You're probably right lol. Now that you mention it, I think they took many of those from a list made by Chatgpt.Nobody is qualified over there to do anything. They're all retarded
You're probably right lol. Now that you mention it, I think they took many of those from a list made by Chatgpt.Nobody is qualified over there to do anything. They're all retarded
Give me a list of the top 25 JRPGs. Criteria for "best" is subjective, but take sales, customer reception (not critic reception as there can be a bias among critics), industry impact, and word-of-mouth into consideration. Additionally, any games that are part of a series should only have the "best" game in the series. For example, Final Fantasy can only have a single game in this list. Final Fantasy V and Final Fantasy IV could not both be in this list. Finally, although JRPG is a fluid term, I mean this literally - as in JRPGs made in Japan, not RPGs made outside of Japan that have a JRPG look/feel to them.
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. |
Blue Dragon has no place in this list. It's mediocre.I gave the following prompt to ChatGPT:
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.
Is Expedition 33 a jrpg? It should be on here despite being french.
Edit: sorry for the necro lol
Classifying a game genre depending on the origin of the dev is insane.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.
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.
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."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.
No Anachronox? This list is garbage
No I won't discuss your AI slop.I gave the following prompt to ChatGPT:
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.
25 (including emulation, which for me counts).I have played 20 out of those 25 games.
Not bad.
Anachronox is a better JRPG than most of the games on that listThat is neither a good game or a JRPG?
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 ?
No I won't discuss your AI slop.
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.
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)
Ok Ok.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.
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).
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.
Seems normal to choose the superior Final FantasyLooks like they went with the "1 game per franchise" approach.
Still, they chose FFx instead of 7 or 9...
No it isn't. Play more games.Seems normal to choose the superior Final Fantasy
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(But seriously FFX is best FF)
No it isn't. Play more games.
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.
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...
25: Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne
24: Breath of Fire 3
23: Golden Sun
22: Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
21: Lost Odyssey
20: Star Ocean The Second Story
19: Bravely Default 2
18: Live A Live
17: Tales of Vesperia
16: Kingdom Hearts 2
15: Grandia 2
14: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
13: Xenogears
12: Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door
11: Octopath Traveler 2
10: The Legends of Heroes: Trails in the Sky
09: Pokémon Gold / Silver
08: Suikoden 2
07: Earthbound
06: Draogon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age
05: Xenoblade Chronicles 3
04: Metaphor Refantazio
03: Final Fantasy X
02: Persona 5 Royal
01: Chrono Trigger
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.![]()
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.You have all the right to not like FFX. I love it, you don't. That's fine.
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.
Because I feel it's personal preferences and you'll anyway say "No, it's a bad FF". But here's a try.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.