Turn-Based JRPGs Worth Playing Just For Their Stories

Turn-Based JRPGs Worth Playing Just For Their Stories

As a seasoned RPG enthusiast and time-travel aficionado, I’ve had the pleasure of diving into some truly captivating narratives that twist history to their whims. One such game that left an indelible mark on my gaming journey is Radiant Historia. The story revolves around Stocke, a hero who’s given a second chance at righting the wrongs of the past through time-travel. With a compact cast of heroes, you can truly get to know each character intimately, making for a more personal RPG experience.


Video games in the JRPG genre often boast captivating narratives due to their extended development time, allowing them to span around forty hours or more, which might seem extensive for those with hectic lifestyles. However, these games are worth experiencing for their intriguing stories alone.

These games offer engaging turn-based combat and visually appealing graphics, which are certainly worth noting. However, what truly sets them apart is their narrative, which goes beyond typical genre boundaries. It’s important to acknowledge that these games might not appeal to everyone due to their Japanese origins and the occasional quirks that come with anime influences. Nevertheless, they are definitely worth giving a try.

8 Final Fantasy 7

A Mercenary Fights To Get His Memories Back To Save The World

Among enthusiasts of the Final Fantasy series, Final Fantasy 7 often ranks as a favorite. The story follows Cloud, once a mercenary who had served in SOLDIER – a prestigious combat unit under the control of Shinra Corporation – as he revisits Midgar, his former base of operations.

Initially, a sequence of eco-terrorist incidents unfolds, leading to a complex narrative centered around Sephiroth, a character Cloud believed was deceased, who aims to annihilate the world. The storyline takes unexpected turns, ranging from Cloud’s amnesiac episodes to covert operations by plush toy spies and thrilling Chocobo races. The tale is filled with captivating elements, and the remake series has been skillfully adapting this classic for contemporary audiences.

7 Persona 5

Teens Fight Through School Exams And Adults Trying To Oppress Them

In Persona 5, our protagonist, who remains unnamed, finds himself relocated to a Japanese city due to a public scandal. Here he reconnects with an acquaintance who runs a coffee shop and assists him in enrolling at a new school. As he forges relationships with fresh faces, they stumble upon supernatural abilities that enable them to enter a different dimension. In this parallel world, they can transform the hearts of deeply corrupt individuals, ranging from a fast-food magnate to an immoral gym teacher.

The central storyline is engaging, yet the secondary tasks are equally captivating since the protagonist can forge friendships with ancillary characters using a mechanism called Confidants. This role-playing game (RPG) is extensive, and by the end, players will genuinely feel they’ve made multiple new acquaintances throughout their journey.

6 Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch

A Ghibli Take On Pokemon

In essence, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch offers an experience akin to stepping into a Studio Ghibli film. The story revolves around a young lad named Oliver, who embarks on a journey through another realm with the intention of rescuing his mother. Accompanying him is a mystical sprite known as Mr. Drippy, who imparts knowledge about this strange world, including its folklore and combat techniques.

As a die-hard Studio Ghibli enthusiast, I must say it’s an absolute delight to dive into this game if you were raised on their films. Admittedly, it might not have the same tightly woven plot as a traditional two-hour movie, but it sure does pack all the enchanting and emotional appeal that will leave gamers grinning from ear to ear, even bringing a tear or two to their eyes.

5 Parasite Eve

A Monstrous Witch Takes Over New York City With Mutated Animals

Turn-Based JRPGs Worth Playing Just For Their Stories

The storyline of Parasite Eve has the potential to be an engaging sci-fi horror film in Hollywood, for those interested, it originated as both a Japanese movie and a book. The game follows detective Aya Brea, based in New York City, who bears witness to a heartbreaking incident during an opera performance one evening.>

In this chilling tale, individuals spontaneously ignite following Eve’s strange metamorphosis. Now, citizens throughout the city are transforming into gooey substances, while animals undergo terrifying transformations into monstrous creatures. Despite its unsettling nature, the narrative is skillfully crafted to keep readers on the edge of their seats with an abundance of suspenseful action and gruesome horror scenes.

4 Radiant Historia

A Magical Book Grants The Hero Time Traveling Abilities During Wartime

Turn-Based JRPGs Worth Playing Just For Their Stories

Radiant Historia tells the tale of a time-jumping adventure aimed at setting past mistakes right. In the opening mission, Stocke and his compact team suffer defeat, but fate isn’t entirely against them. Endowed with a mysterious grimoire by magical entities, he gains the power to traverse through time multiple times. This ability helps him solve various puzzles that propel the story forward.

Balancing multiple timelines may prove challenging, yet it’s equally rewarding. The main characters, featuring Stocke, form a compact group, which makes it simpler for players to develop relationships with them compared to larger groups. This results in a more personal and immersive role-playing game experience overall.

3 Shadow Hearts: Covenant

An Alternate Take On World War 1 Involving Demons and Rasputin

Turn-Based JRPGs Worth Playing Just For Their Stories

In a unique twist on history, Shadow Hearts: Covenant presents an alternate timeline where a thrilling narrative unfolds. Set during World War I, a team of heroes united to thwart Grigori Rasputin’s global domination plans. The incorporation of authentic historical figures adds an enjoyable layer to the story, particularly the portrayal of the eccentric Rasputin.

Having spent countless hours delving into the realms of gaming, I can confidently say that the unique blend of characters such as Princess Anastasia of the Russian Empire and the esteemed philosopher Roger Bacon in a game is an intriguing proposition indeed! The plot may not be as gripping as some other titles, but its quirky nature makes it stand out from the crowd. If you’re someone who enjoys unconventional stories and appreciates the occasional dose of humor in your games, tracking down this title on the PS2 would undoubtedly be worth your while. It’s a refreshing change from the usual high-stakes dramas that dominate the gaming landscape.

2 Xenosaga Episode 1: Der Wille Zur Macht

Religion Fights For Supremacy Against Invisible Space Aliens

Turn-Based JRPGs Worth Playing Just For Their Stories

As a gamer, let me tell you, diving into Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht is quite the rollercoaster ride! For starters, it seems like an ordinary space horror flick with hidden aliens that we combat using robots and mechs. But boy, does it twist! It soon transforms into a grand space epic intertwined with religious themes. Anime enthusiasts are bound to find this journey captivating.

At times, the narrative can be dense with characters delving deeply into philosophical discussions about the cosmos, reminiscent of scenes found in Metal Gear Solid. It’s the start of a trilogy, and to fully understand the plot, playing through the entire series is suggested. Unfortunately, tracking down this elusive RPG trilogy can be challenging as it was exclusive to the PS2, much like Shadow Hearts.

1 Yakuza: Like A Dragon

A Monster With A Heart Of Gold

“Yakuza: Like a Dragon” is the seventh primary installment in the Yakuza series, excluding the prequel. This game serves as a reboot, introducing a new protagonist named Ichiban, and it notably switches from action-based gameplay to a turn-based format.

Following his release from prison, Ichiban finds himself struggling to reconnect with the Yakuza who have turned their backs on him. Cut off from mainstream society, he strives earnestly to belong and assists those in need within his community. With a quirky charm that radiates kindness, it’s difficult not to be charmed by his endearing antics across Japan. This game is an ideal starting point for novice players.

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2024-08-22 08:06