8 JRPGs That Have Aged Like Milk

by

Occasionally, I find myself going back to those classic JRPGs from my youth – games I’ve played more than I’ve grasped their intricacies – due to the simple fact that my memory of them is hazy.

As a seasoned gamer, I usually steer clear of revisiting old JRPGs unless they’ve been given a facelift with modern enhancements. The truth is, these classics can be pretty tough on us old-school gamers, mainly due to their antiquated mechanics or painstakingly slow pace.

Certain classic JRPGs have proven timeless and continue to provide enjoyment regardless of the current period. However, such examples are rare and are frequently hailed as genre masterpieces.

Today, let me delve into eight Role-Playing Games (RPGs) that have not stood the test of time as gracefully as we might hope, either because they feature bothersome mechanics, a visual style that fails to appeal, or unfinished ambitions.

Instead, I opted not to include reworks or enhanced versions due to clear rationales, as they often feature numerous life-quality enhancements that might alter the original experience.

8.
Legend of Legaia

Excruciating Slow Combat

In 1998, the game known as “Legend of Legaia” was released. At that time, my internet connection wasn’t yet fully developed here in Brazil, so I couldn’t find any resources for walkthroughs or guides to help me uncover secrets and complete all aspects of the JRPG.

Occasionally, it can be beneficial. For example, consider the game “Legend of Legaia“. I enjoyed the unpredictable run-ins since I was determined to master each character’s abilities through hands-on experience.

In the game named “Legaia“, combat takes place in turns where you choose a sequence of diverse attacks. The arrangement of these attacks can trigger special abilities, or Arts, to be released. This distinctive system kept me engaged for long periods as I hunted for new Arts by experimenting with various attack combinations.

In my fervent pursuit of battle, tirelessly experimenting with different strategies, I concealed the lethargy that often shrouded the combat. Yet, in today’s digital age, the thrill of secretly uncovering Art’s combinations has dissipated. Now, a swift Google search reveals an endless array of possible strategies at one’s fingertips.

If you don’t experiment with various movements to discover new art forms in the game, all you’ll have is predictable fights during random encounters, and let me tell you, they can be surprisingly sluggish. This could deter some people interested in playing Legend of Legaia today.

7.
Xenogears

The Notorious Disc Two

I generally avoid exploring psychology, philosophy, religion, or politics, and I don’t usually combine these subjects in conversation. This isn’t because I don’t care about them, but rather because they can be difficult for me to understand. However, I really enjoy the game Xenogears.

Although I tend to avoid delving into psychology, philosophy, religion, or politics, and I don’t often mix these topics together in conversation, I find them challenging to grasp. But that doesn’t stop me from loving the game Xenogears.

The story, deeply influenced by Carl Jung and Nietzsche’s works, can appear intricate for casual readers. However, it strives to communicate a more straightforward message while maintaining depth in its characters, surprising plot developments, and an alluring, irresistibly infectious backstory.

At the time, SquareSoft found Takahashi’s aspirations excessively grand, leading him to trim costs, design Disc 2 more like a PowerPoint presentation, and ultimately forfeit his vision for a six-part series (the hexalogy).

For those unfamiliar, “Xenogears” is part five of a vast storyline in a role-playing game (JRPG). While dedicated enthusiasts might find it worth revisiting, be mindful that it’s similar to watching a TV series that ended prematurely, leaving its narrative unresolved.

6.
Star Ocean: First Departure

Backtracking To The Stars

In this collection, you’ll find a refreshed version of “Star Ocean” that I felt was worth deviating from my usual rules to include. The reason is simple – the original “Star Ocean” didn’t reach Western audiences until the launch of “Star Ocean: First Departure”. Therefore, for us, this remake serves as our inaugural encounter with this captivating game.

Out of all the science fiction role-playing game series, “Star Ocean” stands out as my preferred choice. I started with the second installment and have been a loyal fan, following each new release since then. Upon the arrival of the first game on PS4, I immersed myself in it, eager for more Space Opera adventures.

Although I found it fascinating delving into and understanding the various systems that laid the groundwork for subsequent entries, I wouldn’t advise Star Ocean: First Departure to anyone.

The revamped version introduced some user-friendly enhancements, yet it struggled to conceal the antiquated mechanisms that made gameplay tedious. The most obvious issue is the excessive backtracking. Combine this with random encounters, and you’ll notice the fun gradually fading from your experience.

In the past, I was familiar with the Item Creation system in the series, which enhanced my gameplay by reducing the frequency of encounters, utilizing a Bunny for transportation, and crafting powerful weapons from the start. However, these remakes couldn’t entirely conceal the frustrations that were present in the original Star Ocean.

5.
Breath of Fire

Every Step You Take, A Battle

For quite some time now, I’ve been eager to express this, but let me make it clear: Breath of Fire remains my all-time favorite series, with Breath of Fire III holding the top spot among all games I’ve ever played. With the first two installments becoming available on the Nintendo Switch Online service, I seized the opportunity for a delightful dose of nostalgia. What a trip down memory lane!

Although the Game Boy Advance (GBA) versions had a lower audio quality, I still found them more appealing. Unfortunately, on Nintendo’s service, only the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) versions are accessible. In the original games, not only was the experience and financial rewards inferior, but there wasn’t even an option for a run button.

Isn’t it surprising, but have you ever considered how significantly faster pacing can impact a game where each move could potentially trigger an unforeseen confrontation? It’s like night and day.

