What modern JRPGs should you play? Find out!
Japanese RPG (JRPG) is one of the oldest genres in the gaming industry, and yet it is still considered as one of the most popular genres for gamers to play. Known for being highly immersive, JRPGs usually take 40 to 60 hours to complete because of their deep lore, multiple side quests and subplots, and amazing narrative. Moreover, most of the soundtracks are always memorable and captivating, and a great example of that is the victory soundtrack of the mainline titles of Final Fantasy. It is iconic.
If you have not played any JRPG because you do not know which game to play due to the plethora of choices in the market, then we are here to help you find your first JRPG.
25. Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin (PC, Nintendo Switch)
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a spinoff title for the Monster Hunter franchise. However, this does not mean that it is made to be a simple cash grab. It is actually developed to be a different way to introduce the Monster Hunter franchise to players, who may not prefer the mainline series because this game has gameplay mechanics much closer to a traditional turn-based JRPG.
Instead of hunting monsters, you play as a rider, specifically a descendant of the legendary Rider named Red. As a rider, you tame and befriend monsters to become your companion. Each Monstie has different stats, strengths, weaknesses, and skills. Of course, you will fight alongside your Monsties, hence, you will equip your own armor and weapon to fend off the monsters.
Story-wise, it begins with the vanishing of many Rathalos around the world, and you will meet a Wyernian girl who is guarding a Rathalos egg. It is about discovering and learning the reason why the Rathalos are disappearing, and why many monsters are raging across the world.
24. Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth: Complete Edition (PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC)
For years, the Digimon series has been at the back seat while Pokémon dominated the monster RPG games. However, Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth: Complete Edition is a more mature take on the genre. It is basically a 2-in-1 game as it consists of the original Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth game and its follow up, Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth - Hacker’s Memory.
Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth: Complete Edition inserts you between Tokyo and the virtual world of EDEN. In the first game, you play as a character who somehow transforms into a half-digital person, and the main story revolves around how to get your physical self back while traveling between two worlds. In the sequel, Hacker’s Memory, you were hacked and were accused of a crime you did not commit, and thus, you make your way investigating who stole your account.
With over 300 Digimon to collect and evolve, it definitely has so much replayability in store for you. Besides, you do not catch them like Pokémon, and instead you have to fight them multiple times until you reach 100% of their code so you can replicate them as your own.
Honestly, it should be a sure buy if you grew up watching or playing Digimon games back then because this is currently the pinnacle of the series, which is tons of fun to play with so much replayability and content.
23. Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout (PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch)
Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout is your typical coming-of-age game about friendship and growing up together. You play as Ryza, who is an ordinary village girl on Kurken Island. She wants to try to discover new things with her friends, and one day, she meets an alchemist that taught her how to be an alchemist herself, and thus, starts the journey of their lives and discovers things that they would never find out if they stayed put on their island. It sounds cliche, but it is how the story develops throughout your journey in the game.
However, the gameplay is the one that made this game a lot more fun considering the developers, Gust, overhauled both the combat system and alchemy system in the game. The previous entries may have a more complex alchemy system, but Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout has a more streamlined alchemy system which in turn became easier to be immersive without being too complex.
22. Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Nintendo Switch)
Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy is a direct sequel to Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout, and the story occurs 3 years later after the ending. Ryza will be going on another adventure with her friends, and they will encounter and meet a strange new creature that will be a part of their journey.
If you enjoyed playing the first game, then this is certainly something you would want to be included in your collection. Of course, it follows the same gameplay as the first game but with improvements and new features added on top such as diving underwater, climbing walls by using plants, and using magic ropes to travel between areas.
The combat system has been improved and has taken to become more action-oriented as well, while the alchemy system has also seen new features such as the Linkage Synthesis where it allows players to create new and unique items.
21. Ys IX: MONSTRUM NOX (PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch)
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is the ninth installment of the Ys series. You may play as any of the six Monstrum, whose skills are widely different from each other.
It is an action JRPG, and thus, fights are more engaging and fast-paced than the usual turn-based combat system that we are already very familiar with as you can switch characters in the middle of your combo to deal more devastating attacks and create your own playstyle.
On top of that, the game utilizes platforming to explore areas, which is rather innovative as you can explore places you usually cannot access to on other JRPGs.
