Top 20 JRPG’s of All Time, Ranked

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Choosing the best Japanese role-playing games involves considering how well they combine compelling stories, engaging battles, and deep gameplay systems that you can explore for a long time. It’s also important to look for versions that build on the original games with helpful improvements and are easy to enjoy now.

This countdown prioritizes games that are easy to find and the best versions available. For each game, we’ll explain what makes it great, how all the different parts work together, and where you can play it today.

20. Phantasy Star IV

This game, originally released for the Sega Genesis in 1993, concludes the initial storyline with quick, turn-based combat and a helpful system for automating complicated tactics. It blends science fiction and fantasy, combining space exploration with traditional dungeon adventures, and uses comic-style illustrations to highlight important story events.

Today, players can enjoy the game as part of the Sega Genesis Classics collection on various platforms, which now includes features like save states and the ability to rewind. It’s easy for new players to pick up thanks to its blend of tech-based abilities, combo moves, and quick progression, all while still offering a satisfying and complete story in a relatively short amount of time.

19. Bravely Default

In 2012, Square Enix brought back the classic job system in a Nintendo 3DS game, featuring a unique ‘Brave and Default’ mechanic. This allows players to save up turns for later or spend them immediately. The game’s diverse job options let you combine skills and abilities to create strong team combinations from the start.

Bravely Default For the Sequel improved how often you fight and included helpful features, and those improvements continued in future games. For the easiest experience, choose the 3DS version – it lets you control how fast battles play out and adjust how often random encounters happen, making it much easier to level up.

18. Tales of Symphonia

This popular game, originally released in 2003 for the GameCube, made fast-paced action combat accessible to more players. It features a unique battle system that feels like a classic side-scrolling fighting game. Players can link attacks into powerful combos, and success depends on skillful movement, blocking, and timing – especially when performing special team-up attacks.

The game is available on multiple platforms, but many players still prefer the original GameCube version for its smooth performance and quick controls. It features cooperative gameplay where a friend can control a separate character during battles. Plus, you can carry items and progress over to new playthroughs, letting you experiment with increasingly unique character builds.

17. Valkyrie Profile

Released in 1999 for PlayStation, this game by Tri Ace features a distinctive way of exploring levels – moving from side to side – and a battle system that relies on precise timing. Players control characters using each of the controller’s face buttons. The core gameplay involves finding and recruiting warriors through short stories, then deploying them to Valhalla to impact a war happening behind the scenes.

Careful planning of your path through the game is important because the game has a limited number of days, and your choices impact the story’s ending and open up access to challenging extra dungeons. The updated version of Valkyrie Profile Lenneth for PSP made it easier to replay and explore its complex dungeons and ensure you don’t miss anything, thanks to features like quick saving and the ability to play on the go.

16. Grandia II

Grandia II, released for Dreamcast in 2000, featured a unique turn order system called the Initiative Point timeline. This system displayed who would act next and even allowed players to interrupt enemy attacks with carefully timed abilities. Positioning was also key, as players could move characters to maximize area-of-effect attacks and dodge enemy strikes.

I was so glad they kept improving the game even after the initial release! The versions for PC and Switch look and run much better, but thankfully, they didn’t mess with the core combat that I loved. They also added Skill Books, which are awesome because you can really customize your characters with helpful boosts and new abilities. Plus, the game does a great job of showing you exactly what’s happening in fights, so it’s actually pretty easy to learn how to pull off those tricky combos and maximize your damage!

15. Fire Emblem Awakening

The Nintendo 3DS game Awakening, released in 2012, brought a fresh take to tactical Japanese role-playing games. Its Pair Up system lets you combine two characters in battle, sharing their strengths and allowing for powerful follow-up attacks. This system goes even further, letting characters marry and have children, which encourages players to carefully build and develop their teams over the course of the game.

For players who want to enjoy the strategy without the pressure of losing characters permanently, Casual mode offers a forgiving experience. Classic mode keeps the traditional, higher-stakes gameplay. You can also customize your characters extensively with reclassing options and a wide range of skills. Plus, downloadable maps provide extra training opportunities to suit how you like to play.

