You're probably right lol. Now that you mention it, I think they took many of those from a list made by Chatgpt.
The 25 Best JRPGs of All Time - IGN
- Thread starter adamsapple
- Start date
Naked Lunch
Member
Missing Vagrant Story and Final Fantasy Tactics.
Those games are still the standard for all others to be measured to me.
Those games are still the standard for all others to be measured to me.
IFireflyl
Gold Member
I gave the following prompt to ChatGPT:
Here is what it gave me:
Discuss.
Here is what it gave me:
| Rank | Game | Developer | Platform(s) | Why This Game Earned Its Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Final Fantasy VII | Square Enix | PS1, PC, Switch, etc. | Brought JRPGs into global mainstream; iconic characters, cinematic storytelling, and unmatched legacy. |
| 2 | Persona 5 Royal | Atlus | PS4, Switch, PC, etc. | Elevated the series to global popularity; stylish, narratively rich, and mechanically deep. |
| 3 | Chrono Trigger | Square | SNES, DS, PC, etc. | Timeless classic; innovative multiple endings, real-time combat, and legendary dev team. |
| 4 | Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age | Square Enix | PS4, Switch, PC | Peak of classic JRPG polish; modernized without losing the core of what defines the genre. |
| 5 | Xenoblade Chronicles | Monolith Soft | Wii, Switch | Saved its studio; huge open-world scale with deep combat and emotional narrative. |
| 6 | Tales of Vesperia | Bandai Namco | Xbox 360, PS4, Switch, PC | Most beloved "Tales" entry; strong cast, satisfying action combat, and replayability. |
| 7 | Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch | Level-5 | PS3, Switch, PC | Studio Ghibli's art with JRPG mechanics; emotionally resonant and visually stunning. |
| 8 | Fire Emblem: Three Houses | Intelligent Systems | Switch | Made Fire Emblem mainstream worldwide; mix of strategy and relationship sim exploded in popularity. |
| 9 | Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne | Atlus | PS2, Switch, PC | Cult classic with punishing difficulty and philosophical themes; breakout for the SMT brand. |
| 10 | Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver | Game Freak | DS | Best version of the most nostalgic Pokémon gen; dual-region and Pokéwalker made it a fan favorite. |
| 11 | The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC | Nihon Falcom | PSP, PC | The gold standard for slow-burn worldbuilding and character-driven JRPG storytelling. |
| 12 | EarthBound (Mother 2) | Ape Inc. / HAL Lab | SNES | Cult favorite due to its quirky humor, unique tone, and subversive narrative. |
| 13 | Suikoden II | Konami | PS1 | Political intrigue, memorable cast of 108 characters, and highly regarded story arcs. |
| 14 | Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana | Nihon Falcom | PS4, Switch, PC | Most polished action-JRPG in Ys series; tight gameplay loop and strong emotional payoff. |
| 15 | The World Ends With You | Square Enix | DS, Switch | Original battle system, modern setting, and unique visual flair gave it a cult following. |
| 16 | Bravely Default | Silicon Studio | 3DS | Return to classic turn-based design with modern twists; strong fan reception and job system. |
| 17 | Valkyrie Profile | tri-Ace | PS1, PSP | Norse-inspired world and experimental structure made it stand out; remains a cult favorite. |
| 18 | Blue Dragon | Mistwalker | Xbox 360 | Key title in JRPGs trying to expand beyond Japan; visuals and pedigree (Sakaguchi, Toriyama) turned heads. |
| 19 | Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete | Game Arts | Sega CD, PS1 | Early pioneer of animated cutscenes and voice acting in JRPGs; deeply nostalgic. |
| 20 | Radiant Historia | Atlus | DS, 3DS | Tightly woven time-travel narrative and turn-based combat earned it lasting praise. |
| 21 | Wild Arms | Media.Vision | PS1 | Western aesthetic, puzzles, and music made it a unique standout in PS1's JRPG era. |
| 22 | Phantasy Star IV | Sega | Genesis | Peak of Sega's pre-Saturn RPG output; strong sci-fi story with classic turn-based combat. |
| 23 | Star Ocean: The Second Story | tri-Ace | PS1, PSP, Switch (R) | Multiple protagonists, deep mechanics, and excellent replay value helped define PS1-era JRPGs. |
| 24 | Skies of Arcadia Legends | Overworks | Dreamcast, GameCube | Beloved for its high-seas adventure tone, airship battles, and optimistic charm. |
| 25 | Shadow Hearts: Covenant | Nautilus | PS2 | Cult hit with dark alternate history, memorable characters, and unique judgment ring combat system. |
Discuss.
