Best JRPGs Using Three-Act Story Structure for Ultimate Gameplay

Summary

JRPGs like Tales of Berseria expertly use the three-act structure for satisfying character arcs and plots.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 stands out for its effective use of the three-act structure, leading to emotional resolutions.
Persona 3 tells a compelling story, fitting neatly into a three-act narrative structure with impactful character arcs.

The three-act structure represents a well-known framework employed in various forms of storytelling, including novels, films, and video games. In essence, this structure suggests that a compelling narrative requires an initial setup phase to introduce characters and their challenges. This is followed by a main conflict, where the protagonist embarks on a journey (either literal or symbolic), and finally, it concludes with a resolution of the central conflict and the development of the characters’ arcs in the third act.

Many role-playing games in the JRPG genre often follow a three-act structure, providing developers ample opportunity to create intricate characters, delve into their personalities, and set up obstacles they must conquer via character advancement. However, not all games successfully execute this three-act structure; some have overly expansive second acts or hurried conclusions. The games discussed here, though, skillfully employ the three-act structure to effectively develop and conclude both their storylines and character arcs in a fulfilling manner.

1. Tales Of Berseria

An Emotional Journey

Despite its somber undertones, Tales of Berseria follows a traditional three-act structure commonly seen in Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs). The narrative is compelling and rewarding, as it first introduces the protagonist, then strips her of everything in a heartrending turn of events. This sets her on a path of revenge. The final act offers unexpected twists, surprises, and character revelations that leave a lasting emotional impact, culminating in a bittersweet resolution.

In the narrative structure of the game Tales of Berseria, it excels at delving into the backstories of its characters. The main character Velvet, along with her fellow party members and secondary characters, are all given ample opportunities to exhibit their unique traits over the course of the game. The performances are convincing and immersive, ensuring that players remain invested throughout, thereby intensifying the emotional resonance of the finale.

2. The Legend Of Heroes: Trails In The Sky SC

False Flag

Platforms: Windows, PS3, PS Vita, PSP
Released: March 9th, 2006
Developer: Nihon Falcom
Genre: JRPG

In “The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC,” the story continues immediately following the events of the initial “Trails in the Sky.” Our heroine, Estelle, embarks on a quest to locate Joshua, who mysteriously vanishes at the close of the first game, after both have become fully-fledged Bracers. Notably, the midpoint of the narrative delves into political scheming, uncovering Erebonia’s role in an assault on their village that served as a pretext for waging war against the neighboring country, Liberl.

In the second act, Estelle gets captured, which brings back Joshua, another protagonist from the first game, who eventually saves her. This event triggers a thrilling final act where villains, orchestrators of the false flag operation and leaders of the secretive Ouroboros organization, construct a massive floating city called Liber Ark. The game successfully resolves conflicts between Estelle and Joshua, following his self-centered choice to confront Ouroboros alone. In a typical JRPG style, it concludes with an epic ending as all characters come together again, leaving a lasting impression.

3. Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Clash Of The Titans

As a dedicated fan, I must say that among all the Xenoblade Chronicles games, Xenoblad Chronicles 2 seems to masterfully employ the three-act narrative structure. The game’s opening chapters lay the foundation for Act One, although it begins with a gradual build-up, the pace picks up significantly in Chapter 3 when our party finds themselves battling their way out of a Titan’s stomach, culminating in an epic showdown.

As a gamer, diving back into the game, I found myself engrossed in the heart of the story from Chapters 4 to 7. These chapters were crucial in painting the picture of the game’s world and delving deep into the emotions and motivations of the characters. The final act, spanning the last three chapters, was masterfully crafted, with its conclusion packing a powerful emotional punch thanks to the foundational work done earlier in the game.

4. Final Fantasy 7

Three Discs, Three Acts

The structure of Final Fantasy 7 is seldom as distinctly outlined as it is in this game. The original version divided the game into three separate segments through its three discs, providing a clear beginning, middle, and conclusion. While some debate exists over when Act 1 concludes, relative to Disc One’s end, and whether the arcs should be further segmented by modern remakes, the three-act structure of the games remains evidently defined.

