Best Turn-Based JRPG Franchises, Ranked

Key Takeaways

Turn-based combat in JRPGs remains popular due to innovative mechanics and engaging storytelling.
JRPG franchises like Persona and Dragon Quest maintain their relevance over time with unique gameplay and art styles.
Suikoden’s unique combat system and large roster of characters make it a standout in the genre.

As a seasoned gamer who has spent countless hours immersed in the vibrant world of video games, I can confidently assert that the Pokemon franchise stands out as one of the most captivating and influential Turn-Based JRPG franchises ever created. Growing up with Game Boy in hand, I vividly remember the excitement of catching my first Pikachu and embarking on an adventure that spanned continents, battling trainers, and collecting rare Pokemon.

Video game enthusiasts widely recognize Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) as a popular genre, brimming with memorable titles and long-standing franchises that have left an indelible mark on the industry. Despite its diverse nature encompassing various playstyles, certain features are commonly tied to it.

Among them is the turn-based combat system, a style that while less trendy in recent decades, still manages to captivate modern gamers with its inventive and meticulously designed mechanics. Consequently, the top Turn-Based JRPG series are renowned for their immersive gameplay and narratives, offering unparalleled experiences that enthrall not just die-hard fans of the genre but also casual players alike.

10 SaGa/The Final Fantasy Legend

A Franchise That Evolved And Reclaimed Its Identity In The West

Originally titled “The Final Fantasy Legend” by Square Enix for promotional purposes, the SaGa series soon established its unique identity, emerging as one of the top Turn-Based JRPG franchises. Renowned for its pioneering game mechanics and non-traditional storylines, the series offers a distinct gaming experience compared to many other games in the genre.

Lately, the SaGa series has been brought back to life through remakes of some beloved originals like Romancing SaGa 2 and SaGa Frontier. These updates not only enhance the graphics and gameplay but also reacquaint new gamers with this franchise, strengthening the SaGa series’ position in the turn-based JRPG genre.

9 Suikoden

An Epic Of Heroes And Amazing Battles

Known as one of the top-tier turn-based role-playing games, Suikoden stands out with its distinctive combat system where players and opponents choose their actions initially, followed by attacks taking place according to each character’s speed. Furthermore, every new Suikoden installment is renowned for offering a vast array of companions that can be acquired during gameplay.

In addition, battles in Suikoden offer three distinct fighting styles, which add richness to gameplay scenarios. Each character may not always have a deeply engaging backstory, but they all possess unique characteristics that greatly enhance the diversity of your team.

8 Paper Mario

Carrying The Legacy Of Super Mario RPG

As a devoted fan, I must say that while Mario is famously recognized for his platform games and numerous spin-offs, it’s the Paper Mario series that truly expanded the character’s horizons by diving into the Turn-Based JRPG genre. With an inventive art style reminiscent of paper cutouts, this franchise delivers captivating narratives and innovative battle systems, which set it apart from the more conventional Mario titles.

Even though Super Mario RPG was an incredibly enjoyable game, it didn’t spawn its own franchise. Instead, Paper Mario stepped in and produced fantastic titles, offering a blend of humor, engaging stories, and distinctive gameplay features. Over time, this series has emerged as a standout among top-tier turn-based JRPG franchises, drawing in even more enthusiasts to the games.

7 Trails/The Legend Of Heroes

JRPG With Incredible World-Building

The “Trails” series, more commonly recognized as “The Legend of Heroes,” is recognized as one of the top Turn-Based JRPG series for its intricate storytelling and meticulous world creation. Each game ties into one another, constructing a unified universe that appreciates those who pay close attention to details.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but rave about the exceptional combat system in the Trails series. It masterfully blends character skills with strategic elements, creating a captivating blend that keeps me hooked. The engaging narrative and polished gameplay make it an absolute must-have for anyone who loves this genre.