Variahunter
Member
My list :
Bonus : Stella Deus (just for the Hitoshi Sakimoto OST, rest is ok/mid)
30. Pokemon RED/BLUE/YELLOW
29. Super Mario RPG
28. Romancing Saga 3 (did not finish though)
27. Mario & Luigi (GBA)
26. Xenoblade X
25. Romancing Saga 3
24. Paper Mario : TTYD
23. Zelda 2 The Adventure of Link
22. Illusion Of Time
21. Final Fantasy X
20. Bahamut Lagoon
19. Sweet Home
18. Secret of Evermore
17. Dragon Quest XI
16. Baten Kaitos / Baten Kaitos Origins
15. Terranigma
14. Ogre Battle 64
13. Final Fantasy XII
12. Paper Mario 64
11. Final Fantasy VII
10. Dragon Quest V
9. Tactics Ogre : Let Us Cling Together
8. Legend of Mana
7. Final Fantasy Tactics
6. Chrono Trigger
5. Earthbound
4. Vagrant Story
3. Dragon Quest VIII
2. Secret Of Mana (SNES)
1. Trials of Mana (SNES)
Bonus : Stella Deus (just for the Hitoshi Sakimoto OST, rest is ok/mid)
30. Pokemon RED/BLUE/YELLOW
29. Super Mario RPG
28. Romancing Saga 3 (did not finish though)
27. Mario & Luigi (GBA)
26. Xenoblade X
25. Romancing Saga 3
24. Paper Mario : TTYD
23. Zelda 2 The Adventure of Link
22. Illusion Of Time
21. Final Fantasy X
20. Bahamut Lagoon
19. Sweet Home
18. Secret of Evermore
17. Dragon Quest XI
16. Baten Kaitos / Baten Kaitos Origins
15. Terranigma
14. Ogre Battle 64
13. Final Fantasy XII
12. Paper Mario 64
11. Final Fantasy VII
10. Dragon Quest V
9. Tactics Ogre : Let Us Cling Together
8. Legend of Mana
7. Final Fantasy Tactics
6. Chrono Trigger
5. Earthbound
4. Vagrant Story
3. Dragon Quest VIII
2. Secret Of Mana (SNES)
1. Trials of Mana (SNES)
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Judge Magister
Member
Blue Dragon has no place in this list. It's mediocre.
KàIRóS
Member
Wow somehow I missed this thread, lol
I actually don't think it's a bad list at all, maybe I would change some places around but for the most part they chose games that do belong there, some choices for each franchise are questionable though like Trails in the Sky I assume they chose due to the Remake coming later this year cause choosing Sky over Azure is insane also Breath of Fire 3, Xenoblade 3 and Paper Mario over Super Mario RPG, really? but for the most part not a bad list considering the source.
I actually don't think it's a bad list at all, maybe I would change some places around but for the most part they chose games that do belong there, some choices for each franchise are questionable though like Trails in the Sky I assume they chose due to the Remake coming later this year cause choosing Sky over Azure is insane also Breath of Fire 3, Xenoblade 3 and Paper Mario over Super Mario RPG, really? but for the most part not a bad list considering the source.
KimDongHwan
Member
FFX all the way up
The Devil's Grocers
Neo Member
How does anyone put Infinite Wealth above Yakuza 7? Not only is Like a Dragon a much better game, it was the first time the series did anything new and fresh in probably a decade and IW only returns the series to the status quo of making the same game over and over again. I don't mind them reusing assets but they copy-paste every other part of the design, too. Is IW supposed to be better because it has an Animal Crossing village that sucks?
IFireflyl
Gold Member
No. The J in JRPG stands for Japanese. French =/= Japanese. Can whiskey made outside of Scotland be called Scotch? No. All Scotch is whiskey, but not all whiskey is Scotch. In the same vein, all JRPGs are RPGs, but not all RPGs are JRPGs. Where it was made is where we get the distinction.
