JRPGs That Explore Existential Themes

Key Takeaways

JRPGs often explore existential themes like identity and fate, challenging players with cosmic horrors and gods.
Titles like Parasite Eve, Final Fantasy 7, and Nier: Automata delve into deep philosophical questions.
Games like Persona 3 and Shin Megami Tensei 3 tackle dark topics like death, embracing the existential crisis.

As someone who’s spent countless hours traversing virtual realms and grappling with the profound questions that life throws at us, I find myself deeply moved by the selection of games you’ve curated here. Each one offers a unique perspective on our existential struggles, from the post-apocalyptic wastelands of Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne to the optimistic yet dark world of Persona 3.

Throughout the lengthy and rich tradition of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), several elements have come to define the genre. However, one aspect that doesn’t always receive the recognition it deserves is the frequent exploration of existential themes. This is not unexpected given that many games involve the player taking on a role where they often face the challenge of defeating a god at the game’s conclusion.

Games set in Japanese Role-Playing Genres can provide ample content for players seeking a philosophical dilemma, whether it’s through the exploration of free will with mutable viruses or the endless rewriting of reality by cosmic entities that defy conventional understanding.

1 Parasite Eve

Encoded In The Genes

In its early days, Square, a highly respected Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) developer, ventured into a new territory by creating Parasite Eve, an adaptation of a book and a pioneering effort to blend JRPG mechanics with horror elements. This bold move turned out to be successful, despite the game being relatively unknown in today’s era.

The storyline within this game delves into profound existential topics as well. Given that the narrative centers around mitochondria within cells gaining consciousness, the game prompts us to ponder on the essence of existence when we, humans, are composed of smaller life forms. Furthermore, it provokes thoughts that question our position as supreme beings in the evolutionary chain.

2 Final Fantasy 10

Cycle Of Annihilation

Final Fantasy X represented a significant advancement for the beloved Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG) series, daringly moving to a fully three-dimensional world with graphics that continue to impress even today. This game draws heavily from Southeast Asian island cultures and has a distinctive connection to the recurring deities in the Final Fantasy universe, which has endeared it to numerous fans who often argue that it’s among the finest games in the series.

In Final Fantasy X, players assume command over the character named Tidus. His mission is to find means to defeat a catastrophic entity called “Sin,” which appears to periodically destroy worlds. Many believe that Sin is humanity’s retribution for their misuse of technology. The constant threat of Sin returning serves as the central dilemma in this game world, and it remains intriguing whether Tidus will be able to engage in battle against it or not.

3 Chrono Cross

Timeline Mutability

After the acclaimed JRPG “Chrono Trigger”, it is not a simple endeavor to continue, but “Chrono Cross” offers a commendable effort in expanding upon the original game’s concepts, and transposing them into the realm of parallel dimensions, which are central to the game’s distinctive narrative and characters.

Characters assume the persona of Serge, venturing into an alternate reality where he perished as a child. This journey triggers numerous consequences due to the divergence of these dimensions. The concept of destiny, personified by a supercomputer in the game called FATE, serves as a deity of technological determinism, presenting a continuous challenge. Characters ponder the flexibility of their identity within a multidimensional universe and question if defying destiny is feasible at all.

4 Earthbound

Cosmic Horrors

Earthbound may appear to be a light-hearted JRPG with an unassuming art style, even a children’s game due to its young characters. But for those who have experienced it, the cheerfulness is merely a disguise for a much darker and profound narrative that delves into the terrifying concepts of cosmic horror.

Players find themselves in charge of Ness, leading them to confront Giygas – a manifestation of cosmic dread that seeks to plunge humanity into eternal darkness. Many theories abound about Giygas’ true nature, with some suggesting it’s an unborn fetus or a Lovecraftian deity. Whatever the reality, the chilling concept of Giygas and the malevolence it embodies – capable of overwhelming existence effortlessly – makes for a deeply unsettling experience that has solidified Earthbound as a cherished timeless masterpiece.

5 Final Fantasy 7

A Dying World

In the realm of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPG), Final Fantasy 7 stands out as a fan favorite and an acclaimed title, earning a prestigious standing among its peers. A significant factor behind this reputation is the depth and forward-thinking narratives it presents, with environmentalist themes serving as a unique selling point. These themes are woven intricately into the motivations of the game’s diverse cast of heroes as they engage in epic battles against powerful adversaries.

“Final Fantasy 7” is among the initial video games that explore eco-existentialism, which posits that an existential crisis can stem from the deterioration of the environment that appears to be heading towards inevitable destruction. Moreover, Cloud’s internal conflict with his identity adds depth to this game, making “Final Fantasy 7” a rich source of existential themes hidden beneath its surface.

6 Persona 3

Shed This Mortal Coil

All “Persona” series games occasionally delve into a more somber tone, but none have plunged as deeply into darkness as the groundbreaking “Persona 3”. This game sets the stage for what is generally recognized as the contemporary installments in the franchise. In “Persona 3”, players are compelled to perform an unsettling act of self-harm – shooting themselves in the head – to invoke their supernatural powers, a concept that certainly reflects some very heavy themes.

Similar to many games from the Persona series, a core optimism runs through this title, despite exploring heavy themes such as death and whether it’s wiser to defy or accept it. The game offers substantial depth, making it arguably the least recognized gem among the latest releases of this game, now available in its most comprehensive version yet.

7 Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne

At World’s End

Despite being less recognized compared to other titles in the Atlus collection, the Shin Megami Tensei series truly shines with its captivating and darker realms. Among these, none surpass the depth and complexity of Shin Megami Tensei 3.

In Shin Megami Tensei 3, players find themselves in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo overrun by supernatural beings and a small number of humans struggling to navigate their future. Despite the grim setting, the game subtly conveys a sense of hope, suggesting that it is through experiencing the meaningless that we can truly live with purpose. It’s thought-provoking content that makes playing this game highly rewarding.

8 Nier: Automata

The Nature Of Being

In recent years, no other popular game has integrated existentialist philosophy to such an extent as Nier: Automata. The players assume the role of units within the Yorha unit, which are sentient androids, responsible for combating other robots in a post-apocalyptic world. Alongside their main objectives, they engage with numerous intriguing side quests.

While a brief summary can’t fully capture the profound exploration of existential turmoil that the game offers, it challenges players to question their purpose, subtly hinting at the futility of their quest. Yet, in an unexpected twist, the game delivers one of the most uplifting gameplay reversals in video game history, leaving players with a sense of hope that things might just be alright. Without giving away the plot, it’s safe to say that few games have delved so deeply into existential themes as Nier: Automata.

2024-11-20 02:35