Best JRPGs With Mage Protagonists

As a long-time fan of Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs), I have to say that it is truly exhilarating to see these games regain their prominence in the gaming world after a brief hiatus during the seventh generation of consoles. And, oh boy, do I love me some mage protagonists! They bring an extra layer of magic and mystery to the story, making them more memorable than your typical warrior or knight.

Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) have experienced an unprecedented resurgence, making a significant comeback after being somewhat overlooked during the seventh generation of consoles. Now, iconic JRPG franchises like Dragon Quest and Persona hold global appeal more than ever before, with fans eagerly anticipating innovative games in this genre that feature novel mechanics, allow players to forge connections with charming characters, and enable them to feel like heroes as they save the world from an imminent danger.

In many Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), the goal is to make players feel like powerful heroes. This is often achieved by featuring protagonists who are traditional warriors or knights, as their heroic appearances align well with the quest of saving the world. Although mages are common in these games, they rarely take on leading roles. However, when they do, it adds a unique touch and makes the game more memorable.

5 Octopath Traveler 2

Osvald V. Vanstein

One noteworthy aspect of the two Octopath Traveler games lies in the freedom they offer players to choose from among eight different protagonists, each serving as the hero of their own story. In the sequel, Octopath Traveler 2, Osvald takes on the role of a mage. However, he faces a betrayal by his dearest friend while they were engaged in important research together. This unfortunate event leads to the loss of his wife and daughter, resulting in Osvald’s imprisonment. In an effort to escape and uncover the truth about his friend Harvey, Osvald embarks on a journey.

Initially playing as Osvald may pose some difficulties, given that many of his actions demand the expenditure of SP, a scarce resource during the initial stages. Consequently, early battles could prove tricky, but it won’t take long before this wizard becomes an indispensable asset to the team, capable of exploiting enemy vulnerabilities and retaliating against them with a wide array of magical abilities.

4 Final Fantasy 6

Terra Branford

In contrast to the notion that many consider Final Fantasy 6 as having a large group of important characters, it’s indisputable that Terra plays a crucial role in the narrative. She is the initial character players control who is compelled to wear a Slave Crown and abide by the Empire’s orders until a pivotal meeting with an Esper grants her freedom. However, this event causes her to suffer from amnesia, leading her to be escorted out of Narshe before eventually joining the Returners.

In most Final Fantasy games, mages aren’t often the main characters. However, Terra’s significance to the plot is worth noting, especially for those who struggle to classify her as the protagonist. Interestingly, another mage, Celes, eventually takes center stage in the story once players move into the World of Ruin. This suggests that, despite common perception, players may actually control a mage protagonist in what many consider the best Final Fantasy game ever made.

3 Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch

Oliver

In the game titled “Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch,” players were captivated by its enchanting art design, which mirrored Studio Ghibli’s distinctive visual aesthetics throughout their unforgettable journey. The protagonist, Oliver, has been trained in magic from a young age but seldom had to employ it in battle. However, when an unexpected incident causes his mother’s untimely death, Oliver embarks on a quest through various realms, seeking a method to resurrect his mother using any means at his disposal.

Regardless of this sorrowful event, Ni no Kuni manages to keep its allure alive throughout an extensive adventure where Oliver meets numerous companions. His profound understanding of magic enables him to stand firm against countless adversaries, summoning allies for assistance in battle and unleashing Burning Heart, his ultimate move during critical moments. He is among the top mage protagonists in JRPGs, significantly enhancing the narrative quality of Wrath of the White Witch, making it one of the most beloved games by many players.

2 Koudelka

Koudelka Iasant

Prior to “Shadow Hearts”, there existed the lesser-known JRPG titled “Koudelka”. Despite its slow-moving battles which many overlooked, this game offers one of the most immersive JRPG experiences on the PS1, replete with intriguing puzzles and a narrative that was unprecedented in the genre. At the core of this game is the main character, a Romani with psychic abilities who is rejected by her kin and left as an outcast.

It’s fortunate that this young woman was able to locate Mrs. Blavatsky, a clairvoyant who perceived her latent abilities and cultivated them. This mentorship eventually transformed her into a witch adept at using dark magic in battle. She proves to be an engaging character, forming compelling relationships with Edward Plunkett and James O’Flaherty, the other playable characters, as they delve into the Nemeton Monastery, shrouded in mystery.

1 Ys Origin

Hugo Fact

For those who find diving into the Ys series a bit intimidating, Ys Origin offers an ideal entry point as it functions as a prequel to the main series. One standout feature of this game is its flexible character selection system, allowing players to control various characters and thus, delve into the story from multiple angles before fully grasping the grand narrative. Among these playable characters, Hugo Fact, a charming magical prodigy, stands out as an entertaining choice to handle.

In a simplified manner, Hugo employs his reliable wand and two floating surveillance devices known as the Fact Eyes, to inflict massive harm on his adversaries. Among the various mage characters players can command in JRPGs, Hugo stands out for having the most dynamic move set and is delightful to handle as players uncover additional abilities throughout Hugo’s journey in Ys Origins.

2024-09-17 10:04