Longest Action JRPGs, Ranked

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Key Takeaways

  • Action JRPGs can be lengthy like turn-based ones, with games like Dragon’s Dogma 2 taking over 30 hours to beat.
  • Kingdom Hearts 2 feels longer due to revisiting worlds, while Yakuza 5 and Dragon’s Dogma provide rich narratives in 36-36.5 hours.
  • Final Fantasy 16 offers a unique character action experience, lasting 37.5 hours, while Star Ocean: The Last Hope delivers 44 engaging hours.

As a veteran gamer who has spent countless hours exploring digital realms and battling pixelated foes, I must say that the list you’ve provided is a veritable treasure trove for those seeking an epic adventure. Having played many of these games myself, I can attest to their immersive storylines, engaging gameplay, and the sheer joy of losing oneself in another world for hours on end.

When someone mentions JRPGs (Japanese Role Playing Games), they often picture turn-based games like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest initially. But, it’s important to note that many of these games also employ real-time combat systems. Occasionally, even series like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest incorporate these real-time battle mechanics as well.

Action role-playing games (Action JRPGs) generally have shorter playtimes compared to their turn-based counterparts, but some lengthy ones outshine many turn-based JRPGs when it comes to game duration. The shortest game on the list requires about 30 hours to complete. The longer games towards the top of the list are exceptionally long and provide a wealth of depth beyond just rapid combat.

All times are taken from howlongtobeat.com

9. Dragon’s Dogma 2

30.5 Hours

Many fans eagerly anticipated this sequel, yet doubted it would ever materialize. Fortunately, here we are with it, and “Dragon’s Dogma 2” preserves the oddities and distinctive mechanics that set the original apart as a truly remarkable game.

The upcoming game is set to be slightly shorter in duration compared to its predecessor, but due to additional features like side quests and the new game plus mode, many players will likely spend over 30 hours exploring it. A couple of console generations have elapsed since the first and second games, so there’s no need to play the initial version to grasp the successor’s storyline.

8. Kingdom Hearts 2

32 Hours

In simple terms, the follow-up to the unexpected blockbuster on PlayStation 2 boasts improved game mechanics and introduces additional Disney realms and personalities. This game seems extended due to players revisiting numerous worlds more than once.

As a dedicated fan, I’m thrilled that Kingdom Hearts 2 offers such a rich adventure. It’s been over a decade since we’ve had a new main entry in the series, and I’m grateful for the depth it provides to make up for that gap. Fortunately, side games like Birth by Sleep and Dream Drop Distance have been fantastic additions, continuing to flesh out the series lore in the interim.

7. Yakuza 5

36 Hours

The saga, now recognized as Like a Dragon, offers an epic storyline that gaming rarely achieves. This narrative thread runs consistently from the initial release to the most recent titles. Fortunately, you can join the adventure at nearly any game and still have a fulfilling experience, although some subtle plot details might be missed by newcomers.

In essence, playing just Yakuza 5 requires approximately 36 hours, without considering additional content. If you factor in the other games, a player would need to dedicate more than 100 hours of gameplay just to get up to speed.

These games in particular can inflate in length thanks to the varied and diverse side-quests.

6. Dragon’s Dogma

36.5 Hours

As a gamer, I can say that Dragon’s Dogma was nearly as mind-boggling as Demon’s Souls when it first came out. Initially, we struggled to grasp its intricate systems and cope with its quirky mechanics. However, as we delved deeper, a brilliant RPG started to unfold, revealing itself to be a hidden gem in the gaming world.

Exploring the realm of Dragon’s Dogma offers plenty of room for trial, error, and experimentation, making it an exciting journey. Initially, when it was released, the game seemed to stand apart from other games in the gaming landscape, a trait that has only added to its timeless charm as years have passed.

5. Ys 8: Lacrimosa Of Dana

37 Hours

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at the expansive nature of Ys 8 in this intriguingly titled series. Unlike most games within its genre that typically last an average span, Ys 8 delights in its leisurely pace, extending its playtime to a whopping 37 hours.

Compared to some other games within this series, this one is significantly longer. Don’t anticipate being immediately hooked as it takes time to build up momentum. However, if you persevere, it offers a fulfilling journey.

4. Final Fantasy 16

37.5 Hours

As a fervent fan, I was floored when Final Fantasy 16 unexpectedly stepped up with a punch, revealing itself to be not just an action RPG, but a character-focused action game that breaks away from several traditional mechanics of its predecessors. It’s me, the player, who gets to take charge of Clive, and I find myself immersed in a gaming experience akin to that of Devil May Cry or Bayonetta. What an exhilarating twist!

Lucky for us, this trip turns out to be considerably longer than the given instances and brimming with stunning scenes that showcase the unique summoning feature. Should players wish to extend their playtime by taking on side missions, they certainly can, but they won’t miss much if they focus solely on the main plot.

3. Star Ocean: The Last Hope

44 Hours

The initial installment of the “Star Ocean” series for PS3 and Xbox 360 consoles was rich in content, although it isn’t the longest game within the series. The storyline in “The Last Hope” may not be particularly memorable, but its gameplay maintains player engagement effectively throughout the approximately 44-hour adventure.

During a time when it was gradually fading out, the Xbox 360 edition arrived across three separate discs. Swiftly swapping between these discs based on the game’s progress can become irritating quite quickly, regrettably.

2. Star Ocean: Till The End Of Time

46 Hours

The launch of “Till The End of Time” was somewhat overshadowed by a minor issue that it didn’t compatible with some older PlayStation 2 models. However, over time, it has managed to establish itself as a standout video game and a valuable addition to the acclaimed series. It offers a lot of content for its era, which could be seen as either positive or negative depending on one’s perspective towards JRPG conventions from the early 2000s.

1. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

47.5 Hours

It’s astonishing to grasp the level of detail in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. It aims to maintain the same level of intricacy for the entire planet, just as Final Fantasy 7 Remake did for Midgar. The main storyline requires nearly 50 hours to complete, but when you factor in side quests, it stretches beyond 100 hours.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve found that even though some gamers might not be thrilled about every side quest, they all offer captivating character interactions that make them truly valuable for fans of the original. The adventure is jam-packed with minigames that could give the Yakuza: Like a Dragon series a run for its money.

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2024-12-09 08:34