Japanese role-playing games have carved a massive space for themselves in the industry and continue to be coveted by many players. Players love the modern resurgence of this genre, allowing them to get their hands on some incredible modern JRPGs that do justice to this genre.
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This renewed interest in JRPGs is bound to excite fans when it comes to the genre's past. Some of these older JRPGs were unfairly lambasted at launch, and a replay will make it clear that these games are far better than fans give them credit for.
Final Fantasy 8
An Overhated Game That Is Way Better Than Fans Remember
Final Fantasy 8
- Released
- February 11, 1999
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
There's no denying that Final Fantasy 8's Junction System is poorly implemented, and the story features one of the most inane plot twists in the series. However, these are just minor faults that overpower the discussion about a game with so many positives.
Even now, the summoning animations are epic despite showing their age. Breaking the Junction System and turning characters into overpowered behemoths was pretty satisfying, and Squall's growth as a character is incredible and well-told to the point where fans who don't enjoy his personality at first will love his transformation into a leader everyone can count on.
Chrono Cross
Living In The Shadow Of Chrono Trigger Really Hurt This Title
Chrono Cross
- Released
- August 15, 2000
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Animated Violence, Mild Language
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Chrono Cross had big shoes to fill when it came out, which was no easy task. Chrono Trigger's greatness was always going to be hard to follow, and it didn't help that the sequel made so many changes that it didn't feel like a sequel at all.
This led to Chrono Cross being written off by many fans, but approaching it with a fresh perspective right now is highly recommended. The wide variety of playable heroes is fun to mess around with, the workarounds against the grinding problem were revolutionary, and the game has its own strengths that should be appreciated without being constantly compared to its lauded predecessor.
Persona 2: Eternal Punishment
Considered Inferior To Innocent Sin, But Is Still A Blast In Its Own Right
Persona 2: Eternal Punishment
- Released
- November 30, 2000
- ESRB
- t // Animated Blood, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
In many ways, Eternal Punishment lives in the shadow of Innocent Sin. Aside from the fact that the latter is mandatory to understand the story of the second part, many people find the story and character writing of Eternal Punishment to be somewhat inferior to Innocent Sin.
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As valid as these points may be, the improved gameplay should not be looked down upon. In fact, Eternal Punishment has its strengths and benefits from providing a proper conclusion to the overarching story of Persona 2, making it one of the best classic JRPGs in a series that evolved after the Persona 2 duology.
Koudelka
Despite Some Clunky Gameplay, The Atmosphere And Storytelling More Than Makes Up For It
Koudelka
- Released
- December 16, 1999
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- m
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror, Adventure
Before Shadow Hearts, there was Koudelka. As much as players wanted to get into this title, the gameplay was a bit too slow and challenging for some people to handle.
This sentiment may still remain in modern times, but the reward for enduring the title's turn-based combat is an incredible story, fun characters, and a riveting gothic setting. Controlling the heroes in their journey through this abandoned mansion makes for a great time and is perfect for fans who want more insights when it comes to the overarching lore of Shadow Hearts.
Final Fantasy Mystic Quest
A Simple JRPG That Is Perfect For Fans Who Want To Enjoy An Easygoing Adventure
Final Fantasy Mystic Quest
- Released
- October 5, 1992
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E For Everyone Due To Mild Fantasy Violence
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Final Fantasy Mystic Quest is a title made for American audiences that strove to make the gameplay as simplistic as ever. Combat was fairly simple, party members didn't overwhelm players, and the adventure played it pretty safe.
It's easy to see why fans of the Final Fantasy series who love the games' complexities found Mystic Quest to be somewhat of a dud. However, as long as players temper their expectations and seek out a simple, charming RPG, they'll find a lot to love about Mystic Quest.
Resonance Of Fate
The Overbearing Grays Of This Title Hide A Lovely, Eccentric Title
Resonance Of Fate
- Released
- January 28, 2010
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- JRPG, Fantasy, Narrative
Resonance of Fate is one of the hardest JRPGs fans can check out. The combat system is so complex that most of the tutorials must be sought after in the Coliseum, allowing players to gain an understanding of how the stylish gun combat works in this title.
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Even then, the eccentric story and the overuse of gray in this world may be hard to pay attention to. If players come to grips with the challenging combat, then they'll slowly but surely experience one of the most unique JRPGs of all time that wears its weirdness proudly on its sleeve, which says a lot given the oddities this genre usually has.
Breath Of Fire: Dragon Quarter
A Fun JRPG That Made So Many Changes To The BoF Formula That Fans Didn't Know What To Make Of It
Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter
- Released
- November 2, 2002
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- m
- Genre(s)
- JRPG, Strategy
More people would've warmed up to Dragon Quarter had it not marketed itself as a Breath of Fire game. The changes made to the gameplay were so major that BoF fans were incensed and didn't have anything positive to say about this title.
Thankfully, a long time has passed since Breath of Fire was a mainstay on consoles. With a fresher perspective, fans will love Dragon Quarter on its own merits instead of constantly comparing this title to past BoF entries.
Final Fantasy 13
Underneath All The Convoluted Lore And Linear Levels Is A Beautiful JRPG That Deserves More Love Than It Gets
Final Fantasy 13
- Released
- March 9, 2010
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Final Fantasy 13 is one of the most hated JRPGs of all time; there's no doubt about that. The fact that many people consider this to be the black sheep of the series is telling, but there's more to this title than what meets the eye.
The beautiful visuals of this title have aged like fine wine, and the lore (while overwhelming) shows the love put into crafting Final Fantasy 13's world. As grueling as it may be to get to Gran Pulse, the game opens up and turns into a satisfying Final Fantasy experience that doesn't restrict players anymore.
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