As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the magical worlds of these legendary JRPGs, I must say that each one holds a special place in my heart. The nostalgia-inducing Dragon Quest 11 S, the timeless classic Chrono Trigger, the groundbreaking Final Fantasy 7, and the modern masterpiece Persona 5 Royal – these games have shaped not just the genre, but my life as a gamer.
Today’s role-playing game (RPG) landscape is vast, encompassing numerous titles under the umbrella term. Among these, Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) stand out as a long-established subgenre, with many fundamental RPG elements originating from them.
Despite its age, the JRPG subgenre is still going strong. The franchises that started the trend, like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, are still coming out with new entries, and newer series are still joining the throng as well. Here are ten of the best turn-based JRPGs currently available on Steam.
10 Tactics Ogre: Reborn
A Tactical History Lesson
In many Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), the strategic aspect of gameplay is less emphasized compared to conventional turn-based battles involving parties. However, strategy has a deep roots in JRPGs, and one game that showcases this history exceptionally well is Tactics Ogre.
2022’s “Tactics Ogre: Reborn” offers a polished remake of its 2010 version, meticulously updated for contemporary computers. The update addresses many technical issues typically found in early role-playing games, resulting in an up-to-date game that maintains the timeless charm of the original title which played a significant role in popularizing tactical RPGs.
9 Octopath Traveler 2
Intertwining Stories
Just like any other genre, JRPGs gain equally from the continuous technological upgrades in the gaming world. However, as the Octopath Traveler series shows, the industry always keeps its roots in mind. The initial game launched in 2018 showcased an appealing HD-2D art style that beautifully combined the aesthetic charm of traditional RPGs with contemporary console technology.
In the year 2023, Octopath Traveler 2 hits the shelves with an amplified unique visual style and a host of fresh features designed to surpass its predecessor. The game’s narrative threads are more intricately woven together, providing a deeper connection between the eight main characters. Additionally, new travelers’ tales are introduced – these are brief, engaging adventures that allow two characters to interact more intimately. Other user-friendly improvements include seamless transitions between day and night, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
8 Final Fantasy 10/10-2 HD Remaster
A Legendary Journey Returns
The “Final Fantasy” series is one of the most renowned in the realm of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPG), and rightfully so. Lately, the series has adopted a more action-centric battle system, but numerous enthusiasts remain fond of the traditional turn-based style. Notably, the “Final Fantasy 10/10-2 HD Remaster” stands out as an excellent representation of this classic approach.
Titled accordingly, this game merges “Final Fantasy X” with its immediate successor, offering a graphical upgrade to run smoothly on contemporary PCs. Notably, it incorporates content from the international edition, previously accessible only in Japan and Europe. For dedicated JRPG enthusiasts, this dual package presents an engaging opportunity to immerse oneself in one of the finest moments within the “Final Fantasy” series and become acquainted with the endearing characters that drive the narrative.
7 Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne
A Monstrous Challenge
Currently, Atlus is predominantly recognized for their work on the “Persona” games; however, it’s essential to note that this series is merely a piece within a much more extensive and encompassing franchise known as “Shin Megami Tensei.” This franchise spans various media formats and includes numerous spin-offs. At its heart, though, lies a collection of dark, turn-based RPGs immersed in grim worlds where monsters hold power, forming the core series.
The highly acclaimed game, “Shin Megami Tensei 3,” is often hailed as the best in its series. A newly released HD remaster offers players who have enjoyed the more recent “Persona” games a chance to delve into this esteemed title. Unlike its spinoff, the combat in “Shin Megami Tensei 3” can be quite unforgiving, making it an excellent choice for RPG enthusiasts seeking a challenging experience.
6 Persona 3 Reload
Return To The Dark Hour
Among the standout titles in the Persona series, Persona 3 is particularly noteworthy. It masterfully combined role-playing game (RPG) tactics with social simulation gameplay, a formula that remains evident in later games such as Persona 5. In 2024, the remake of this classic game, titled Persona 3 Reload, brings it up-to-date, offering a smoother experience for players to appreciate the groundbreaking systems it introduced.
