Best PS4 JRPGs

Summary

PS4 has an impressive lineup of JRPGs with franchises like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest.
Titles like Ys 9 offer diverse gameplay with unique heroes and engaging combat mechanics.
Games like Persona 5 Strikers provide spin-offs with compelling storylines and immersive gameplay experiences.

As a seasoned gamer with over three decades of gaming under my belt, I must say that this list of top 10 JRPGs is truly a treasure trove for any RPG enthusiast. From the timeless charm of Final Fantasy 9 to the tactical brilliance of Valkyria Chronicles 4, these games span generations and offer something for everyone.

A Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) might be interpreted in various ways by different individuals. To some, it refers to any role-playing game developed by a Japanese creator; this categorization includes games such as Dark Souls. However, for others, a JRPG is a particular genre characterized by games like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, which adhere to traditional aspects such as an emphasis on storytelling and character progression, fantasy elements such as magic usage, squad building, and leveling systems.

On the PlayStation 4, there is an impressive assortment of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), although it might not have quite matched the legendary status of its predecessors like the PS1 or PS2. What PS4 JRPGs are likely to stand out as the system’s defining masterpieces in this genre?

Even though Xbox has seen considerable growth recently, franchises such as Final Fantasy, Persona, Ni No Kuni, and The Legend of Heroes continue to prioritize timed exclusive agreements with PlayStation over Western platforms.

29. Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen

A Fantasy World Akin To Skyrim With A Variety Of Races And Combat Styles

The action RPG game, “Dragon’s Dogma,” was instantly hailed as a cult favorite upon release, much like many other RPGs that came out around the same time as “Skyrim” and to some extent, “Dark Souls.” Despite having its share of imperfections, Capcom’s creation managed to stand out among the sea of early 2010s RPG releases due to its unique qualities.

In a compact yet captivating open-world, the standout feature of Dragon’s Dogma is its adaptable combat system, offering players ample creative freedom to experiment with character builds. The core gameplay revolves around combats, which, though satisfactory initially, transforms into an extraordinary experience after a few hours. However, it should be noted that the campaign’s beginning can be rather gradual and lacking in direction, which might initially deter players.

Dark Aisen, or the upgraded version of Dragon’s Dogma, offers a challenging late-game segment that significantly boosts its overall value. The PS4 version, in particular, offers an enhanced gaming experience compared to its PS3 predecessor, particularly due to its improved combat mechanics – an essential improvement for a game so heavily combat-focused.

28. Dragon’s Crown Pro

A Side-Scroller RPG Upgraded To Modern Standards

Vanillaware is well-known for creating engaging games that fuse various genres, resulting in a collection of exceptional titles. Among these, it’s hard to overlook 2013’s Dragon’s Crown, which stands out as one of the best. This side-scrolling beat ’em up offers a rich role-playing experience with intricate class systems, and upon its initial release, it was widely acclaimed. Even after several years, the game remains captivating. Remastered for the PS4, the updated version may not offer much new content, but the core gameplay remains exceptional.

Someone’s mileage with Dragon’s Crown Pro will likely come down to their history with the vanilla version; if they played it to death and do not really feel an intense desire to play through everything again, they probably won’t get too much out of the upgraded iteration. Conversely, newcomers looking for a unique JRPG overflowing with style might find themselves consumed by Vanillaware’s glorious title. Gameplay-wise, Dragon’s Crown plays out like a modern beat ‘em up, albeit one that offers way more build options than the genre’s typical representative. The campaign revolves around dungeon expeditions where players must battle their way through hordes of enemies to acquire loot and experience.

27. NEO: The World Ends With You

A 3D Overhaul Over The Original Game With Significant Combat Improvements

For more than a decade, fans eagerly anticipated a follow-up to “The World Ends With You“, and “NEO: The World Ends With You” generally delivered on those expectations. Although it didn’t quite reach the same soaring heights as its original counterpart, “NEO” still presents a captivating narrative, along with catchy music and well-crafted characters that stay with you long after playing.

