The Best JRPGs To Try If You Hate Anime

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Summary

  • Anime’s influence on JRPGs is evident in games like the Star Ocean and Tales series, Genshin Impact, and Elden Ring.
  • Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia and Final Fantasy 16 show the range in anime influence on JRPGs.
  • Games like Octopath Traveler 2 and Triangle Strategy introduce modern twists on classic turn-based JRPG gameplay.

Anime, once a small, specialized fandom in the Western world, has expanded significantly due to television blocks like Toonami in the 90s and Adult Swim in the 2000s, along with numerous streaming platforms that followed. This growth has made it easier for a wider audience to engage with anime, thereby impacting more creators, such as those working on Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs).

For individuals who have grown weary of anime or never found a connection with it, the latest entries in the Star Ocean and Tales of series may not appear as heavily influenced by Japanese animation compared to newer games such as Genshin Impact and Infinity Nikki. Instead, we will be discussing JRPGs that are easily accessible on contemporary consoles via standard editions, remasters, ports, or backwards compatibility programs.

8. Castlevania: Order Of Ecclesia

A Serious Metroidvania

Try out “Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia” – an engaging Metroidvania game with RPG features, now available in the Castlevania Dominus Collection. Unlike its two DS counterparts, this installment returns to the original gothic design style of classic “Castlevania” games rather than adopting anime aesthetics.

Leaving graphics out of the equation, it’s an outstanding 2D action role-playing game. Battling monsters to acquire their skills, navigating complex stages, and progressing through levels make this game a standout choice, even among the acclaimed Castlevania series.

7. Dragon’s Crown

A D&D Campaign From Japan

In a more relaxed and straightforward manner: Dragon’s Crown, unlike other Vanillaware games, sports a slightly less anime-styled design. The developers aimed to create a 2D action RPG with multiplayer capabilities, while also infusing it with the feel of an old-school Dungeons & Dragons campaign.

As a gamer, I embark on thrilling adventures in this game where I can pick from six distinct character classes such as the Fighter or Sorceress. Instead of following a complex narrative, I delve into dungeons either solo or with companions. Fortunately, though the characters may resemble medieval anime figures aesthetically, it’s refreshing that the game doesn’t lean too heavily on anime clichés, thus providing a unique and less troped-out experience.

6. Elden Ring

A Grim Open-World

It’s not typically how fans of Soulslike games view FromSoftware titles, but they can still be classified as JRPGs. The latest release, Elden Ring, stands out as a notable game in both the JRPG genre and the Soulsborne series. This game offers an expansive open-world for exploration that is rich in lore, providing an immersive experience for those who wish to delve deeper into its history.

This game is a blend of gothic horror, action, and RPG elements, which George R. R. Martin played a part in developing on an international scale. Regardless of Martin’s involvement, it would still be highly recommended due to its Soulslike qualities, making it one of the most prominent examples of modern JRPGs. In fact, Elden Ring stands out as a leader within this genre.

5. Final Fantasy 16

More Like Final Fantasy Of Thrones

When it comes to Game of Thrones, it’s clear that Final Fantasy 16 was inspired by its narrative style. This new game features a mature plot, with the protagonist, Clive, embarking on a path of vengeance amidst the backdrop of various kingdoms fighting for global supremacy, even including his own.

This game is undeniably one of the darkest entries in the Final Fantasy series, yet it manages to avoid being dull due to its exceptional action. The fundamental gameplay with Clive is well-crafted, offering a variety of sword techniques and magic. However, the game truly shines during the Eikon battles, where they engage in colossal Kaiju-style confrontations that are awe-inspiring to witness.

4. Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Home Turf Turns

Dragon of Fortune: Unlimited Riches

This is the 8th main installment in the Yakuza series, and it’s unique as it adopts turn-based combat with character classes instead of the usual action-combat style. Despite being the 8th game, it serves as an accessible starting point for newcomers to the series. This is because it’s the first game that transports the storyline outside Japan, specifically in Hawaii.

Although these characters have a playful, over-the-top feel reminiscent of anime, they are also designed in a way that feels authentic. It’s as if this game serves as an ideal link for JRPG enthusiasts who long for the turn-based gaming experience from the SNES and PS1 eras but with contemporary controls and settings.

3. Octopath Traveler 2

A Dose Of Classic JRPG

Octopath Traveler 2 appears as if it’s an old-fashioned turn-based RPG from the SNES era, yet it was released in 2023. Square Enix calls its art style HD-2D, which gives a delightful mix of traditional art and contemporary animation. Players can pick one of eight characters to start their journey, and later recruit the remaining seven throughout their travels.

One delightful aspect of Octopath Traveler 2, similar to its excellent precursor, is that each character’s tale can be completed independently. Players are free to finish these tales or not, as their preference dictates.

2. Super Mario RPG

Take A Trip To The Mushroom Kingdom

The revamped version of “Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars”, originally a SNES game, is what we now have as “Super Mario RPG” on Nintendo Switch. Both games are equally enjoyable, but the remake offers enhanced playability and performs smoothly on the latest Nintendo Switch models.

The game features some common quirky characters like Geno, Booster, and Valentina, but it doesn’t have the usual feel of a Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG). The creators, Squaresoft, who made the original for SNES, skillfully combined Mario’s platforming abilities with a turn-based game, which was made more engaging due to the active combat. This aspect is beautifully preserved in the remake.

1. Triangle Strategy

Your Choices Matter

As a passionate enthusiast, I’d highly recommend giving “Triangle Strategy” a try. This HD-2D game is tailor-made for tactical JRPG aficionados like myself. It even bears a resemblance to the political intrigue found in “Game of Thrones”, with its story revolving around a ruling house navigating through a war between various nations, all vying for control over a valuable resource: salt.

As a gamer, I frequently find myself grappling with tough decisions in this game: choosing who to align with periodically, knowing each choice could drastically alter the storyline. It’s not always black and white; there’s no obvious good or evil faction to join. Yet, it’s this very complexity that keeps me coming back for more. The strategic gameplay and thoughtful choices offer a compelling reason to replay this game multiple times, each playthrough offering a new perspective on the story.

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2025-07-27 17:35