10 Best JRPGs With Fun Traversal Mechanics

In many Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), the core elements are typically centered around battles and storylines. However, this doesn’t imply that you must explore everything solely by walking; other methods of travel may also be available for your convenience.

In games that are role-playing Japanese style, especially those with expansive, open maps, having a secondary method for traveling is highly beneficial. This not only speeds up your movement but also keeps you involved during extended, tranquil intervals of gameplay.

Different types of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) utilize diverse methods for swift and impressive travel between locations A and B. Examples range from high-tech hoverboards, mountable creatures, to colossal, shape-shifting robots.

Should you find yourself needing to traverse an expansive, primarily vacant area, choosing any of these strategies might not be the worst option.

10. Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance

Magic Parkour

Since the initial release of the Kingdom Hearts series, each subsequent game has progressively enlarged upon the aspects of movement and navigation. The initial game featured a basic glide, which was then followed by a blend of quicker glides and air dodges in the second installment, significantly elevating the experience.

In Kingdom Hearts 3D, a pivotal moment arrived with the unveiling of Flowmotion – an enchanted movement system that boosted jumping, gliding, and free-running abilities. By swiftly darting towards a wall or solid structure, characters like Sora and Riku could propel themselves in various directions at incredible speed just by dodging into them.

You’re capable of rebounding from walls, moving up and down handrails, performing flips from poles, and a whole lot more. Moreover, any Flowmotion maneuver can be combined into a potent area-of-effect attack, which is incredibly useful when your other moves are on cool-down.

9. Tales Of Berseria

Geoboardin’

In earlier installments of the Tales series, you’d find various overworld navigation methods such as boats and airships, but when it came to exploring fields or dungeons, there wasn’t much variety. These areas were quite compact, making them more like tight corridors rather than expansive spaces, so they didn’t require extensive travel mechanics.

In Tales of Berseria, you’ll discover an expedient method of travel: the Geoboard. This peculiar rock slab operates much like a surfboard due to the Earthpulse’s inherent power. Not only is it swifter than walking, but it also serves to swiftly dispose of feeble opponents with a single use.

Humorously, as depicted in a sketch, the Geoboard derives its strength from a companion entity named Bienfu. Consequently, while it serves as a swift and convenient mode of transportation for Velvet and their group, each time the Geoboard is utilized, it feels like running a marathon to Bienfu.

8. Dragon Quest XI

Finders Keepers

One common point of agreement among many is that the unique monster designs in Dragon Quest games are one of their most attractive features, isn’t it? Given this, it seems logical to connect any new game mechanics with these monsters to make them more alluring.

In Dragon Quest XI, you’ll find that some monsters offer unique transportation options upon their defeat. These can range from creatures like the Skullrider’s six-legged revenant, to mounts such as the Headless Rider’s horse, and even whole mechanical bodies of an Eggsoskeleton for you to ride.

Various mounts possess unique skills such as leaping, scaling, and soaring, which could aid you in discovering hidden loot. However, keep in mind that they cannot be taken outside the location where they were discovered.

7. Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance

Supernatural Rail Grinding

In Shin Megami Tensei V’s initial release, moving around was enjoyable due to Nahobino’s natural speed and nimbleness. However, the maps were expansive, and it wasn’t always practical to jog everywhere manually.

In Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, they resolved an issue by introducing Magatsu Rails – demonic tracks that emerge from the ground for traversal. These rails link two distinct locations on the map, making them highly beneficial shortcuts and quite an impressive sight to behold.

Some Magatsu Tracks are designed primarily for quick transportation, but others lead to hidden locations that might be otherwise unreachable. It’s wise to hop on these tracks whenever you spot them, whether it’s for financial gain or simple enjoyment.

6. Pokemon Sun & Moon

Every Possible Way To Ride A Pokemon

For decades now, we’ve been traveling with Pokémon ever since their debut in the initial series of games. Whether it be through moves such as Fly or Surf, they’ve managed to transport us to our desired destinations, albeit not much different than a simple walk.

The first Pokemon game that advanced the idea a bit more was Sun & Moon, featuring its Ride Pokemon system. Essentially, whenever you want, you can request one of several Poke Rides, similar to hailing an Uber, which brings a specially-trained Pokemon to your location for transportation purposes.

