Best JRPGs With Dragon Slaying

As a seasoned JRPG enthusiast who has traversed countless realms and vanquished innumerable foes, I must say that the draconic beasts found within these fantastical titles have always held a special place in my heart. Their majestic presence and fearsome abilities never cease to impress me, and the sheer variety of designs across different games is truly astounding.

JRPG games often fall into various subcategories, but high fantasy is frequently the standard for both major and independent developers. Even when a game doesn’t appear to be fantasy-themed, you’ll often find traces of it in the types of enemies or quest structures, which subtly remind players of the genre’s origins.

Regardless of whether it’s fantasy, science fiction, or a blend, numerous Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) have featured the mighty emblem of high fantasy – the dragon. These creatures are known for their fire-breathing abilities, or the elemental powers they wield, and are notorious for the devastation they can unleash and the fear they provoke. What makes these JRPGs unique is that they either focus on a single terrifying draconic creature or introduce these legendary beings among both friends and enemies alike.

5 Harvestella

A Colossal Draconic Boss With A Unique Design

Harvestella represents Square Enix’s attempt at the farming simulator genre, focusing on the sub-genre that gained popularity through games like Harvest Moon and Stardew Valley. In this game, players are given control over a peaceful, picturesque farm they can customize to their liking, while also venturing into nearby towns and interacting with a rich cast of characters. Despite being somewhat underrated by fans of JRPGs and farm simulators alike, Harvestella offers an engaging, visually appealing gaming experience for those who are open to trying it out.

In the game Harvestella, the primary Dragon boss is an eerie yet captivating and fearsome being, comprising both avian and artificial components. Unlike many Square Enix JRPGs, this game doesn’t follow the traditional turn-based structure; instead, characters perform actions in real time, demanding quick thinking to dodge the Dragon’s massive breath attacks. The dragon characteristics are all present but have been given an unusual, melancholic twist, making it one of the more intriguing dragon representations in JRPGs.

4 Alliance Alive

The Dreadwyrm Is An Incredibly Difficult Fight

This game, titled “Alliance Alive,” offers a captivating atmosphere and weaves a distinctive narrative set in a world where humans are ruled by powerful Daemons. The demon designs in this game are exceptional, standing out among other JRPGs with their one-of-a-kind aesthetics and flamboyant style. The combat system, which is turn-based, offers a fresh and engaging experience, providing ample chances for customization and personalization. The HD remake on the Switch positions this game as a timeless classic in the JRPG genre.

For those who believe they have perfected the combat within this game, let me tell you that it’s more about boasting than reality. Later in the game, there’s an extremely tough, optional boss fight awaiting you – a fearsome beast called the Dreadwyrm. This creature is notorious for its lethal nature. Overcoming it won’t be a walk in the park, as the Dreadwyrm unleashes potent area-of-effect fire attacks (just what one would expect from a dragon). However, the prizes for vanquishing this monster are worth the struggle.

3 Tactics Ogre

A Challenging Grid Based JRPG With Dragon Friends And Foes

Tactics Ogre is often considered Square Enix’s grid-based JRPG masterpiece by many. It offers everything a roleplaying game enthusiast might desire, such as a branching narrative, intricate tactical battles, and a variety of recruitable creatures. However, some aspects of the game reveal its age, particularly the graphics, which could have benefited from more refinement in the latest remaster of this game. Interestingly, the dragon units still manage to stand out as some of the most endearing and attractive features in the game.

Enemy dragons serve as formidable shock troops, charging headlong into battle towards the player’s main force, aiming to inflict maximum damage. Their attacks can vary based on their specific dragon type, but they all share a high potential for causing severe harm. On the positive side, players can eventually enlist these fearsome creatures as allies in their ongoing battles within this game’s extensive narrative.

2 Monster Hunter Stories 2

A Stylish And Unique Monster Catcher JRPG

In simpler terms, “Monster Hunter Stories” is a spin-off from the classic monster hunting game, known as “Monster Hunter.” While many players spend hours in this game tracking down enormous creatures and eventually turning them into meals, some might feel remorse for killing creatures that were simply living their own lives. For those who wish to be friends with these monsters instead, the “Monster Hunter Stories” series is perfect for them as it offers an alternative experience.

In this JRPG, mastering and subduing formidable dragon-like creatures represents the peak gaming experience, as the fierce dragons and dragon-related adversaries found here are overwhelmingly powerful, challenging only the most potent trainers. This game skillfully combines the thrill of Monster Hunter with many traditional monster capturing motifs in a delightful manner.

1 7th Dragon 3: Code VFD

A Slick, Stylish Dragon Hunting Title

Over the past few years, the popularity of the 7th Dragon series seems to have faded, however, for enthusiasts of Japanese Role-Playing Games who are dragon hunting enthusiasts, it’s tough to find a better option than this game that centers around massive, wicked dragons from other dimensions, acting as a builder for your party.

This title combines the gritty cyberpunk and magical fantasy styles in its environment, and navigating through beautifully crafted eras to defeat a ravenous dragon bent on consuming humanity is a highly gratifying narrative experience. (Spoiler: it’s indeed a dragon).

2024-10-16 14:33