JRPGs can be a bit of a rigid term, since it mainly describes role-playing games made in Japan that fit within a certain template. However, that does a disservice to many JRPG-inspired games made in the West that don't necessarily come under this moniker in a literal sense.
7 Best Action JRPG Games That Let You Play Your Own Way
The more open-world, flexible RPGs aren't as common from the Land of the Rising Sun, but are becoming moreso. These are among the best.
However, these JRPG-inspired games still deserve to be compared to the GOATs of this genre, allowing fans to enjoy some of the best stories and combat they can enjoy in a video game with tactical battles and epic scope.
Sea Of Stars
The Beautiful Pixel Art Helped This Game Stand Out
Sea of Stars
- Released
- August 29, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Despite some issues with repetitive combat and a story that may hit the right notes with everyone, Sea of Stars boasts such amazing visuals that fans can't help but be in awe of what they get to look at as they play through this title. Taking on an alchemist and preventing the villain's plans of world domination from taking shape makes for a great time.
The gorgeous visuals ensure that players can spend a ton of time in this incredible turn-based RPG. The combat mechanics are familiar, and the presentation values ensure that Sea of Stars will leave a lasting impression on players.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Inspired By Classic JRPGs With Real-Time Inputs To Keep Combat Fresh
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Released
- April 24, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Turn-Based RPG, JRPG, Fantasy
Clair Obscur is one of the greatest video games ever made that came out of nowhere. A bunch of people (some of whom had little to no experience in the video game industry) came together to craft an incredible turn-based RPG with a unique setting and tantalizing gameplay.
The amazing environmental design, fun combat, and memorable characters ensure that Clair Obscur will leave a lasting impression on players. The platforming is pretty much the only thing players can criticize in an otherwise flawless experience that is clearly inspired by JRPG classics like Final Fantasy 10.
Chained Echoes
The Chrono Trigger Inspirations Are Clear As Day
Chained Echoes
- Released
- December 8, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M17+ For Mature 17+ Due To Sexual Themes, Strong Language
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Players who want to check out a modern JRPG-like game that pays homage to the likes of Chrono Trigger will love what Chained Echoes brings to the table. Not only does this game honor the classics, but it also ensures that players don't settle into certain bad habits they've picked up from other JRPGs.
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These JRPGs deliver compelling tales and vibrant worlds, perfect for players who crave rich storytelling.
Grinding isn't a thing in this game, ensuring that players surpass challenges based on pure skill alone. The overdrive meter ensures that players build up to special attacks without letting it gestate for too long, since it can overheat, ensuring that players will engage in a delicate dance in every combat encounter where they can't stick to safe strategies for too long.
The Lord Of The Rings: The Third Age
A Final Fantasy 10 Clone That Had No Business Being So Good
The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age
- Released
- November 2, 2004
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T // Blood, Mild Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Players who want to check out a game by Western developers that was clearly inspired by Final Fantasy 10 will love what The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age brings to the table. The fact that many people consider it to be one of the best LotR games ever made speaks volumes when it comes to the game's quality.
The familiar combat and excellent retelling of the storyline in the films ensure that players will have a blast with The Third Age. It may not be the most polished turn-based game players can get their hands on, but even players who aren't nostalgic about this title will find a ton of things to like about The Third Age.
South Park: The Stick Of Truth
Does Justice To A Beloved IP And Combines It With Gameplay From Super Mario RPG
South Park: The Stick of Truth
- Released
- March 4, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Mature Humor, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Players who want to check out an adult game with combat reminiscent of Super Mario RPG will have a blast with The Stick of Truth. This South Park game looks so authentic that players will feel like they're in an extended episode.
The combat features turn-based commands with real-time inputs to block attacks and maximize the damage of certain moves. It's relatively simple and ensures that players won't be bogged down by too many complexities, especially since the over-the-top humor is what takes center stage in a South Park game, where both Trey and Matt had a major role to play.
LISA: The Painful
A Hilariously Dark RPG With Compelling Turn-Based Combat
LISA: The Painful
- Released
- December 15, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Lisa: The Painful is one of the funniest RPGs players can get their hands on... And also one of the more depressing ones in the genre, too. This may sound like an odd combination, but the dark humor of Lisa: The Painful hides many disturbing elements that kick its story into high gear.
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These classic JRPG series had strong stories, gameplay, and worlds that would shine with modern remakes or sequels.
Brad is far from a good guy, but players will still aid him in his quest to rescue his adoptive daughter, who just so happens to be the only female in a post-apocalyptic world devoid of women. Along the way, players can recruit a ton of characters and form a ridiculously large party, even if most of these partners are disposable.
Anachronox
A Great JRPG-esque Game That's Criminally Underrated
Anachronox
- Released
- June 27, 2001
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Third-Person Shooter
Anachoronox is easily one of the most overlooked video games of all time that more people need to check out. It's a shame that this sci-fi adventure didn't get more attention, especially since it's clearly inspired by the brilliant Final Fantasy 10.
Controlling a private investigator down on their luck and amassing a group of companies makes for a great time in this high-stakes plot. The fun gameplay, memorable characters, and a riveting narrative ensure that Anachronox will leave a lasting impression on players.
Omori
A Psychological Horror RPG That Features Fun Turn-Based Combat And A Story For The Ages
OMORI
- Released
- December 25, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
One of the scariest RPGs players can get their hands on, Omori manages to be both endearing and horrifying in equal measure. Sunny and his friends have clearly gone through a lot as players control the hero just when he's about to shift and leave the home he grew up in.
Sunny became a hikikomori after certain events and receded to the realm of Headscape to escape normal life over and over again. However, it's clear that he's repressing some trauma, leading to one of the most mind-blowing plot twists in the game that will leave fans hooked.
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These stand-out Western RPGs deliver some of the best storytelling around with their focused, linear narratives leading the charge.