Lunarorbit
Member
Did ign limit themselves to1 game from each series? Cause that's the only way this makes sense in my head
Yup he only picked 1 choice from each series.
Yup he only picked 1 choice from each series.
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Shadowstar39
Gold Member
Missing these. I would swap many with the following:
Legend of Dragoon
Vagrant Story
Vandel hearts 1 and 2
Parasite eve
Final fantasy 4, 5,6, 7 and 8
Ff tactics
Tactics ogre
Smt 5
Dq 8
Legend of Legia
Phantasy star 4
Persona 2
Lunar 1 & 2
Probably missing a bunch.
Legend of Dragoon
Vagrant Story
Vandel hearts 1 and 2
Parasite eve
Final fantasy 4, 5,6, 7 and 8
Ff tactics
Tactics ogre
Smt 5
Dq 8
Legend of Legia
Phantasy star 4
Persona 2
Lunar 1 & 2
Probably missing a bunch.
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DelireMan7
Member
Classifying a game genre depending on the origin of the dev is insane.
So if for some reason, a new Final Fanstsy is made in 2D calling back and homaging all the classics like FF6, 7 etc... is made by Microsoft, you would tell it's not a JRPG ?
Clair Obscur has all the elements of traditional JRPG. It's a JRPG. It's made by a French Dev but I don't see how this would change the genre of the game. (Imagine I tell you XX game is not a race game because it's not made by a *insert nationality* studio.)
Like Chained Echoes is a JRPG made by a German guy.
JRPG became a genre with time. It has nothing to do anymore with the origin of the dev.
Originally it was called like that because RPG from Japan were different from Western ones. Then it became a genre and anybody can make a game of this genre.
For food related comparison : Sushi is Japanese food. Made some outside of Japan, and it's still call sushi.
IFireflyl
Gold Member
"JRPG" = RPG made in Japan. That's it.
Everything else (combat system, art style, narrative structure, et cetera) is optional, not definitional. Trying to redefine the term as a genre separate from geography excludes real, historically acknowledged JRPGs. Western games mimicking Chrono Trigger are not JRPGs. They're JRPG-style games, but not JRPGs in the literal, original sense. My view is internally consistent and clear.
What is your definition of JRPG? This is where you're going to get into trouble. Everyone who uses a definition other than "an RPG made in Japan" has their own definition of what JRPG means. There is no internal consistency because it's completely arbitrary. When JRPG was first used it was geographical. You can't say it has morphed into a non-geographical genre when that supposed genre isn't clearly defined. "I'll know it when I see it," is a poor definition.
DelireMan7
Member
I agree that the definition is not strict (like many genre I would say.) but JRPG are party based game, a pretty straight forward experience/level up system. They also have the same usual cliché/trope in characters and story.
But as you said "I know when I see one" is more or less my definition. And I guess most of people know what it means.
The problem with "JRPG = RPG made in Japan", is that it tells you nothing on a game. By that Dark Souls is a JRPG, and it has nothing to do with what people expect from a JRPG. Go tell a fan a traditional JRPG "Go play Dark Souls it's a JRPG" and they might be pretty disappointed because it's completely different from the genre they like. In that case Sekiro is a JRPG because made in Japan and has some RPG elements.
If you use JRPG as a genre, you clearly define a type of game and most people will know what it is.
What genre is Clair Obscur for you ? And what genre is FFX ?
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Von Hugh
Member
That is neither a good game or a JRPG?
Branded
Member
No I won't discuss your AI slop.
SenkiDala
Member
25 (including emulation, which for me counts).
Anachronox is a better JRPG than most of the games on that list
IFireflyl
Gold Member
Clair Obscur: RPG
Final Fantasy: JRPG
Again, the definition I am using (which was the original definition before people tried to make it mean other stuff with no cohesion) is straightforward. I can't think of another established genre that can't properly be defined. We know what shooters are. We know what first-person shooters are. We know what isometric games are. We know what turn-based games are. We know what real-time strategy games are. The only genre people can't clearly explain is JRPG because people keep trying to change the definition of JRPG, and there has never been an established definition other than an RPG made in Japan.