6 Shin Megami Tensei

One Of The First Monster-Taming Games Ever Produced

While it’s commonly recognized that Pokemon introduced the concept of capturing creatures for battle, it was actually Shin Megami Tensei that pioneered this idea by allowing players to capture demons and engage them in combat. This series has not only led the way in the monster-taming genre but remains one of the top Turn-Based JRPGs, offering engaging dark fantasy narratives.

Additionally, the Shin Megami Tensei franchise boasts numerous top-tier games and a collection of spin-offs that adapt its ideas to various scenarios. The most renowned among these is Persona. By merging intricate gameplay mechanics with profound themes, this series delivers an engaging and demanding gaming experience, earning it significant recognition within the genre.

5 Persona

One Of The Most Beloved Turn-Based JRPG Franchises

Initially stemming from the parent series Shin Megami Tensei, it didn’t take long for Persona to develop into a distinct entity, eventually earning recognition as one of the top Turn-Based JRPG series ever created. Each installment usually delves into unique and somber topics while consistently offering exceptional turn-based combat and remarkable characters.

Despite being recognized by only dedicated followers, it was with “Persona 5” that the series truly solidified its place among the top-tier titles in the genre. It showcased a distinctive aesthetic and superb music, while refining its combat mechanics to enhance player engagement and excitement.

4 Mother

A Trilogy That Entered Gaming History

Created by HAL Laboratory, the Mother series is a trio of captivating turn-based role-playing games exclusive to Nintendo, offering players an extraordinary voyage teeming with originality. In this world, players are invited into a setting that deviates from the conventional medieval fantasy realm, opting instead for a contemporary backdrop blended with aspects of both fantasy and science fiction.

Each game offers a compelling narrative that delves into profound and emotionally resonant topics, all while maintaining a witty and amusing atmosphere. It leaves indelible marks in the form of iconic characters and unforgettable scenes throughout the trilogy. The impact of Mother continues to be significant in contemporary games, serving as a catalyst for numerous other productions, including Undertale.

3 Dragon Quest

Turn-Based Jrpg Franchise With Akira Toriyama’s Art

Dragon Quest” stands as one of the trailblazing game series within its genre, boasting itself as one of the top Turn-Based JRPG franchises that stays true to its origins. This franchise consistently delivers a traditional and dependable gaming experience to its players since its launch in the 80s. Moreover, a distinctive feature of this series is the exceptional art style by Akira Toriyama.

Despite being years after its debut, Dragon Quest still stands as a benchmark in the JRPG genre, offering tales of heroism and captivating characters. Consequently, the series remains contemporary due to its knack for evolving while preserving the core traits that established it, keeping all the features that made it so memorable and distinctive.

2 Final Fantasy

The Origins Of Final Fantasy Lie In Turn-Based JRPGs

It’s widely acknowledged that Final Fantasy is not only popular within the realm of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPG), but it stands among the most recognized franchises globally. The foundation of this series has significantly shaped several key aspects of the genre, such as captivating narratives, deeply nuanced characters, and immersive turn-based battles that left a lasting impact on countless gamers.

Despite later installments of “Final Fantasy,” developed by Square, favoring action-oriented combat, it’s the turn-based combat in the early games that solidifies its status as one of the finest Turn-Based JRPG series ever crafted. These classic titles are admired for a variety of aspects, including the job system that has since become iconic, providing ample character customization options.

1 Pokemon

A Prime Example Of A Turn-Based JRPG Franchise

From its debut in the gaming industry, Pokemon has consistently maintained a top position among the leading and influential Turn-Based Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG) franchises. Although it occasionally strays from the usual settings found in other games of this genre, it successfully transcended boundaries, attracting diverse groups of fans.

One key aspect is that, even with fresh elements introduced or revised as new games emerged (like Mega Evolutions and their kind), the gameplay of this franchise still maintains a strong connection to its original roots. As a result, it stays current in the gaming industry, capturing the interest of diverse gamers and growing continually.

2024-11-12 04:34