JRPGs With The Best Customizable Party Systems

As a seasoned gamer who’s witnessed the evolution of JRPGs since the days of the original Final Fantasy, I can wholeheartedly attest to the captivating allure that customizable party systems have held over me and countless others. These enigmatic groups, brimming with eccentric personalities, have not only provided a rich narrative backdrop but also significantly influenced the course of each playthrough.

Since the inception of the first Final Fantasy, Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) have built a notable reputation for their versatile party systems, which significantly alter each gaming experience. Comprising an intriguing ensemble of peculiar characters and powerhouses, JRPG parties play a pivotal role in shaping these narratives and can even impact the manner in which games are played.

As a devoted enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at the ingenious ways JRPGs blend character development, storytelling, and game mechanics into a captivating cycle. From swapping cosmic boulders for tactical upgrades to each party member boasting distinct abilities, these games excel at crafting an immersive experience that keeps me coming back for more.

5 Bravely Second

The Bravely Formula, Perfected

In essence, Bravely Second serves as a model sequel by building upon the strengths of its predecessor, Bravely Default, while enhancing nearly every aspect. Essentially, the core gameplay and the exceptional party customization system from the original game are preserved, but with numerous upgrades.

Drawing heavily from the classic style of older Final Fantasy games, Bravely Second employs a job system for its characters. These jobs serve as roles that can be leveled up using AP points, unlocking unique abilities along the way. One of the game’s intriguing aspects is that these abilities persist even if a character switches jobs, allowing players to create highly customized parties with diverse and exciting builds. With talk of a new installment on the horizon, this could be the perfect moment to dive into the franchise’s most memorable experience.

4 Octopath Traveler 2

The JRPG Throwback For The Fans

In the original “Octopath Traveler,” some players felt that the eight distinct characters were not united together until quite late in the game. Similarly, in “Octopath Traveler 2,” there’s still a hint of this issue, but instead of waiting to bring all characters into the game, you get a short introduction for each character at the beginning. After that, you can swap these characters freely and have them join your main combat party as needed.

The job system in a typical JRPG like Octopath Traveler 2 enhances the level of customization, with a sub-job system layered below it. By combining various jobs within the game, a player’s team can evolve into a uniquely tailored force, particularly effective in the end game due to its highly adaptable upgrade path. Although it’s user-friendly for beginners, Octopath Traveler 2 doesn’t skimp on complexity.

3 Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels Of The Starry Skies

The OG JRPG Gets Even Better

Any dedicated JRPG enthusiast will acknowledge that the “Final Fantasy” series is widely recognized as the most popular, yet the “Dragon Quest” games hold a special place as originators and continue to offer remarkable gaming experiences. This remains valid in “Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels of the Starry Skies“, a game that retains a classic job system (renamed vocations) which can be allocated to any member of your party, with an additional two vocations becoming available as the narrative unfolds.

Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels of the Starry Skies stands out due to its feature that allows players not only to adjust their party’s classes, but also modify their entire visual appearance. By creating a custom party, players gain complete control in this enduring JRPG series known for housing some of the greatest narratives in the world of Japanese RPGs.

2 Xenoblade Chronicles X

New School Rules

In the realm of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPG), the Xenoblade Chronicles series has swiftly gained a solid fanbase, captivated by its unique blend of techno-futuristic and traditional fantasy settings. Specifically in Xenoblade Chronicles X, players can create their own character from scratch and customize their party as well.

As a gamer, what I love about this game is how my characters can unlock “Arts” as they level up. These abilities or stat boosts can be utilized even if I decide to switch my character’s class later on, making way for some seriously powerful multiclassing possibilities as the story unfolds. Add the Skell mechs into the mix, and Xenoblade Chronicles X easily stands out among JRPGs with one of the most impressive customization systems, clearly surpassing its predecessors in the series.

1 Final Fantasy 7

Arguably The Best Of The Franchise

Without a doubt, Final Fantasy 7 stands out as not only one of the most exceptional Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) ever created, but it was also instrumental in shaping the genre for many years to come. Its innovative concept of Materia set new standards for customization that have endured throughout the years, and this game has earned itself a top spot among the highest-rated games in history.

In the game Final Fantasy 7, each character has a specific type of weapon (like Barrett using guns, Tifa using gloves, and Cloud using swords). However, they can enhance their weapons with Materia, which provides magical abilities and stat modifications. With multiple materia slots in various gear pieces for different characters, this leads to an extensive customization system. This system allows any character to adapt to a suitable role with some strategic planning, resulting in powerful late-game builds that leverage exceptional materia synergies.

2024-10-05 06:03