Have we not all, devoted JRPG enthusiasts, paused a game, attended to our daily lives, returned after several months, only to find ourselves pondering, “Why on earth did I return to this game again?” – considering both the mechanics and narrative progression.
It’s understandable; I feel that too. I paused at Disc 2 of Lost Odyssey last year, and I haven’t had the courage to resume because I fear I won’t recall much and will have to start over, effectively wasting around 20 hours of gameplay.
Given my experiences as a JRPG enthusiast, I compiled a list of 10 user-friendly JRPGs to dive into effortlessly. These games may not be devoid of challenges, but they offer a welcoming, straightforward gaming experience that you can return to after long absences and still find familiar.
This collection doesn’t exclusively focus on casual or newbie-friendly JRPGs. Instead, it highlights games where you can jump right in without spending extensive time studying their gameplay mechanics.
10.
Sea of Stars
2003’s Best Independent Game
I’ve placed “Sea of Stars” here for now, but it could just as easily be “Chrono Trigger.” They share many similarities and both have user-friendly learning curves. Additionally, “Sea of Stars” offers certain features that encourage returning to the JRPG genre after a prolonged absence.
In a traditional, turn-based JRPG style, Sea of Stars offers distinctive features such as the lock system and certain abilities that require timing, accompanied by dynamic visuals. Yet, it’s incredibly user-friendly, making it simple to dive right in without much fuss. After setting it aside for two years, I picked it up again for the Throes of the Watchmaker review, and within just a few minutes, everything felt familiar once more.
Perhaps it’s because we spend more time unraveling dungeon mysteries than engaging in battles, or maybe it’s due to each character having no more than four skills at their disposal, making combat as efficient as possible. Regardless of the reason, Sea of Stars is an excellent choice for a portable gaming session while commuting.
9.
Costume Quest
Children’s Story For Adults
Unbeknownst to many, Tim Schafer – the mastermind behind the game Psychonauts – decided to share his unique perspective on an RPG that originated in America. Thankfully, he did so, leading us to Costume Quest, a delightful and engaging turn-based game with a remarkable ambiance.
In the game titled “Costume Quest“, we celebrate Halloween as children, collecting candy while trick-or-treating. However, creatures from another dimension attempt to swipe our sweet treats, a notion they might have found plausible elsewhere, but not in this game’s setting. Contrary to the belief that stealing candy from kids is effortless, it seems these monsters were sorely misinformed – at least in the context of “Costume Quest“. In this game, I, too, am a regular candy thief, taking sweets from unsuspecting children!
This game is simple yet cozy, and that’s what makes it appealing. Each child character can switch costumes, transforming their class with unique battle skills triggered by timing. Being a story about children, it’s easy to understand. However, being created by Tim Schafer, you can count on a clever dialogue and an impressive conclusion.
8.
Pokémon Let’s Go
Permanent EXP Share
Pokémon appears to be a straightforward game at first glance, but upon closer examination of its mechanics or observation of competitive play, it becomes evident that there’s a complex stratum of strategy hidden beneath. This strategy encompasses the management of your six Pokémon, each with four moves at their disposal, the items in your inventory, and even the items they individually possess.
Instead of delving into complexities, let’s concentrate on the relaxed, simple gameplay that these easygoing JRPGs offer. I could place any primary series game here, but I chose Pokémon Let’s Go as it was the first to incorporate EXP Share as a fundamental feature from the outset.
If you prefer to stick with a single Pokemon throughout your journey, conquering trainers and gyms without any issues, rest assured that this approach will not lead to penalties. In fact, every Pokemon on your bench is also gaining levels as you progress.
Beyond their simplicity, it’s worth noting that these two games offer multiplayer mode and the unique feature where you can move high-powered Pokemon from Pokémon GO directly into Let’s Go.
7.
Harvestella
Final Fantasy Farming Sim
It’s too bad that Harvestella got overshadowed by Square Enix’s busy release schedule at the time, as this JRPG is a delight to play. Similar to games like Rune Factory and Story of Seasons, it combines farming simulation with action RPG elements, but with a unique twist from Square Enix.
