The Best JRPGs On Xbox Consoles

The Xbox consoles were once about as synonymous with JRPGs as Nintendo machines are for violent FPS titles. They're still few and far between, to say the least, though the lineup is growing. It makes sense that this genre remains somewhat scarce, given Microsoft's lack of success in breaking into the Japanese market. Still, there's hope for Xbox fans who enjoy this delightful brand of role-playing games.

This list will draw from the small-but-growing pool of JRPGs on Xbox systems and highlight the best examples. Exclusives will be the focus, though nods will also be given to remasters and multiplatform entries that are truly notable.

Updated November 27, 2023 by Stephen LaGioia: As the Xbox brand becomes more seasoned and its hardware more appealing, it has seen a larger outpouring of JRPGs — even those of a more colorful anime-style bent.

Games like Elden Ring and Tales of Arise have sought to blur the lines between the East and West flavors of the genre, which has also benefited the Western-oriented Series X. With a growing number of great and diverse JRPG options on Xbox, we thought we'd revisit and add to this list.

21 Unicorn Overlord

20 Edge Of Eternity

19 Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth

18 Resonance Of Fate

Metascore: 74

Though it's not without its flaws and oddities, this JRPG "resonates" for its distinct blend of Eastern and Western influences, along with its flashy, inventive combat. Despite being overshadowed by heavy-hitters like Final Fantasy, this thrilling romp shines with a fun balance of action and strategy, coupled with an atmospheric steampunk setting.

The imaginative, gritty sci-fi themes, along with enjoyable shooting duels, make Resonance of Fate an underrated gem worth checking out.

17 Nier

Metascore: 67

Crafted by studio Cavia as a Drakengard spinoff, Nier has become a charming ARPG in its own right, with a rich open-world campaign that's held up well since its initial release over a decade ago. The range of dynamic locales is strengthened by a unique lineup of monsters that range from shadowy ghouls to robots.

The game holds plenty of familiar RPG staples of the modern era, though stands out for its blend of sci-fi and fantasy as well as a captivating story. While it's retained a cult following, a polished remaster in 2021 has captured the attention of more fans of the genre, complete with reworked combat and various QoL refinements.

16 Chained Echoes

Metascore: 90

Matthias Linda's Chained Echoes greatly captures that 16-bit RPG charm, with an experience that truly feels like an SNES or PlayStation RPG that never was. Players who embark on this pixelated epic will notice shades of Secret of Mana, Xenogears, and Final Fantasy 6 — which serve as clear sources of inspiration.

Yet, the game wipes a few more burdensome traits of that era, most notably random encounters. Combat balances a fairly standard turn-based system with a bit of strategy via Ultra Moves and an "Overdrive" meter that can overheat. The result is a rewarding battle system that doesn't feel overwhelming or repetitive.

The standard leveling system is also ditched in favor of skills, which can be beefed up through battles and skill point bonuses. This superb blend of retro styles and novel concepts has made Chained Echoes a top-tier JRPG by critics and fans alike.

15 Monster Hunter World

Metascore: 90

There's something quite satisfying about winning a long and hard-fought battle against a huge monster — and reaping the many rewards that come with it. This vast role-playing sequel captures this appeal better than most in the series, by leaning on traits that have enticed millions while adding and refining some areas.

Capcom offers a large interconnected world without load times, along with a more intuitive, user-friendly interface and mechanics, making it a great entry-level Monster Hunter. At the same time, the experience is as deep as it's ever been, with a near-endless slew of quests, customizable gear, and towering monsters to slay.

The online system is seamless and opens up the potential for even more epic journeys, with raids that can support up to 16 players.

14 Infinite Undiscovery

Metascore: 68

This relatively "undiscovered" RPG shines for its visual design, dynamic progression, and creative world-building. Though its busy, tactical real-time battles prove divisive, the game garnered a cult following on 360 following its 2008 release.

Infinite Undiscovery grips players with an enchanting plot involving a Moon-bound world. Regions bound to this lunar chain are plagued with blights, setting the stage for uniquely dramatic and memorable bouts. Clocking in at 90 hours for completionists, the game subtly injects a surprising amount of depth into this journey.

13 Blue Dragon

Metascore: 79

Given that this was one of the rare exclusive JRPGs for Microsoft's consoles and that it was helmed by Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, RPG fans on Xbox were intrigued upon hearing about it. Though it didn't quite live up to the expectations for many, Mistwalker's Blue Dragon proved a joyous journey overall.

The game fuses modern sensibilities with a more classic turn-based battle system that's both deep and accessible. The Final Fantasy influence can certainly be sensed when it comes to the combat, as well as the rich fantasy settings. Those seeking to break from the darker, grittier WRPGs that tend to populate Xbox would do well to give this rich, lighthearted romp a look.

12 Ys Origin

Metascore: 82

Similar to how Xbox never quite broke through in Japan, this established JRPG series hasn't found much traction in Western markets. It's surprising, as those who have discovered this hidden gem praise it for its depth, fun combat, and colorful settings.

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By  Saad Tahir

This ARPG is also a great starting point for those unfamiliar with the Ys universe, as it stands as a prequel taking place centuries before Ys 1: Ancient Ys Vanished. This captivating origin story proves tough to put down, with its real-time battles and sprawling dungeons.