The Best JRPGs That Reinvented The Fantasy Genre

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Summary

  • Fantasy worlds can go beyond medieval settings, incorporating elements like sci-fi, space, and dreams into their narratives.
  • Games like Final Fantasy 7, Phantasy Star, and Mother 3 challenge traditional fantasy norms with unique storylines and settings.
  • Titles like Valkyria Chronicles, Eternal Sonata, Xenoblade Chronicles, and Kingdom Hearts offer diverse and imaginative fantasy worlds.

As someone who’s spent countless hours immersed in the richly-crafted worlds of video games over the years, I must say these descriptions have truly taken me on a journey through the realms of imagination. Each game presents a unique blend of creativity and storytelling that sets them apart from one another, yet all share a common thread – their ability to transport us, the players, into these fantastical lands.

Fantasy can mean a lot of things, but the word often conjures up images of medieval-inspired dungeons, knights on horseback, and mages casting spells with wands in their hands. It can be so much more than that, however. After all, a fantasy world is basically whatever we imagine it to be as long as it is not directly based on the real world.

The following games serve as undeniable evidence for this claim. Unlike games that adhere to traditional fantasy constraints, these games offer an opportunity for players to expand their perspective on the limits of possibility. This occurs when one allows their creativity and imagination to flourish without limitations.

7. Final Fantasy 7

Fantasy Meets Cyberpunk

In a different perspective, it’s important to note that Final Fantasy 7 wasn’t the initial game in the series to explore a sci-fi style. Even Final Fantasy 6 had a steampunk vibe compared to its predecessors. Yet, the fantasy world presented in Final Fantasy 7 has a distinctly gritty and realistic feel. The early part of the narrative unfolds within the Midgar slums, which lie beneath the wealthier sections of the city.

The narrative explores the ruthless corporate ambition that’s virtually depleting Earth of its vitality. Consistently maintained throughout the game, it also presents imaginative elements like an old extraterrestrial civilization, a mystical power with the potential to eradicate existence, human testing, and colossal beasts capable of leveling cities.

6. Phantasy Star

8-Bit RPG Goes To The Stars

  • Release Date: December 20, 1987
  • Developer: Sega
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Platforms: Master System, Sega Saturn, PlayStation 2, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo Switch

Back in the 80s, JRPGs were all about swords, magic, and fantasy worlds. But then came Phantasy Star, a game that stood out like a shooting star against the night sky. Instead of battling monsters in some medieval realm, you found yourself exploring three distinct planets scattered across the cosmos.

The ambiance of this work doesn’t delve too deeply into the realm of hardcore science fiction, as seen in films like “2001: A Space Odyssey” or “Star Trek”. Instead, it echoes the style of “Star Wars”, maintaining a fantasy-inspired design while being located in the future.

5. Mother 3

Weird Even By The Series’s Standard

Over time, the game titled “Mother 3” may have been frequently mentioned because of its peculiar development process, yet many people haven’t had a chance to play and delve into this unusual Japanese role-playing game. The story unfolds on the mysterious Nowhere Islands, which stand apart from any known period, unlike the specific small-town American setting of “Mother 2” (or “Earthbound,” as it’s called in North America).

Beyond the realm of the arcane, a large portion of the narrative is strikingly grim, tackling themes that many games had yet to explore even as late as 2006, following years of challenging production hurdles.

4. Valkyria Chronicles

A Fantasy Setting Inspired By Mid-20th Century Europe

Valkyria Chronicles doesn’t exactly fit into the category of steampunk, as its setting feels somewhat contemporary, deviating from the traditional definition of steampunk. However, this tactical game takes place in a made-up land strongly resembling Europe.

The conflict that the game’s characters are involved in is inspired by World War II, though it has significant variations. These modifications result in a distinct backdrop for the story. Characters wield rifles and tanks, and many of the towns share similarities with small European villages from mid-20th century rather than the 15th.

3. Eternal Sonata

The Dying Dream Of A Legendary Composer

Unveiling the entire scenario as a dream is an unexpected turn that may cause many viewers to express their disbelief with a collective sigh or roll of eyes. In the opening scene of Eternal Sonata, it pulls the rug out from under players by disclosing the game world as a dream, specifically that of the renowned romantic-era composer Frederic Chopin on his deathbed.

Consequently, the environment is rich with musical references, mirroring the reality of the characters and experiences of Eternal Sonata.

The classic tale “The Wizard of Oz” has been around for well over a century, but it makes this list due to its unique blend of a traditional Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG) style with a narrative centered around a Polish composer from the early 19th century.

2. Xenoblade Chronicles

A Hidden Twist That Connects The Whole Series

The storyline of the Xenoblade Chronicles series may seem bewildering to describe, but it lives up to its peculiarity. To clarify without revealing spoilers, the three main games are interconnected yet independent. The initial game is set on a planet where the only landmass consists of two massive titans in the midst of an infinite ocean.

The conclusion of the game unveils an awe-inspiring truth concerning the genesis of its universe, which is further explored in the subsequent two games. Unlike most fantasy narratives that delve into the creation of their world, the lore of Xenoblade Chronicles delves deeper into existential concepts, avoiding the feeling of unnecessary elaboration.

1. Kingdom Hearts

A Crossover Too Weird Not To Work

Travel back 25 years, and you’d probably encounter many individuals expressing skepticism about a collaboration between Final Fantasy and Disney. However, the release of Kingdom Hearts erased all doubts, transforming into one of the most cherished action RPGs during that generation.

In this game, players guide the well-known character Sora through diverse universes, which are actually different Disney franchises, along with his companions, Donald Duck and Goofy.

The blending experience in Kingdom Hearts transcends the usual cash-grab or predictable event that gamers have become accustomed to due to live-service games like Fortnite, by weaving a distinctive narrative through its diverse settings. Despite being somewhat complex, it consistently conveys warmth and emotion.

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2024-12-18 12:34