From Weak Links to Unbreakable Chains: JRPG Underdogs Who Conquered Power

Summary

Underdog hero journeys have been a popular theme in JRPGs since ’86, showing how the powerless triumph.
Games like “Vagrant Story,” “Xenoblade Chronicles,” and “Final Fantasy VI” exemplify this trope.
Characters like Ashley, Shulk, and Terra rise to power through personal growth, fighting against all odds.

As a devoted fan, I’ve noticed a recurring theme in Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) that dates back to the debut of the genre pioneer, Dragon Quest, in 1986. This trope, where the underdog rises to power, has been a constant element in many series. It’s about individuals who, despite being shattered or cast down, somehow manage to transform their circumstances. Through fate, luck, or sheer determination, they amass enough strength to rewrite their own destinies.

The idea could have originated as a jest: rescuing a cat, then acquiring enough strength to challenge deities, yet this pattern has persisted for decades. Why is that? Because ordinary heroes rising to prominence with the power of camaraderie (and level grinding) resonates deeply. Therefore, in this discussion, we will highlight various games that meet these criteria, but also mark significant milestones in the history of JRPGs featuring underdogs transforming into the prophesied champions.

1. Vagrant Story

He Fights Like A Bloody Titan (Damn Right He Does!)

In my gaming world, I embark on an epic journey as Ashley Riot, a once-revered Riskbreaker in the kingdom of Valendia. After being betrayed and brainwashed by the very group I swore to protect, I find myself cast aside during one of our most perilous missions. Now, it’s personal.

Haunted by my past sins, I set out on a treacherous path through the dark chambers of an ominous dungeon, driven by a burning desire to redeem myself and halt the sinister plans of a cult leader with ambitions for global domination. Each step is fraught with danger, testing both my skills and resolve. Time is not on my side, as every second brings us closer to catastrophe. The fate of Valendia hangs in the balance, and I’m the only one who can stop this madman. It’s a race against time, and I won’t rest until justice is served.

In the dimmest recesses of the enigmatic Leá Monde, hidden within a Duke’s manor and serving as a pocket dimension, Ashley encounters Sydney Losttarot, the cult leader. Sydney breaks the psychological chains that had been restraining him, disclosing the grim truth about Ashley’s past. Disoriented yet resolute, and significantly weakened by Sydney’s magic, Ashley rises from the depths, vanquishing adversary after adversary in a display of extraordinary might and forging his tools from materials he discovers within the labyrinthine dungeon. This tale carries an unsettling undertone. A shroud of political intrigue, homicide, and the desire for redemption veils Ashley’s past, transforming him into a pawn for others to discard. However, the players can refute this perception by excelling in combat, never failing to land a sequence of powerful blows.

2. Xenoblade Chronicles

A Boy And His Blade Against The World

In this heartrending JRPG that explores themes of life, sacrifice, friendship, and love, a young protagonist discovers a fallen sword imbued with lethal power. He chooses to brandish it, accepting that its ultimate destiny is his own demise. Driven by vengeance, he engages in battles worldwide, pursuing an elusive adversary reminiscent of a specter. As he evades them, he delves into the secrets of the sword and an age-old conflict between offspring of two deities, unraveling the enigmas of both the weapon and the ancient war.

Shulk transforms from a weapons expert into a hero quite unexpectedly, as a series of tragic occurrences unfold. These events are so moving that they will tug at the players’ heartstrings and leave them feeling both sorrowful and intrigued by the mysterious powers hidden within the Monado sword.

3. Final Fantasy 6

A Group Of Misfits Band Together To Oppose A Sinister Megalomaniac

In “Final Fantasy 6,” players learn about the strength of teamwork and friendship, which is rarely seen in other versions of the game. This narrative follows a thief seeking redemption, a rebellious prince yearning for liberty, an ex-soldier used as a guinea pig (a recurring theme across the series), among many other vibrant characters that band together as The Returners.