From the very beginning, the game Harvestella sets itself apart by prioritizing its narrative over other farming simulators. Within this game’s world, a significant seasonal occurrence known as Quietus blankets the air with dust. Inhaling this dust typically results in a fatal terminal disease for others, but our protagonist remains unaffected. Unfortunately, they can’t offer an explanation for this anomaly due to their amnesia.
In the quaint town of Lethe, they welcome us and grant us a farm to manage, where we embark on our new responsibilities, sustaining ourselves from the produce of the land. And just as you might expect, it’s every bit as engrossing and potentially habit-forming as ever.
While we’re waiting, let’s venture into other settlements, take on various tasks, and delve into hidden lairs. This is when the action role-playing game aspect comes into play. The main character gains new classes, offering unique attacks and skills for each. Although the gameplay system could be more robust compared to specialized action RPGs, it remains intriguing and lively, especially when you need a break from collecting cucumbers (a term used within the game itself).
6.
Trials of Mana
Trials Without Tribulations
You have a choice between either “The Secret of Mana” or “Trials of Mana,” as both games are accessible on current platforms. However, when I attempted to replay “Secret,” I became so disoriented that I would instead suggest “Trials of Mana” – one of the most user-friendly action JRPGs for gamers with busy schedules.
The game starts by allowing us to pick out three characters to join us on our journey, where the initial character selected takes on the lead role. There are three unique narratives available, yet they all share a common goal: defeating the main antagonist and saving the Magic Tree. This setup is ideal if you’re seeking a more relaxed experience.
As a gamer, I find the battles in this game surprisingly straightforward at first glance, but there’s a hidden depth that keeps me strategizing every step of the way. The enemies have their own vulnerabilities and strengths, and using items wisely can make all the difference. My character’s class progression is intricate too; it splits into two paths, Light or Dark, which branch out again twice before reaching the final Class 4. It’s not just about button mashing anymore – it’s about choosing the right path and making smart decisions to come out on top!
The game “Trials of Mana” serves as an ideal representation of a Japanese Role Playing Game (JRPG) that isn’t overly simple yet easy to grasp. During battles, you primarily need to focus on the element of the boss and exploiting its weakness, apart from pressing the attack button repeatedly and using evasion frequently. This setup is beneficial for players who prefer a relaxed gaming experience while lounging on their couch.
5.
Paper Mario
Mario Is Every Gamer BFF
I left Chrono Trigger off this list since I chose Sea of Stars, making the inclusion of Paper Mario seem paradoxical. However, let me explain why I think Paper Mario stands out among JRPGs due to the fact that, at most, you manage just two characters during each battle.
In the sequel, as in its forerunner _Super Mario RPG_, combat occurs in rounds with time-based attacks; this design is reminiscent of _Sea of Stars_. However, unlike the original, the tutorial here is more inviting, and the battles are engaging and straightforward. For example, would you dare to jump on a Goomba wearing a spiked helmet? I hope you answered no.
Additionally, there are several elements reminiscent of platformer games, commonly found in Mario series, though they don’t necessarily introduce much complexity. In the realm of gaming, mastering the jump is more like learning to ride a bike – once you’ve got it, it stays with you.
4.
Final Fantasy XV
The Most Beginner-Friendly Final Fantasy
Among many enthusiasts like me, there was a decade-long anticipation for Final Fantasy Versus XIII. The transformation into Final Fantasy XV brought excitement, but when I eventually experienced it, I felt profoundly let down. However, since this personal sentiment isn’t relevant to the discussion at hand, I’ll move on.
As a dedicated gamer, I’ve got to admit that diving into the world of Final Fantasy XV is as seamless as a Sunday morning coffee. The combat system, a blend of real-time and command-based mechanics (depending on your preferences), can be surprisingly straightforward. All you really need to do is keep a firm grip on the attack button, and Noctis will leave your adversaries scratching their heads in bewilderment. Every now and then, you might find yourself tapping the dodge button when the situation calls for it.
When you go camping with your boy band, you can progress and allocate abilities from a skill set. However, let me be clear, this doesn’t alter much as you’ll still find yourself repeatedly pressing the attack key and exchanging equipment for whatever offers the best statistics.
