Summary
RPGs have become some of the most popular games in the world, especially with all the different sub-genres of RPG out there. From thefast-paced action RPGto the more methodical tactics-based RPG, there really is something for every type of gamer in the genre.
JRPGs made their rise in Japan(hence the name)in the 1980s on home computers like the MSX and consoles like the NES, often having more of a focus on theirstory and characterswhen compared to western RPGs of the time. It’s a subgenre that has had many popular titles over the years, but it has also seen a fair number of hidden gems in that time, usually going unnoticed among the big releases likeFinal FantasyorDragon Questentries.
7Slayers (1994)
Based on the Popular 1990s Light-Novel Series
Released for the Super Famicom in 1994,Slayersis based on the light-novel series of the same name and released a year before the first season of its original anime series.
The game follows Lina Inverse, a sorceress who awakens with seemingly no recollection of her spells and powers. She forms a party with other sorceresses and re-learns her spells throughout their quest to defeat the evil Beast, Zelas Metallium. It follows the turn-based combat formula that is common for JRPGs, but its mix of good, comedic dialogue and likable characters is what makesSlayerssomewhat of a charming, hidden gem among the expansive subgenre.
Radiata Storiesis a bit of a strange case compared to other games on this list, being hit with mostly “meh” reviews initially when it was released in 2005, despite being one of the most anticipated games of that year in Japan.
However, the game would develop a tight-knit and dedicated fan base as time went on, as many have come to regard the game for its unique differences to other JRPGs. For example, the game focused pretty heavily on its persistent world, meaning that things would change in the world as the game progressed. While it features ratherstraight-forward action-based combat,Radiata Stories’interesting worldbuilding and charming artstyle are what make it such aworthwhile PS2 title for JRPG fansto revisit.
5Energy Breaker (1996)
A Unique Mixture of Turn-Based Gameplay Styles
Energy Breakeris probably one of the lesser-known JRPG titles for most of the world due to it only being localized for Japan and never receiving a sequel. Nonetheless, this hidden-gem has a unique take on the traditional JRPG formula of the time.
The game features the traditional role-playing elements, where players can roam around the world, towns, and dungeons outside of combat. ButEnergy Breakeralso mixes in an isometric, tactics-based combat system, instead of the more simple turn-based battles. The story follows a girl named Myra on her quest to stop the four Dark Generals from acquiring four powerful jewels, even time-traveling to meet new party members that assist her along the way.
Lufiais one of the lesser-known franchises when it comes toJRPGs of the 1990s, mostly being overshadowed by other big series at the time. But its second entry,Lufia 2: Rise of the Sinistrals, managed to bring in a small but dedicated fan base, who consider it to be one of the more overlooked JRPGs on the SNES.
Serving as a prequel toLufia & the Fortress of Doom, the story inLufia 2surrounds Maxim, an ancestor of the first game’s main character, and follows the events of a war between mankind and the Sinistrals gods. While the first entry was also a great title, the second game makes a number of welcome changes and improvements.Lufia 2: Rise of the Sinistralsoffered more polished gameplay mechanics, with a more fleshed-out storyline, characters, and puzzles — all points that helped it generate its long-devoted fan base that still praise the game today.
Shadow Heartsis yet another interesting JRPG with its mixture of both turn-based combat andsurvival horror elements, with the same very distinctive theme and setting, much like its 1999 predecessor,Koudelkafor the PS1.
While most JRPGs are known for theirfantasy settings,Shadow Heartsinstead takes place during the early 1900s across parts of both Europe and China. Following the main character, Yuri, who has the power to shapeshift into the monsters he captures, strives to protect his friend Alice from an evil magician — and hopefully defeat them in the process. WhileShadow Heartsfeatures a pretty standard turn-based battle system, what really set this PS2 title apart was its very atypical and interesting setting for a JRPG, making its plot and characters all the more interesting to learn more about along the way.
2Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber (1999)
A Unique, Tactical JRPG for the Nintendo 64
TheOgre Battlegames aren’t exactly “hidden gem” titles, so to speak, with popular releases likeTactics Ogreand itsmore recent remaster. But its first and only Nintendo 64 entry,Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber,has mostly gone unnoticed over the years compared to the success of its other releases.
Ogre Battle 64is a tactical RPG, making it pretty unique for the N64, which focused much more on real-time action rather than turn-based games. The plot follows an army captain named Magnus as they command a battalion of troops during a civil war, siding with revolutionary forces to hopefully end the conflict and restore peace to Alba. It stood out not only for its focus on strategic gameplay, but also the freedom it allowed players in building their own units, assigning members, and leading them into battle.
WhileOgre Battle 64was initially seen as a bit too complex for many, the game was a one-of-a-kind release for the N64 — and a JRPG absolutely worth giving a shot for any fans of strategic combat.
Skies of Arcadiais probably best known for itslater Gamecube port, mostly because it originally released to somewhat underwhelming sales on the Sega Dreamcast in 2000, despite later becoming a universally acclaimed JRPG.
Taking place in the titularSkies of Arcadia, the game follows the main character, Vyse, as they navigate an airship through the skies with a party of up to three other characters. Their objective is to repel the evil Valuan Empire, who seek to take over the world with a weapon of mass destruction that has been sealed away for many years. Regardless of its low initial sales, and the darker undertones of its plots,Skies of Arcadiabecame a highly praised JRPG that is well worth checking out, especially for its unique theme and pleasant artstyle.
