Best JRPGs In Contemporary Settings, Ranked

Best JRPGs In Contemporary Settings, Ranked

As a seasoned gamer who has spent countless hours exploring various worlds and dimensions, I must say that the modern settings of these Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) are nothing short of breathtaking. Each game offers a unique take on contemporary life, blending reality with fantasy in ways that captivate my imagination.


While traditional Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) often take place in magical realms or ancient times, certain games have ventured into contemporary settings, providing an opportunity to traverse unique, up-to-date environments and engage with fresh narratives. In these contemporary locales, gamers encounter hurdles within recognizable surroundings, such as bustling cities, advanced technology, and societies mirroring our own world today.

In these types of games, you’ll still find features like turn-based battles and character development. But what makes them stand out is their integration into contemporary settings, whether it’s urban landscapes or other environments. This blend of reality with fantasy creates a more relatable experience for the player, making the extraordinary feel grounded in everyday life.

10 Tokyo Xanadu eX+

A Fictional City Brings A Modern JRPG To Life

Among the Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) currently on the market, Tokyo Xanadu eX+ stands out for its anime-like gameplay experience, despite its name suggesting a setting in Tokyo, Japan’s capital. Instead, players find themselves controlling Kou Tokisaka in the fictional city of Morimiya.

The game’s backdrop is heavily influenced by the city of Tachikawa, nestled within Tokyo prefecture. To enrich the atmosphere, the creators incorporated elements from numerous real locations across Japan into the settings. This means that as players delve into the Eclipse Realm and confront its perils, they can enjoy an authentic experience of navigating a fictional Japanese city in a contemporary JRPG environment.

9 Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE

Fire Emblem Meets Shin Megami Tensei

This game concept was intriguing, blending characters from Fire Emblem with gameplay elements similar to Shin Megami Tensei or Persona. Regrettably, Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯FE didn’t gain widespread popularity. Nevertheless, its unique JRPG setting and ambiance warrant attention, as the graphics of its locations are striking and visually appealing.

In Tokyo Mirage Sessions, you’ll explore a colorful, fictionalized version of Tokyo that showcases well-known areas like Shibuya, known for its bustling streets and bright city lights. Additionally, the district of Harajuku offers a taste of otaku culture, complete with cosplay stores and anime motifs, further immersing you in this contemporary role-playing game’s urban environment.

8 Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth: Complete Edition

Integrating The Real World With The Digital

In the Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth: Complete Edition, players step into a world where the physical and digital realms converge. This setting is in bustling, tech-savvy cities that feel realistic yet allow for easy immersion. The game seamlessly blends everyday life with the fantastical digital elements typical of the Digimon universe.

Beyond its contemporary backdrop, the game delivers an immersive role-playing game (RPG) adventure, complete with tactical battle systems and numerous Digimon to assemble into a formidable team. The storyline is captivating too, utilizing this modern setting to delve into themes of real and virtual data, challenging players to solve the game’s enigmas, offering top-notch gameplay within a contemporary JRPG atmosphere.

7 Final Fantasy 15

Mixing Modern Settings With Medieval Fantasy

In a departure from other games in the series, Final Fantasy 15 blends elements of traditional fantasy with modern-day settings. Unlike its predecessors which primarily featured high medieval or futuristic landscapes, Final Fantasy 15 offers something fresh and varied by introducing contemporary locations.

The cities of Insomnia and Gralea draw inspiration from modern-day settings, much like Lestallum and Altissia which convey a medieval charm but also have roots in contemporary references. This mix offers a distinctive contrast that enhances the storyline and immersion within the world of Final Fantasy 15.

6 Shin Megami Tensei 5 Vengeance

A Major Plot Twist In A Modern Setting

Atlus is renowned for some of the most highly respected role-playing game franchises, particularly in the realm of Japanese RPGs. Several of these series blend traditional RPG elements with contemporary settings, and Shin Megami Tensei 5 Vengeance is a striking demonstration of this trend. In this game, players have the opportunity to traverse a substantial portion of the Tokyo area, immersing themselves in an epic conflict between angels and demons.

