The Best JRPGs With Space Exploration

Key Takeaways

Infinite Space
offers a mix of
Star Trek
, handheld gaming, and sci-fi anime in a vast space exploration adventure.
Cosmic Star Heroine
is a traditional JRPG with turn-based combat, linear storytelling, and interplanetary travel.
Phantasy Star 4
uses space exploration as a narrative tool to venture across planets, creating a sense of wanderlust.

As a seasoned space traveler and JRPG enthusiast, I can confidently say that these games are the cosmic cream of the crop! From the visually stunning worlds of Rogue Galaxy to the engaging gameplay of Star Ocean: The Second Story R, these titles transport you to distant galaxies filled with adventure, mystery, and endless exploration.

It’s no surprise that when discussing Japanese Role Playing Games (JRPGs), many people envision a fantastical realm. Yet, it’s worth noting that JRPGs span a broad range of aesthetic styles. Some immerse players in cutting-edge urban settings, while others offer an epic spacefaring journey among the stars.

In addition to numerous sci-fi RPGs that offer a top-down perspective of planets but lack true space exploration (like Xenogears or the renowned Xenoblade Chronicles series), it’s important to mention that fans seeking an epic space journey might prefer the action-RPG franchise, Mass Effect. Interestingly, some JRPGs do combine both elements, delivering expansive narratives and ample space exploration.

8 Infinite Space

On The Go Space Exploration

Developers: Nude Maker, PlatinumGames
Platform: Nintendo DS
Release: June 11th, 2009

Infinite Space has a unique blend of elements from Star Trek, vintage handheld gaming, and science fiction animation. You’ll find numerous characters to bring onto your team and ships to design, all with distinctive attributes that demand careful consideration. Engage in combat on two fronts: ground troops and battleships cruising through the vastness of space.

In the game Infinite Space, the main character embarks on a journey across the cosmos, and players have the freedom to influence the story’s direction by making multiple narrative decisions along the way. If you’re interested in an adventure that takes you through countless galaxies teeming with celestial bodies, then Infinite Space is definitely worth checking out.

7 Cosmic Star Heroine

A Homage To Classic JRPGs

Developers: Zeboyd Games
Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia
Release: April 11, 2017

If you’re seeking a JRPG that echoes the classic feel of games like Final Fantasy, I would recommend giving some thought to the game titled Cosmic Star Heroine. This title employs a turn-order interface, enabling players to strategize their moves ahead of time and arrange the sequence in which their party will deploy their skills. In this game, battles initiate with both enemies and allies aligning on opposite sides before engaging in turn-based combat.

The tale unfolds as a mystery filled with deceit and treachery, featuring a relatively simple sequence of events. Unlike contemporary JRPGs, this game doesn’t offer extensive player freedom or numerous off-path activities, instead, it maintains a linear progression. Despite this, players will traverse diverse planets and space stations, delivering an abundance of thrilling space exploration.

6 Phantasy Star 4: The End Of The Millennium

The Capstone Of The Phantasy Star Storyline

Among all the Phantasy Star games in the series, Phantasy Star 4 stands out as one of the finest when compared to its JRPG contemporaries. Notably, before the series shifted more towards online games, it was this game that shone brightest. Although it doesn’t offer the thrill of personally piloting a spaceship, it cleverly employs space exploration as a storytelling device, allowing players to traverse multiple planets scattered throughout the galaxy.

As a space-faring enthusiast, the thought of voyaging to an uncharted planet ignites a spark of exhilaration within me. The unknown promises a treasure trove of discoveries that’ll leave you breathless. This new journey mirrors the wanderlust experienced in other JRPGs, as it blends the allure of a fantastical realm with the mystery of an alien world.

5 Xenosaga Episode 1: Der Wille Zur Macht

For Players Looking For A Lot Of Lore

Xenosaga could be described as an intricate tale with a dense backstory, which some gamers may find daunting due to its emphasis on narrative and lore compared to other aspects. However, fans of JRPGs like The Legend of Dragoon or White Knight Chronicles might be drawn in by the game’s mechanic of summoning mecha for space combat.

Characters piloted by players can engage in combat with mecha, utilizing a resource known as Ether Points (EP) for control. This system introduces tactical complexity to battles, though it’s recommended to use it judiciously.

4 Xenosaga Episode 2: Jenseits Von Gut Und Böse

Answering Questions From The First Game

Developers: Monolith Soft
Platform: PlayStation 2
Released: February 15, 2005

Fans deeply engrossed in the universe of Xenosaga Episode 1 will rejoice to learn that the game is part of a series called a trilogy. If the game had ended there, many enthusiasts would likely express disappointment about not knowing what happens afterward, especially concerning the development of the story and the lore – for instance, the essence of the Zohar.

This title in German translates to “Beyond Good and Evil,” which coincidentally is a name shared with another well-known sci-fi video game that includes space travel. To fully understand and enjoy the storyline of this game, players are advised to complete the first installment beforehand; otherwise, they might find themselves completely bewildered.

3 Star Ocean: The Last Hope

Charting The New Frontier

Star Ocean: The Last Hope isn’t generally considered one of the top-rated Star Ocean games. In contrast, Star Ocean: Till the End of Time is often seen as a superior game. Nevertheless, this prequel to the series focuses on the aftermath of a worldwide conflict and humanity’s search for a brighter future in the stars.

This game offers an abundance of distinct locales and settings, ensuring that each one feels fresh and invigorating, instilling a thrill in players as they delve deeper into the world of exploration. It truly embodies the essence of adventure, making it a perfect choice for those yearning for such experiences.

2 Rogue Galaxy

A Vast Galaxy To Explore

As a gamer, I’d say one of my all-time favorites on PlayStation is Rogue Galaxy. It’s an action JRPG that offers a massive space exploration experience, taking me to diverse alien worlds each unique in their own way. Each planet reveals a piece of the story, reasons to revisit later, and new characters to join my crew. The freedom to roam between planets also means I might bump into some colossal beasts along the way!

Rogue Galaxy skillfully combines gameplay, narrative, and graphics into an action RPG experience that few other games can match. For enthusiasts of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), the richness of the story is one of its main attractions; dedicated players might spend over 100 hours to unravel it all, and every minute feels rewarding.

1 Star Ocean: The Second Story R

Start With The Second Story

Star Ocean: The Second Story Remastered represents the updated version of the second installment in the Star Ocean series, recognized as one of the franchise’s finest titles. In this game, adventurers traverse various breathtaking planets, with visually captivating backgrounds, detailed sprites, and immersive gameplay that keeps players engaged. Contrary to its title, the game introduces a fresh cast in the same universe, making it an ideal starting point for newcomers to the series.

As a gamer, I can’t wait to embark on an epic journey in Second Story R! This game doesn’t just take me to different planets, it also lets me traverse various space stations. It promises a jam-packed JRPG experience with quests, puzzles, and formidable foes. If you’re yearning for a space-faring adventure, don’t miss out on Second Story R!

2024-11-24 15:34