14. Lost Odyssey

Mistwalker’s 2007 game for Xbox 360 features traditional turn-based battles with a unique timing mechanic: hitting the right button as a circle shrinks boosts your attacks. The game has two types of characters – mortals and immortals – and immortals can learn skills from mortals, rewarding players for experimenting with different team combinations.

As you play through the ‘Thousand Years of Dreams’ short stories, you’ll unlock more content and learn about the characters’ histories. The game now runs better on newer Xbox consoles with faster loading and smoother performance, and the original four-disc version has been streamlined into one cohesive experience.

13. Secret of Mana

This action RPG, originally released for the Super NES in 1993, lets you control a team of three characters. It features fast-paced combat with easy-to-use ring menus for quickly switching equipment and spells. A stamina system rewards well-timed attacks, and upgrading weapons and magic unlocks new ways to explore and defeat bosses.

You can play the game with a friend locally, each controlling different characters throughout the entire story. While later editions received improvements like better graphics, the original SNES version and the Switch’s Collection of Mana still maintain the same satisfying timing and feel that make the combat so enjoyable.

12. EarthBound

Released for Super NES in 1994, EarthBound was a unique RPG set in modern-day locations. It featured psychic abilities and an innovative HP system where you could recover from deadly attacks with quick reflexes. Unlike many RPGs, enemies were visible on the map, allowing you to choose your battles, and the game could automatically win fights against weaker opponents to save time.

This game encourages careful planning when managing your items, and useful items actually feel impactful. Modern features like Nintendo Switch Online’s save states make the game more accessible, and a helpful hint system keeps you moving forward without needing to look up answers online.

11. Suikoden II

This 1998 PlayStation game lets you battle with a party of six characters, using special Rune magic and team-up attacks. You can customize your group’s strategy with a formation system. A key part of the game is finding and recruiting 108 unique characters, and if you played the original game, your save data will unlock even more story content.

The game features three different types of combat: traditional battles, focused one-on-one duels that require precise timing and anticipating your opponent’s moves, and large-scale strategic fights. The story changes depending on which characters you recruit and when, and building up your base unlocks shops and services that significantly impact how you advance in the game.

10. Xenogears

The 1998 PlayStation game from Squaresoft features a unique battle system. Players switch between fighting on foot with martial arts and piloting massive Gears. These Gears require fuel to operate and can be heavily customized with different parts like engines, frames, and accessories. As players fight, they unlock powerful special moves called Deathblows, and each customization choice offers both benefits and drawbacks.

Active Time Battle keeps the action moving as you build up powerful finishing moves and prepare defenses. Playing today is easier thanks to features like fast forward in emulators, which make long dungeons quicker to get through, and resources that help you learn special attacks without a lot of repetitive grinding.

9. Final Fantasy VI

This game, originally released for Super NES in 1994, gives each character their own special commands and uses Magicite to learn spells at varying speeds. After the initial story, the game opens up, letting you explore optional areas and complete character-specific quests in a non-linear fashion, rewarding players for venturing off the beaten path.

Over time, the game received updates like a monster collection and the ability to quickly save progress. The Pixel Remaster versions improved the game’s appearance and sound for newer devices. Players can create unique strategies by combining different relics, like focusing on dual-wielding or counterattacks. The Esper system lets you specifically boost important stats when characters level up.

8. Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne

Originally created for the PlayStation 2 in 2003 and updated since, Nocturne features a unique battle system called Press Turn, where hitting enemy weaknesses lets you take more turns. A key part of the game involves talking to and combining demons, and you can customize your character by equipping parasites called Magatama, which affect your stats, strengths, and available skills.

This updated version includes a hard difficulty, the ability to save mid-play, and several improvements to make the game more user-friendly. It still features the original alignment system that affects the story and leads to multiple endings. New optional bosses and a challenging labyrinth encourage players to build strong, strategic teams, and a refined skill inheritance system rewards thoughtful planning when creating fusions.

7. Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition

The open-world exploration style from Monolith Soft’s 2010 game made a comeback on Switch, featuring improved character models and a refined ending. Combat combines special moves with a system where players manage enemy attention and strategically chain attacks to create opportunities for powerful damage.