In its narrative, FF7 weaves together the tale of Cloud and his team, as well as a broader saga concerning the destiny of the world. To ensure players grasp the background, motivations, and stakes for each character – Cloud, Sephiroth, Shinra, among others – the game incorporates substantial exposition in Act 2, which some might find lengthy. However, the crucial moments that mark each act and guide the story are skillfully punctuated throughout, ultimately tying everything together effectively in the end.

5. Chrono Trigger

The World Ends With You

In the narrative of Chrono Trigger, navigating its time-travel plot may occasionally lead to some confusion as acts progress due to branching storylines resulting from optional content, offering players multiple paths and varied endings. Despite this complexity, the game maintains a three-act structure: an initial chaotic journey through time, followed by a more manageable period where time travel is at the player’s disposal, and concluding with a climactic finale that allows for various approaches to prepare for the showdown.

In this game, each character aside from the main character has their own distinct narrative journey. For instance, Marle breaks free from her royal duties, Frog embarks on his mission against Magus, and Robo strives to rectify the errors of his maker. These individual character stories make the game compelling, even though the plot itself might seem complex. The characters themselves are vividly portrayed and well-crafted, contributing significantly to the player’s engagement throughout the game.

6. Persona 3 Reload

Third Semester

In contrast to later games such as “Persona 5,” which might be more appropriately labeled as four-part narratives, “Persona 3” follows a three-act structure quite snugly. The story commences with the protagonist transferring to a fresh school, where they eventually uncover their capacity to engage shadows as a bearer of Personas. The initial act lays the groundwork for several characters who will later assist and join the protagonist, and it also introduces key concepts like Tartarus, shadows, and the dark hour.

In my gaming adventure, I find myself embarking on the main mission as the second act unfolds – a task that seems straightforward: vanquish twelve greater shadows and put an end to the Dark Hour. However, the third act takes a surprising twist, revealing that I’ve been unknowingly aiding the antagonist throughout. This revelation triggers the descent into Tartarus, culminating in the epic final boss battle. Just like many Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), it’s the character development and relationships woven within this narrative framework that truly captivate players. Many gamers praise the social links in Persona 3 as some of the most compelling in the series.

7. Nier: Automata

A Plot Within A Plot

In numerous aspects, the structure of Nier: Automata could fill an entire article. While it adheres to a traditional three-act structure, it repeatedly follows this pattern until the player decides to break free from the cycle. The game centers around characters 2B and 9S, who are tasked with investigating rebellious robots on behalf of YorHa, which is believed to be the last vestiges of humanity.

In this rephrased version, the androids discover that the robots are being contaminated, prompting them to take action against the culprits. This sequence unfolds in such a way that 2B and 9S engage the adversaries, with 9S contracting a virus and 2B ultimately having to eliminate him. Despite these events, the narrative continues as the game progresses, allowing the player to experience the story from 9S’s perspective initially, followed by a slightly altered chapter featuring A2.

In time, players discover that these occurrences form a self-reproducing mechanism. The only method to conquer them is to vanquish the system itself, which in this scenario is the game. To achieve victory, the player must forfeit their saved progress permanently. This could be one of the most ingenious applications of the three-act structure to create a distinctive narrative in video games ever devised.

8. Final Fantasy 6

World Of Ruin

In a more conversational manner, you could say: The divisions between acts in Final Fantasy 6 aren’t immediately apparent, but if we consider the events before Terra awakens and their return to Narshe as the introduction, the adventure leading up to the raising of the floating continent Vector as the middle act, and the world post-time skip as the climax or finale, it aligns quite well with a three-act structure.

As a gamer, I’ve found that this game does an impressive job of weaving together its plot and characters. Each segment seems dedicated to exploring the backstories and development of different party members, which can feel disjointed on their own. But when you consider the narrative as the journey of Terra and the Espers, it all starts making sense. Moments like the Opera and the Ghost Train battle, initially seem unconnected, but they become iconic pieces of a larger puzzle when viewed within this framework. It’s almost like each character story is a brushstroke in a grander picture, painting the tale of Terra and her companions.

In the end, the intricate storyline delivers a satisfying conclusion by reuniting all characters who had been separated multiple times during their individual growth journeys in the game. The narrative also gives depth to its main antagonist, Kefka, depicting a descent from an initially power-hungry character to one embracing complete nihilism and meaninglessness. Notably, the tale spun by Final Fantasy 6 offers numerous unforgettable narratives as part of its overall plotline.

2025-01-27 18:35