Great JRPGs That Are Also Exhausting To Finish

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Summary

  • JRPGs are infamous for their length due to grinding for EXP.
  • Some JRPGs have false endings that reveal more gameplay after completion.
  • Games like Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter feature challenging mechanics leading to potential burnout.

Experiencing the end credits in a role-playing game (RPG), particularly a Japanese RPG (JRPG), is an exhilarating moment. Many gamers may recall their initial accomplishment of finishing a JRPG, whether it was playing Dragon Warrior on the NES during the 80s or Final Fantasy 7 on the PS1 in the 90s. This is often memorable due to JRPGs’ reputation for being lengthy, requiring frequent leveling up (grinding) for experience points and their detailed, sprawling narratives.

These Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) are all remarkable, whether old or new. However, towards the end, they can leave players feeling as if they’ve earned a well-deserved break due to their challenging nature, making reaching the final credits even more gratifying.

8. Bravely Default: Flying Fairy

Looping Around

The game “Bravely Default: Flying Fairy” was exceptionally enjoyable on the 3DS, and its quality improved significantly on the Switch 2 thanks to the “Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster”. Despite some differences in platform, the gameplay in both versions remains nearly identical. The storyline revolves around four heroes who embark on a mission to revive their world using elemental crystals, following a conventional narrative pattern.

When gamers believe they’ve reached the final stage, suddenly an unexpected turn of events occurs. To divulge more details might spoil the surprise, but suffice it to say, when victory appears imminent, players discover they’ve merely completed a third of the game. The remainder involves revisiting earlier levels extensively.

7. Valkyria Chronicles 4

War Is Hell

The newly released Valkyria Chronicles 4 takes players on a fantasy campaign during a World War II-style setting, reminiscent of a fictional European nation. Unique to tactical JRPGs, you’re given the freedom to maneuver your units, and the gameplay mechanics involve targeting enemies as they come to a halt. This innovative battle system was initially introduced on the PS3 and has continued to impress in this fourth installment of the series.

In Valkyria Chronicles 4, the primary missions may last an hour or more, and on top of that, employing save scum tactics only adds to the strain. Just like in real warfare, battling in this game can become quite taxing over time.

6. Breath Of Fire: Dragon Quarter

Trial By Fire

The game “Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter” is renowned for being one of the most challenging Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) on the PlayStation 2. A unique feature in the game, known as the D-Counter, counts down after every action, be it combat or simply moving around, adding an extra layer of difficulty to the gameplay.

Should the progress hit 100%, that means Game Over. However, players have the option to restart the game, preserving some information from the previous attempt. Repeating this process multiple times, possibly four, five or even ten times, can lead to repetitiveness and eventually bore a Japanese Role-Playing Game enthusiast, regardless of their interest in the game’s narrative.

5. NieR: Automata

Three Fates, One Ending, Then Two More Endings

Similar to Bravely Default: Flying Fairy, NieR: Automata also presents moments of raised expectations. Initially, players control the android character, 2B, along with her companion, 9S, embarking on a quest to reclaim Earth from the remaining alien robots, aiming to restore it as a livable environment for humans.

Playing through NieR: Automata once, including watching the credits, only reveals a third of the game’s content. In fact, there are two additional major story arcs for players to explore, each featuring a new main character and unique gameplay style. Although the characters may differ, many of the same locations are revisited throughout these stories. If you choose to complete side quests, it can take anywhere from 60 to 80 hours to finish all the content.

4. Xenoblade Chronicles

An Amazing Accomplishment For The Wii

The game known as Xenoblade Chronicles is truly remarkable on the Wii. Monolith Soft skillfully fitted a sprawling open-world into the system, all while minimizing glitches and load times. It’s not only epic but also more enjoyable to play with the Switch remaster due to several user-friendly enhancements.

Despite the statement, the game may require up to a hundred hours to finish, and this estimate does not include any side quests. The inclusion of strategic aspects in the MMO-style battles keeps the experience engaging even after extended playtime, yet there are instances where it might feel lengthy.

3. Dragon Quest 11: Echoes Of An Elusive Age

Just When You Think You’ve Beaten It, They Pull You Back In

As a devoted Dragon Quest enthusiast, I’d say that Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age stands out from its predecessors by avoiding the looping issues often encountered in past games. However, it does present a twist-a false ending. The path to what seems like the “final boss” can feel like one of the most extended adventures in the Dragon Quest saga. But

This extra mission extends the gameplay by approximately twenty hours beyond what players have previously amassed through their strategic battles. Going into specifics might ruin the surprise, but finishing this post-game stage offers a more satisfying conclusion, despite potentially draining players’ energy in the pursuit.

2. Persona 5 Royal

Adding More To An Already Huge Game

In simpler terms, while the initial release of “Persona 5” was extensive, the enhanced version titled “Persona 5 Royal” offers additional material interwoven with the original content, as well as a more substantial post-game storyline. Notably, since “Persona 3,” the series has gained a reputation for being rich and filled to the brim. Unlike many Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) that allow players to skip certain content, this game offers a more linear narrative experience.

Over the course of almost a year, the game’s daily progression offers an immersive experience, making players feel as if they are actually studying in Japan. This structured approach lets the game develop at its own pace and fosters stronger character connections, yet there may be moments when it feels like real-life schoolwork.

1. Final Fantasy 14

Welcome To Your Life

Experiencing Final Fantasy 14 feels much like dedicating substantial time, almost as if it’s a part-time occupation. Despite being the revamped version, even its initial launch offered an abundance of content that could keep you engaged for several weeks.

For newcomers, there’s an abundance of missions to explore and tackle, making this one of the most engaging entries in the Final Fantasy series. However, as with many massively multiplayer online games (MMOs), avoiding burnout requires careful pacing or knowing when the main storyline concludes.

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2025-09-02 07:40