Terra and his companions embody the spirit of the downtrodden, frequently finding themselves ostracized and living in isolation. Yet, they remain steadfast in their beliefs, unwavering until the very end. Despite facing the formidable adversary Kefka, these resilient rebels refuse to yield, continuing their fight until justice is restored and they stand against the tyranny of the sinister clown Kefka and his imperial puppet.

4. Chrono Trigger

A Boy, A Techie, A Frog, Underdogs Till The End

Chrono Trigger serves as an exemplary portrayal of unlikely allies uniting to tackle towering conflicts with ever-increasing risks at stake. Initially, players encounter Crono, a boy brimming with ambition, Lucca, a gifted inventor, and Marle, a princess on the run who is still discovering the world’s secrets. They join forces to traverse both time and space, aiming to prevent an impending catastrophe that could wipe out everything they hold dear.

During their voyage, they’ll encounter several unforgettable characters such as Robo – a futuristic weapon with a compassionate soul hidden within its metallic exterior, once deemed useless and thrown away. There’s also Ayla, the leader of a primitive tribe, and Frog, a knight who bears a curse and vows revenge against Magus. Interestingly enough, Magus himself becomes part of their team later on. This adventure is truly remarkable and ranks among the greatest JRPGs ever made.

5. Suikoden 2

Nothing Can Stop The Power Of Friendship

In the sequel to the original Suikoden, titled Suikoden 2, the game has gained acclaim for its gripping narrative revolving around themes of betrayal and resistance against oppression. The Unicorn Brigade experiences an unexpected attack in this installment, instigated by a sinister inside job, which triggers a chain of events culminating in a fierce campaign of conquest.

Initially, Riou and Jowy endure and are apprehended by Viktor and Flik, becoming their captives. Subsequently, they break free and head back to the kingdom, only to be deceived, labeled as renegades, confined again, and saved miraculously by the very individuals who had seized them initially. At first, they forge a shaky partnership, but as their shared goal of preventing the continent from being overtaken by war under Prince Luca Blight’s malevolent plans emerges, Riou, Jowy, and their hired guns find common ground, eventually forming a strong bond and amassing influence through unwavering determination.

6. The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Of Cold Steel

What Is The Meaning Of Nobility, If They Can’t Be True To A Cause?

In the game known as Trails of Cold Steel (belonging to The Legend of Heroes series), I step into the shoes of Rean Schwarzer, a young man who’s an adopted son of a noble and quite the underdog. Despite not having a drop of noble blood flowing through my veins, and my qualifications for attending the Thors Military Academy frequently being called into question, I am determined, decisive, and unwaveringly righteous.

Over the course of the entire series, this character undergoes a transformation from an underrated figure into a legitimate hero of the kingdom. This metamorphosis isn’t sudden; instead, it starts when he is chosen as a member of Class VII, a motley crew of outcasts caught in the power struggle between the Noble Class and the Reformist Faction. Eventually, Rean earns the title of “Awakener” for Valimar, the Ashen Knight – a formidable mecha that selects its series protagonist based on their courage and moral integrity.

7. Bravely Default

Heroes Of Different Origins But All Underdogs

The account of Tiz Arrior, Agnès Oblige, Ringabel, and Edea Lee’s journey in saving Luxendarc is an inspiring narrative about defying power structures, conquering personal fears with the support of companions, and battling seemingly insurmountable challenges while being accompanied by a magnificent soundtrack. This tale exemplifies the essence of JRPGs, featuring underdog protagonists who gain strength over time, and a chilling plot twist that leaves players shuddering when they recall their gaming sessions.

The fundamental structure of the game closely adheres to the “weak but strong together” motif, which is a key allure of both Bravely Default and its subsequent installments. Each character encounters personal hurdles that they ultimately surpass through sheer determination, reflecting the game’s core theme of overcoming adversity.

2025-01-20 03:07