Summary
- Fifth-gen JRPGs like Chrono Cross, Grandia, and Final Fantasy 9 set a high standard for genre innovation.
- Vagrant Story's unique gameplay and setting make it an unmatched experience in the JRPG landscape.
- Parasite Eve's blend of survival horror and JRPG elements results in an eerie, atmospheric journey worth experiencing.
The fifth generation of video game consoles produced some absolutely incredible pieces of hardware, and these systems have remained some of the industry's most beloved. One genre of game that truly shone during this era was the JRPG, where players were treated to a literal avalanche of incredible role-playing experiences, as franchises like Final Fantasy would continue to dominate and new, innovative IPs like Parasite Eve would take their remarkable first steps.
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Across multiple home and handheld platforms, it was easy to find a great JRPG, as developers were keen to take advantage of the sensation that titles like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest had created. These games have been ranked based on their overall quality and importance to the JRPG genre, as well as their influence on the industry at the time of release.
Chrono Cross
Chrono Trigger Successor Is One Of The Fifth Generation's Most Incredible JRPGs
Chrono Cross
- Released
- August 15, 2000
WHERE TO PLAY
After the enormous critical success of Chrono Trigger on the SNES in 1993, Square was able to cultivate another compelling JRPG franchise that they could rely on moving forward. And to take advantage of the powerful fifth-generation hardware that had already powered classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy 7, Square put a new entry in the series into development for the PlayStation, which resulted in the stellar Chrono Cross in 1999.
While not a direct sequel to the 1993 classic, Chrono Cross does take place in the same world and is a worthy successor to the SNES game. It builds on what made that game so special in some amazing ways, and is still one of the fifth generation's most outstanding releases. It continued the popular trend of using pre-rendered backgrounds with 3D characters that the genre was known for at the time, and the art direction is simply spectacular, as it features one of the most beautiful video game worlds. The combat is sharp and engaging, and the cast continues to be some of the JRPG genre's most charming collection of heroes to this day.
Grandia
Sega Saturn JRPG Is Still One Of The Genre's Best
Grandia
- Released
- September 30, 1999
WHERE TO PLAY
After producing Lunar: Eternal Blue for the Sega CD, developer Game Arts continued to explore the JRPG market with Grandia, which they worked on for over two years until its completion in 1997. First launching for the Sega Saturn as a Japan exclusive, Grandia would finally see a release in the West in 1999, where it would go on to become one of the most incredible JRPGs that came out during the fifth generation of consoles.
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While most JRPGs of this generation used 2D pre-rendered backgrounds with 3D characters, Grandia did the opposite, as it featured 2D characters in a 3D world. It is still a beautiful aesthetic, and remains one of the era's most fascinating JRPG experiences. Grandia stars a young man named Justin on a quest to uncover lost civilizations, while being joined by an eclectic cast of heroes in one of the most compelling journeys of the fifth generation. Its combination of slick combat, remarkable music, and incredible world-building is still impressive.
The Legend Of Dragoon
First-Party Sony JRPG Stuns On PS1
Legend of Dragoon
OpenCritic Reviews
- Released
- December 2, 1999
- ESRB
- t
- Engine
- Syrup Emulation Engine
- Genre(s)
- JRPG, Adventure
- Platform(s)
- PSP, PlayStation 3
After witnessing the runaway success of Final Fantasy on their platform, Sony Computer Entertainment looked to take advantage of the burgeoning JRPG genre by creating their own IP in the form of The Legend of Dragoon. Spearheaded by the legendary Shuhei Yoshida, The Legend of Dragoon was a first-party JRPG for the PS1 that was developed by an in-house team at Sony, and has remained one of the console's most iconic games for the past two decades.
The Legend of Dragoon casts players as Dart, a young swordsman on a quest to prevent his world from being destroyed upon the return of ancient dragons. Combat in The Legend of Dragoon is simply amazing, as it separates itself from the pack by offering an interactive, engaging system revolving around button prompts during battles to extend the chain of attacks. It is one of the most compelling combat systems of the era, going on to influence contemporaries like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and others.
Final Fantasy 9
Final Fantasy Says Goodbye To PS1
Final Fantasy 9
- Released
- July 7, 2000
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Violence, Mild Language
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Engine
- Unity
- Multiplayer
- Local Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Final Fantasy
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Despite its uncertainty as a mainline entry before release, Square solidified Final Fantasy 9 as a core entry in 1999, positioning it as the swan song of the PS1 era and a fitting throwback to the franchise's historical roots. Described by series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi as his ideal Final Fantasy game, the ninth main entry in the series reflected on what made the series such a magical franchise for so long, and cultivated an increasing fanbase over the years that continues to be captivated by it over two decades later.
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Final Fantasy 9 follows Zidane and his friends as they attempt to help a princess named Garnet escape from power-hungry royal family members looking to spark a war between the nations. Combat is the best the franchise has felt on the PS1, and the overall aesthetic of Final Fantasy 9 is untouchable. It is a marvelous achievement in terms of game design, music, and art direction, feeling like one of the most complete JRPG experiences one can find in this generation. Rumors of a remake have persisted for years, but this classic PS1 JRPG is still worth revisiting today on any platform, as it is a flawless entry into the genre.
