JRPGs More People Should Play

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Summary

  • 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim – Rich narrative with tactical mech battles, more like a visual novel than a JRPG.
  • Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories – Addictive gameplay loop focused on crafting potions and completing quests.
  • Front Mission 3: Remake – Unique tactical system with deep customization options for Wanzer mechs.

Have you ever stumbled upon a JRPG that seemed destined to be a Game of the Year nominee, only to discover its popularity was relatively low? That’s a double loss – on one hand, underperforming games often don’t receive sequels, and on the other, it’s disheartening when exceptional titles go unnoticed. This scenario is prevalent across the gaming industry, where smaller games often struggle to shine next to big-budget AAA releases. It’s an unfortunate yet common situation in our world of video games.

To support the ongoing conversation about these JRPGs, this list will highlight lesser-known JRPGs that many fans might enjoy playing. These recommendations are readily available, making them convenient for players today. Although vintage NES JRPGs like “Destiny of an Emperor” are worth mentioning, they may not be straightforward to play on current hardware.

8. 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim

Light On RPG, Deep On Story

The new role-playing game from Vanillaware, titled “Unicorn Overlord,” is outperforming their past releases, causing their earlier game, “13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim,” to somewhat trail behind in sales.

13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is an epic journey through time, where characters from various timelines strive towards a common objective – preventing a disastrous event in the future. Vanillaware has never excelled more in their storytelling and voice acting, with the game resembling a visual novel more than a traditional JRPG. While there are tactical mech battles here and there for some user interaction, they aren’t as significant or gripping as the characters and plot development.

7. Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist Of Memories & The Envisioned Land

A Cutesy Open-World Adventure

The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land” has a long name, but like other games in the Atelier series, its storyline and gameplay mechanics are straightforward. This specific title centers around a new alchemist named Yumia, who is establishing her practice to assist people in a fresh, unexplored land.

In simpler terms, this game allows you to venture through various levels, engage in speedy turn-based combat with monsters, and gather different items such as ingredients. The main attraction lies in crafting potions and goods for non-player characters (NPCs) to help finish tasks. Initially, it might seem subdued due to its lengthy tutorials, but once you get past them, you’ll find the game is quite hard to put down, as it’s a more relaxed role-playing game (JRPG) in style.

6. Front Mission 3: Remake

Wanzer Tactics

The newest remake in the tactical RPG series “Front Mission” is titled “Front Mission 3: Remake“. While not as popular as Square Enix’s more famous game, Final Fantasy Tactics, this one has a unique charm. In this game, players will operate mechanized units known as Wanzers, rather than managing knights and mages on a grid-based map.

In a simplified and conversational manner,

Pilots can develop skills that boost their Wanzers’ performance, including the ability to attack twice consecutively in the game Front Mission 3: Remake. Unlike conventional leveling up systems, players can upgrade their Wanzers by fitting them with new components from shops, offering extensive customization possibilities. The narrative begins gradually and presents a steep initial challenge, but its distinctive tactics gameplay is worth sticking with for an engaging experience.

5. Raidou Remastered: The Mystery Of The Soulless Army

PS2 Fans Have Been Waiting

The revamped version of “Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army” is essentially an updated edition of the PlayStation 2 game, titled “Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army“. Since it was one of the later releases for the system, not many gamers got a chance to play it or its subsequent sequel. However, die-hard fans of the Megami Tensei series have been eagerly awaiting its return, and Atlus has graciously re-released it with numerous user-friendly enhancements for an enhanced gaming experience.

Instead of the usual turn-based style that most franchise entries follow, Raidou Remastered offers an action-oriented gameplay set in the 1930s. While Persona might be more well-known currently, enthusiasts of these types of games shouldn’t overlook

4. Sand Land

Tanks, Toriyama-san

In the realm of anime and manga, Akira Toriyama’s masterpiece was undeniably Dragon Ball, while in the gaming world, his artwork for the Dragon Quest series has left a lasting impact. Notably, Sand Land marked Toriyama’s latest original creation, which was adapted into a manga, anime, and video game.

In this game, the concept of demons and humans uniting in a post-apocalyptic world to locate scarce water resources is further developed. The environment is expansive but lacks diversity, while the combat is straightforward. However, the game shines with the tanks and mechs that players can commandeer. Unlike any other action RPG, it offers an unique gaming experience.

3. Scarlet Nexus

The Other Side Of Tales

The game titled “Scarlet Nexus” was developed by a team within Bandai Namco, who are also known for creating the popular “Tales of” series. It’s an exciting science fiction action RPG set in a city that stands at the edge of the world, fighting off threatening monsters.

In Scarlet Nexus, you’ll embark on thrilling missions to eliminate monstrous foes. You’ll have the freedom to select from two distinct characters, each accompanied by their unique squads, as you delve into their individual narratives. The visuals are dark and edgy, while the action is smooth and dynamic, showcasing the main character’s telekinetic powers that let them move objects and enemies across the battlefield. Adding to the excitement, the process of recruiting new party members in Scarlet Nexus can be as rewarding as playing a Persona game. The ending leaves us hanging, so here’s hoping that with enough fan support, Bandai Namco will approve a sequel someday.

2. Voice Of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars

Not Carding Around

As a devoted fan, I’d like to share my thoughts on “Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars” – a seemingly unassuming card-based RPG that hides its depth within its minimalistic design. In this game, characters are represented as portraits, enemies in battle appear as cards, and the map resembles a grand chessboard dotted with playing cards. Despite its modest appearance, the card-based gameplay is remarkably engaging, and the story unfolds in a way that’s richer than a good novel. What truly sets it apart, however, is the involvement of Yoko Taro – the enigmatic director behind the legendary “NieR” series – who co-directed this captivating series.

The sequels, titled “Voice of Cards: The Forsaken Maiden” and “Voice of Cards: The Beasts of Burden,” are the next installments, offering quick adventures for newcomers with unexpected and thrilling twists in their narratives that are sure to satisfy.

1. Ys: The Oath In Felghana

A Zelda-like RPG

The Oath in Felghana. Fortunately, a remastered version of this game has been released more recently.

In simpler terms, this game offers an engaging, exploratory experience similar to popular series like Metroidvania and Zelda. You’ll encounter enemies from above, gain levels, and improve your gear by shopping at various stores. It’s the perfect entry point into the Ys series, a fantastic JRPG franchise that may be less known due to the uncertain pronunciation of “Ys.

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2025-09-04 07:36