Affinity charts show how your relationships with people in towns and your party members grow, opening up new quests and helpful bonuses. You can also customize your character with gem crafting and skill linking for more complex builds. The game offers fast travel and easy quest tracking to help you navigate a lengthy story while still encouraging you to explore the world.

6. Final Fantasy XIV Online

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, which launched in 2013, features a flexible class system where players can easily change their character’s role. Combat focuses on mastering established patterns and understanding boss fights, and it’s easy to find groups for challenging content thanks to the game’s built-in matchmaking tools, available anytime.

The game receives major updates called expansions that add lengthy, story-driven adventures with new areas, challenging raids, and unique character classes. Plus, a generous free trial lets you experience a significant amount of the game without paying. Smaller, regular updates consistently add new dungeons, battles, and features like character customization and island exploration, providing a smooth progression for newcomers from the beginning of the story all the way to the highest levels.

5. Final Fantasy X

Released in 2001 for the PlayStation 2, this game features a unique turn order system that lets you see when each character will act. Instead of traditional leveling, it uses a ‘Sphere Grid’ – a board where you unlock stats and abilities. Experienced players can also choose an ‘Expert Grid’ for more customization options.

This updated version of the game looks much better with improved graphics and includes the international edition, featuring extra content like Dark Aeons and new abilities. Players can also enjoy optional challenges – such as the Monster Arena and unlocking powerful Celestial Weapons – and fun minigames, all of which add a lot of extra content without disrupting the main story.

4. Dragon Quest XI S Echoes of an Elusive Age

The S version enhances the game with improvements like quicker combat, an orchestral soundtrack, and a choice to play in a classic 2D style. Characters develop along specific skill paths, and you can create dependable equipment upgrades in the Fun Size Forge to help you between adventures.

The latest update introduces more story development for characters and rewards players who complete challenging bonus missions with strong new gear. Players can also customize their difficulty with “Draconian Options,” adding modifiers like stronger enemies or less experience to create a personalized challenge without needing to rely on external rules or restrictions.

3. Persona 5 Royal

As a huge fan of the original, I’m really excited about how Royal expands on it! They’ve added a whole extra semester to the school year, plus new characters you can get close to. The dungeons are totally revamped too – now you can grapple around and find hidden seeds. The battle system, which I already loved with its focus on chaining attacks and landing technical hits, is even deeper now. And the fusion system? It’s been completely updated, letting you control even more traits and how they’re passed down. It’s amazing!

As a huge fan, I love how everyday stuff you do in the game actually makes you stronger in battles! Building relationships and doing activities really boost your stats and help you level up your confidants. Plus, they’ve made life so much easier – things like automatically refilling your ammo after a fight are a lifesaver. And the boss fights? They’re way more balanced now, which means you *have* to try out different Personas and strategies, even right up to the very end. It really keeps things interesting!

2. Final Fantasy VII

This influential 1997 PlayStation game features a unique system called Materia, which lets you customize your characters by equipping weapons and armor with spells and abilities. The fast-paced combat keeps you engaged, and powerful Limit Breaks are earned by both dealing and receiving damage. Plus, there’s always plenty of optional content to discover.

Today’s versions of the game on Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC include helpful features like faster battle speeds and the ability to turn off random encounters, making it easier to play through again. The game takes place across several continents and features fun minigames, challenging boss hunts, and incredibly tough superbosses. Plus, the Materia system is still a quick and effective way to experiment with different character builds and strategies.

1. Chrono Trigger

Chrono Trigger, originally launched for the Super NES in 1995, features smooth, uninterrupted battles and a unique team-up system where powerful combined attacks depend on how you arrange your characters. The battle system emphasizes strategic character placement, and the game’s time travel mechanic means that actions taken in the past can impact the future.

The game offers multiple ways to finish and a New Game Plus feature for replayability. The DS and mobile versions include additional dungeons and a collection of enemy information. The music and character designs work well with the battles, and it’s easy to try out different strategies throughout the entire game, from beginning to end.

Share your own top picks for timeless JRPG adventures in the comments.

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2025-10-15 01:18