Saddest JRPGs, Ranked

Key Takeaways

Final Fantasy 15: Tragedy strikes as Noctis faces loss and sacrifies himself for others.
I Am Setsuna: Heroes defy fate in a sad world to bring peace and end sacrifices.
Crisis Core: Characters breakdown in a dark tale full of emotion and sacrifice.

As a devoted fan of these captivating games, I must say that each one showcases characters who have been through the wringer and come out stronger, albeit scarred. The tales they weave are as dark as they are enchanting, with moments of heartache and triumph that leave an indelible mark on our hearts.

Many individuals often believe that Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) are overflowing with cheerful characters and simple narratives, and to some degree, this is accurate. However, it isn’t until players delve into some of the most acclaimed games within this genre that they discover the depth of thoughtful storytelling hidden within these games. Remarkably, some of the top-tier JRPGs feature emotional tales that may cause fans to shed tears on more than one occasion.

Unexpected or gradually accumulated poignant scenes can arise in the course of a skillfully designed game. While gamers might not initially welcome a JRPG that tugs at their heartstrings, profound character interactions and gripping plots keep them fully engaged throughout the journey.

5 Final Fantasy 15

The Happy Boy Band Energy Comes Crashing Down

Many gamers who are acquainted with Hajime Tabata recognize his penchant for weaving tragedies into his video games, and Final Fantasy 15 is no exception to this rule. The game initially offers players a captivating open world filled with light and camaraderie among the main characters, but as the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly somber as a series of unfortunate events befall the protagonist and his friends. For instance, Noctis’ father perishes in an enemy attack, the woman he is betrothed to meets her demise at the hands of his adversary, and his closest companion loses his sight while trying to shield him from harm.

Following his entry into Crystal for the wisdom essential to thwart Ardyn, Noctis returns to a world plagued by demons. He reconnects with his companions and embarks on a last journey, which culminates in his return to Insomnia and defeating Ardyn at great personal sacrifice. The closing scene portrays Noctis and Lunafreya celebrating their union in the afterlife, while the protagonist gazes tenderly at a selected player’s photo symbolizing their road trip before the story concludes.

4 I Am Setsuna

Maidens Are Sacrificed In A World Stuck In A Cycle Of Sadness

Many might mistakenly categorize “I Am Setsuna” as merely copying the narrative of “Final Fantasy 10” and the combat style of “Chrono Trigger.” However, this game offers more depth than it initially appears. The concept of a world sacrificing an innocent girl to placate a self-centered deity in order to preserve their own existence is as grim as they come, and “I Am Setsuna” emphasizes a melancholic mood. The setting, covered in snow, exudes sadness, and the characters frequently discuss the impending doom of their world.

It’s touching to watch these characters seize control of their destiny, choosing not to allow Setsuna to be another victim. They confront this wicked force and vanquish it, ultimately restoring tranquility to a realm that has been plagued by sorrow for far too long.

3 Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion

The Breakdown Of Each Major Character Is Hard To Witness

Zack is ideally suited for the leading role in a game like “Crisis Core” due to his charismatic and optimistic nature that never waivers, even amidst the game’s grim undertones and poignant scenes. The new characters introduced are delightful to engage with, particularly Angeal who stands out. The scene where he, once a mentor to Zack, becomes disenchanted with Shinra’s manipulation and compels Zack to end him is an emotionally resonant moment. The Buster Sword is soon passed down to Zack following this incident.

At times, Sephiroth is portrayed with some understanding, which makes his eventual descent into madness more challenging to accept. After witnessing Nibelheim being burned by Sephiroth, Cloud felt compelled to fight back against him, accompanied by Zack. However, their battle was interrupted when they were taken away for four long years of experiments by Hojo and other Shinra scientists. This heart-wrenching situation is detailed in Aerith’s letter, where she had been waiting patiently for Zack without losing hope. Regrettably, the reunion between them never occurred, as Zack sacrificed his life in a valiant final stand to protect Cloud from the relentless Shinra troops.

2 Koudelka

The Main Characters Have Been Through A Lot

Many might recognize the game Shadow Hearts, but what some players don’t know is that it’s actually a follow-up to a PS1 JRPG, which was largely overshadowed by the release of Final Fantasy 9. The game known as Koudelka is a gothic role-playing game with a somber and brooding atmosphere. The main characters, Koudelka, James, and Edward, traverse the Nemeton Monastery to banish the evil afflicting it. However, the haunting in this monastery is more personal than most players realize. The spirit turns out to be James’ former love, Elaine, whom he believed would be better off with someone else. Tragically, Elaine died and her husband attempted to resurrect her, only to bring back a vengeful spirit who killed him and now haunts the monastery.

In a fitting culmination of the story’s deep themes, players may find themselves defeated by the final boss. This defeat allows James to rectify his mistakes and selflessly sacrifice himself to annihilate Elaine’s spirit, underscoring the emotional turmoil present in Koudelka. The protagonist, too, has faced a difficult existence. In a poignant moment of connection with Edward, she discloses that her innate magical abilities led her mother to abandon her at the tender age of nine, subjecting her to unimaginable hardships and isolating her from the world for an extended period.

1 Persona 3 Reload

The Theme Of Loss Is Rife Throughout

In a simpler and more conversational style: Persona 3 delves deeply into themes of loss, and some fans argue that the upbeat menus and fashionable design in its reload version might not align well with the game’s somber undertones. However, it’s worth noting that an enhanced presentation can indeed add to the story’s impact. The tale takes players on a heart-wrenching emotional rollercoaster, as many beloved characters meet their end and the main cast suffers one loss after another.

Despite players believing they’ve successfully saved the world by defeating Nyx, a heart-wrenching twist unfolds at the end. The protagonist’s companions regain their lost memories and rush towards the dormitory in an attempt to rejoin their friend. Unfortunately, they arrive too late, and the hero takes his last breath in Aigis’ arms as his life force gradually fades away.

2024-10-20 18:34