A fun fact for this series is that it is as old as Final Fantasy as both series released their first game in 1987. Although the Ys series does not have the cultural impact that we got from Final Fantasy, their games are still very enjoyable to play.
20. Fuga: Melodies of Steel (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Nintendo Switch)
Fuga: Melodies of Steel is the fourth title of the Little Tail Bronx series, which is known to feature anthropomorphic animals. It may sound cute on paper, and it actually does look cute when you see the characters, but the story is actually the opposite considering the war-torn premise of the game.
You play as children in this game who are forced to board a tank to save their lives when their peaceful village is destroyed. The tank, the Taranis, will also be the new home of the children, and you can communicate with them by exploring the tank and interacting with them. Knowing their stories will bring the empathy out of you as they are forced to defend themselves from several enemies in the game.
Choosing between difficult choices is another focal point of the game as you travel across the map, you are sometimes given an option which route to take. Either choice will either lead to better loot with harder difficulty, or a safer route with average loot.
The combat system is turn-based against different war machines, and there is a twist that may be a little bit too tough to decide on, as you have a choice to sacrifice one of your crew members when their life is almost zero, and in return, you can shoot a very powerful blast to save others.
This is truly a heart wrenching game, but one that is worth playing.
19. Astral Chain (Nintendo Switch)
Astral Chain is a hack-n-slash action JRPG, but its gameplay mechanics are more focused on the former as it is developed by the ones who created Bayonetta. The game is set in the far future in a post-apocalyptic Earth where interdimensional aliens have invaded it successfully.
You play as a detective from a special police task force called the Neuron, and to fight back, you utilize an item called “Legion” that links you to a subservient alien. As you help the remnant of humanity against the invaders, you will also gain access to travel to the Astral Plane, which is basically traveling to a different dimension where the invaders come from and solve puzzles.
As developed by PlatinumGames, Astral Chain is heavily combat oriented and it is real-time, thus, completing combos is necessary to maximize your damage towards your enemies.
I highly recommend getting this game as a support so there will be a higher chance to get a sequel in the near future.
18. NI NO KUNI™ II: REVENANT KINGDOM (PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch)
NI NO KUNI™ II: REVENANT KINGDOM is the second game in the Ni No Kuni series, and it is also a sequel to the first game. However, the story is set hundreds of years after the events of the first game, so it does not matter if you have played it or not. (We highly recommend you to do so, though)
Visually, Ni No Kuni series is known for having a very good art style, and if you are a fan of Ghibli Studio then you are in for a treat as the cutscene and the game overall design are inspired by Ghibli's previous works. Of course, it is due to the help of Ghibli Studio as they collaborate closely with the developers, Level-5.
The story is your typical Isekai genre where someone from Earth named Roland Crane gets transferred to a fantasy world in the kingdom of Ding Dong Dell. He becomes good friends with Evan Pettiwhisker Tildrum, a child and heir of the kingdom.
NI NO KUNI™ II: REVENANT KINGDOM’s battle system is action-oriented and fast-paced where players can freely roam the battlefield as you battle your enemies. Additionally, players can also manage Evan’s kingdom, which gives the game a little bit of a simulation aspect.
17. TRIALS OF MANA (PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch)
Trials of Mana is a remake of the 1995 SNES title of the same name. They completely transitioned the remake to a complete 3D design and focused on a more fast-paced action battle system that built upon the foundation of the original game.
You can choose from three out of six main characters. Two of them will accompany you in your quest to save the Mana Tree from the Benevodons. Each character has their own introductory story, and choosing different characters would lead to different dialogues. This gives Trials of Mana plenty of replayability for the game.
You can change classes and doing so will unlock new ways to fight enemies, and eventually create different playstyles. Finally, the New Game Plus that they added in Trials of Mana is a welcome addition as it includes a new class that is not seen in the original game.
16. BRAVELY DEFAULT II (PC, Nintendo Switch)
Bravely Default II is the third installment of the Bravely series. However, it is not a direct sequel, and it contains new characters, new story, and improvement in the gameplay. This is also the only game in the series to have a PC release, which may hint that the first two games may get a remastered release on PC in the future.
