Best Post-Apocalyptic JRPGs, Ranked

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the post-apocalyptic genre has been a revelation to me. It’s not just about blasting aliens or saving princesses anymore; it’s about exploring the depths of human resilience in the face of catastrophe. And these five games – Final Fantasy 6, Chrono Trigger, Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne, Final Fantasy 6, and Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne (I must have gotten confused there for a moment) – have shown me that in the darkest of times, hope can still bloom.

The post-apocalypse has become one of the most captivating settings for games to be set in. The inherent tragedy of this setting makes it all the more harrowing for people to try and survive in such lawless worlds by any means necessary. Society is rebuilding in such games if they’re not completely absent, adding to the lawless nature of the world and how it would be hard to play the hero in a world where morality is all but absent.

Because many Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) are known for their cheerfulness, it might seem unusual to have one set in a post-apocalyptic world. Yet, there are fantastic JRPGs that take place in desolate landscapes and manage to create strong emotional connections between players and the characters they guide through a dangerous, threat-filled environment.

5 Phantasy Star 4: The End Of The Millennium

The Great Collapse Reverts The Planet Of Motavia Into A Desert Landscape

It’s unfortunate that the Phantasy Star series hasn’t achieved the same iconic status as other JRPG giants like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, given its consistent delivery of greatness since its inception. Each installment in the Phantasy Star series boasts an epic story, with the mythology and world-building of these games being nothing short of brilliant. The fourth game, Phantasy Star 4, is no exception, set a millennium after Phantasy Star 2 on the planet Motavia following a catastrophic event that drastically altered its terrain into a barren wasteland.

This Great Collapse not only made life difficulty for the inhabitants, but it also led to a rise in biomonster attacks. To cull their increasing population, hunters arose to take over this task. It’s a tantalizing setting, giving players the clear goal of finding a way to tackle the planet’s ecological crisis by any means necessary. Despite lacking any innovative design, fans of the Phantasy Star series love the deep worldbuilding of the fourth game and how dark things could get in this ambitious JRPG.

4 Resonance Of Fate

The Basel Purification System Becomes A Necessity To Tackle Fatal Atmospheric Pollution

The backdrop of Resonance of Fate is consistently shrouded in grayscale, reflecting a world severely affected by pollution and facing a significant decline in human population. To combat this crisis, the survivors built a new purification system named Basel, which provided them with hope. Civilization soon thrived around this tower. The intriguing narrative of Resonance of Fate creates an atmosphere that sets it apart as a unique world.

Though the narrative in this game might seem slow and without much tension, its combat system stands out as one of the most difficult and creative found in JRPGs for quite some time. The turn-based gunfights are incredibly immersive, allowing players to manage three party members who navigate battlefields while executing stunning attacks to vanquish foes. It might take a bit of practice, but the intriguing atmosphere of Resonance of Fate keeps players eager for more once they grasp the mechanics behind the combat.

3 Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne

The Conception Brings Forth The Apocalypse That Turns A High-School Student Into The Demi-Fiend

The Shin Megami Tensei games are known for being among the most challenging Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs). Instead of conforming to many typical genre conventions, they allow players to traverse ruined landscapes accompanied only by a lone protagonist who enlists the aid of various monsters to fight enemies. The third installment, Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne, follows this pattern, putting players in charge of a student who transforms into a Demi-Fiend after an apocalyptic event called the Conception.

In a heartfelt narrative, I find myself immersed in the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Tokyo, where the game’s storyline takes unexpected twists and turns. As a player, I engage with monstrous creatures and enigmatic beings called the Reasons, who strive to reshape the world according to their vision. The journey is filled with formidable bosses strategically placed throughout, ready to mete out punishment for any unprepared party. To conquer these challenging foes, it’s crucial to understand and exploit their weaknesses in this thrilling experience.

2 Final Fantasy 6

Kefka Disturbs The Balance Of The Warring Triad To Bring Forth The World Of Ruin

Final Fantasy VI stands out as one of the most remarkable Japanese Role-Playing Games ever made. With ample development time at their disposal, creators incorporated two distinct landscapes into the game. The World of Balance mirrors a typical JRPG fantasy terrain, but events take a grim turn when the protagonists arrive on the Floating Continent to thwart Emperor Gestahl and Kefka. Despite reaching the Warring Triad, their efforts prove futile as the world is torn apart by the destructive energy unleashed during this cataclysmic event.

In the wreckage of a once vibrant world, Celes awakens to a somber reality. Her mentor, Cid, takes ill early on, creating an urgent need for rescue. His demise seems imminent, adding a grim tone to the World of Ruin. The landscape, filled with shattered cities and barren lands, was once lively despite the tyranny of the Imperials. Players find it challenging not just to traverse these devastated regions, but also to accept their transformation. As the narrative unfolds, gameplay becomes less structured, allowing players to reassemble the heroes for a mission: to infiltrate Kefka’s Tower and thwart this menacing jester’s insanity forever.

1 Chrono Trigger

Players Can Travel To The Future And Witness The Aftermath Of Lavos’ Destruction

As a devoted fan, I can confidently say that Chrono Trigger, a legendary JRPG, speaks for itself. The game masterfully balances its pace, offering one breathtaking moment after another, with Lavos’ arrival serving as a significant twist in the storyline. Skeptics questioning the severity of this world-destroying parasite will soon find themselves singing a different tune once they leap through time and bear witness to the sheer terror of its devastating impact on future timelines.

One of the numerous factors that make “Chrono Trigger” renowned for its time-jumping escapades is the chilling portrayal of a grim future. Witnessing this bleak destiny stirs a sense of urgency in players, as they strive to accomplish everything within their power to avert this dreadful outcome. While Lavos can be confronted at various points throughout the narrative, it’s advisable for players to complete as many tasks as possible and build up their strength before engaging with this formidable adversary.

2024-09-10 14:33