Each PokeRide has unique abilities to navigate various challenges. For instance, Lapras can traverse water, while Mudsdale excels on rocky ground, and Machamp is suitable for scaling steep cliffs. There’s also a Sharpedo with jet propulsion, enabling it to swim swiftly through water and break through rocks.

5. Metaphor: ReFantazio

“He’s Riding A Sword, Mom!”

Just shy of settling into Grand Trad’s vibrant heartbeat, I found myself reminiscing about the prince’s mystical blade sheathed at his side. Intrigued by Galica’s wise counsel, I pondered upon the ingenious possibility of utilizing this enchanted weapon as a means of skateboard-like transportation.

In the fictional locale of Metaphor, whenever you find yourself in a town or city, you have the option to unsheathe your flying blade for swift navigation. Regrettably, it’s useless within dungeons, but maneuvering through sprawling urban centers like Grand Trad becomes a breeze with it. Plus, it adds a touch of style to your movements.

As a gamer, what truly hooks me about this flying sword is that when I’m soaring on it, the chatter of NPCs transforms. Townsfolk below will exclaim with wonder, bewilderment, and worry as they witness an Elda lad ripping through their streets on a mystical blade.

4. Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Surf Those Streets

In contrast to the initial introduction of Segways, personal transportation based on body weight has significantly increased and become much more accessible financially. It’s even free for tourists in Hawaii now, indicating its affordability.

In the game “Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth”, an unexpected encounter with a weary inventor leads to the discovery of the Street Surfer, a portable, battery-driven transportation device that Ichiban can utilize whenever he desires.

Instead of walking, it’s quicker, as expected. But what makes it stand out is its auto-cruise feature. This means it can independently guide you to any location marked on your map just by activating it.

Apart from that, you’ve got the option to personalize your Street Surfer by selecting different paint schemes and wheel types. However, it’s important to keep in mind that purchasing these customizations, not forgetting the cost of charging the battery, can add up and might not be as budget-friendly as it initially seemed. In light of this, having it for free might not seem so appealing anymore…

3. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

You Can Already Hear The Song

Riding Chocobos has consistently been a significant feature in the Final Fantasy series from the very beginning, offering a quick and practical method for traveling across the game’s open worlds. Their catchy theme music is never far behind.

More contemporary Final Fantasy series has expanded the role of Chocobos beyond just being “faster runners,” and this evolution is most noticeable in Final Fantasy 7 Remake.

In the game Rebirth, Cloud and his companions can call their Chocobo mounts from anywhere in the field to move around quicker. To summon a Chocobo, though, you must initially tame the wild Chocobo of that specific region first. It’s a bit time-consuming, but it adds more value to your flying companions.

Apart from transporting you around, it’s worth noting that each region’s Chocobo possesses unique traversal skills. For example, a Chocobo in Junon can ascend vertical rock faces, whereas in Cosmo Canyon, your Chocobo can soar through the skies.

2. Rune Factory 4

Hitch A Ride On Your Monsters

In Rune Factory 4, one key aspect is the process of befriending and enlisting monsters. Almost any monster you come across can be won over by offering them gifts, and then nurturing that relationship to increase their fondness towards you.

If a monster takes a liking to you, it’s more than happy to take you for a ride almost anywhere. Monsters that are too small won’t be able to carry you, but any larger one can. This not only speeds up your travel but also grants you access to special attack capabilities.

Quite humorously, as monsters transport you atop themselves, it often results in quite peculiar riding scenarios. For instance, taming and mounting a Pomme Pomme might find you seated on its head, watching it tumble about on the ground.

1. Xenoblade Chronicles X

Everything’s Better With Transforming Robots

It’s undeniably true that the addition of colossal mechanical beings can significantly enhance everything. If you’re curious about this concept, it’s extensively explored in Xenoblade Chronicles X, where the main focus is on these massive robots known as Skells. However, there’s a way to make these already cool machines even cooler: by incorporating transformation abilities into their design.

Each Skell model possesses an individual transformable transport mode that can be activated or deactivated in the field for increased speed. The type of vehicle transformation varies based on the Skell’s specific weight and size.

Lighter Skells such as Formula or Verus morph into powerful motorcycles, whereas heavier Skells like Mastema and Amdusias change into robust, four-wheeled tanks. Regardless of the Skell you choose, transitioning modes while out and about is incredibly enjoyable. It’s almost like playing with a gigantic stress-reliever toy.

2025-03-07 18:47