Regrettably, I found it challenging to play ‘Breath of Fire’ for an hour, not even during handheld mode while watching TV. Instead, I spent most of the time engaging in battles and repeatedly pressing the auto button, rather than reminiscing about my childhood with all those dragons.

4.
Final Fantasy II

Yeah, The Leveling Up System

If you’re an experienced JRPG player, feel free to move on. For those who aren’t, I understand your concerns about character building may arise, but rest assured, it’s not necessary for everyone to delve into the complexities. Some players simply want to enjoy the game without mastering every aspect.

In that game, Final Fantasy II, I find a particular flaw – the leveling-up system. Although I won’t delve into the improvements like the removal of random encounters in the Pixel Remaster version, as they support my argument but aren’t the main focus here, it’s the leveling-up system that truly bothers me.

In simpler terms, the concept seemed innovative, fitting more with future games from the SaGa series. However, within Final Fantasy II, it didn’t provide a satisfying sense of progression, particularly since the progression could be exploited by attacking one’s allies.

One concern I have is that it seems to deter creativity. For instance, if you grow weary of Firion, who wields a sword and casts ice magic, and wish to transform him into an archer with healing abilities, you might end up spending a lot of time on the process.

In hindsight, it won’t pay off, as I find myself stuck to a familiar gameplan, donning the same arsenal and wielding the same magical elements right from the get-go. This feels more like a strict blueprint than the freedom of choice and character development I expect in an RPG.

3.
Secret of Mana

Action RPG With ATB

When I was playing the game “Secret of Mana,” there’s an instance that stands out in my memory. My brother happened to pick up the second controller, hit Start, and suddenly he was controlling a character in the game. At the time, it was not common for role-playing games (RPGs) like this one to offer cooperative play, so it was quite surprising. This feature is more prevalent in newer “Tales of” titles.

Revisiting the remastered version of this JRPG, I now understand that my fond memories may have been tinted by nostalgia, making me view it overly positively. In reality, these sentiments appear to be deeply personal and not necessarily reflective of the game’s objective quality.

I didn’t find the game to be poor, but it wasn’t the brilliantly designed experience I had anticipated. In Secret of Mana, when you attack, there’s a progress bar that fills up with each strike. Once the bar is full, your attack deals its standard amount of damage. However, if you attack before it’s fully charged, the damage dealt is quite weak. Essentially, it’s an Action Role-Playing Game (RPG) with the ATB system integrated into its gameplay.

The issue lies in this mechanic causing the combat to become unnecessarily slow, stripping away the dynamic and engaging nature of the fighting. Instead of swiftly attacking and evading, you strike an opponent, step back, wait for the optimal moment, then strike again. Essentially, it’s a repetitive, cumbersome sequence that leaves the entire combat system feeling awkward and lumbering, as if it’s struggling to move properly.

2.
Drakengard

Drags On A Lot

Ever since I have a soft spot for dragons in Breath of Fire, Drakengard’s captivating cover immediately piqued my interest. In no time, I found myself immersed in its enchanting and mesmerizing universe.

Remarkable indeed, but it leaves me pondering if perhaps I’m a psychopath, given the sheer quantity of sorrowful narrative twists this game presents. Wow, Yoko Taro, what a ride!

Although the complex narrative, intricate themes, and various conclusions in Drakengard earned it cult status within the JRPG genre, some aspects of the gameplay today can feel overly tedious. Pretending to be a Musou-style game, but falling short, the repetitive gameplay lacks sufficient rewards to keep players engaged.

The game introduces an innovative element by incorporating dragon-flying mechanics with Angelus. However, they are quite distinct from the classic Panzer Dragoon experience and seem more like a preliminary version of the shoot ’em up segments found in NieR: Automata. Despite this, it doesn’t offer much enjoyment, falling short when compared to contemporary gaming standards.

Should you be genuinely interested in the game Drakengard, you’ll find that its sequels have substantially enhanced their gameplay mechanics. For those who enjoy a challenge and delving deep into a character’s sorrowful tale, it might be worth tackling the initial game to uncover Caim’s tragic backstory.

1.
Quest 64

One Of The Few Nintendo 64’s JRPG

To put it straightforwardly, Quest 64 wasn’t really a shining example of a well-received JRPG. Yet, given its rarity as one of the few JRPGs for the Nintendo 64, it possessed a unique appeal. Regrettably, much like many games from the Nintendo 64’s library, it doesn’t hold up well in terms of overall quality nowadays.

In the initial 19 minutes of the game Quest 64, the mechanics appear intriguing as they blend turn-based and real-time combat. Your character, Brian, alternates turns with enemies. During our turn, we select one of the four fundamental elements, amplify it using Mana, and then unleash a powerful ability.

The advancement mechanism shares some resemblance with the cherished “Final Fantasy II,” yet it feels more personal. Your defense and HP grow stronger as you receive attacks, while Brian’s agility escalates with his actions on the battlefield. Discovering orbs scattered across the map aids us in enhancing our magical abilities, leading to an overall refined progression system that operated seamlessly.

In summary, Quest 64 seemed more like an early version rather than a fully developed game. Despite being one of the rare JRPGs available for the Nintendo 64, it didn’t manage to garner significant financial or critical acclaim.

Even if you’re an expert in Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPG) or someone who enjoys revisiting difficult games for some unexplained reason, you’ll likely require a tough emotional resilience to genuinely enjoy little mage Brian’s journey.

Read More

2025-07-04 18:10