Best Feelgood JRPGs

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Summary

  • Some JRPGs offer joy and escapism with optimistic characters, beautiful worlds, and grand adventures.
  • The best feel-good JRPGs provide a break from saving the world with fun activities and heartwarming stories.
  • Games like Ys 8, Ni No Kuni, and Final Fantasy 9 encapsulate a sense of coziness and delight for players.

In recent times, numerous Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) have adopted more somber storylines, with settings like apocalyptic landscapes or characters reminiscent of series such as “Game of Thrones”. Although these can be captivating, it’s delightful to encounter games that evoke a sense of happiness and escapism. Regrettably, many contemporary games seem to forgo the joyous and entertaining elements that are typically marked by optimistic characters, stunning environments, and grand journeys that resonate long after the game is completed. Frequently, players find themselves yearning for the characters, towns, NPCs, and worlds of these games once they’ve concluded their playthrough.

Top games consistently prioritize elements that make them fun, allowing for brief diversions from saving the world from imminent catastrophes to engage in activities such as chocobo racing or card collecting. These are the games that players hold dear and recall fondly. This article will spotlight some delightful JRPGs that evoke a sense of joy.

7. Ys 8: Lacrimosa Of Dana

A Colorful Fantasy Adventure

Once more, Ys 8: Lacrimosa of Dana finds our protagonist, the spirited Adol Christin, embarking on an exciting journey. Unlike previous games in the series, this installment minimally references Adol’s past, making it easy for newcomers to join the adventure at any point. Ys 8 offers a wonderful starting point for those unfamiliar with the series as each game provides a fresh, independent adventure for our young hero.

In the game Ys 8, Adol encounters a predicament as he’s stranded on an enigmatic, cursed island teeming with monsters resembling dinosaurs and various other unusual creatures. This is an exhilarating castaway story that offers a captivating island to discover, a resourceful and upbeat protagonist, and a survival aspect, where Adol needs to gather supplies to foster the growth of his settlement.

6. Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch

A Beautiful Coming Of Age Adventure

Ni No Kuni is an engaging role-playing game inspired by Studio Ghibli’s animated films. The characters, cutscenes, and music were designed by Studio Ghibli, with a renowned composer contributing exceptional pieces of music. This journey of self-discovery is suitable for both children and adults to enjoy. The world within the game is lively and magical, igniting players’ curiosity as they delve into a captivating fantasy land teeming with intriguing characters and mystical creatures.

In it, you’ll find Oliver’s Welsh fairy sidekick and gameplay mechanics similar to Pokemon, where players train creatures called Familiars for combat. Ni No Kuni offers a charming atmosphere and sense of happiness that makes delving into its alternate reality, the “Other World,” an enjoyable experience. This heartwarming journey is sure to bring joy even to hardened fans of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs).

5. Final Fantasy 9

A Return To Fantasy And Adventure

Not many games deliver the same feeling of exploration and immersion in their worlds as the beloved Final Fantasy series does. Games like Final Fantasy 7 and Final Fantasy 8 offer breathtaking landscapes, skillfully combining science fiction and fantasy elements that are captivating to traverse, while incorporating lighthearted moments and humor alongside their more serious storylines. However, it was the pure fantasy setting of Final Fantasy 9 that harkened back to the classic formula, creating a sense of nostalgia and joy that has yet to be surpassed since its debut.

The characters are creatively designed and hard to forget; for instance, Vivi the mage, Steiner the dedicated knight, and Zidane, the spirited sky pirate who embodies youthful courage – these and others will win players over with their charm. Moreover, the world is a delight to traverse, from the bustling Alexandria streets paved with cobblestones to Lindblum, the renowned Airship Capital of the World. The backdrops, skillfully pre-rendered, seem to leap off the screen, revealing a level of creativity that’s simple to adore.

4. Tales Of Symphonia

A Beautiful And Vibrant Adventure

Initially, the game “Tales of Symphonia” was debuted on the GameCube in 2003. This captivating RPG quickly became a favorite among fans and marked the introduction of the “Tales” series to numerous global gamers. Prior to this, only Japan had access to “Tales of Phantasia,” which wasn’t released outside of Japan until 2006 on the Game Boy Advance. As for “Tales of Destiny”, it never made its way beyond the US. For many fans, “Tales of Symphonia” stands as a standard against which other games in the series are compared, thanks to its charming characters, stunning cel-shaded graphics, and lively towns that offer a delightful exploration experience.

In simple terms, Tales of Symphonia combines action-oriented battles with classic JRPG elements that fans are accustomed to. What sets it apart is its compelling storyline and character development, which introduce unexpectedly somber themes. These themes add depth to the game’s environment and drive the characters’ actions. Players will find themselves immersed in this world and may feel a sense of loss when they finish playing.

3. The Legend Of Heroes: Trails In The Sky

Great Characters And Fantastic Storytelling

As a dedicated gamer, I can tell you that diving into “The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky” was my first step into an epic journey through the expansive “Trails” universe. This series is a captivating tapestry woven with multiple storylines and characters, yet they all seamlessly connect to form one cohesive narrative. For those who wish to fully immerse themselves in this world, it’s suggested that you begin your adventure with the first game of the “Trails in the Sky” trilogy.

The series tackles some heavy and thought-provoking themes, but it’s the unforgettable pairing of Estelle and Lloyd, accompanied by a cast of charming companions, that makes “Trails in the Sky” one of my personal favorites in the series. The bond between these characters adds an element of enjoyment that complements the deeper storylines and plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

In a delightfully upbeat fashion, the appealing personalities, catchy tunes, and meticulous craftsmanship weave an immersive realm that fans will find hard to forget or resist. Although this game adheres to more conventional mechanics, its outstanding world-building and character progression earn it a top spot on this list for recommendations. Enthralled fans are encouraged to delve deeper into the captivating universe of the Trails series.

2. Dragon Quest 11: Echoes Of An Elusive Age

A Timeless JRPG That Sticks To Its Roots

In contrast to the Final Fantasy series that continually reinvents itself through unique combat systems in each game, the Dragon Quest series consistently adheres to its classic turn-based format, which only adds to its charm. Much like previous games, Dragon Quest 11 does not strive for an intricate narrative, but it still spins an immersive fantasy tale complete with unexpected surprises. True to form, Dragon Quest 11 offers a sense of comforting familiarity to fans of the franchise.

This game boasts an outstanding ensemble of characters, a meticulously designed universe, and an incredible soundtrack. It offers a joyous and exhilarating experience that only a few games can rival, catering to both seasoned and novice players alike. The game’s grandeur lies in its vastness and depth, guiding players on a captivating journey through stunning towns, dungeons, and an enchanting overworld brimming with secrets and allure.

1. Lunar: The Remastered Collection

Two Classic Feel-Good JRPGs In One

This collection, titled “Lunar: The Remastered Collection,” offers two outstanding JRPGs from the 1990s: “Lunar: Silver Star Story” and “Lunar 2: Eternal Blue“. These games are modernized versions of the PS1 remakes, initially published by Working Designs. They showcase a unique charm and deliver an enjoyable experience through their band of optimistic heroes, enchanting music, visually stunning environments, and Ghaleon, an exceptional antagonist who could easily fit into the best Saturday morning cartoons from the 80s and 90s, particularly his captivating performances in numerous beautifully animated cutscenes.

In both games, the main characters share a common trait of being resolute explorers on a mission to save the world from malevolence. However, it’s their supporting characters that truly shine with engaging dialogue and character progression. Diving into the worlds of Silver Star Story and Eternal Blue feels like stepping into a realm of purity and delight, making them hard to pull away from once you start playing.

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2025-07-24 12:35