Set in the world of Excillant, you play as a party of four main characters, who will eventually become the Heroes of Light as you progress in the journey. Bravely Default series has always felt like a Final Fantasy spinoff, but I believe it is just a way for Square Enix to create another Fantasy JRPG in a whole new setting, and with other unique gameplay mechanics such as town-building (Bravely Default only) and ship exploration (Bravely Default II).
I really love the job system that Bravely series has, and it reminds me of the original Final Fantasy games, especially Final Fantasy War of the Lions. Although it takes grinding to a bit extreme if you want your characters to get a job change often.
15. SUPER ROBOT WARS 30 (PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch)
If you are a fan of anime, then at some point in your life, you will come across mecha and robots like Gundam, Voltes V, or Code Geass as the mecha genre is one of the popular genres in the anime industry
Super Robot Wars 30 is basically a collaboration of these mecha and robots in one game, which makes the game incredibly fun. The “30” also signifies the 30th anniversary of the overall franchise, so I think it justifies being the largest collaboration of different mecha properties in a game.
It is a dream come true for fans, especially if you are from the western side of Earth, as Super Robot Wars 30 is only one of the few games that were released globally as most of the games in the series were released only in Japan and some Asian countries.
In its core, Super Robot Wars 30 is a tactical/strategy/simulation RPG, but it is just so much fun to see their own animated attacks as it adds flavor to the immersion.
14. NEO: The World Ends With You (PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch)
NEO: The World Ends With You is a direct sequel to The World Ends With You as it is set three years after the event of the first game. As the first game was released several years ago for Nintendo DS, there is a chance you may have missed playing it entirely, but you do not need to play that to enjoy this game. Although, it has a port to Nintendo Switch called The World Ends with You: Final Remix if you want to play it.
You play as Rindo, and in the most unfortunate circumstances, you and your friend, Fret, become players in the Reapers’ Game, a survival game that lasts for 7 days. It is not a simple game as the one who has the lowest score by the end of the game would be erased for eternity.
Two of the best aspects of NEO: The World Ends With You are the characters and the dialogue. Each character is quirky, and the game has a humor that is not forced nor out-of-place. The combat system is no slack either because it plays seamlessly, and you can control multiple characters at once.
13. Kingdom Hearts 3 (PlayStation 4, PC)
Kingdom Hearts 3 was one of the most anticipated games for a decade, and when it was released back in 2019, everyone rejoiced! Who does not want more Disney characters, Pixar characters, and Final Fantasy characters to be in one game, right?
Unfortunately, the story may get a bit much, especially for people who have not played a single Kingdom Hearts game considering they are all interconnected since you are still playing as Sora with his humongous key blades. However, a quick search in YouTube may help you on experiencing or recapping you about the story of the series until Kingdom Hearts 3, so it is hard to demerit just because of the convoluted plot of the series as it is truly an amazing game with rich lore, popular characters, and worlds to explore.
I highly recommend it, plus you can play the other games in the series as they were also ported to PC. You just have to do a quick search on the internet which one is the first game to play chronologically.
12. Yakuza: Like A Dragon (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC)
The Yakuza series is not known for creating turn-based RPGs considering most of their games are action-adventure or beat em’ up games. However, despite Yakuza: Like A Dragon being the first turn-based RPG in the series, I can easily say that they nailed it.
For a clean slate, Yakuza: Like a Dragon features a new protagonist, which is well-received by many, and his name is Ichiban Kasuga, a low-ranking Yakuza. Honestly, it is a welcome change as the series took a different approach for this game.
Of course, as a Yakuza game, it is filled with humor and over the top storyline with fun mini games. Funnily, even as a turn-based RPG, battles are still immersive and engaging. I do not think it will age badly even after several years.
11. NieR Replicant™ ver.1.22474487139 (PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One)
NieR Replicant™ ver.1.22474487139 is a remaster of Nier or Nier Replicant (wherever you may be located) that was released a decade prior. Thanks to Nier: Automata success, we finally got a remake for this game. I honestly believe that the original release is an underrated gem that did not really deserve the low sales.
Visually, the game is amazing. The animation is smooth and fluid, which makes every battle satisfying and it never gets dull. The gameplay is top notch for NieR Replicant, and each boss battle features something new, and it keeps you on your toes.
