Best JRPGs Where You Play As A Rebel

Key Takeaways

Many JRPGs set in times of political turmoil or war allow players to take on the role of rebels for an engaging experience.
Games like Final Fantasy 6, Tales of Berseria, and Persona 5 feature rebellious protagonists in complex storylines.
Titles like Suikoden and Tales of Arise showcase rebel heroes fighting against oppressive empires for liberation and freedom.

As a seasoned gamer with over 20 years of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that some of the most captivating stories in video games revolve around rebellion and the struggle for freedom. And when it comes to JRPGs, nothing beats the thrill of leading a group of rebels against an oppressive regime.

Video games in the role-playing genre known as JRPGs (Japanese Role-Playing Games) have been a significant part of gaming consoles since their early days. These games played a pivotal role in creating numerous popular franchises that gamers recognize today, and they also served as the basis for many contemporary JRPGs and RPGs (Role-Playing Games).

In JRPGs (Japanese Role-Playing Games), various themes can keep players engaged. However, games set amidst political strife or war periods tend to be particularly captivating for gamers. When these games offer players the chance to play as a revolutionary character, they become successful and provide an enjoyable gaming experience. Here are some JRPGs that let you assume the role of a rebel.

5 Final Fantasy 6

A Solid Addition To The Final Fantasy Franchise

Set in a steampunk-influenced world
Most of the playable characters belong to The Returners

In the heart of a world infused with steampunk aesthetics amidst political unrest, Final Fantasy 6 unfolds. Despite its departure from the usual medieval backdrop of most franchise installments, this concept proves engaging and offers an entertaining gaming journey for fans.

In the game “Final Fantasy 6”, there are 14 characters you can control, each with their distinct backgrounds, traits, and abilities. Many of these characters belong to a resistance group called The Returners, who aim to challenge the oppressive rule of the Gestahlian Empire. Essentially, regardless of which character you select, you’ll get the chance to embody a rebel in this game.

4 Tales Of Berseria

A Story Full Of Pirates And Creatures Of The Night

The third-person perspective adds to the narrative
Story full of pirates and other outlaws

In the game titled “Tales of Berseria,” players step into the shoes of Violet, a young woman who’s been hardened by past traumas. The narrative is intricate, weaving together themes of pirates, discord, and a cast of captivating characters. Before this story unfolds, Violet was known for her kindness and nobility; however, she now harbors intense hatred, a transformation brought about by events that occurred several years prior to the game’s beginning.

In this game, you’ll experience the action from a third-person point of view, enabling you to engage with numerous Non-Player Characters (NPCs) scattered around the world and hold diverse conversations with them – these chats can vary from lighthearted banter to deep, thoughtful discussions. It’s quite evident that historically, pirates have been one of the most notorious criminal gangs, flouting all rules and looting wherever they roam. Is there a more genuine role-playing game (RPG) experience with a rebellious spirit?

3 Persona 5

Students With A Mysterious Power Act As Vigilantes

Joker and his fellow students come across a mysterious power
The game has a day-night cycle and a good weather system

In a seemingly ordinary turn of events, the narrative of “Persona 5” unfolds like a common tale of a high school student transforming into a criminal. However, after a character named Joker is falsely accused, he’s placed on probation and shifts to a new educational institution. The facade of normalcy crumbles when Joker and his peers stumble upon a dormant force that endows them with extraordinary powers, which they later use for noble purposes.

Utilizing their newly gained abilities, Joker and his student comrades establish an enigmatic vigilante team called the Phantom Thieves of Hearts. Their objective is straightforward yet formidable: they delve into the Metaverse, a world spawned from humanity’s darkest desires, with the goal to purify people’s hearts and inspire transformation.

The storyline in Persona 5 is exceptionally impactful, and its impact is enhanced by the game’s day-night cycle and weather system, giving it a moralistic feel reminiscent of social simulation games. Although Joker and his classmates aren’t traditional rebels, they are essentially vigilantes, which shares some characteristics with rebellion.

2 Suikoden

The Son Of An Empire’s Hero Becomes A Part Of The Rebellion Against It

The main character turns down military nobility to become a rebel hero
Various NPCs to discover and tasks to complete

In the heart of a tumultuous political struggle lies the captivating tale of Suikoden. The protagonist, Tir McDohl, renounces his birthright and embarks on a journey of freedom instead. Born to one of the Scarlet Moon Empire’s legendary heroes, Tir was destined to carry on his father’s legacy; however, after a sequence of intricate circumstances, he opted against this fate and took command of the Liberation Army instead.

Just like other role-playing games in the JRPG genre, Suikoden offers players an opportunity to traverse a vast world, engage with numerous non-player characters, undertake various assignments, and accomplish numerous missions as they progress through the narrative. The game is told from the viewpoint of the offspring of the Scarlet Moon Empire’s beloved son. It’s a captivating story that revolves around bravery, heartache, and resilient leadership, keeping players enthralled for hours on end.

1 Tales Of Arise

A Fight For Freedom, And The End Of A Dictatorship

Two worlds in different periods
The game features a power struggle between the oppressors and the oppressed

In most JRPGs, players don’t get to explore two distinct eras. However, Tales of Arise seems to offer this unique experience, although it doesn’t have a literal time jump. Instead, it presents a sense of transition as the game unfolds in the medieval realm of Dahna and the technologically advanced world of Rena.

In a typical scenario where one culture outpaces another, the Renans have maintained their dominance over the Dahnans for around 300 years, which inevitably led to turmoil and uprisings. The game Tales of Arise offers intense, pulse-pounding combat that not only keeps players engaged but also showcases stunning visuals. Players must navigate through the obstacles they’ll face in their journey to liberate Dahna from Rena’s oppressive grip.

2024-10-19 10:34