In this video game, which is a Japanese Role-Playing Game for the PlayStation 4, players have the opportunity to personalize their experience extensively by acquiring pins that can be attached to their characters. These pins are used during battles and add depth to an already enjoyable yet somewhat limited combat system, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.

26. Ys 9: Monstrum Nox

Offering A Variety Of Playable Heroes With Unique Abilities

In terms of PlayStation 4’s JRPG offerings, fans of Ys have been generously catered to. The latest addition, Ys 9: Monstrum Nox, carries forward the fundamental features from its immediate forerunner, the acclaimed Lacrimosa of Dana. In this installment, the scenario shifts to Balduq, a city famed for its prison. Unsurprisingly, Adol finds himself incarcerated here. However, he is liberated by an enigmatic woman who instructs him to join the Monstrums – a group of unofficial protectors or vigilantes in the city.

As a devoted moviegoer, I can’t help but rave about the thrilling combat in “Monstrum Nox”. It’s lightning-fast, meticulously precise, and flows so smoothly that it perfectly encapsulates why the “Ys” action JRPG franchise is hailed as one of the greatest.

25. Scarlet Nexus

Becoming Humanity’s Last Defense In A Cyberpunk Universe

2021 saw one of its most pleasant surprises: Bandai Namco’s “Scarlet Nexus” is a strong contender for the year’s top new intellectual property. The game is set in a world plagued by threats called Others, where players assume command of a new member of the OSF as they work to maintain order. Featuring distinct stories for the two playable characters, “Scarlet Nexus” delivers an impressive amount of content, with the main story taking around 40+ hours to complete fully.

The battle system in Scarlet Nexus stands out as well. It’s easy to grasp yet offers more complexity than expected, ensuring that fights remain engaging even during the campaign’s extended duration.

24. The Legend Of Heroes: Trails To Azure

Another Adventure By SSS Forces To Solve New Cases

After a considerable amount of time, The Legend of Heroes’ Crossbell arc has made its way to Western countries at last. Originally, Trails from Zero and Trails to Azure were only released on the PSP in Japan. Although their PS4 versions do show their age in various aspects, they also demonstrate that these Japanese RPGs remain relevant over time. Both games focus on the Special Support Section, an agency handling cases within Crossbell. The story is large-scale and ambitious, while the games are structured into smaller stories, each largely confined to a specific chapter. This structure gives the games a detective series-like feel, which suits their plot revolving around detectives.

In essence, the series “The Legend of Heroes” is often considered one of the top Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG) franchises for PlayStation 4, as its individual games consistently meet a high standard. Together, they create a vivid and intricate world that stands out among few others in the gaming industry.

23. Tales Of Vesperia: Definitive Edition

A Classic JRPG Experience With 3D World And Rich Character Development

Enthusiasts eager to explore Namco Bandai’s extensive franchise have over two decades of games to choose from. Among the offerings on the PS4, Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition is particularly noteworthy for those seeking a more conventional experience within the series.

First released back in 2008, the game titled “Tales of Vesperia” has retained its charm exceptionally well, a testament to its timeless visual style. While the combat system might appear less complex than those in later series installments, this gem truly stands out for its compelling narrative and well-developed characters. The main character, Yuri, is particularly noteworthy.

22. Genshin Impact

One Of The Most Expansive JRPG Games That Still Grows Further

In 2020, MiHoYo’s free-to-play role-playing game, Genshin Impact, swept across the globe. This captivating JRPG immerses players in the realm of Teyvat, assuming the role of a Traveler – an interdimensional being on a quest to reunite with their sibling.

Genshin Impact continues to grow in scope, becoming an expansive title. Its combat is delightfully engaging right off the bat, with added complexity arising from customizing teams and attempting to obtain characters through the game’s random loot system.

21. Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & The Secret Fairy

An Open-World JRPG With Rewarding Explorations And Beautiful Visuals

On PlayStation 4, there are numerous Atelier JRPGs, each offering delightful gaming experiences. Among them, released globally in 2021, is Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & The Secret Fairy. This title doesn’t deviate much from the established formula, but it refines the successful aspects of its predecessors and adds some intriguing new elements to the mix.

Essentially, the core gameplay in Atelier Ryza 2 revolves around a familiar pattern found in many games within the series – Ryza gathers items to use in her alchemy, and there’s also a good storyline involved.

20. The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 3

A Story Progressed Through Generations With New Combat Mechanics

Starting in the late ’80s, Nihon Falcom’s franchise didn’t become particularly popular until 2004 with the release of The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky. In 2013, the series introduced the “Trails of Cold Steel” storyline, a four-part epic that showcases some of the most detailed world-building found in Japanese Role Playing Games (JRPGs).

Among the group, “The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 3” stands out with numerous user-friendly enhancements, noticeably in its strategic turn-based combat system. Given that each installment adds to the previous one, “Trails of Cold Steel 3” isn’t ideal as a solo game; however, the series has consistently delivered top-notch games.

19. Tales Of Arise

The Latest Entry In The Tales Franchise With Massive Visual Improvements

For PS4 gamers seeking an engaging action JRPG experience, titles like “Tales of Zestiria“, “Berseria“, “Vesperia“, and the 2021 release “Arise” are hard to beat. “Tales of Arise ” appears to represent a significant advancement for the series, particularly in terms of technical aspects. While it may not quite reach the visual appeal of a “Final Fantasy“, “Tales of Arise ” is visually appealing, with its character designs being particularly impressive.

The narrative also tackles mature themes like discrimination and has a darker tone than most entries in the decorated JRPG franchise. The combat is naturally incredible.

18. Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist Of The Mysterious Dream

A Turn-Based JRPG With Lovely Characters

The newest installment in Gust’s alchemy-focused series, Atelier Sophie 2, builds on its predecessor with a few additional minor enhancements – a pattern typical of this franchise. In an intriguing setup, protagonist Atelier Sophie and Plachta are transported to a different world and become separated. Yet, the game maintains the laid-back and leisurely atmosphere that fans of the JRPG genre have come to appreciate from this series.

In the latest installment, “Atelier Sophie 2”, we find the battle and crafting systems to be the most robust within the series thus far, expanding upon the sturdy bases laid by the original “Sophie” and “Ryza 2”. The game’s world is not only expansive but also stunningly beautiful at times.

17. Persona 5 Strikers

A Hack And Slash Spin-Off From One Of The Best Ever JRPGs

In essence, while the fighting system in Persona 5 Strikers is influenced by Musou-style games, it still leans towards being a JRPG due to its combat mechanics. Despite this, there’s enough role-playing elements present that make it worthy of recommendation. For those who yearn for more adventures with the Phantom Thieves from Persona 5, their desire can be fulfilled by playing Strikers. This game continues the storyline after the events of the original title.

Although it may not quite match the grandeur of the original series, the spin-off offers an engaging and extensive narrative. In this adventure, the Thieves embark on a journey across Japan, needing to pause along the way to transform someone’s heart by accessing their Jail. The combat in Strikers is thrilling and fulfilling. While it might not delve too deeply, each character possesses unique quirks that contribute to the gameplay experience, making it more immersive over time.

16. Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance

A Superb JRPG Inspired By The Persona Franchise

In Shin Megami Tensei 5, the updated edition of the initial release came out approximately three years later, offering a rich tapestry influenced by the Persona series. The protagonist, a high school student, unwittingly enters another dimension in this game.

In the gameplay, the thrilling segments occur within an alternate realm called Da’at – a place strikingly resembling post-apocalyptic Tokyo. However, in contrast to present-day Tokyo, Da’at is where everyone reveals their true identity. This realm proves to be far more perilous than contemporary Tokyo. Players have the liberty to traverse it, but they will encounter lethal creatures and demons along the way.

15. NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139…

Deep Storytelling Combined With Satisfying Fast-Paced Gameplay

In contrast to NieR: Automata, which blends action gameplay with RPG aspects, NieR Replicant is a pure Japanese Role Playing Game (JRPG), featuring real-time combat. This updated version of the 2010 title, NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139…, refines the combat and certain side quests to smooth out the original’s rough spots without fundamentally altering the overall experience.

In the initial stages of NieR, it appears much like an ordinary Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG), noticeably in its depiction of a bleak world and the monotonous side-tasks. Yet, these elements prove to be quite rewarding as the story progresses.

14. Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Introducing A New Lead Character With A Brand New Combat System

In an unexpected shift, Sega’s popular Yakuza series departed from its traditional beat-’em-up style for its seventh installment, choosing a turn-based combat system instead. The game titled Yakuza: Like a Dragon signifies a new beginning for the cherished franchise, as it introduces a new lead character, setting, and role-playing game (RPG) format.

In typical fashion for the series, combat in Yakuza: Like a Dragon takes a backseat to its outstanding narrative, captivating characters, and distinctive humor. Drawing inspiration from classics like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy, the turn-based system of Yakuza: Like a Dragon skillfully mirrors the combat style of veteran JRPGs while maintaining its own distinctive flair. Here’s hoping this installment marks the beginning of a fresh era for the Yakuza franchise.

13. Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom

A Well-Deserved Sequel To A Classic Japanese RPG

The follow-up to the beloved JRPG masterpiece, “Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom,” offers an exquisitely rendered game world that echoes the animation style reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki’s movies.

As a dedicated gamer, I must admit that Ni No Kuni 2 has won my heart with its deft blend of classic JRPG elements and fresh, innovative ideas. This game is more than just a sequel; it’s a breath of fresh air, revitalizing some of the beloved concepts from the genre in a way that feels both charming and captivating.

12. Valkyria Chronicles 4

Fight In The Frontlines Of A Continent-Wide War

Valkyria Chronicles stands out uniquely within the realm of video games, transcending even the boundaries of the JRPG genre. Following two sequels and an unusual spin-off that didn’t quite hit the mark, Sega’s series found its footing again in the fourth installment. Drawing heavily on World War II themes, Valkyria Chronicles 4 seamlessly combines strategic depth, immersive third-person shooting gameplay, and a captivating narrative brimming with emotional resonance.

As a newcomer to the Valkyria Chronicles series, I found that jumping into Valkyria Chronicles 4 was still a rewarding experience.

11. Ys 8: Lacrimosa of Dana

Surviving A Cursed Island Woven In Ancient Mysteries

If you’re considering playing the latest installment of the Ys series, don’t let its long history deter you. Although a few story aspects might need some online digging for clarification, this game remains a thrilling and enjoyable experience, earning acclaim for its exceptional combat system that even won an award.

For many, Ys VIII stands out as the peak of Nihon Falcom’s series, a game where the developers seem to have refined their formula to near perfection, offering a user-friendly experience – an aspect that was somewhat lacking in earlier installments.

10. Final Fantasy 9

A Beloved Iteration In The Series With Memorable Characters

As a devoted PlayStation 1 enthusiast, I hold dear the gem that is “Final Fantasy 9.” This game stands out in the series for its departure from conventional “Final Fantasy” tropes, opting instead for an enchanting journey devoid of grim adult motifs. Instead, it delves into a heartwarming adventure and a poignant love narrative that continues to captivate me to this day.

The game, “Final Fantasy 9,” initially released two decades ago, has undergone multiple upgrades and re-releases, making it more accessible to players. Despite being a classic from the PS1 era, it originally boasted impressive graphics for its time. These recent updates have further enhanced the visuals, leading to an improved gaming experience and a more enjoyable playthrough.

2024-12-14 00:56