As someone who grew up with the PlayStation 2 and spent countless hours immersed in its rich JRPG library, I must say that the console was truly a gem for fans of this genre. However, there were certainly some titles that, despite their potential, fell short in one way or another.
For quite some time now, Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) have left an indelible mark on the gaming industry. They are renowned for their extensive narratives, immersive world creation, and captivating characters. The majority of these games lean heavily towards storytelling, particularly those set in fantasy realms where players can immerse themselves in vast worlds rich with unique cultures, traditions, dangers, and challenges that they must overcome.
Regardless if they’re old 16-bit games on the SNES or modern releases on the PS5, gameplay and innovative twists on traditional turn-based battles are crucial factors that contribute to a game’s popularity and lasting impact. Some titles introduce unique approaches to turn-based combat, such as timelines showcasing character speed and shuffling the sequence of allies and enemies, while others abandon the turn-based system entirely. However, even those games with compelling stories and rich worlds can fail if they don’t effectively develop their classic JRPG combat mechanics.
8 Star Ocean: Till The End Of Time
An Interesting Story With Clunky Combat
For several decades, the Star Ocean series has been a significant and consistently popular part of the Japanese Role Playing Game (JRPG) genre. Numerous gaming platforms have hosted at least one or two titles from this imaginative blend of science fiction and fantasy JRPGs.
The game could pique the curiosity of those who previously enjoyed “Star Ocean: Second Story,” as it unfolds within a timeframe that is 400 years ahead.
Instead of the conventional sequence-based battles, this game offered players an immersive real-time play experience while battling adversaries. However, the combination of HP (Health Points) and MP (Mana Points) for skills, along with targeting enemies’ HP or MP, proved somewhat complex, leading to criticisms that specifically targeted the real-time action aspect. The combat was often perceived as feeling light and awkward.
7 Paper Mario: Color Splash
Novel Changes To The Franchise That Fall Short
Today, as an ardent fan, I can attest that Paper Mario series offerings grace the Switch with some of the finest JRPG experiences, blending captivating aesthetics and innovative turn-based gameplay. Regrettably, during the Wii-U era, the much-adored Color Splash received criticism from many fellow fans, which is a pity given its stunning world design, arguably among the best in the series.
Although fans may have some valid criticisms, it’s clear that the developers are struggling to integrate the complex, perplexing card system into the combat effectively. To a certain extent in the game, players are swamped with resources, rendering unnecessary most encounters with enemies except those essential for progression against bosses.
6 Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
A Fantastic Aesthetic, But The Combat Is Divisive
Now, Ni No Kuni boasts two exceptional games in its collection. These games deviate slightly from traditional JRPG structures, but their captivating narratives and the enchanting array of Ghibli-styled familiars make for an experience that could leave fans spellbound for a lifetime.
This game’s combat system presents a significant challenge for many players due to its blend of real-time and menu-based actions, which is often described as overpowering or confusing. While there are enjoyable aspects to this game, if gamers find themselves needing to overlook the combat in a role-playing game, it suggests that the balance may not be ideal.
5 Sands Of Destruction
An Excellent Story With Complex Combat
As a devoted gaming enthusiast, I can attest to the fact that the Nintendo DS is a treasure trove of extraordinary Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs). It’s astonishing how many fantastic titles have been overlooked in its vast library, eclipsed as their contemporaries receive sequels and Switch remasters. For me, Sands of Destruction stands out as a potential gem among these often-overlooked classics.
The main obstacle lies in its intricate battle system, which features four distinct upgrade areas for users to insert ‘quips’, along with skills and regular attacks. To top it off, there are unique skills that only activate following a specific sequence of attacks. Frankly, it can be quite overwhelming.
4 Lunar: Dragon Song
Enemies Are Automatically Targeted With No Player Input
A follow-up to the beloved game “Lunar: The Silver Star”, titled “Dragon Song”, strives to advance the JRPG genre, but it falters in certain aspects, even with the same worldbuilding and storytelling style that made its predecessor so endearing.
It seems that one common complaint among players is the inability to manually select which enemies to attack during combat. Instead, the AI takes charge of this decision. While this approach might suit games like “Unicorn Overlord“, where the skills are tailored around such mechanics, this game essentially offered a conventional menu-based battle system, but left the player as a spectator while the AI played.
3 Infinite Space
A Fantastic Sci-Fi JRPG, With Difficult Mechanics
Infinite Space” continues to captivate fans due to its unique blend of Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG) elements with a science-fiction theme, offering an intriguing space opera narrative rarely found in the genre. The characters are deeply developed, and instead of merely acquiring them individually, players build their fleet by recruiting spaceships, creating a dynamic interstellar armada.
After a while, the fighting system in this game becomes satisfying, but that happens when you understand and get accustomed to its numerous peculiarities. Each skirmish presents a myriad of choices, and ship battles can become quite confusing due to the rapid succession of decisions.
2 Diofield Chronicle
A Detailed World, But Combat Tries To Reinvent The Wheel
In a fresh, captivating twist within the realm of war-themed Japanese Role Playing Games (JRPGs), Square Enix has crafted a distinctive narrative that takes place in an uncommon setting. This game features a magical resource integral to its storyline and boasts characters who are more subdued and morally ambiguous than what players usually encounter in JRPGs.
As a gamer, I find myself disappointed with the game’s acclaimed real-time strategic role-playing grid combat. Instead of the smooth, dynamic clash I was expecting, it feels like characters are just spinning their arms around aimlessly until they accidentally bump into an enemy. It’s as if they’re saying, “I’ll spin here and if you happen to be in my way, well, that’s unfortunate for you.
1 Xenosaga 2
A Fantastic Game Let Down By Sluggish Combat
In my gaming world, the Xenosaga series is undeniably iconic among enthusiasts who dived deep into the realm of JRPGs during the PlayStation era. What sets it apart from other games in this list is its ingenious twist on the common fantasy backdrop that JRPGs often embrace – it swaps out that familiar landscape for a sleek, futuristic sci-fi setting instead.
Despite the game’s combat being quite slow-paced, its visuals manage to maintain a high standard, offering players beautiful landscapes to appreciate. Even minor enemy confrontations can last for more than five or ten minutes.
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2024-11-02 03:35