Great addition to the thread.
DelireMan7
Member
RPG is a broad and global term. Clair Obscur, Baldur's gate, Elder Scrolls, Dark Souls are RPG but they all play and feel different .
There are then subgenres to define more precisely a game : CRPG, WRPG, ARPG, SRPG, JRPG.... And even with that it's not completely clear (there is different type of CRPG, JRPG, ARPG etc...). But it gives an idea.
Telling a game is a RPG, gives you little information. Just basically that there will be an experience and level up system. And a story.
Clair Obscur feels much more closer (for not saying the same) to a classic Final Fantasy than Baldur's gate or Elder Scrolls.
It's like comparing Gran Turismo and Mario Kart and say they are the same genre : racing game. It's technically true. But they are completely different type of game. So you define one as racing simulation and the other as a arcade racer (or whatever, I am not into racing game).
I don't really get why the country of origin would change a genre.
Edit: genre is based on how the game play,which mechanics is in and how it feels.
If I present a RPG (that plays like a classic JRPG, let's say FF)but somehow you had no info on its dev, you wouldn't call it a JRPG ? You would need the confirmation it's from Japan first ? (While it will not change anything on how the game play)
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IFireflyl
Gold Member
I am not sure why you are arguing with me. I responded to someone else who asked a question, and I stated that the original meaning of JRPG was an RPG made in Japan, and that is how I define a JRPG. You're acting like I'm crazy, but I would think that everyone slinging around "JRPG" with no clearly defined meaning are the ones people should be doubting. I don't care if you disagree with the original meaning that I still adhere to. You're not going to win a subjective argument on the Internet.
DelireMan7
Member
Ok Ok.
It was just curiosity. I agree that originally JRPG was RPG from Japan. Then with time it became a genre.
I understood you said it's not a genre. Just define the origin.
But when I ask you what genre was FF you said JRPG so maybe I missunderstood.
I don't want to win an argument. I just had the impression you were saying that the JRPG is a genre of game that is define by the origin country of the studio which make no sense to me. (Like I can't really process the info with my mind because it sounds illogical to me)
I just wanted to understand your thought process for it.
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Miyazaki’s Slave
Gold Member
JRPG...as in the game must be a role playing game and must be developed in Japan.
Fine...
Final fantasy X is not a great JRPG...it isn't even a great Final Fantasy game (compared to all main line FF games...search your feelings you KNOW this to be true).
FF6 or FF9 (hell I'll even allow FF7) wipes the floor with FFX.
There is no legend of dragoon on this list.
There is no FF Tactics (org or advanced)
There isn't even a Mana game on this list...
You know what...this list is bad and it should feel bad.
Fine...
Final fantasy X is not a great JRPG...it isn't even a great Final Fantasy game (compared to all main line FF games...search your feelings you KNOW this to be true).
FF6 or FF9 (hell I'll even allow FF7) wipes the floor with FFX.
There is no legend of dragoon on this list.
There is no FF Tactics (org or advanced)
There isn't even a Mana game on this list...
You know what...this list is bad and it should feel bad.
IFireflyl
Gold Member
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Daniel Thomas MacInnes
GAF's Resident Saturn Omnibus
CTRL-F "Panzer Dragoon Saga"
Turns around, walks out, Grandpa Simpson style.
I can't remember if I've done this joke before, so kindly excuse me.
Turns around, walks out, Grandpa Simpson style.
I can't remember if I've done this joke before, so kindly excuse me.
Dacvak
No one shall be brought before our LORD David Bowie without the true and secret knowledge of the Photoshop. For in that time, so shall He appear.
21 out of 25 of these games are garbage. Also, where the hell is Expedition 33? That should be number 1 or 2.
And yes, I know it's not a "J"RPG, but yes it is.
And yes, I know it's not a "J"RPG, but yes it is.
Hollywood Hitman
Gold Member
No FF6?
genesisblock
Member
Final Fantasy VII had a remake for crying out loud. And it didn't even make the list?
DelireMan7
Member
Werewolf Jones
Member
No it isn't. Play more games.Seems normal to choose the superior Final Fantasy
(But seriously FFX is best FF)
EDIT: Also laughing at trying to get the French WRPG inspired by JRPGs into the JRPG category. It's not a Japanese game so it's never going to be listed.