Story may be a little bit slow from the start as you try to find a cure for your little sister, Yonah. Although, it gets better as you progress in the game, and it just keeps getting more engaging as you go.
10. Monster Hunter Rise (PC, Nintendo Switch)
With the release of its expansion, Sunbreak, Monster Hunter: Rise is a game that I would highly recommend you to play. It is built upon the foundation of Monster Hunter: World, which streamlined most of the gameplay mechanics so new players can easily get into the game.
There are lots of improvements here as well like you can ride a monster easily and doing aerial attacks are much easier as you have a hook shot already. Additionally, you have a dog in this game, and I cannot thank the developers enough for adding them as they make the tedious chasing tolerable compared to Rise’s predecessors.
It also has a sort of tower defense gameplay, where you defend the village from rampaging monsters. It is weirdly fun since you can set up your defenses, or even use the defenses themselves.
I must say, Monster Hunter: Rise is perfect for newbies, but it can also be challenging for veterans.
9. FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC)
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is a remake done right for a classic Final Fantasy game that was released way back in 1997. Everyone waited for this game for two decades, and Square Enix did not disappoint. Although, I must say creating three seperate games may be a bit much, but considering the details that went through in this game, I think it is worth it.
The combat system is its bread and butter, which is incredibly fun to play. It combines the traditional combat system from Final Fantasy VII with a more action-oriented approach in the remake. Best part is we can finally see Cloud and the gang explore Midgar, which is beautifully and masterfully reimagined in this remake.
I guess the only reason it is not higher in the list is due to the fact that the remake does not cover the whole game, as it only covers the Midgar part of the original game. It is not bad per se as they improve every single part of Midgar, and it is really cool to explore.
8. Fire Emblem: Three Houses (Nintendo Switch)
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is probably one of my favorite games for Nintendo Switch personally, and if you have not played any Fire Emblem games, they are a pioneer of tactical RPGs. After the resurgence of the series in 3DS, Fire Emblem Three Houses for Nintendo Switch continues to be a solid game for the franchise.
You play as a teacher, interacting with your students, doing a ton of mini games that can really take up most of your time. It definitely improved upon the foundation of the 3DS games before it. Plus, as you can see, there are three houses, meaning there are three paths in the game, which screams replayability. Plus, there are also multiple classes in the game, which is fun to mix and match.
It also retains the classic mode if you want permadeath for your characters, but I highly suggest playing classic mode on your second playthrough because this game has so much dialogue and interactions between the characters, and you do not want to miss most of it as support gameplay mechanic is very important in Fire Emblem: Three Houses.
This is unquestionably a worthy tactical RPG to play even if you are not a fan of the genre.
7. Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age – Definitive Edition (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch)
Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age – Definitive Edition is the epitome of the Dragon Quest series. It has the complete package and perfects it in my opinion.
Visually, it is amazing as the character design is created by Akira Toriyama, who made the Dragon Ball series, and it made the series iconic for me. It is your traditional turn-based RPG, but it is fun, nonetheless. I also liked that they give you an option to play the game as a classic Dragon Quest game as it just gives a different vibe to it.
The story is immersive, and of course, it is rich with lore and amusing characters. Exploring the massive world of Erdrea never gets boring. If you have never played a Dragon Quest before, then Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age – Definitive Edition will be the best start for you to play.
6. Octopath Traveler (Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC)
Pixel-art games may be out of popularity as more advances in graphics have been invented. However, games like Octopath Traveler somehow made it work as a modern RPG because they innovated and utilized HD-2D, which is creating a 2D world and adding high-definition effects and 3D backgrounds to make it modern aesthetic.
You may choose to play from 8 different characters, each has their own stories to tell in the world of Orsterra. A unique feature called “Path Action” is introduced in the game where it can be used to interact with the NPCs. Each character has his own unique Path Action, and It gives players a choice whether they want to be noble or rogue, and both can affect your reputation.
Octopath Traveler was nominated for several categories when it was released in 2018, and it actually won the Nintendo Game of the Year award at Golden Joystick Awards.