In the opening hours of the game, even though most action occurs within the remains of the city, one of the main plot twists is unveiled: what appears as the destroyed city is actually real Tokyo, while the undamaged city represents an alternate version. Consequently, this role-playing game, set in modern times, uses this situation to craft a distinctive world teeming with demons and other hazardous creatures.

5 Parasite Eve

Exploring New York With Elements Of Dark Fantasy

Parasite Eve stands out among Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) by being set in diverse areas of New York City instead of adhering to traditional Eastern themes. This contemporary urban backdrop offers immersive exploration of the city, contrasting with games primarily influenced by Japanese culture and broadening the series’ global audience appeal.

As a gamer, I’d say that Parasite Eve isn’t just about the here and now; it blends dark fantasy elements into its storyline, giving it a moody and captivating feel. Merging real-world scenarios with fantastical themes adds depth to the plot, making it an exceptionally engaging JRPG set in today’s world. It offers players a one-of-a-kind, deeply immersive experience that I can’t get enough of!

4 NEO: The World Ends With You

Style And Chaos Unite

For gamers yearning for JRPGs set in contemporary landscapes but preferring a departure from conventional mechanics like turn-based combats, NEO: The World Ends with You offers a distinctive gaming experience, showcasing a vibrant Shibuya. One of the game’s standout features is its artistic direction, offering visually striking graphics.

In terms of its atmosphere, this game beautifully captures the enchantment of one of Tokyo’s most well-known districts, specifically Shibuya. The streets are adorned with glowing neon signs, which gives an accurate depiction of the location. Players are tasked with navigating through a seven-day period, aiming to survive the Reaper’s Game. This contemporary JRPG provides a fresh and engaging experience set in a modern setting.

3 Mother Franchise

Modern And Scenic Environments

The game, titled “Mother,” establishes a contemporary backdrop for a JRPG, devoid of actual city landscapes. Yet, it masterfully combines urban aspects with rural environments. It provides a variety of scenarios that add depth to the storyline and visual appeal for gamers, preserving the engaging spirit of the series.

In the development of the Mother series, great care was taken to design visually stunning and intricately detailed settings. Each locale, whether bustling cities or peaceful towns, contributes significantly to the plot, fostering a sense of immersion and emotional attachment to the compelling storyline.

2 Yakuza: Like A Dragon

An Excellent JRPG With The Best Modern Settings

As a gamer, I must admit, the daring transition of the beloved Yakuza series into a Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG) format, coupled with the shift in the main character, was an audacious move that left me questioning. But boy, did the developers nail it! Now, I’m embarking on a fresh adventure alongside Kasuga Ichiban in this modern-day JRPG. It’s a thrill to traverse cities modeled after real Japanese locations, immersing myself in an authentic experience that keeps me hooked.

The city environment in Yakuza: Like A Dragon is exceptionally well-crafted, offering a diverse range of content that reflects Japanese culture. Realistic urban features like stores, eateries, and iconic landmarks add depth to the gameplay, enabling players to delve deeply into an authentic and engaging modern setting.

1 Persona 5 Royal

Shibuya Shines In This Modern Setting

In a nod to one of the most widely enjoyed JRPGs set in contemporary times, “Persona 5 Royal” immerses players as a high school student, juggling ordinary life responsibilities with the extraordinary mission of battling monsters to save the world. This game distinguishes itself not just through its unique setting, but also by its powerful narrative and unforgettable characters.

In stark contrast to the serene rural town in its precursor, Persona 4, Atlus shifted the setting of the game to the lively urban district of Shibuya. This metropolitan atmosphere enriches the overall experience, as the hustle and bustle of city life, along with the vibrant neon lights, provide a vivid contrast to the two different worlds the game delves into.

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2024-09-22 02:34