In essence, I mentioned earlier that “Final Fantasy XV” stands out as an excellent Japanese role-playing game for those who prefer not to commit extensive hours due to its minimal time demands. It offers a narrative summary within the game itself to ensure you stay informed about events, but take my word, the plot isn’t likely to captivate you greatly. The genuine allure lies in the witty conversations between the characters as they engage while you navigate their convertible.
3.
Dragon Quest XI
Dragon Quest Never Misses
It’s likely that you’ve grown accustomed to the notion that “Dragon Quest” is the quintessential traditional JRPG series, and indeed, it holds
Instead of selecting Dragon Quest III HD-2D for this list, I opted for Dragon Quest XI. The reason being that the HD-2D games retain some classic elements such as random encounters and secret items buried in hard-to-reach locations. On the other hand, Dragon Quest XI embraces a more contemporary approach with enhanced features while maintaining the traditional essence of the franchise.
In this game, there are a group of characters under your control. To engage in combat, you simply run into opponents on the playing field. You then choose commands for these characters, and they carry them out accordingly. When you accumulate enough experience points, you level up, allowing you to allocate points to acquire new skills or abilities. The simplicity is deceptive, but it remains fun.
Dragon Quest XI is brimming with markers, including ones indicating fresh side quests on the opposite side of the globe – a wish granted for those who relish completing everything. Additionally, it offers a story recap each time you start it up, ensuring you’re always in the loop about the latest happenings, so you never feel out of the loop.
2.
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana
It’s Fun To Stay At The Ys
If Dragon Quest is often regarded as the precursor to traditional JRPGs, Ys can undoubtedly be called the trailblazer in the action-based subgenre of JRPGs. Interestingly enough, the initial game in this genre was actually Dragon Slayer, developed by Nihon Falcom. Can you guess who created Ys? That’s right, it was none other than Nihon Falcom!
As a dedicated fan, I must say that the Ys series has consistently kept its unique direct combat and progression system across more than ten mainline games. Jump into any Ys game available on modern platforms, and you’ll grasp the basics in your initial playthrough. However, if you’re seeking a standout experience, I highly recommend giving Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana a try.
In Lacrimosa of Dana, there’s no need for an in-game currency as all gear is obtained through a rich crafting system. The combat system incorporates familiar elements such as attack, dodge, and skills, but also introduces unique aspects like the Flash Guard.
In simpler terms, when it comes to strategy, Ys includes elements such as understanding different types of damage and enemy vulnerabilities. However, compared to other Japanese Role Playing Games (JRPGs), the combat system in Ys is particularly user-friendly, making it less overwhelming for those who prefer a more straightforward experience without extensive tutorials.
1.
Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg
Graduation Is The Endgame
Similar to how various games in the Pokémon series could have been mentioned, I could have chosen any title from the Atelier series. However, as technology advances, the more recent installments have endeavored to enhance the crafting system, which has resulted in some mechanics that can be perplexing for those who don’t fully immerse themselves in these new features.
I chose the remake version, “Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg,” which is actually a re-creation of the original “Atelier” game. Although the crafting system in this game was still in its early stages, representing what the series eventually wanted to achieve, it had successfully captured the essence of being an alchemist.
In this system, actions are performed by gathering resources and incorporating them into various dishes, as demonstrated. Meanwhile, the turn-based battle mechanics offer a sequential timeline for each character, enabling strategic planning of your moves.
In the original version of “Atelier Marie,” there was a significant drawback: a strict time limit. Every action you took consumed time, and you only had five years to complete your playthrough before Marie graduated from school. Despite its charm, this time constraint made it rather stressful. However, luckily in the remake, players can disable the time restriction, providing a more relaxed gaming experience overall.
Read More
- Best Awakened Hollyberry Build In Cookie Run Kingdom
- AI16Z PREDICTION. AI16Z cryptocurrency
- Tainted Grail the Fall of Avalon: Should You Turn in Vidar?
- Nintendo Offers Higher Margins to Japanese Retailers in Switch 2 Push
- Best Mage Skills in Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon
- Nintendo Switch 2 Confirms Important Child Safety Feature
- Nintendo May Be Struggling to Meet Switch 2 Demand in Japan
- Top 8 UFC 5 Perks Every Fighter Should Use
- Nintendo Dismisses Report On Switch 2 Retailer Profit Margins
- Nvidia Reports Record Q1 Revenue
2025-06-01 16:40