Best JRPGs Set In High Fantasy Worlds, Ranked

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Summary

  • The Witcher 3 and Dragon Age exemplify vibrant high fantasy worlds with deep lore involving monsters, races, and magic.
  • Bravely Default 2, Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, and Final Fantasy 9 offer unique fantasy settings with vibrant colors and rich gameplay.
  • Kingdom Hearts and Ni No Kuni create fantastical worlds where Disney meets traditional fantasy elements, allowing for exciting adventures.

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the vast and captivating worlds of video games, I must say that 2024 has truly been a bountiful year for high fantasy titles. From the nostalgic charm of Final Fantasy 9 to the breathtaking beauty of Metaphor: ReFantazio, each game offers a unique and immersive experience that transports us to enchanting realms filled with magic, mystery, and adventure.

High fantasy games often feature richly detailed settings teeming with mythical creatures, diverse species, and sorcery. “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” is a stellar representation of this genre, boasting intricate backstory due to the novels and prequels preceding it. In this game, players engage in monster hunting using an array of spells and potions, while immersing themselves for countless hours in exploration.

In a different phrasing, the “Dragon Age” series offers another compelling illustration, with “Dragon Age: The Veilguard” being its most recent addition. These games fall under the category of Western high fantasy, but there’s an abundance of Japanese role-playing games to delve into as well. Let’s evaluate these games and their worlds based on how richly detailed and visually engaging they are for exploration.

8. Bravely Default 2

Job Hunting

In simpler terms, “Bravely Default 2” can be seen as the third installment of a series of role-playing games (RPGs) that resemble the classic style of “Final Fantasy”. The game’s setting follows a typical fantasy backdrop filled with rival kingdoms, monsters, and magic. Similarly to “Final Fantasy”, certain crystals in this world influence the elements, and there is an ominous force determined to seize control over the world using these crystals.

As a cinephile, I find myself immersed in a cinematic universe where characters acquire extraordinary talents by taking on Jobs – a system that’s similar to classes and is earned following grueling boss battles. The color scheme may be rather subdued, but the art style sets this fantasy realm apart with its one-of-a-kind plastic aesthetic.

7. Fire Emblem Awakening

Creating Kids Through Portals

Visually speaking, Fire Emblem Awakening shares some similarities with Bravely Default 2, as both worlds are predominantly monochrome. However, the character designs in Fire Emblem Awakening lean heavily towards anime aesthetics and have more vivid colors. The narrative of Fire Emblem Awakening also incorporates a touch of science fiction, with players having the option to form romantic relationships with allies that can result in offspring appearing fully grown through time portals, ready to join the battle.

In the realm of my gaming passion, I find myself immersed in the strategic role-playing game experience that is Fire Emblem Awakening. This epic tale unfolds in a captivating medieval fantasy landscape, where nations clash in an unending struggle for dominance, and magic, dragons, pegasi, and unique anthropomorphic creatures like the Taguel are as common as swords and shields. It’s a world I can’t help but get lost in!

6. Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake

An All-Time Classic Fantasy World

The revamped version, titled “Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake,” is a modern take on the third installment of the popular Dragon Quest series. This game was the first to introduce the class system through Vocations. As a franchise, Dragon Quest offers a heartwarming fantasy realm for players to explore, which can be both delightful and challenging. While there are sinister events that transpire within this world, overall, it’s filled with cheerful characters and even the monsters have a friendly appearance, like the lovable Slime creatures.

With Spellcasting at their disposal, gamers can generate mists of ice, summon clouds of toxic gas, mend their teammates, and similar actions. Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake offers an engaging gameplay experience as it lacks a complex narrative, making it potentially more attractive to RPG enthusiasts who enjoy tinkering with mechanics.

5. Super Mario RPG: Legend Of The Seven Stars

Jump Up, Geno Star!

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars” marks the debut of a role-playing game (RPG) spinoff featuring Mario, and prior to its release, the Mario series had been characterized by whimsical elements such as magical mushrooms that promoted growth, and flowers bestowing fire abilities.

This role-playing game significantly expanded the Mushroom Kingdom’s narrative, going beyond just a handful of stages in 2D games. It was bursting with vibrant colors, making everything seem as if it would leap off the screen. This game marked a significant shift in turn-based RPGs due to its active input system. Fortunately, more people can now experience it, as it has been remade for the Nintendo Switch, surpassing the original SNES version.

4. Kingdom Hearts

Disney Meets Final Fantasy

Kingdom Hearts is the fulfillment of a long-held dream for Disney enthusiasts who yearn to step into their beloved films. The game commences with Sora, along with his companions Riku and Kairi, dreaming of venturing far from their island home. Tragically, their island is pulled into nothingness, separating them from each other, and Sora awakens in a town that resembles his own, but is confronted by Donald Duck and Goofy instead.

The tale is quite peculiar yet captivating, where the protagonist, Sora, obtains a mystical Keyblade. This weapon has the power to open and close routes to iconic Disney realms such as those from “The Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin”. In combat situations, Sora can strike down foes fiercely with his sword and summon flames as magical abilities.

3. Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch

Pokemon In The World Of Ghibli

In a melancholic start, the protagonist Oliver finds himself in a bittersweet situation, having lost his mother. A sudden outpouring of grief brings his toy, Mr. Drippy, miraculously to life, leading Oliver into an alternate world. This is typical of the Isekai genre as Oliver quickly discovers he can wield magic and summon adorable creatures for battles reminiscent of Pokemon games, but in a turn-based fashion.

This realm possesses a charming, fairy-tale-like beauty reminiscent of Studio Ghibli animations, contributing significantly to its stunning artwork and enchanting animated sequences. It’s an unforgettable, magical journey unfolding across a vast open world, inviting players to embark on this exciting adventure.

2. Metaphor: ReFantazio

The King Is Dead

The latest release from the “Persona” team, known for their low-key fantastical atmosphere, has taken a dramatic turn in “ReFantazio.” Unlike previous games in the series, this one dives headfirst into high fantasy, offering an intricately built world filled with various humanoid species, enchanted machinery, factions, kingdoms, mythical beasts, and magic galore.

This vibrant, dynamic universe is irresistibly captivating yet chilling in equal measure. Certain creatures within this world can be quite gruesome to behold. The unique combination of real-time and turn-based gameplay elements make it a strong contender for the top games of 2024.

1. Final Fantasy 9

A Celebration Over A Decade In The Making

Is anyone up for a thrilling escapade? That could have been the tagline for Final Fantasy 9. For the franchise, it served as a heartfelt farewell to the classic Final Fantasy games, where grand fantasy tales surpassed those of lower-tier ones like Final Fantasy 7, which had previously favored modern settings.

Final Fantasy 9 revisited elements such as crystals, airships, pirates, numerous mini-games, and characters that were both lovable and imperfect. Each kingdom in the game is distinct and not just for decoration. If ever remade, I hope Square Enix preserves the spirit of adventure without making it too grim with a new interpretation.

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2024-12-20 16:34