Summary
- Phantasy Star 4 is an underrated classic in the JRPG genre that deserves more recognition.
- Panzer Dragoon Saga successfully transitioned from a shooter to a top-tier JRPG on Sega Saturn.
- Golden Sun combines classic JRPG gameplay with unique puzzle-solving elements, making it a must-play.
Not all JRPGs end up being remembered as certified classics. For every Final Fantasy smash-hit, there's a Star Ocean title that deserves way more love than it gets.
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As a result, there are times when players may miss out on some great JRPGs simply because they didn't break into the mainstream quite like some of the genre's heavy hitters. If fans of the JRPG genre haven't checked out these amazing role-playing games from Japan, they're doing themselves a great disservice.
Phantasy Star 4: The End Of The Millennium
The Best Game In The Series For Many Fans
Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium
- Released
- December 17, 1993
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Phantasy Star 4 is one of the greatest JRPGs of all time and the best title in a series that wanted to compete with the likes of Final Fantasy. However, since this series is a Sega exclusive, many fans missed out on this incredible title, and on the series in general.
The lack of innovation in this JRPG, when compared to its predecessors, led to this title being forgotten in favor of other, bigger games in the genre. However, over time, fans have warmed up to Phantasy Star 4, with many people finally appreciating its brilliance. It's still doesn't get the recognition it deserves, and JRPG fans who are looking for a retro experience they aren't familiar with would do well to check this one out.
Panzer Dragoon Saga
A Successful Attempt To Turn This Shoot-'Em-Up Franchise Into A Hard-Hitting JRPG
Panzer Dragoon Saga
- Released
- January 29, 1998
- Developer(s)
- Team Andromeda
- Publisher(s)
- Sega
- Genre(s)
- RPG
The Panzer Dragoon series was mainly made up of shoot-'em-ups where players rode dragons into battle. However, with the JRPG genre booming following the success of Final Fantasy 7, Sega realized that it this IP was perfectly suited for the deeper experiences offered by the JRPG genre.
This led to the creation of Panzer Dragoon Saga, one of the best JRPGs on the Sega Saturn. Unfortunately, the game's exclusivity means that modern fans are still missing out on a certified classic. Panzer Dragoon Saga needs a remake sooner rather than later, especially with the interest in JRPGs being higher today than ever before.
Golden Sun
Combines Classic JRPG Gameplay With Puzzle-Solving Elements By Manipulating Djinn Powers
Golden Sun
- Released
- November 12, 2001
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Golden Sun is one of the most imaginative JRPGs of its generation. It combines the classic gameplay of the genre with puzzle elements to make both exploration and combat feel engaging and unique.
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Players can mix and match various types of Djinn to unlock classes with unique powers. It's genuinely one of the best GBA games, and Nintendo ignoring this franchise time and time again means that more fans are forgetting this amazing JRPG that deserves more time in the spotlight.
Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga
One Of The More Underrated SMT Spinoffs
Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga
- Released
- July 15, 2004
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language, Sexual Themes
- Genre(s)
- RPG
The SMT series is known for its high number of spinoffs. Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga is one such duology that is more approachable than the hardcore mainline franchise. It's genuinely one of the best PS2 JRPGs on the market, with an epic digital setting that's surprisingly riveting.
Players should probably check out both games in this spinoff series for the full Digital Devil Saga experience. The sequel is an even better experience that ties together the epic story with a neat little bow. It's a shame that people don't talk about the Digital Devil Saga duology all that often, since they're missing out on something truly special.
The Legend Of Dragoon
The Definition Of An Underrated JRPG Classic
The Legend of Dragoon
- Released
- June 14, 2000
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Animated Blood, Violence
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
The Legend of Dragoon is a classic PS1 JRPG that's as old-school as it gets. A ton of random encounters, dragoon transformations, and a high fantasy story that hits all the right notes are all reasons why players love this game so much.
The addition of QTEs ensures that the turn-based combat isn't passive, and players are incentivized to nail button prompts for increased damage. This ensures combat is more satisfying and action-packed, making it a treat for fans who have slept on this title for far too long to experience.
Skies Of Arcadia
Embark On A Journey As A Sky Pirate In This Epic JRPG
Skies of Arcadia
- Released
- October 5, 2000
- ESRB
- t // Mild Animated Violence, Suggestive Themes
- Publisher(s)
- Sega
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
While Skies of Arcadia could've lost its relevancy after being a Dreamcast exclusive, the subsequent GameCube port did a great job of attracting more eyes to the game. Even with that increase in popularity, this sky pirate JRPG is still criminally underrated.
More people need to check out Vyse's adventures as he saves the world from evil forces plotting to get their hands on incredibly powerful weapons. Once this game grabs hold of a player's attention, it never lets go. Between the great combat and exciting story, this is a JRPG that deserves a lot more recognition than it gets.
Parasite Eve
A Short, Sweet Horror JRPG With Copious Amounts Of Body Horror
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
Unlike most traditional JRPGs of the ear that featured lengthy plots and massive parties set in fictional settings, Parasite Eve bucked this trend by letting players exclusively control Aya Brea in a short, tightly-paced horror adventure set in New York City.
The body horror of this game will take players by surprise as they try to stop Eve and prevent her obsession with the perfect being from destroying all of humanity. The unique combat combines real-time and turn-based elements, with the ambitious plot ensuring that players will be hooked on this relatively short yet epic adventure.
Breath Of Fire 3
Considered By Many To Be The Best Breath Of Fire Game
Breath of Fire 3
- Released
- September 11, 1997
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Breath of Fire is easily one of the most overlooked JRPG franchises of all time. While every entry in this series is worth a mention, fans consider Breath of Fire 3 to be objectively superior in every way.
The excellent presentation and fun combat ensured that this charming JRPG would leave a lasting impression on fans. The soundtrack is the only blight on an otherwise flawless experience, and it's a shame that many JRPG fans haven't played the best Breath of Fire game for themselves.
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