Best JRPGs With Martial Artist Protagonists, Ranked

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Key Takeaways

  • JRPGs have featured a nice range of martial artists, though they aren’t always the main protagonists.
  • Tales of Xillia, Legend of Legaia, and Trials of Mana put martial artists in the spotlight.
  • The brave protagonists in these JRPGs stand out as characters who excel at hand-to-hand combat.

As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for JRPGs and martial arts, I must say that the characters who excel in both fields have always caught my eye. The list you’ve presented showcases some of the most formidable fighters in gaming history, each with their unique combat styles and backstories.

In various Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), martial arts have consistently made an appearance. These games often enable players to manage characters skilled in close combat who can execute intricate combos to pulverize adversaries. Yet, it’s usually these martial artists who assume secondary roles within the games, rather than being the central figures.

Few JRPGs feature hand-to-hand combat experts as the main characters, making it special when such games appear. Consequently, gamers hold dear those titles within the genre which dare to do so and enable players to command mighty martial artists while they execute valiant acts.

Games will be ranked on the basis of their overall quality.

8. Tales Of Xillia

The Protagonist Is A Medical Student Trained In Hand-To-Hand Combat

Among the games in the series, Tales of Xillia stands out as one that deeply engages players due to its compelling storyline. This tale revolves around preventing a catastrophic weapon from causing widespread destruction across the world. The narrative becomes even more relatable for many players thanks to its dual protagonists.

One key character, Jude Mathis, is both a dedicated medical student and a martial arts enthusiast. Watching him fight monsters and powerful enemies using an array of potent moves remains captivating for many, solidifying his reputation as one of the most underestimated heroes in the realm of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) among numerous fans.

7. Legend Of Legaia

Almost Every Character, Including The Protagonist, Excels In Hand-To-Hand Combat

In the Legend of Legaia, players can perform combos during battles to launch potent assaults. Most characters in the game opt to deliver strong punches, while some characters utilize weapons to amplify their blows.

The principal character, Vahn, often resorts to physical confrontations instead of words. Gamers can exploit an array of potent combination moves with this versatile fighter, making him an appealing addition to the party as they demonstrate to their adversaries who is in control.

6. Trials Of Mana

One Of The Selectable Protagonists, Kevin, Is A Werewolf Who Uses Martial Arts

Trials of Mana is often overlooked as a fantastic action RPG, but fans were thrilled when it received a long-awaited remake. Now, a fresh crop of gamers can experience its dynamic combat system and understand why so many are enamored with the Mana series, particularly its fast-paced, real-time gameplay.

In this game, you can select a character to lead your team, and if you’re interested in close-combat action, Kevin could be an intriguing choice. Interestingly, this character has the ability to morph into a werewolf, adding an exciting element to your party as he proves more than capable in fights.

5. Shadow Hearts

Yuri Hyuga Was Taught In The Ways Of The Martial Arts By His Father

Shadow Hearts offers an engaging gothic JRPG experience set in a distinctive world on the brink of the First World War. You’ll take on the role of Yuri Hyuga, a quick-witted martial artist who learned combat skills from his father.

Besides his fighting abilities, Yuri possesses the unique talent to expend sanity and morph into a beastly form during combat, unleashing potent attacks. He’s an exceptional protagonist that is delightful to manage, as players delve into a rich and immersive narrative – one of the PS2’s top-tier JRPGs.

4. Final Fantasy

The Protagonist Can Be A Monk, Who Eventually Becomes A Hand-To-Hand Master

The debut “Final Fantasy” game stands among the most influential games ever published, playing a crucial role in transforming Square into a titan within the video game industry. In this adventure, players assign roles to four heroes of light before setting off on a quest to rescue the world.

One possible role a player can assume is that of a monk, enabling characters to engage in combat unarmed. This character type delivers an astonishing amount of damage, though their defense may be somewhat deficient. Furthermore, as a player progresses, they can advance this job to the rank of Master, thereby empowering the Warrior of Light to become an exceptionally skillful martial artist, capable of effectively combating numerous adversaries on his path.

3. Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed

Matthew Vandham, The Protagonist, Excels In Classic Fist-Fighting

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 marked a comeback for the series, as it addressed concerns raised by some fans about the previous installment. The game delivers an engaging narrative along with captivating combat mechanics, making the gaming experience enjoyable from beginning to end. Even the DLC maintains this high standard of entertainment.

In simple terms, “Future Connected” is an exciting addition that allows players to command a new character in a unique storyline within the series. Unlike the traditional sword-wielding protagonists often seen in “Xenoblade” games, Matthew shines in hand-to-hand combat, providing a refreshing alternative.

2. Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth

One Of The Protagonists, Kiryu Kazuma, Uses An Unorthodox Moveset That Combines Martial Arts

In addition to being an organic development of the fighting system initially presented in Like a Dragon, Infinite Wealth also offers players the chance to follow Kiryu’s concluding adventure within the Yakuza series, marking his poignant departure. This brawler character, brimming with kindness, employs diverse martial art techniques to intensify the battles against his adversaries.

In their recollection, players recall the hardships they faced while mastering Komaki Martial Arts, ultimately enabling Kiryu to perform a Tiger Drop for significant damage. For its grand finale, Infinite Wealth has Kiryu exit with a flourish as Ichiban assumes the protagonist’s position.

1. Xenogears

Fei Fon Wong Is A Martial Arts Expert

It’s unfortunate that the development of Xenogears had to halt due to budget constraints, as it was shaping up to be one of the greatest JRPGs on the PS1. Currently, the first disc offers an exhilarating journey, but the second half relies heavily on lengthy text and slideshows to tell the story.

The main character, Fei Fon Wong, initially appears to be an ordinary martial artist, but gets drawn into a grand adventure where he battles against a wicked empire. As the story unfolds, more and more secrets are revealed, expanding the narrative significantly. Performing combos allows Fei to demonstrate his exceptional martial arts skills.

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2024-12-11 18:34