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JRPGs have been around since the 1980s and have become somewhat synonymous with a particular type of game design that involves going on quests, level grinding and item collecting in order to navigate your party members through a series of turn-based battles.
Of course, not all JRPGs follow this format and there are many varied and unique games available to play, whether you are looking for a traditional JRPG or something more contemporary!
With so many JRPGs available, it can be difficult to know where to start when looking for games online, even if you are an avid gamer already. In our buying guide, we run down some of our top tips for the things you should consider when comparing JRPGs.
The type of battle system a game uses is important when deciding what type of gameplay you might prefer. Consider whether you would like a slow paced tactical approach, or a bit more hack and slash when playing a JRPG.
Turn-based battle systems are generally considered to be the classic or traditional standard when it comes to JRPGs. Popularised in part by titles in series such as Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, battles progress via a series of turns in which the player controls their character(s) actions via commands, usually from a drop-down menu.
Turn-based JRPGs tend to appeal to those who like having time to strategise and prefer slower paced battles. It’s specifically because of this type of gameplay that many choose JRPGs, as it can be easy to grasp for newcomers and older fans alike.
Gamers who enjoy fast-paced action, or wish to quickly bypass battles in favour of storyline progression, may find turn-based gameplay a little bit too slow. Many JRPGs, such as the Tales and Monster Hunter Series, have chosen to forego the traditional route in favour of action based game dynamics.
Real-time combat battle systems allow users to control their character’s actions directly using button commands without waiting turns. This style can allow players to feel more immediacy and excitement in battles, although it often limits commands to one character rather than having the option to influence the actions of each individual party member.
Games with a linear narrative take the lead, guiding players through a series of in-game events to progress the story. While many provide optional side quests and alternate endings, there is a pre-determined order of events one must complete.
For players who want a more independent experience, open world games let you explore at your own pace. These games typically have a non-linear narrative and instead allow players to roam freely within the world of the game.
Be aware that games with online multiplayer modes generally require a subscription to PlayStation Plus which can be purchased as an extension of your PSN (PlayStation Network) account.
Many top JRPG titles belong to already established games series or come from renowned developers such as Square Enix or Atlus. Franchise series tend to stick to a specific formula, perhaps taking place in the same world, or having a similar design aesthetic or gameplay style.
Having previously played other games in the same franchise can be good indicator of whether or not you will likely enjoy a particular JRPG. So, you might want to pick a game from a series, developer or franchise you are already a fan of.
New gamers to a particular franchise should not necessarily be put off from trying a title from a pre-existing series. Although some will rely on familiarity, many primarily function as standalone games with new characters, stories and settings.
When shopping for games online you will notice a small rectangular box coloured green, orange or red with a number. The number denotes the minimum age deemed appropriate to play a particular game. For example; PEGI 12 games are suitable for players age 12 and older, whereas PEGI 18 games should only be played by adults over the age of 18.
For those who may be sensitive or have an aversion to certain themes, all PEGI rated games use a series of icons to make gamers aware of the inclusion of violence, substance abuse, offensive language and depictions of nudity or sexual references among others.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Square Enix Dragon Quest XI |Echoes Of An Elusive Age | £23.80 Mid | Best Choice for a Contemporary Take on the Traditional JRPG Experience | ||
2 | FromSoftware Bloodborne | £25.18 High Mid | A Gripping Victorian Gothic JRPG | ||
3 | Atlus Persona 5 | £28.23 High | The Most Stylish Turn-based JRPG | ||
4 | Square Enix NieR: Automata | £23.99 High Mid | A Uniquely Philosophical JRPG from Square Enix | ||
5 | Capcom Monster Hunter World | £13.99 Low Mid | Hunt Monsters in This Exciting Action JRPG | ||
6 | Square Enix World of Final Fantasy | £25.00 High Mid | A Great Addition to the Final Fantasy Series for Players New and Old | ||
7 | Bandai Namco Entertainment Ni No Kuni II|Revenant Kingdom | £18.98 Low Mid | A Beautiful Fantasy Action JRPG | ||
8 | Bandai Namco Entertainment Tales of Berseria | £19.99 Mid | A Darker Turn for the Sixteenth Iteration of the Tales Series | ||
9 | Sega Yakuza 6|The Song of Life | £19.89 Mid | A JRPG for Those Who Don’t Like JRPGs | ||
10 | Square Enix Kingdom Hearts III | £11.99 Low | A Triumphant Return to the Kingdom Hearts Series |
Live the double life of a Japanese high-schooler by day and Phantom Thief by night. The host of lovable characters and vibrant settings make navigating the various Tokyo districts as fun and engaging as infiltrating fantastical palaces to take down the bad guys.
The PS5 may have already hit the shelves, but that's no reason to retire your old console. There's still plenty of fun to be had, whether you're looking to try your hand at a new title or replay one of your old faves. Check out the articles below for more!
The best Japanese RPGs offer highly immersive, interactive experiences which have allowed the genre to endure and evolve. We hope this article has helped to pique your interest and perhaps introduced you to some fantastic JRPG titles for the PS4!
Author: Wren Mann
No. 1: Square Enix|Dragon Quest XI |Echoes Of An Elusive Age
No. 2: FromSoftware|Bloodborne
No. 3: Atlus|Persona 5
No. 4: Square Enix|NieR: Automata
No. 5: Capcom|Monster Hunter World
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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Health
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