Best Classic JRPGs That Are Perfect

Even now, fantastic JRPGs are being released, such as Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Tales of Arise, and Metaphor: ReFantasia. However, some longtime fans believe the genre was at its best in the 1990s and early 2000s, and they struggle to connect with newer titles.

Many classic Japanese role-playing games, whether they focus on strategic battles, fast-paced action, or turn-based combat, are still enjoyable today. Some have even been updated or remastered for modern consoles. Let’s explore some of these JRPGs released before 2010 and see how well they’ve aged.

Chrono Trigger

It’s About Time

Even today, Chrono Trigger remains a classic SNES game that perfectly captures the spirit of the 1990s. It’s a grand adventure filled with unexpected twists as you journey through time – from the present day to medieval times, the distant future, and even the age of dinosaurs.

The game moves at a brisk pace, quickly bringing players to the conclusion without requiring tedious repetition or level grinding. And for those who aren’t ready to stop, New Game+ offers a way to continue the adventure.

Final Fantasy 9

A Timeless Classic

Final Fantasy 9 is a beloved game that perfectly captures the spirit of the Final Fantasy series. While it begins with familiar tropes like a kidnapped princess and clashing kingdoms, the story quickly expands into something much deeper and more meaningful.

The combat is solid, featuring familiar character classes like Black Mages and Thieves. The Trance abilities add an exciting layer to battles. What really stands out, though, is the immersive world – beautifully designed locations and a diverse range of races make you feel like you’re genuinely traveling through different cultures.

Persona 4

Scooby-Doo Goes To Japan

Like other games in the Persona series, Persona 4 is a story-driven game where you play as a student going through daily life. The beginning can be a bit slow, but after a couple of hours, the game opens up and becomes much more engaging.

The story centers around a group of teenagers who unlock special abilities inside a virtual world accessed through a TV. They use these powers to investigate a string of local murders. Each month, a new clue will be revealed, sending them to explore a different, connected location, and the mystery will keep players guessing until the very end.

Pokemon Gold/Silver

Monster-Catching At Its Best

Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver delivered everything JRPG fans hoped for in a sequel. They introduced a brand new region called Johto, along with new Pokémon to catch and exciting new gameplay features to keep the experience interesting.

The original Pokémon games introduced exciting new features like Pokémon genders and breeding, and even a phone system for interacting with characters. While some of these mechanics feel a little outdated now, what really made these games special was what happened after you became the champion. Players could travel back to the first region, Kanto, and continue their adventure, which was an incredibly innovative idea at the time.

Mother 3

Lost But Not Forgotten

Despite never being officially released outside of Japan since its 2006 debut on the Game Boy Advance, fans have consistently requested an English version of Mother 3. As the final installment in the Mother series, it’s considered the most polished game, featuring a faster-paced beginning, quicker-joining companions, and a more visually appealing color palette.

The game’s combat is easy to learn, but has surprising depth for players who want to master its rhythm-based elements – though it’s perfectly enjoyable without doing so. Be warned, though: this turn-based RPG is a deeply emotional experience.

Odin Sphere

The Norse Winds Are Calling

Developer: Vanillaware
Publisher: Atlus
Platform: PS2
Released: May 22, 2007 (NA)

I missed out on Odin Sphere when it first came out on the PS2 in 2007 – it was released pretty late in the console’s life, right after the PS3 had already launched! But I’ve heard so many good things about it, and it’s considered one of Vanillaware’s best games. It’s a 2D action RPG where you play as different characters, and the cool thing is, their stories are all connected. You gradually piece things together as you play through each chapter.

While the remaster, Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir, refined the gameplay with smoother action, the original PS2 version remains a beautiful and enjoyable game.

Golden Sun

Turn-Based Puzzles

Golden Sun is a fantastic role-playing game with turn-based combat, and it also offers gameplay reminiscent of Zelda. You’ll find enemies unexpectedly and engage in visually impressive battles with large characters and exciting animations.

Within the game’s dungeons, players unlock psychic abilities that let them manipulate the environment – for example, they can conjure a giant hand to shift heavy pillars. It’s a fun mix of different game styles that doesn’t wear out its welcome, and both this game and its sequel are now available as part of a collection on Nintendo Switch.

Parasite Eve

The RPG Equivalent of Die Hard

Parasite Eve successfully mixes fast-paced action with the strategic elements of classic Japanese role-playing games. Players move around environments to avoid enemy attacks and build up a power meter for counterattacks. The game’s story unfolds over a few days around Christmas in New York City, following detectives as they investigate strange mutations happening to both animals and people.

Okay, so even though this game is set in space, the story actually feels really relatable because the characters are so well done. Plus, it’s not a super long game – even with all the side stuff, I could easily finish it over a long weekend, which makes it perfect to pick up during the holidays.

Shadow Hearts: Covenant

Alternate History Mayhem

In Shadow Hearts: Covenant, the game takes place during a different take on World War I. The story centers around a secret society led by historical figures like Rasputin, who are plotting to take over the world. Players control a unique team assembled to stop them, featuring unusual characters such as a magical wolf and a talented puppeteer.

During battles, players use a spinning wheel called the Judgment Ring to influence how strong their attacks are, adding a bit more interaction to the traditional turn-based combat. The game also has a lighter, more humorous tone compared to many other Japanese role-playing games on the PlayStation 2.

Jeanne d’Arc

Tactically Accurate

Jeanne d’Arc is a role-playing game with a unique take on history, set during a medieval conflict between France and England. The game begins with Jeanne, an ordinary villager, unexpectedly drawn into the war after monsters attack her home. She then receives a special ability that allows her to transform into a powerful knight during combat.

The game takes players through various battles shown on a world map. Combat is turn-based and strategic, similar to classic JRPGs. Like the main character, Jeanne, other members of your team can also transform, and this game, originally released on the PSP, is now available on newer consoles like the PS5.

2025-12-15 11:36