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DelireMan7
Member
Many list of "Great JRPG" already include games like Clair Obscur or Chained Echoes. Actually just google "JRPG game" and on they are on the list.
Anyway I don't really mind list of X or Y website. I know what is a JRPG is for me and when I said Clair Obscur is a turn based JRPG to some friends, they immediately get what type of game it was. As probably any gamers out there would.
I find it funny to refuse to call a game JRPG but instead "French WRPG inspired by JRPG"
EDIT : Play FF6, 7, 10 12, 15 and 16. For me FF10 is above them all. Personal preferences...
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Werewolf Jones
Member
It's not a JRPG but because you like it you're delusional.Many list of "Great JRPG" already include games like Clair Obscur or Chained Echoes. Actually just google "JRPG game" and on they are on the list.
Anyway I don't really mind list of X or Y website. I know what is a JRPG is for me and when I said Clair Obscur is a turn based JRPG to some friends, they immediately get what type of game it was. As probably any gamers out there would.
I find it funny to refuse to call a game JRPG but instead "French WRPG inspired by JRPG"
EDIT : Play FF6, 7, 10 12, 15 and 16. For me FF10 is above them all. Personal preferences...
I mean that's cool but FF X is a mediocre RPG that's a straight line which is quick to reuse enemy models, awful side quests and a story that doesn't really make a whole lot of sense but yes it's better than FF VI and VII.
archangelmorph
Gold Member
This editor is like 12 years old right?
Any JRPG list that doesn't rank with either
1. Final Fantasy VII (original)
2. Xenogears
3. …
Or
1. Xenogears
2. Final Fantasy VII (original)
3. …
Is hopelessly and infinitely naive and lacking in every possible permutation of credibility…
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DelireMan7
Member
You have all the right to not like FFX. I love it, you don't. That's fine.It's not a JRPG but because you like it you're delusional.
I mean that's cool but FF X is a mediocre RPG that's a straight line which is quick to reuse enemy models, awful side quests and a story that doesn't really make a whole lot of sense but yes it's better than FF VI and VII.
For Clair Obscur, I don't see how the fact that I like it or not should impact the way I call it. I would still call it JRPG even if I didn't like it.
Werewolf Jones
Member
Why does every FF X fan never have a counter argument? Almost like you know I'm telling the truth. I haven't even played Expedition 33 but it's simply not a Japanese RPG. Also Dark Souls is a JRPG btw.
DelireMan7
Member
Because I feel it's personal preferences and you'll anyway say "No, it's a bad FF". But here's a try.
I find the story to be well done with Tidus being an outsider to this world centered around religion where nobody question it. Tidus came questioning everything and eventually came to make people around him questioning their believes.
They completely break their centuries old tradition to change their world.
Yuna character is incredible. She knows her pilgrimage means her death but she's ready to sacrifice herself for it. She wants to see the good in the world and remember the good part and laughs (The infamous laugh scene is incredible. I know it's a meme now without context, but I love this scene).
The love story between Yuna and Tidus works very well.
Overall I find the party dynamic to work very well (except Kimari).
Gameplay wise : I love the true turn based system. I was not a fan of the ATB of VI and VII, just as the feeling the game is stealing me time when I choose my command.
I like the simple, but still strategic, (manipulating turns order, swapping, OD management) nature of the system. Also the flexibility to swap character in and out is great. Same for weapons.
A lot of weapons and gears customization. Also the sphere grind (expert) is a new nice way to level up and personalize your character compare to previous automatic level up.
Don't want to go further because a lot of enjoyment for games for me it's rather feeling than concrete stuff.
FFX feels really special to me. Its characters and story connects well with me.
EDIT : Blitzball is an incredible minigame for me. Better than anything, aside of maybe the fishing minigame in FFXV, in other FF I've played.
Also on linearity : yes the dungeon are linear corridors. Don't know what to say about that other that's I don't think linearity is a bad thing. It doesn't bother me.
On Dark Souls is a JRPG. My answer is obviously not.
But we have a different definition so it's pointless to argue on that.
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