For a JRPG to be a classic, it has to be ahead of its time and also stand the test of time. Companies like to put out ports, remasters, or remakes to enhance the experience, which is great, from Final Fantasy 7 Remake to Persona 3 Reload. However, to get to the true gems of the golden era, no new additions will be looked at.
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The following games are still fun and impressive on the original hardware. That doesn’t mean the remasters and remakes are bad, or that they aren’t the best way to experience these JRPGs. It just means they don’t need any fancy enhancements to make them still feel modern, with very few caveats.
Parasite Eve
My Body Is Changing
Parasite Eve
- Released
- September 9, 1998
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Animated Violence, Mature Sexual Themes
- Genre(s)
- Horror, Action RPG
Parasite Eve set a new precedent for survival horror games by adding JRPG elements to the mix. As Detective Aya Brea, players will go around locations in New York City looking for mutating animals that will assuredly guide her to a being known as Eve, who is behind these paranormal occurrences.
In battle, players can move around freely, and then on their turn, they can use guns, melee weapons, or psychic powers, all of which have an area of effect. The only thing that is holding it back from being talked about more is how it’s trapped on old consoles.
Kingdom Hearts 2
Organizing Evil
Kingdom Hearts 2
- Released
- March 28, 2006
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Mild Blood, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Hack and Slash
Kingdom Hearts 2 is a big improvement over the original game, even though it infamously has a slow two-hour-long start. Beyond that, players will go around various Disney Worlds, all of which are connected by a mini-game involving a space shooter segment that is just as engaging as the action RPG elements.
In each Disney World, players can recruit other Disney characters to join the party, like Aladdin in Agrabah or Mulan in The Land of Dragons. Combat is more engaging between Keyblade combos, magic, and Sora’s new transformations, and platforming is also more tactile.
Suikoden 2
Building Your Kingdom
Suikoden II
- Released
- September 29, 1999
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Mild Violence, Suggestive Themes
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Suikoden 2 may have looked dated on the PS1 when it was released in 1999 in North America, and while it featured pixel graphics instead of impressive polygons, the artwork is what helps it stand the test of time. The uniqueness of the gameplay is also something to brag about.
Players will travel across the world looking for NPCs to join their budding kingdom to fight back against an oppressive regime. These hundred-plus recruitable characters can join in turn-based combat, or be shelved at home base to provide various tasks, and there’s nothing else quite like it beyond the other Suikoden games.
Mother 3
Japan’s Best Kept Secret
Mother 3
- Released
- April 20, 2006
- Developer(s)
- HAL Laboratory, Brownie Brown
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Mother 3 was released for the GBA in 2006, and despite it being ported to the Wii U and Switch natively in Japan, it has yet to be localized into English officially. Thankfully, dedicated fans solved this problem ages ago, and there’s a great translation waiting out there for EarthBound fans who wish to play this mysterious sequel.
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The GBA artwork is still impressive thanks to the bright colors, emotive monsters and NPCs, and the locations are interesting to explore, too. While it is a comedic JRPG, the turn-based combat is nothing to scoff at, as it uses a unique slot wheel when it comes to depleting ally HP.
The World Ends With You
Noise Canceling
The World Ends With You
- Released
- July 27, 2007
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
The World Ends With You was released first on the DS, and it is still one of the coolest JRPGs around. As Neku, players will be dropped into an alternate version of Shibuya in Japan, and will have to survive seven days by playing a game with entities known as Reapers. In each trial, Neku will be given a different partner, like Shiki.
Shiki and other allies will appear on the top screen in battle and can be controlled with the face buttons on the DS, while Neku’s actions are controlled via the touchscreen. The pop soundtrack is unreal, the fashion trends add to the gameplay, and the story is engaging to see how Neku grows as a character.
Fire Emblem Awakening
A Fiery Reawakening
Fire Emblem: Awakening
- Released
- February 4, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes
- Genre(s)
- JRPG, Strategy
Fire Emblem Awakening was the first Fire Emblem game that offered true replay value, as it was no longer a linear affair. Intelligent Systems smartly added a few quality-of-life features to give the franchise a boost, including a world map where players could engage in random battles that appeared to aid in grinding characters.
The bonding system between party members was also tweaked, adding a mechanic for couples to give birth to warriors through a spoiler-filled loophole. The wisest decision, though, was adding an easier mode along with cutting permadeath, as an option, which opened up the franchise for all, and it’s still fun on the 3DS as a tactical marvel.
Super Mario RPG: Legend Of The Seven Stars
A Silly JRPG
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
- Released
- May 13, 1996
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E For Everyone
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars was the first JRPG starring Mario, which was developed by the JRPG masters over at Squaresoft. While there is a prettier remake available on the Switch, the SNES original still holds up.
The story features classic characters, new allies, and old enemies teaming up to stop a bigger threat in the most expansive version of the Mushroom Kingdom of this era. The turn-based combat added active elements, like timing attacks and counters to get a boost. It’s short, funny, full of unexpected surprises, and a perfect way to spend a weekend.
Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels Of The Starry Skies
Play Your Way
Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies
- Released
- July 15, 2009
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels of the Starry Skies is a fully-fledged Dragon Quest game despite being on the DS. It’s one of the most replayable games in the franchise because of how players can engage with the world and combat. While there is a mainline story, players can create their character and the rest of their party too, or invite three friends to participate in exploring or the turn-based combat.
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The class system, called Vocations, added more value to the game as there was always something new to master, along with online drops that added new content like islands or weapons. Despite the online capacity being largely gone now, this portable entry is still a gem.
Final Fantasy 9
A Classic Love Letter
Final Fantasy 9
- Released
- July 7, 2000
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Violence, Mild Language
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
There are plenty of Final Fantasy games that stand the test of time with little caveats, but if there is one game that best represents what the series does well, Final Fantasy 9 is it. It’s one of the most impressive fantasy worlds thanks to the in-game models looking decent on the PS1, the various races that populate each kingdom, and the world overall feeling like it is lived in.
It’s a fun adventure that is light-hearted and dark at the same time, and the combat, while not as inventive as some other 90s JRPGs, is suitable for the action presented. It was a farewell to the classic era.
Chrono Trigger
Timeless And Trendsetting
Chrono Trigger
- Released
- March 11, 1995
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood
- Genre(s)
- RPG
For a game as classic as Chrono Trigger, it’s sad that Square Enix hasn’t taken better care of it between ports. If players are lucky enough to track down a SNES copy, they should buy it immediately, as it’s THE JRPG anyone new to the genre should check out.
The time-traveling aspect is wondrous, the combo-based battle system and accompanying music are invigorating, and the characters are all wildly different. Plus, there are no random encounters, and very little need to grind. It is, without a doubt, a JRPG ahead of its time that reached the peak but was humble about its magnitude.
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