When one talks about some of the greatest JRPGs of all time, there are several names that one might rattle off at lightning-fast speed. However, there was one game that was ignored in this category for the longest time… that is, until a much-deserved sequel to this title was recently announced.
The World Ends With Youis one of the most unique and stylish JRPGs ever made, and it was clear that Square Enix really gave it their all when it came to developing a unique game that would utilize the mechanics of the Nintendo DS to craft an experience that would be entertaining in every way, shape, and form.
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Now, with the announcement ofNEO: The World Ends With You, it’s only a given that fans of its predecessor would obviously wish to play more JRPGs in the same vein. Keeping this in mind, here are ten titles in the genre that will surely scratch this itch untilNEO: The World Ends With Youis released.
10Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne
TheShin Megami Tenseiseries is a great JRPG series, especially for people who are seeking out games with a similar contemporary setting as featured inThe World Ends With You.
The third game in the series is perhaps the most popularShin Megami Tenseigame, and the fact that it’s finally getting a remaster means that a new generation of gamers will finally be able to experience this title and understand why it’s held in such high regard.
9Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2
TheShin Megami Tenseiseries has branched out into numerous spin-off series, withDevil Survivorbeing one that a lot of people might not have heard about.
It’s a shame, sinceDevil Survivoris an excellent spin-off series that any fan of challenging JRPGs should definitely try out. The second game is a perfection of the formula established in the first that pretty much any person should definitely check out.
8Persona 4 Golden
However, it would be impossible to talk aboutShin Megami Tensei’s spin-offs without mention one particular franchise that is easily Atlus' most recognizable and profitable series.
Any self-respecting JRPG fan has heard about thePersonaseries, with the fourth game — in particular —being especially notable for perfecting the formulaand arguably being the best title in the series.
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TheGoldenre-release of the title is also excellent, although some people may argue that its sequel handled its enhanced edition in a far better manner.
7Persona 5 Royal
Persona 4might be widely considered to be the bestPersonagame, but even the most ardent defenders will have to agree thatPersona 5was an even more important title for the franchise that pushed it further into the mainstream than ever before.
Given the fact thatPersona 5is a nearly perfect title, it’s amazing thatPersona 5 Royalmanaged to improve upon an established formula even further to help players enjoyone of the greatest and most accessible JRPGs of all time.
6Tokyo Xanadu eX+
For people who love thePersonaseries but want to experience a combat system that is more real-time as opposed to turn-based, thenTokyo Xanadushould be right up their alley.
Its enhanced edition,Tokyo Xanadu eX+is the definitive way to enjoy the game and will give players hours upon hours of entertainment… once they get used to the nuances of the combat system, that is.
And speaking of definitive editions…
5Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age — Definitive Edition
Any JRPG fan worth their salt will be well aware of whatDragon Questis —a legendary JRPG seriesthat is perhaps the most important release in the genre by a country mile. However,this series wasn’t exactly all that popular in the West… untilDragon Age XI, that is.
All of a sudden, players now had a perfect gateway into enjoying what is easilyone of the best games in the seriesthat modernizes the gameplay to a perfect extent while simultaneously one of the most heartwarming stories in the genre.
4Parasite Eve
Parasite Eveis one of the many JRPGs that Squaresoft released on the PlayStation, back when JRPGs were all the rage on the console. However, unlike the other games in the genre that were released on the console,Parasite Evehad a different approach that was refreshingly mature and served as a breath of fresh air.
While its sequel might not have aged well — mainly due to the perplexing use of tank controls — there’s still no denying the fact that the firstParasite Evewas still a great horror-action game that more fans of gritty JRPGs should definitely check out.
3Earthbound
It would be impossible to talk about unique JRPGs set in a modern setting without mentioning the masterpiece that isEarthbound, an off-the-wall JRPG that has become legendary for all the right reasons.
The fact that this game was an inspiration from the massive indie hitUndertaleshould be more than enough to prove just how amazing a gameEarthboundreally is.
2Final Fantasy X
Out of all the games on this list, it’s evident that theFinal Fantasytitles will definitely be the one that most people would recognize for obvious reasons. The series has made a reputation for itself byreleasing excellent games across a multitude of console generations, withFinal Fantasy Xbeing no exception to this golden rule.
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The story of Tidus and his friendsas they set out on a pilgrimage and try to rewrite fate is conveyed brilliantly, and serves as one of the greatest narratives ever told in aFinal Fantasygame.
1Final Fantasy VII Remake
It would be impossible to talk about theFinal Fantasyseries without mentioning the latest title in the series that remade a classic and is allowing numerous people to enjoy this game for the very first time once again.
Final Fantasy VII Remakemight have its fair share of flaws, but there’s no denying the fact that it’s still an excellent title that should be played by anyone who’s into real-time combat that is challenging, flashy, and extremely satisfying… just likeThe World Ends With You.