Vagrant Story
Innovative Action RPG Is Unmatched Today
Vagrant Story
- Released
- May 15, 2000
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Animated Violence
- Developer(s)
- Square
- Publisher(s)
- Square
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
- Platform(s)
- PS1
- How Long To Beat
- 25 Hours
In today's landscape, there is simply no game that exists like Vagrant Story. This hugely innovative action JRPG took a huge risk, as director Yasumi Matsuno strayed far away from the style that had defined the genre to this point, utilizing a system that relied less on methodical turn-based battles and more on high-energy encounters. It was a gamble that paid off, as Vagrant Story combined a complex tale of deception with slick combat and a robust customization system.
Set in the land of Ivalice, the massively popular Final Fantasy spin-off world, Vagrant Story explores the story of Ashley Riot, a Riskbreaker who becomes embroiled in a complicated conspiracy plot revolving around the murder of an archduke. Combat is insanely fun, as the Risk System remains one of the genre's most compelling mechanics and encourages an aggressive playstyle. Vagrant Story also features a hugely entertaining customization system, as the player can create and modify a huge number of weapons. It's a wonderfully unique experience that is in dire need of a new entry, as this innovative JRPG is still an absolute blast to play.
Parasite Eve
Intoxicating Blend Of Survival Horror And JRPG
Parasite Eve
- Released
- September 9, 1998
WHERE TO PLAY
Based loosely on the novel of the same name, Parasite Eve serves as a sequel with original characters and events, deftly combining the survival horror of Resident Evil with the JRPG trappings of Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. It was a bold move, but one that paid off brilliantly, as Square dusted off some discarded elements from Final Fantasy 7 to form the basis of Parasite Eve, a bio-horror detective story that sees NYPD officer Aya Brea attempt to stop the titular Mitochondria Eve from wiping out humanity.
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Its unique blend of survival horror, complete with inventory management and puzzle design, with turn-based JRPG combat, remains one of the genre's most compelling accomplishments. Parasite Eve is a truly fascinating game, as Aya's journey to stop the imminent end of human existence feels so eerie to play, as it is dripping with atmosphere and absolutely unreal vibes. Combat mixes magic with guns brilliantly, while the soundtrack by the legendary Yoko Shimomura is still some of the best in the history of the industry.
Valkyrie Profile
Addictive JRPG Set In Norse Mythology
Valkyrie Profile
- Released
- August 29, 2000
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Fantasy Violence, Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- Tri-Ace, tri-Crescendo, Tose
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Franchise
- Valkyrie Profile
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation (Original), PlayStation Portable
- How Long To Beat
- 30 Hours
Video games have often looked to ancient mythologies in order to influence their worlds, as franchises like God of War and Nioh have proven, but a unique JRPG known as Valkyrie Profile did so in spectacular fashion for the PS1 in the year 2000. Based heavily on Norse mythology, Valkyrie Profile chronicles the adventures of Lenneth, a member of the Aesir race, as the countdown to the prophetic destruction of the world known as Ragnarok looms.
While Valkyrie Profile largely concerns itself with the fate of the Norse world, it also manages to examine the smaller, more personal battles that are happening in the shadows of Ragnarok. In a game filled with as many characters as it has, it's shocking how well Valkyrie Profile allows them all to feel developed and meaningful. It combines honest, heartfelt storytelling with remarkable combat and a scope that is still impressive even over twenty years later. Flying through the world with Lenneth is still massively exciting, and the overall package remains one of the PS1's most fantastic experiences.
Final Fantasy 7
Iconic PS1 JRPG Sets The Standard For The Genre
Final Fantasy 7
- Released
- January 31, 1997
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Blood, Fantasy Violence, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Cross-Platform Play
- ps, pc
- Cross Save
- Players who have already started their adventure on iOS or Android can take advantage of cross-save capabilities
- Franchise
- Final Fantasy
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- yes
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation (Original), PC, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
- How Long To Beat
- 37 Hours
- X|S Optimized
- yes
- Supported VR Headsets
- Oculus Quest 2
There is perhaps no game that defines fifth-generation JRPGs as well as Final Fantasy 7, as this landmark release set the standard for the genre moving forward. It was the first showcase of Square's mastery of cutting-edge technology and their ability to infuse that with their traditional game design systems, as Final Fantasy 7 was one of the most cinematic, enormously complicated games of its generation. It casts a long, seemingly never-ending shadow, and has since spawned an entire franchise unto itself.
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Final Fantasy 7 is the tale of Cloud Strife, an amnesiac mercenary who finds himself in the middle of a conflict between a group of ecoterrorists named Avalanche and a sprawling empire known as the Shinra Electric Power Company. As the battle for Gaia's freedom transcends corporate destruction into something more personal between Cloud and his old rival Sephiroth, Final Fantasy 7 opens up into a larger world, as the exit from Midgar into the 3D world map is one of gaming's most legendary moments. Final Fantasy 7 is built on incredible combat, a complex story, and some of the most iconic characters in gaming, as it is one of the fifth generation's most memorable and beloved experiences.
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