Best JRPGs Set In Japan

Highlights

JRPGs blend traditional folklore and modern storytelling to create captivating worlds based on Japan’s cultural heritage.
Tokyo Xanadu eX+ offers players an authentic experience of Japan in a fictional city inspired by real locations.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon immerses players in the dark and fun side of Japan, exploring nighttime dramas and conflicts.

As a seasoned gamer with a particular fondness for Japanese role-playing games, allow me to share my humble thoughts on these three captivating titles that transport players to the heart of Japan’s vibrant culture and rich storytelling.

Japanese culture and breathtaking scenery have served as a wellspring of ideas for numerous Role-Playing Games set in Japan (JRPGs). These games frequently weave together ancient legends with contemporary narratives, resulting in realms that enthrall gamers worldwide.

Ranging from vibrant urban landscapes to tranquil rural areas, these settings serve as distinctive backdrops that intensify both storytelling and gameplay experience. Each title on this list is exceptional due to its authentic representation of Japanese culture, providing players with an indelible journey immersed in the soul of Japan.

10 Tokyo Xanadu eX+

Play An Anime In Japan

Hailing from the same studio as the “Trails” and “Ys” franchises, Nihon Falcom has crafted “Tokyo Xanadu eX+”, an action RPG that embodies the essence of anime. The story revolves around high school student Kou Tokisaka, who inadvertently steps into a dark realm called Eclipse, forever altering his life’s trajectory.

Contrary to its name, Tokyo Xanadu isn’t set in Tokyo as one might expect. Instead, it is based on a fictional city named Morimiya, which bears similarities to Tachikawa, a city near the capital. The game incorporates references to real locations within the region, providing an immersive feel of being in Japan.

9 Inazuma Eleven 2

Soccer But With Powers

Release Date	October 1, 2009
Developer	Level-5
Platform	Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS

Inazuma Eleven 2 is the follow-up to the popular Nintendo DS game, Inazuma Eleven, which combines role-playing game (RPG) elements with soccer. The game offers two distinct versions, much like the Pokémon series, named Fire and Blizzard (Firestorm and Blizzard in Europe).

In a fresh tale, extraterrestrial invaders target schools where soccer teams play, prompting Endou Mamoru and his fellow players from the Raimon squad to journey throughout Japan, engaging in soccer matches against these aliens. These contests will decide the fate of the country.

8 Shin Megami Tensei 3 Nocturne

A Not-So-Beautiful Japan

If you’re looking for a game that highlights Japan’s stunning scenery, Shin Megami Tensei 3 Nocturne, developed by Atlus, might not be the best fit. Instead, it’s set in Tokyo amidst an otherworldly apocalypse.

Beyond our borders, turmoil reigns as demonic forces storm the surviving parts of the city, setting the stage for an epic confrontation between divine entities and demons. The decisions taken along the way have the power to foster life, renewal, or destruction, ultimately deciding who will emerge victorious in this divine conflict.

7 Pokemon Conquest

Feudal Japan With Pokemon

In a unique blend of worlds, Pokemon Conquest is an engaging game that merges characters and mechanics from both the Pokemon and Nobunaga’s Ambition franchises. This intriguing tale unfolds in the Ransei region, a make-believe land resembling feudal Japan, which is split into 17 distinct kingdoms, each symbolizing a specific Pokemon type.

In this game, players assume the character of a youthful warlord, who forms alliances with Pokemon to dominate various kingdoms and ultimately unify the region. While it doesn’t happen in actual Japan, the game is heavily influenced by Japanese regions, creating an atmosphere that resembles the Sengoku period, making players feel as if they are part of that era.

6 Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore

Fight Evil With Music in Tokyo

First introduced for the Nintendo Wii U, the game Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯FE is a fusion that merges the mechanics, storyline, and aesthetics of the Shin Megami Tensei series with aspects from Nintendo’s Fire Emblem. In simpler terms, it’s a unique blend where gameplay, plot, and visuals from two popular series are brought together.

In the heart of contemporary Tokyo, I find myself immersed in a world ripe for exploration, from bustling districts like Shibuya to the vibrant streets of Harajuku. Here, I engage in an epic struggle against an insidious interdimensional evil, which has infiltrated Japan, not just as a menacing force, but also with dreams of pop stardom, my friends and I caught up in this whirlwind of chaos.

5 Live A Live

Infiltrate A Castle As A Shinobi

“Live A Live” is an iconic role-playing game, masterfully directed by Takashi Tokita who’s famed for his work on “Chrono Trigger“, that presents a compilation of tales about distinct heroes from diverse time periods. The saga commences with seven stories, each highlighting unique protagonists, epochs, and artistic styles.

As a enthusiast yearning for an adventure steeped in Japanese culture, I can’t wait to immerse myself in the captivating world of “Twilight of Edo Japan“. In this thrilling saga, I step into the role of a young Enma clan shinobi, tasked with the clandestine mission of breaching a castle and rescuing a vital prisoner.

4 NEO: The World Ends with You

The Reapers’ Game Starts In Shibuya

In the lively neighborhood of Shibuya, Tokyo, the game NEO: The World Ends with You unfolds, where we meet Rindo, a character who unwittingly becomes embroiled in the Reapers’ Game. This secretive and perilous competition lasts for seven days, and those participating, known as Players, are tasked with completing missions and battling against terrifying entities called Noise to ensure their survival and prevent being wiped out.

The game offers an engaging, lifelike portrayal of Tokyo, emphasizing the lively atmosphere of Shibuya, encompassing its crowded thoroughfares, vibrant neon scenery, trendy clothing style, and rich cultural diversity.

3 Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Discover Japan’s Dark And Fun Side

Yakuza: Like a Dragon signifies a major change for the Yakuza franchise, morphing it into an authentic JRPG based on Kabukicho in Tokyo as its inspiration. The game presents a brand-new hero, Ichiban Kasuga, and immerses players in the complex tales of Japanese nightlife, as well as the struggles between different organizations.

In this edition, players delve into a dense map teeming with activities and details, combining tactical turn-based combat with the captivating narrative style of Yakuza. Real-life inspired locales serve as playgrounds for exploration, side missions provide additional adventures, and the rich culture of Japan is brought to life, all within the intricate web of the Yakuza underworld.

2 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim

Save The Country From Kaijus

As a dedicated fan, I’d like to share my excitement about “13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim,” a captivating game crafted by the talented minds at Vanillaware, who are also known for masterpieces like Odin Sphere and Unicorn Overlord. This unique creation seamlessly merges science fiction enigmas with the charm of JRPGs and the strategic depth of Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games.

In this gripping narrative, I find myself delving into intriguing science fiction elements like the enigma of time loops and the mind-bending concept of the multiverse. The setting is an alternate Japan, eerily familiar yet ominously tainted by a looming menace from a not-so-distant past.

1 Persona 4 Golden

Live A Japanese Student’s Life And Solve Mysteries

Persona 4 Golden is one of the most highly-regarded role-playing games ever made. Crafted by Atlus as an upgraded adaptation of the original Persona 4, this game chronicles the adventures of a team of high school students residing in the small, rural town of Inaba. As they delve into a mystifying TV world, they confront their personal challenges and uncover a chain of murders.

In contrast to the urban setting of Persona 5 in bustling Tokyo, I found myself immersed in the tranquil charm of a small, fictional Japanese town in Persona 4 Golden. This idyllic countryside locale is a unique blend, drawing inspiration from diverse rural areas across Japan, skillfully crafting a realistic and captivating region for us to explore.

2024-08-07 09:15