5. Scarlet Nexus (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC)
Scarlet Nexus is a relatively new IP, and that is what makes it surprising that the game is so good. It is not perfect, but it is one of the most fun games I have ever played for a while. It was even nominated for the Best RPG at The Game Awards last year, but sadly fell for Tales of Arise. (Check number 2)
Story-wise, it is engaging all throughout as you play either Yuito or Kasane. Yes, there is a dual story in this game, which adds replayability. Additionally, because it is a new IP, you do not really know what to expect from this game, thus, it actually surprised me quite a bit on some several key missions.
The graphics are amazing, you explore different locations, so it never gets dull. Combine smooth animation with a very well-made combat system that leans on psycho-kinetic abilities, and you get a very satisfying and fun game on your hands.
If you are looking for a modern JRPG, then add this to your cart!
4. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition (Nintendo Switch)
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is a remastered version of the beloved game, which is arguably the best JRPG for Nintendo Wii and Nintendo New 3DS.
With 17 chapters for its story, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition has an amazingly lengthy story and a massive world to explore that will make sure every penny that you paid to play this game is worthwhile. Combat system is not tiring considering it is an action JRPG, and thus you can come up with a different combo every time you battle your enemies.
Of course, the remastered version does have additional features such as a new epilogue story, better user interface, remastered music, and better assets.
3. Shin Megami Tensei 5 (Nintendo Switch)
Shin Megami Tensei 5 is a game developed by Atlus, and it is considered one of the darker JRPGs you can play right now. It is set in a post-apocalyptic world and the Netherworld. Yes, the game is about demons and angels fighting in the world.
Visually, it is the first time Shin Megami Tensei was developed using Unreal Engine 4, but it did look good on Nintendo Switch. As for the gameplay, it is your usual turn-based battle system, but the greatest feature of its gameplay is demon negotiation. You heard it right, you can negotiate the demons to join your party, which is quite cool. Moreover, you can fusion the demons once you have caught enough to create a more powerful one.
You can say this is a matured version of Pokémon, and if you are a fan of collecting monsters, demons, or anything, I think Shin Megami Tensei 5 will fit right into your alley.
2. Tales of Arise (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC)
Tales of Arise is the newest installment for the Tales of series, and it is undoubtedly the best looking as it is developed using Unreal Engine 4. As mentioned above, Tales of Arise actually won the Best RPG of 2021 at The Game Awards.
As an enthusiastic fan of the Tales of series, this game is definitely in the right direction to take the franchise. Gameplay-wise, it focuses more on parrying and evading for its combat system, while retaining the fundamentals of what made the series iconic in the first place. It is easily the best combat system in the series by far, unfortunately, it does not feature multiplayer, which used to be quite a staple in the franchise.
As for the story, you are in the world of Dahna, and you play as Alphen and Shionne with your group of friends, and you must save it from the invaders of a more advanced world, Rena. Tales of games usually have a hit or miss story, but Tales of Arise seems to manage to check all the right boxes to be an engaging game from start to finish.
1. Persona® 5 Royal (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5)
Finally, we reach the end. The most fun modern JRPG is Persona 5 Royal, which is basically Persona 5 with more added content.
You play as Joker, a silent protagonist, and the leader of Phantom Thieves of Hearts. There are so many things to do in this game, and there are both two types of gameplays.
First, it is a simulation game considering your character is a high school student. You can do part-time jobs or leisure, and by doing these things, your character’s attributes rise as well. You can also interact with other characters to build relationships, which unlocks unique abilities.
The other one is dungeon crawling or where you play as the Phantom of Thieves of Heart, which is your typical JRPG. This is where the story usually progresses as you try to steal the corruption from the hearts of the adult in a quite paranormal way which is through Metaverse. To be honest, if you have not played any Persona games, it sounds quite weird on paper, but once you play it, it actually makes sense.
In the metaverse, you can sneak past the Shadows, and you are encouraged to do so as doing too much may kick you off the Metaverse. You can also negotiate against the Shadows once they are knocked down, which can become a Persona if you manage to win them over.
Persona 5 garnered awards such as winning the Best RPG of 2017 and Best Music at the Famitsu Dengeki Game Awards 2019, and has been nominated as Game of the Year, Best Art Direction, and many more. It surely cemented its legacy.
Amazing news for those who do not have PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 as this game will be released on all major platforms including Nintendo Switch on October 21, 2022. You will finally be able to play the arguably greatest RPG of all-time.