Beyond giving the game a complete visual makeover, Persona 3 Reload also enhances user experience with several quality-of-life upgrades and offers new content through additional character conversations featuring fresh voice acting. However, it lacks some updates from Persona 3 Portable, such as the option to play as Kotone. Despite this absence, the game’s numerous improvements make it an outstanding addition to the series.
5 Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
A Criminally Good Time
The genre of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPG) is often linked with fantasy themes, but games like the Persona series incorporate supernatural aspects as well. However, the game Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth stands out by deviating from this trend. Similar to its predecessor, Infinite Wealth focuses on Ichiban Kasuga, a former Yakuza member, and confines its action to real-world settings.
Despite its lack of supernatural elements, Infinite Wealth is still one of the most outlandish JRPGs on the market. Ichiban’s adventures often take a truly absurdist direction. Players will be fighting killer robots, helping a crayfish find love, and photographing strangers in an on-rails shooter minigame. Combat in the game is bizarre too, with Ichiban and his friends taking on a variety of everyday jobs and using them to fuel some extremely silly and brutally effective moves in combat.
4 Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age
A Classic For The Modern Age
The Dragon Quest series, which began in 1986, forms a crucial piece of role-playing game (RPG) history. This franchise has been shaping and influencing the RPG genre for decades, and its impact is still felt today. The latest mainline entry in the series, Dragon Quest 11 S, is an impressive modern take on the JRPG genre that respectfully honors the classic features that early Dragon Quest games pioneered.
As a diehard fan, I can’t help but express my excitement over Dragon Quest 11 S, a game that masterfully blends epic narratives with the series’ signature wit and whimsy. The Definitive Edition, now on Steam, takes this grand adventure to new heights with extra character vignettes, a more robust soundtrack, and an option to relish the entire game in 2D with retro 8-bit aesthetics, harkening back to the franchise’s humble beginnings.
3 Chrono Trigger
A True Gaming Legend
Chrono Trigger, without a doubt, is one of the most celebrated Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) ever developed. When it first came out in 1995, it significantly reshaped the gaming industry and remains highly regarded by many as one of the best games ever produced. The Steam version offers enhanced graphics and new gameplay content that weren’t part of the original release, making it a must-buy for JRPG enthusiasts.
The title showcases groundbreaking elements such as multiple endings and character-centric side quests, which are now typical in contemporary role-playing games. However, its distinctive combat system breathes new life into the classic turn-based style by introducing a tactical twist that allows multiple characters to perform coordinated powerful actions simultaneously. From gameplay to narrative, every element of Chrono Trigger is iconic, and fans of Japanese role-playing games would be missing out if they didn’t experience it.
2 Final Fantasy 7
The Cream Of The Crop
The iconic gaming franchise known as Final Fantasy is vast, yet Final Fantasy 7 stands out distinctly. It was the inaugural 3D installment in the Final Fantasy series and paved the way for most subsequent mainline series releases to emulate its design. Initially released exclusively on PlayStation 1, it has since been adapted for Steam with numerous improvements and user-friendly updates.
The influence that Final Fantasy 7 exerted, not just on its own series but also across the entire gaming industry, is tremendous. There are nearly as many spin-offs and sequels derived from Final Fantasy 7 as there are primary games in the Final Fantasy series, and the ongoing remake trilogy of Final Fantasy 7 ensures that this subseries continues to thrive without any signs of slowing down.
1 Persona 5 Royal
Stealing Hearts
The “Persona” franchise has consistently been a significant player within the JRPG genre, yet “Persona 5” attracted unprecedented mainstream focus to the series. In this acclaimed game, players follow a band of idealistic adolescents as they strive to reshape society amidst a metaphysical struggle that carries consequences far beyond their understanding.
Persona 5 Royal enhances the iconic RPG with a wealth of new content, including brand-new characters and storylines. This culminates in a brand-new final dungeon and a battle more personal and intense than anything the Phantom Thieves have ever faced before. Persona 5 Royal blends JRPG combat with social management and some of the best character writing in the genre, and is absolutely not a game to be missed.
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2024-09-01 14:34