Best Cel-Shaded JRPGs, Ranked

Highlights

Cel-shading ensures timeless visuals in games like
Zelda
&
Okami
, attracting players to unforgettable adventures.
JRPGs like
NEO: The World Ends With You
embrace cel-shading, offering stunning environments and compelling gameplay.
Dark Cloud 2
and
Jeane d’Arc
use cel-shading to enhance gameplay and create memorable experiences for players.

As a seasoned RPG enthusiast with decades worth of gaming under my belt, I can confidently say that these three games are absolute gems for those who love the genre. Let me walk you through my personal experiences with each one.

Cel shading is one of the best ways to ensure a game’s art style ages gracefully. Games like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Okami show the power of cel-shading, with these games being hailed among of the greats for many reasons, including their timeless visuals. So, it’s easy to see why many JRPG fans love the idea of playing through amazing games that make the most of this visual style to let players enjoy a piece of eye candy that takes them on an adventure for the ages.

As a gamer, I’ve found myself captivated by numerous cel-shaded JRPGs that not only embody this unique art style but also leverage its genre elements to their fullest potential. While it’s true that games that push the limits of cutting-edge graphics deserve applause, there’s a certain charm in opting for a distinct artistic approach that seems to endure the test of time and draws countless players. Blending this with the familiar tropes of Japanese role-playing games can create an unforgettable adventure that spans dozens of hours, leaving fans yearning for more long after the journey concludes.

5 NEO: The World Ends With You

The Sequel To A Stylistic JRPG That Incorporates Cel-Shading

One of the standout games on the DS was The World Ends with You, utilizing the console’s dual-screens to deliver an engaging and exhilarating combat system. When it was adapted for single screen in updated versions, it managed to maintain its charm well. The story follows Neku, a character trying to recover his memories while unwillingly participating in a sinister game. Given this, it’s no surprise that fans were thrilled when a sequel to the game, titled NEO: The World Ends with You, was officially announced.

Although some parts of the game might seem simplistic, it’s still worth giving the sequel a try if you’re a fan of the original. To give the title a fresh feel, NEO: The World Ends with You uses 3D environments and cel-shading to make exploring Shibuya’s diverse locales an enjoyable experience. The game’s visuals are one of its standout features and may keep players engaged throughout this lively journey.

4 Dark Cloud 2

A Highly Underrated JRPG With A Tantalizing Art Style

“Dark Cloud” is often overlooked as one of the greatest JRPGs ever made. The creators behind it are also responsible for hit games like “Professor Layton” and the “Ni No Kuni” series. Those who didn’t initially take notice of this game may have missed out, but the sequel made significant enhancements to draw in more gamers. It aimed to showcase a JRPG that truly deserves every accolade and even more.”

The unique cel-shaded art style has significantly contributed to the game maintaining its charm over time, much like how fine wine improves with age. While there are numerous interactive gameplay elements that can initially seem overwhelming, players will quickly adapt to these systems due to the extended playtime offered by Dark Cloud 2. It’s a visually stunning JRPG that I highly recommend for anyone interested in high-quality games within this genre.

3 Jeanne d’Arc

Combines Medieval Fantasy Elements With The Well-Known Story Of Joan Of Arc

As a devoted fan of the PSP, I can attest to the fact that it was brimming with top-notch games. Among them, one tactical RPG stood out for its fusion of fantasy and historical elements, offering an unforgettable gaming experience. Known as Jeanne d’Arc, this often overlooked role-playing game should be on every player’s radar, especially those captivated by the story of Joan of Arc and eager to explore a fresh, player-controlled interpretation of her epic struggle against otherworldly threats bent on annihilating our world.

As a long-time gaming enthusiast who has played countless titles across various platforms, I must say that when it comes to games with exceptional visuals and innovative art styles, few developers come close to Level-5. Having spent countless hours immersed in their creations, I’ve noticed that their mastery of cel-shading is truly unparalleled. This skill was on full display in the game Jeanne d’Arc, a title that managed to deliver an outstanding gaming experience despite the hardware limitations of the PSP. It’s no secret that Level-5 was behind this masterpiece, as they have consistently demonstrated their expertise in employing cel-shading techniques to create immersive and visually stunning games. I believe that their dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with limited resources sets them apart from other developers in the industry.

2 Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom

The Studio Ghibli-esque Visuals Add To The Game’s Charm

Many individuals recognize Ni no Kuni primarily due to its distinctive art style, which resonates strongly with admirers of Studio Ghibli’s movies for its resemblance to the animation aesthetic of this acclaimed studio. The initial game in the duology is a remarkable debut that warrants attention, but it’s the sequel that has been widely praised as one of the finest cel-shaded RPGs available to gamers.

In essence, Revenant Kingdom outshines its forerunner significantly, yet retains the captivating cel-shaded graphics that ignited enthusiasm among fans for the initial installment, Wrath of the White Witch. Although a few individuals may assert that the narrative of the first game was more engrossing, the upgraded combat system in Revenant Kingdom elevates the play experience, making it surpass its predecessor in terms of gameplay.

1 Persona 5 Royal

The Art Style Upgrade Went A Long Way In Helping The Persona Series Become Mainstream

Atlus aimed to break the limitations of the “Persona 5” series and bring it into the mainstream spotlight like never before. To achieve this, they underwent a significant engine upgrade and adopted a cel-shaded art style that was both visually striking and perfectly captured the contemporary Tokyo setting. The enhanced version of “Persona 5 Royal” further refined the gameplay experience, made language adjustments, and added extra content to offer players a more immersive experience with their favorite Phantom Thieves.

It’s not hard to argue that one of the key factors that drew players to Persona 5 Royal was its captivating art style. This style seamlessly complements the game’s positive narrative, adding a dash of excitement that keeps players hooked throughout their journey. By the end of this Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG), players often find themselves deeply connected to the characters, having followed the adventures of the Phantom Thieves until their story reaches its conclusion.

2024-08-21 06:04