JRPGs That Took Big Risks That Paid Off

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As a seasoned gamer with decades worth of controller-smashing, screen-staring experiences under my belt, I can confidently say that these games stand out as some of the most innovative and captivating titles in the history of video gaming. Each one offers a unique blend of storytelling, gameplay, and immersion that has left an indelible mark on me, and I’m sure countless others, too.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but be captivated by the evolution of the JRPG genre in contemporary gaming. Originating on vintage consoles, the launch of Final Fantasy 7 transformed it into a lucrative niche, effectively making the PS1 a magnet for these unforgettable journeys.

Over time, the charm of this genre seemed to fade, but for contemporary gamers, they’ve combined visual enhancements with gameplay advancements, making it possible for JRPG enthusiasts to savor a plethora of games in this style once more. Some of the top JRPGs are those that dared to take significant risks and reaped the benefits.

8. Yakuza: Like A Dragon

Changed The Gameplay Loop Of An Established Series And Attracted New Fans

As a dedicated Yakuza fan, I can’t help but reflect on the buzz surrounding that April Fools’ joke about a drastic shift in the gameplay for the Yakuza series. While it may have been an elaborate prank, it certainly highlighted the daring nature of such a move. The thrill of real-time combat in the Yakuza series was a delight to immerse myself in, and we all were eagerly anticipating how the Dragon Engine would elevate the action gameplay.

Instead of sticking to the established formula, the main storyline in the Yakuza series took a bold turn with a new lead character, traditional turn-based combat, and a job system. Given RGG Studio’s track record for innovation and excellence, it wasn’t too unexpected that they successfully pulled off this gameplay transformation, delivering one of the finest modern JRPG experiences available today.

7. Final Fantasy 7

Arguably The First Ever AAA Game That Invested A Ton Of Money Into Marketing In The West

Final Fantasy 7 is often celebrated as the pioneering AAA game within the gaming industry, and it’s not hard to understand why that is so. Prior to its launch, Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) were relatively niche in Western markets, lacking broad appeal among gamers beyond Japan.

Nonetheless, SquareSoft had great faith in this game, leading them to significantly increase their marketing budget, ensuring that news about the thrilling journey offered by Final Fantasy 7 reached a wide audience. This daring approach proved successful when Final Fantasy 7 shattered all records, becoming one of the most beloved PS1 games ever, thereby marking the beginning of the golden era for Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) on Sony’s console.

6. Persona 5

The Impact Of The Art Style And Improved Dungeons Were Worth All The Delays

In the lead-up to its release, Persona 5 stood out with its numerous previews, offering players a tantalizing glimpse of its unique style and swift gameplay. However, the game’s grand ambition resulted in multiple delays, leaving fans questioning if the final product would justify Atlus’ financial investment.

It’s now obvious that refining “Persona 5” was a shrewd move, as this JRPG has significantly advanced the genre on contemporary consoles with its stunning visual appeal, swift gameplay mechanics, engaging life simulation aspects, and an ensemble of characters that leave a lasting impression. Even once the Phantom Thieves’ escapades come to an end, gamers will likely recall “Persona 5” for a long time.

5. EarthBound

An Anti-JRPG That Slowly Turned Into An Influential Cult Classic

As a diehard fan, I can’t help but marvel at the audacious marketing approach taken by Nintendo for EarthBound. With no hint of traditional high fantasy and a warning that gamers would likely dislike it, they were taking quite the risk with one of the most groundbreaking JRPGs ever made.

Initially, when EarthBound was first released, it didn’t sell particularly well. However, over time, an increasing number of players have come to appreciate its greatness directly. This game, which bucked the trend of traditional JRPGs, was groundbreaking and still exerts a significant influence on contemporary gaming. Games like Undertale and Omori draw inspiration from this remarkable work.

4. Vagrant Story

A Unique JRPG That Came At The Tail End Of The PS1 With A Bold Combat System

Unfortunately, Vagrant Story came out towards the end of the PlayStation 1’s life, which meant that many gamers missed out on this fantastic game. It contributes to the Ivalice lore and offers a unique Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG) experience by having only one playable character, with no traditional leveling systems or party members involved.

Instead, players exclusively managed Ashley Riot and employed potent gear to tackle formidable foes without feeling outmatched by their adversaries. Despite moderate sales figures, it’s evident that Vagrant Story was a game ahead of its era, as demonstrated by the abundant acclaim it received.

3. The World Ends With You

Made The Most Of The DS To Let Players Enjoy A Unique Combat System In Modern Tokyo

Players of Japanese Role Playing Games (JRPGs) often express frustration with the real-time combat, finding it overly reliant on button mashing and somewhat random at times. Nevertheless, “The World Ends With You” demonstrated that these systems can be remarkably inventive when they deviate from the norm.

In The World Ends With You, battles unfolded simultaneously across both screens of the DS device. Players controlled one character using buttons while interacting with another on the touchscreen. This chaotic yet gratifying battle system complemented the game’s fashionable aesthetics beautifully, establishing it as a cherished JRPG that remains popular enough to receive updates on contemporary consoles, albeit with some adaptations to simplify gameplay when transitioning to a single screen.

2. Xenogears

Despite Failing To Achieve Its Lofty Ambitions, It Elevated Takahashi’s Name And The Xeno Series To New Heights

One could argue that it’s simple to categorize Xenogears as a disappointment, given its initial disc suggested grandeur, but the second half of the game required players to slog through lengthy blocks of text. It was simultaneously the creation and casualty of Tetsuya Takahashi’s ambition, as his inexperience in video game development led Xenogears to underperform significantly before its conclusion.

Despite facing numerous challenges, the game proved to be an incredible triumph for the Xeno series. Its visionary creator refused to back down and established his own company to bring this concept to life. Looking back now, it’s evident that the bold steps taken by Xenogears paved the way for Xenoblade Chronicles to shine as a standout exclusive game on Nintendo’s systems.

1. Final Fantasy 12

A Huge Gameplay Switch For The Final Fantasy Series That Made For A Unique Experience

Final Fantasy 12” is a game that dared to be different, marking the debut of the first standalone single-player Final Fantasy title following the merger of SquareSoft and Enix. Leveraging insights gleaned from the development of Final Fantasy 11, it offered a unique combat system that combined elements, where players were required to strategically set priorities for their party members using the Gambit system in order to secure victory.

Initially, Final Fantasy 12 might seem intimidating, but once you dive in, the breathtaking and captivating world of Dalmascia will draw you deep into its expansive landscapes effortlessly. The grand narrative and diverse characters ensure that the main conflict isn’t overshadowed by any one party member, much like the charm of Final Fantasy 6.

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2024-12-22 08:04