while shielding Ken Amada from an attack by an adversary.

In Persona 3, themes of mortality and life’s purpose are profoundly delved into, and Shinjiro’s demise underscores these ideas while also fostering character development for other party members. Moreover, players may empathize with his loss because he was an exceptionally powerful combatant in battles, ranking among the top party members in the JRPG genre.

3. Delita Hyral

From One Of The Protagonist’s Best Friends To An Antagonist

Delita Hyral stands out as one of the most captivating characters conceived in the realm of the Final Fantasy series. At first, he is depicted as a close friend to Ramza Beoulve, the main character. Their friendship serves as a significant focus during the early stages of Final Fantasy Tactics, offering players an immersive introduction to the world of Ivalice and its complexities.

In the JRPG, Delita Hyral initially joins as a temporary party member. As the story progresses, Delita’s and Ramza’s paths significantly diverge, particularly following Tietra’s death. This tragic event transforms Delita into a pragmatic figure who is ready to manipulate anything for his goals. However, Delita remains so intricately complex that it’s challenging to decide if he truly embodies the role of the main antagonist in “Final Fantasy Tactics.

2. Goro Akechi

The Antagonist Temporarily Joins The Party In This JRPG

At the start of Persona 5, a traitor within the Phantom Thieves is subtly hinted at, later revealed to be Goro Akechi. This unexpected turn of events adds significant intrigue to the game’s narrative. Presented as a talented young detective, he infiltrates the group under questionable motives, leaving his true objectives and connection with the main character shrouded in secrecy.

In an extended tale such as that found in Persona 5 Royal, Akechi reappears under fresh circumstances, offering players a chance to delve deeper into his psychological layers. Despite no longer being a temporary team member in this revised version of Atlus’s JRPG, Akechi continues to hold significant importance as one of the key characters for the Phantom Thieves, significantly shaping their storyline.

1. Aerith Gainsborough (Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth)

The Character’s Farewell Marked A Generation Of Players

In contrast to many transient party members found in the Final Fantasy series, Aerith from Final Fantasy 7 stands out as particularly memorable for players. At first appearing as a vendor selling flowers, she quickly transitions into an indispensable ally within the group, largely due to her versatile abilities that contribute significantly to their support.

In one of the most heartbreaking scenes in the Final Fantasy series, Aerith Gainsborough is fatally stabbed by Sephiroth near the end of the game’s first disc, using the Masamune as his weapon. This tragic event comes after the storyline had been gradually leading to her reconciliation with the rest of the group, only for it to be cruelly cut short just before it could take place.

2025-02-02 06:05