Best JRPGs For Exploration

Key Takeaways

Modern JRPGs offer ample exploration, providing players with non-linear gameplay experiences.
Games like Octopath Traveler 2 showcase seamless exploration, allowing players to engage with side quests at their own pace.
Titles like Xenoblade Chronicles X and Shin Megami Tensei 5 feature vast, open worlds that enhance the gameplay and immerse players.

As a long-time enthusiast of JRPGs and someone who’s spent countless hours immersed in open-world adventures, I must say these games are truly a sight to behold! The Xenoblade series, with its tactical combat and jaw-dropping landscapes, is a testament to modern JRPG greatness. Xenoblade Chronicles X, in particular, showcases the franchise at its finest, offering an expansive world ripe for exploration and filled with secrets just waiting to be discovered.

A common, unfair prejudice about many JRPGs is the claim that their narratives are strictly linear without opportunities for free-flowing discovery like many contemporary video games. While it’s true that some older JRPGs restrict exploration mainly to an overworld map directing players towards specific locations to progress the story, modern game design has become more integrated into JRPGs than people might think, including in terms of exploration.

In many games belonging to this genre today, players are granted the freedom to explore seamlessly and handle events as they choose, with some even permitting players to disregard the main storyline altogether. Although most JRPGs don’t necessarily require captivating exploration to set themselves apart, there’s no questioning the satisfaction players experience when they can traverse the world at their leisure and discover numerous engaging activities along the way.

1 Octopath Traveler 2

A Massive World Where Chapters Can Be Tackled In Any Order

Octopath Traveler evoked memories of the glory days of JRPGs, and many criticisms raised against it in the original were rectified significantly in the sequel. In fact, some enthusiasts have gone as far as labeling Octopath Traveler 2 as one of the finest JRPGs ever made, a testament to its greatness. The intricate job system and challenging boss fights are key gameplay features, but a less-discussed strength lies in its engaging exploration aspect.

In Octopath Traveler 2, some players might find the frequency of random encounters a tad excessive, but those who persevere in handling these extra battles will delight in traversing the expansive overworld and discovering numerous side quests and dungeons hidden along the way. The game’s flexibility in allowing players to select their protagonist and navigate story chapters at their discretion, promoting free-roam exploration, is a testament to this focus.

2 Final Fantasy 12

The World Is Massive And The Transition Between Exploration And Battle Is Seamless

Final Fantasy 12 represented a significant risk for the series, as its gameplay was modeled after the MMORPG that came before it. This shift resulted in real-time battles, eliminating the need for battle transitions, making exploration smoother than ever. Plus, the inclusion of detailed side activities like Hunts gave players a reason to traverse the vast game environments naturally and discover hidden gems organically.

It’s genuinely mind-blowing to see the sheer number of optional dungeons, hidden NPCs, unique side quests, and valuable rewards that players could find while moving from point A to point B. The fact that its sequel completely abandoned this freeform exploration for linear corridors is one of the worst design choices in Final Fantasy history and makes it abundantly clear why the mere mention of Final Fantasy 13 makes a fan’s blood boil.

3 Xenoblade Chronicles X

The World Is Open To The Player From The Get-Go

The Xenoblade series has grown into one of the top-tier modern JRPG series, offering an engaging experience for fans. The strategic combat is set in an expansive open world teeming with captivating landscapes and substantial content, making Xenoblade Chronicles X a must-play for anyone to witness this franchise’s peak potential. The vast amount of time players can invest in exploring the open world and uncovering hidden treasures is testament to the game’s quality and its powerful appeal.

The game immerses players immediately into the vast open world, with powerful adversaries and limited travel options serving as the primary constraints to keep players focused on the central plot. As players advance in levels and unfold the main storyline, the world gradually expands, offering ample opportunities for extended exploration.

4 Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Shows Pokemon Players The Potential Of An Open-World Game In The Series

For years, enthusiasts of the Pokemon franchise have been asking Game Freak to create an open-world Pokemon game that would allow players to experience the thrill of a vast journey without any limitations. The outdated design of this series had become a source of frustration for fans, which is why the announcement of Pokemon Legends: Arceus generated such excitement among players. Although its open world might not rival that of other Nintendo games like Breath of the Wild, those who can look past its less-than-stellar graphics will find themselves immersed in one of the freshest Pokemon adventures in a while.

Initially, Pokemon Legends: Arceus was a promising start. It allowed players to toss Pokeballs freely and participate in thrilling real-time battles with Pokemon. The experience was amplified by the addition of an expansive open world, making the game feel vast and captivating as players uncovered hidden gems and spotted unique Pokemon roaming the overworld. Unfortunately, Scarlet & Violet had the potential to further boost the series’ popularity, but a rocky launch detracted from what could have been a significant leap forward for the mainline Pokemon series.

5 Shin Megami Tensei 5

The Post-Apocalyptic Realm Of Da’at Is Full Of Diverse And Massive Explorable Environments

While the Persona series might be Atlus’ current cash cow, it’s essential not to overlook the original series that paved the way for its success. Hardcore JRPG enthusiasts will find themselves deeply engaged with the Shin Megami Tensei series, and the fifth game stands as a significant evolution of this franchise. The gameplay enhancements and visual upgrades are evident, but what truly makes Shin Megami Tensei 5 captivating is its immersive exploration experience.

As a dedicated fan, I’d have to say that Da’at stands out as one of the most captivating settings for an SMT game yet, offering zones brimming with distinctive charm and breathtaking landscapes. It feels almost like an open world, given its interconnected zones that seamlessly transition from one area to another. Players are free to explore at their own pace, discovering hidden collectibles, side quests, and encountering countless monsters along the way.

2024-10-03 12:33