JRPGs That Are Better Than You Remember

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Japanese role-playing games, or JRPGs, are incredibly popular and have become a major force in the gaming world. There’s been a recent revival of the genre, and players are enjoying a new wave of fantastic games that truly capture what makes JRPGs special.

The recent surge in popularity of JRPGs is great news for fans of the classics. Many older games didn’t receive the praise they deserved when they first came out, and revisiting them now will likely show just how good they really are.

Final Fantasy 8

An Overhated Game That Is Way Better Than Fans Remember

While *Final Fantasy 8* does have some flaws – its gameplay system isn’t very well done, and one plot twist is particularly silly – these issues don’t overshadow the game’s many strengths. It’s still a great game despite these minor problems.

The special summoning sequences still look impressive, even though the game is older. It was really fun to customize characters and make them incredibly powerful, and watching Squall develop as a person is fantastic. Many players who initially don’t connect with his personality end up appreciating his journey into a dependable leader.

Chrono Cross

Living In The Shadow Of Chrono Trigger Really Hurt This Title

When *Chrono Cross* was released, it faced high expectations. Following the critically acclaimed *Chrono Trigger* was a challenge in itself, and the game’s many departures from the original made it feel more like a new experience than a true sequel.

Many fans initially dismissed *Chrono Cross*, but it’s well worth revisiting today with an open mind. The game offers a lot of fun with its diverse cast of characters, it cleverly addressed the issue of repetitive grinding, and it truly shines when appreciated for what it is, rather than constantly being measured against the highly praised original.

Persona 2: Eternal Punishment

Considered Inferior To Innocent Sin, But Is Still A Blast In Its Own Right

Often, *Eternal Punishment* isn’t seen as quite as strong as *Innocent Sin*. Not only do you need to play *Innocent Sin* to follow the story, but many players also feel the writing and characters in *Eternal Punishment* aren’t as well-developed.

Even though those points are valid, we shouldn’t dismiss the game’s improvements. *Eternal Punishment* actually shines by giving a satisfying ending to the story begun in *Persona 2*, and that makes it one of the best classic JRPGs, especially considering how the *Persona 2* games shaped the series that followed.

Koudelka

Despite Some Clunky Gameplay, The Atmosphere And Storytelling More Than Makes Up For It

Before the game *Shadow Hearts*, there was *Koudelka*. While players were eager to try it, some found the gameplay too slow-paced and difficult.

Even today, players might find the combat challenging, but sticking with the game is worth it. You’ll experience a fantastic story, memorable characters, and a captivating gothic atmosphere. Guiding the heroes through the deserted mansion is genuinely enjoyable, especially for those eager to delve deeper into the world of *Shadow Hearts* and its rich backstory.

Final Fantasy Mystic Quest

A Simple JRPG That Is Perfect For Fans Who Want To Enjoy An Easygoing Adventure

Final Fantasy Mystic Quest was designed with American players in mind and focused on making the game very easy to pick up and play. Battles were straightforward, you didn’t have to manage a huge group of characters, and the story wasn’t very challenging.

Fans of the more complex *Final Fantasy* games were often disappointed with *Mystic Quest*. However, if you approach it expecting a straightforward and endearing RPG, you’ll likely find a lot to enjoy.

Resonance Of Fate

The Overbearing Grays Of This Title Hide A Lovely, Eccentric Title

Resonance of Fate is known as a particularly challenging JRPG. Its combat system is incredibly complex, and players will likely need to learn the mechanics through in-game practice within the Coliseum to master the game’s unique and flashy gun-based battles.

Despite its strengths, the game’s unusual story and frequent use of gray tones might make it difficult to stay engaged. However, if players master the demanding combat system, they’ll discover a truly unique JRPG – one that embraces its strangeness, which is saying something for a genre already known for being quirky.

Breath Of Fire: Dragon Quarter

A Fun JRPG That Made So Many Changes To The BoF Formula That Fans Didn’t Know What To Make Of It

Dragon Quarter might have been better received if it hadn’t been branded as part of the Breath of Fire series. It made significant changes to the gameplay, which upset existing Breath of Fire fans and led to a lot of negative feedback.

It’s been a while since we’ve seen a classic *Breath of Fire* game, and honestly, that’s a good thing for *Dragon Quarter*. It lets us appreciate it for what it *is* – a unique and interesting RPG – instead of constantly measuring it up to the older games. I think fans will really enjoy it when they give it a chance on its own terms.

Final Fantasy 13

Underneath All The Convoluted Lore And Linear Levels Is A Beautiful JRPG That Deserves More Love Than It Gets

Final Fantasy 13 is famously disliked among JRPG fans, and many consider it the worst game in the series. However, despite its negative reputation, there’s actually a lot to appreciate about it.

Even today, *Final Fantasy 13* looks stunning, and its detailed backstory reveals the passion that went into creating its world. While the story can be a lot to take in, the game truly shines once you reach Gran Pulse. From that point on, it becomes a classic *Final Fantasy* adventure with the freedom to explore.

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2025-09-23 09:35