JRPGs That Were Victims Of Their Own Hype

Key Takeaways

Hype can make or break a game: don’t let anticipation cloud judgment.
Failed expectations lead to disappointment for JRPG fans.
Some games like Final Fantasy 15 underwhelmed after years of hype.

As a long-time JRPG enthusiast who has witnessed the evolution of this genre since its inception, I can wholeheartedly say that some titles have failed to meet the lofty expectations set by their predecessors. One such game that left me somewhat underwhelmed was “I Am Setsuna,” which, despite its charming world and enjoyable combat mechanics, could not live up to the magic of the legendary “Chrono Trigger.

Enthusiasm can significantly determine a game’s success or failure, as some titles cleverly leverage this excitement to offer players an exceptional gaming experience, potentially ranking among the best ever. On the other hand, if a game falls short of expectations and disappoints its audience, it can drive away many enthusiasts.

In the realm of JRPGs, the current surge in popularity has left fans eagerly awaiting these Japanese role-playing games to impress them, especially if the promotions are spot on. Regrettably, not every JRPG lives up to this expectation and can be underwhelming instead.

8 Final Fantasy 15

No Game Can Live Up To A Ten-Year Hype

Final Fantasy 15 is a video game that faced numerous hurdles during its development, undergoing multiple rebrands and overhauls before it was eventually released a full decade after its initial announcement. It’s somewhat disappointing to observe that despite being in production for such an extended period, the game features an unfinished narrative, questionable design choices, and a combat system that lacks any real challenge.

While it’s not accurate to label Final Fantasy 15 as a poor game, it’s fair to say that its journey to release was fraught with issues during development. The high expectations for one of the longest-running JRPG franchises were simply too immense to be met, given the ten-year wait. Despite this, the game showcased a captivating open world, exquisite animations, and an intriguing narrative – indicating that it excelled in several areas. However, it faltered in other aspects.

7 Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom

Feels Like A Pale Imitation Of The First Game

For Studio Ghibli enthusiasts yearning for a game brimming with the same enchanting allure and gentle humor as their favorite animations, “Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch” is an ideal choice. However, unlike its predecessor, which was eagerly anticipated by fans, “Revenant Kingdom” took a different path in the sequel.

Although they maintained the original art style, the story’s mood was inconsistent and lacked the enchantment of the initial game. The enhanced combat was well-received by fans, but it seemed to come at the expense of the game’s narrative depth and a kingdom management system that appeared insignificant.

6 Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Too Many Tutorials Along With A Story That Isn’t As Strong As One Would Expect

Initially, the first “Xenoblade Chronicles” and “Xenoblade Chronicles X” left a lasting impact on Nintendo consoles, setting the stage for a series that would become a fixture. Fans anticipated similar greatness from “Xenoblade Chronicles 2”, but unfortunately, several problems prevented this game from matching the excellence of its predecessors.

Initially, the game Xenoblade Chronicles 2 had an excessive amount of tutorials, which kept players from experiencing the full potential of its combat system for over fifteen hours. Additionally, the storyline wasn’t as solid as those in previous games within the series, resulting in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 being a decent JRPG overall, but merely average when compared to other Xenoblade titles.

5 Final Fantasy 13

Too Many Linear Corridors Spoil The Broth

One key aspect that stands out to fans about Final Fantasy 13 is its persistent emphasis on narrow, linear paths with limited opportunities for in-depth discovery. Additionally, the combat system left much to be desired, as it prioritized cinematic spectacle over tactical gameplay elements, offering players less control.

As a gamer, I can’t help but feel frustrated when games like Final Fantasy 13 take an eternity to let us, the players, freely roam open zones after being bombarded with endless tutorials. By the time we’re finally given the reins, it’s often too late to truly appreciate the game’s potential greatness. Despite its high points, Final Fantasy 13 falls short of meeting the high standards set by this esteemed franchise, and rightfully earns the title of a mainline game that missed the mark.

4 I Am Setsuna

Tried To Emulate Chrono Trigger’s Magic With Mixed Results

Chrono Trigger is renowned as one of the greatest Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) ever created, and any game aiming to capture its enchantment would undoubtedly generate immense excitement. That’s why I Am Setsuna, a game that caught the attention of veteran JRPG players, was so intriguing, but unfortunately, its debut didn’t live up to expectations, at best.

The narrative structure of the story resembles that of Final Fantasy 10, making it seem less original. However, the combat mechanics are enjoyable and proven effective, while the world is captivating enough to maintain player interest throughout its playtime, albeit shorter than some other games in the genre. Essentially, I Am Setsuna is a solid JRPG on its own but falls short compared to the game it emulates.

3 Kingdom Hearts 3

A Convoluted Story And Weird Battle Mechanics Made This A Hyped Entry Not Worth The Wait

Enthusiasts couldn’t wait for a fresh primary installment of “Kingdom Hearts” after the second version solidified itself among the PS2’s top-tier games. While spinoffs, sequels, and other related games were released, it was “Kingdom Hearts 3” that everyone eagerly anticipated with great anticipation.

Regrettably, Kingdom Hearts 3 struggled under the pressure of high anticipation, offering a storyline that seemed more about convenience than fulfillment. The alterations to the combat style also caused division among players; some admired the dramatic appeal of the new combat system, while others yearned for the challenge and precision found in the combat mechanics of earlier games.

2 Octopath Traveler

The Dissonance Present In The Narrative Wasn’t Appreciated By Many

Octopath Traveler captivated numerous gamers with its unique blend of high-definition 2D graphics. Upon release, both the visuals and gameplay were widely praised, however, those anticipating a unified storyline may have felt let down.

The personal tales of each explorer seemed lonely, as the group rarely engaged beyond casual conversation that felt somewhat contrived. To add insult to injury, the game conceals its real conclusion within a string of side-missions and an extremely challenging superboss, which demands a flawless performance from the characters to win, making it too demanding for some casual JRPG players.

1 Final Fantasy 8

Came Right After The Runaway Success Of Final Fantasy 7 And Split Fans Down The Middle

Final Fantasy 8 can be seen as the epitome of a JRPG that suffered from overhype. It found itself following in the footsteps of one of the most renowned JRPGs, which set high expectations for it. As the eighth mainline entry, it was undoubtedly tasked with filling some large shoes.

The Junction system within Final Fantasy 8, though groundbreaking, had flaws and tended to encourage repetitive actions. Additionally, certain parts of the story felt forced, yet the game’s stunning graphics, which were years ahead of their time, have left an endearing impression on some fans, even if others consider it the outcast of the series.

2024-11-05 07:05