The Best Indie Games Inspired By Classic JRPGs

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Key Takeaways

  • Indie games offer unique experiences inspired by classics, like Sea of Stars, Omori, and Undertale .
  • Chained Echoes and Cassette Beasts bring fresh takes on traditional JRPG mechanics and themes.
  • Titles like Cris Tales, CrossCode, and Lisa: The Painful provide engaging stories and gameplay.

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that these indie RPGs have truly captivated my heart. Each one offers a unique blend of nostalgia and innovation, reminiscent of classic games I grew up with but with a fresh twist that keeps me engaged.

Indie gaming offers players a delightful opportunity to savor games that aren’t hesitant to take chances, escaping the predicament of repetitive, formulaic experiences often found in AAA titles. The array of fresh and distinctive experiences available to enthusiasts is boundless, particularly for those who appreciate the JRPG genre.

A multitude of fantastic independent games skillfully capture the essence of traditional Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), offering an array of appealing features such as delightful pixel art, engaging turn-based battles that fans can’t get enough of until they reach the climax of these enchanting journeys. These indie games openly acknowledge their JRPG influences and contribute to the genre’s evolution by introducing fresh ideas and innovations.

8. Sea Of Stars

Inspired By Chrono Trigger, Illusion Of Gaia

Among the captivating indie RPGs available, the inspirations drawn from the classic ‘Chrono Trigger’ are evident right from the beginning of your adventure in ‘Sea of Stars’. The vibrant pixel art is visually striking, and the game’s rich lore appears to have taken significant cues from how ‘Illusion of Gaia’ crafted its worldbuilding.

The battle sequences involve timing button presses and similar mini-games, much like those found in the classic game Super Mario RPG. This contributes to Sea of Stars feeling well-crafted overall, although it may occasionally seem familiar or predictable.

7. Omori

Inspired By EarthBound

If you are a fan of EarthBound and appreciate its distinctive style, and you’re intrigued by a darker interpretation of that theme, I’d recommend checking out Omori. This psychological horror RPG creates an illusion of safety before unveiling the shadows haunting Sunny’s mind.

Headspace offers a stunning world to delve into, filled with enough enigmas to keep players intrigued as they spend a few days in the role of Sunny prior to his planned relocation. The game’s narrative is arguably its most captivating aspect, with a shocking twist that hits like a punch to the gut, enhancing the emotional climax of the game.

6. Undertale

Inspired By Mother, Brandish, Shin Megami Tensei

Without a shadow of a doubt, the enchanting indie gem I’m referring to is none other than Undertale. This game, much like EarthBound, has left an indelible mark on me as a gamer. You see, before Toby Fox embarked on his own creative journey, he delved into EarthBound ROM hacks, and that influence shines through vividly in Undertale.

This game’s appeal stems from a distinctive battle system, where players engage monsters in dialogue to pacify them, a feature reminiscent of the Shin Megami Tensei series. The game’s endearing quality encourages sparing the Underground’s creatures, while those with a penchant for cruelty who kill everything can uncover an alternate ending, transforming Undertale into one of the most challenging indie RPGs available.

5. Chained Echoes

Inspired By Xenogears, Terranigma, Secret Of Mana, Suikoden 2, Breath Of Fire, The Legend Of Dragoon, Final Fantasy 6, Chrono Trigger

Since the launch of “Chained Echoes”, it has been evident that its resemblance to many traditional JRPGs is striking. Matthias Linda, the creator, is a fan of numerous popular games within this genre and possesses previous experience in RPG Maker development, which he leveraged extensively during the production of “Chained Echoes”.

Chained Echoes‘s epic narrative and skillful battles show respect to numerous outstanding titles within the genre, yet it doesn’t overly rely on those sources of inspiration. By honoring the genre while introducing something fresh, this indie RPG has become a standout choice for many fans who highly recommend it as a must-play game.

4. Cassette Beasts

Inspired By Pokemon, Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest

Players seeking an innovative twist on the classic Pokemon experience within the independent gaming scene will undoubtedly appreciate Cassette Beasts. This game offers a unique spin by allowing players to transform into various creatures using a cassette player, providing a refreshing alternative to GameFreak’s well-known formula.

Additionally, the battle systems in both Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest inspired the developer to emphasize status effects for a lively and engaging combat experience. Fans seeking an offbeat indie JRPG with familiar gameplay dynamics will find themselves thoroughly entertained by Cassette Beasts.

3. Cris Tales

Inspired By The Final Fantasy Series, Chrono Trigger

In simpler terms, “Cris Tales,” an enchanting indie RPG, draws inspiration from the genre’s legends, despite some issues. However, it shines as a fantastic game that RPG enthusiasts will appreciate if they take the time to play it. The distinctive time-manipulation mechanics make this journey even more intriguing.

Unfortunately, the battle system in this game can become repetitive at times, but if you’re open to older-style mechanics, you’ll find yourself enjoying Cris Tales immensely. The unique art style and captivating visuals are compelling enough reasons for gamers to give this game a try.

2. CrossCode

Inspired By Chrono Trigger, Terranigma

In simple terms, CrossCode represents a distinct indie role-playing game where the player gets entangled within an MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) world. The character in this game suffers from memory loss and is unable to speak coherently. A glance at the game instantly reveals its visual inspiration drawn from games such as Chrono Trigger and Terranigma.

If you don’t mind encountering optional content that mimics the quest structure typically found in many MMORPGs, then CrossCode is a delightful game to experience. This game draws inspiration not only from the JRPG genre but also from classic 2D games like Zelda and Yoshi’s Island, as well as the Xenoblade series, shaping its structure based on these titles.

1. LISA: The Painful

Inspired By EarthBound

In a grim, post-apocalyptic setting, LISA: The Painful offers a dose of humor to lighten the atmosphere, creating an enjoyable experience as you follow Brad’s quest to rescue his adopted daughter by introducing a rich cast of quirky and well-defined characters.

Individuals who seek a realistic RPG experience, similar to that provided by EarthBound, will be captivated by LISA: The Painful. Its vast array of playable characters along with a plot that is more engaging than it initially appears are key factors behind the overwhelming acclaim this game received upon its launch.

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2024-12-08 10:34