Summary
The role-playing genre is nearly impossible to separate from its roots, as the origins of plucky adventurers on a quest to stop the ultimate evil is a tale as old as time. So ingrained in the world of fiction, traditional RPG templates likeDungeons & Dragonsplayed a major role in influencing early Japanese role-playing games, such asDragon QuestandFinal Fantasy. One element that JRPGs have continued to capitalize on is the concept of an ensemble cast of fascinating, charming party members for the player to journey with.
Whether it’s a squad of spunky rebels attempting to topple a tyrannical empire, or a group of brave heroes in battle with an ancient evil, the ensemble casts ofthe industry’s greatest JRPGshave charmed and delighted players for decades. Their rebellious wit and inspiring heroism are often at the heart of their internal conflicts, as well, as the best JRPG casts aren’t BFFs from day one, but rather a group of people who have their own shades of morality.
Eternal Sonatais one of the most fascinating games ofthe seventh generation of consoles, as it is the story of celebrated Romantic Era composer Frédéric Chopin, who dreams up the world of the game as he is dying of tuberculosis in 1849. This leads to him meeting a fabulous roster of characters, all of whom are named after different musical instruments and styles.
All of them are infused with a distinct personality, as Viola’s brash and hardened exterior is in sharp contrast to Jazz’s more reserved demeanor. It’s also one of the larger casts in a JRPG, as a total of 12 characters become playable throughoutEternal Sonata’s whimsical tale of death and the value of life.
When theYakuzafranchise transitioned from a beat ‘em up action series into a turn-based role-playing game withLike A Dragonin 2020, it utilized some of the best traditions of the genre and its stellar party is a key aspect. Newcomer Ichiban Kasuga replaced longtime series protagonist Kazuma Kiryu, and brought with him a band of exceptional characters, as all of them come together in one ofYakuza’sgreatest entries.
Led by the endearing Ichiban, characters like Nanba and Adachi add a sort of gruff harshness to the party, which tends to operate in tandem perfectly with the more flashy characters. Zhao, meanwhile, simply oozes charisma and feels like a more traditionalYakuzacharacter from the previous games. They grow together, sometimes through shared experiences and other times through conflict, but are simply a joy to watch evolve on theirarduous quest through Japanand the criminal underworld.
As both a send-off to the PS1-era ofFinal Fantasyand a love letter to the roots of the series, the ninth mainline entry of this long-running JRPG franchise features a truly wonderful cast of characters. The charismatic thief Zidane and his undeniable chemistry with one of gaming’s greatest female characters in Princess Garnet serve as the foundation of the party, while new members of the cast enter at a perfect pace.
Steiner evolves from an outlandish, somewhat broad oaf into one of the game’s best characters, while the heartbreaking fate of black mage Vivi is one ofFinal Fantasy 9’s most tragic, compelling arcs. In a franchise already filled with iconic heroes,Final Fantasy 9manages to stand outand feature a phenomenal cast, some of whom have gone on to become some of the series’ most popular characters.
Radiant Historiawas a dual production of Atlus and Headlock, which was made up of former tri-Ace staff. The PS2 JRPGRadiata Storiesserved as a foundation, while Atlus and Headlock forged ahead on creating a brand new JRPG with similar thematic elements. It was later remade for the 3DSasRadiant Historia: Perfect Chronology, and whileRadiata Storieshad an excellent cast of characters, this team-up between Atlus and Deadlock produced one of the finest JRPG casts of all time.
The quiet, reserved Stocke stands front and center, as his leadership abilities complement other characters, like the bright and hopeful Raynie, a former mercenary. Rounding out the cast is Eruca, an empathetic princess, and the bubbly Aht. Their relationships are forged over external and internal conflicts, as they feel like a connected whole by the end ofRadiant Historia’s outstanding campaign.
Dragon Quest 11came out duringa time when JRPGs were veering into decidedly more mature directions, so its commitment to traditional fantasy narratives and characters was able to make old things feel new again. Its fabulous cast of characters begins with the appropriately titled Hero, a classic JRPG protagonist that embodies the Chosen One trope as the Luminary.
Along the way, the Luminary is joined by the likes of a brash thief named Erik, as well as a strong-willed martial artist named Jade and a caring healer named Serena.Dragon Quest 11’s cast feels like a throwback to the genre’s golden age, featuring a diverse group coming from different backgrounds and worlds on an adventure that spans the beautiful world of Erdrea.
Atlus filledPersona 5 Royalwith an outstanding and magnetic cast of characters to experience its story with. Known as the Phantom Thieves, which begins with the trio of Joker, Ann, and Ryuji, it expands into one of the gaming industry’s most popular and beloved casts of all time.
Whether it’s the complicated, twisting relationship between Makoto and her sister Sae Niijima, the police detective who is hunting the Phantom Thieves, or the undeniable charm of computer hacker Futaba, this ever-evolving stable of vigilantes is a joy. Other favorites include the quirky Haru and the eccentric Kitagawa, as the Phantom Thieves have become superstars in the gaming industry even outside ofPersona 5 Royal.This all-star cast hasappeared outside the main game multiple times, including appearances inSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate.
If any franchise is known for its rich history of ensemble casts, it’sFinal Fantasy, and with the seventh entry, Square went all out by crafting some of the genre’s most iconic and popular characters. Known collectively as Avalanche, this group of diverse freedom fighters do battle against the Shinra Electric Power Company, attempting to save the planet from their insidious exploits. Led by Barret Wallace, one of gaming’s first POC protagonists, Avalanche becomes a symbol of freedom and the protection of Gaia.
The rest of Avalanche is filled out by Tifa, a childhood friend of ex-SOLDIER Cloud, who joins the group at the beginning of the game. The traditional JRPG trio formula works wonderfully, as it establishes them before introducing the rest of the group. Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge are adorable together, while honorary members like Yuffie and Cid round out the rest of the group.Final Fantasy 7’s everlasting successand popularity can’t be denied, and it’s thanks in large part to its remarkable cast of heroes, as they have stood the test of time.
After finally releasing in the West in 2010,Xenoblade Chronicleswent on to become one of the console’s most beloved JRPGs. So, when it wasremade for the Nintendo Switchin 2020, it became the absolute best way to experience the epic journey of Shulk and the rest of the crew. And when it comes to the crew ofXenoblade Chronicles, it is easily the finest cast of characters ever assembled for a JRPG.
Leading them is Shulk, one of the genre’s greatest protagonists, who begins as a young man hopelessly devoted to his work while ignoring the complexity of human emotions. Alongside Shulk,Xenoblade Chroniclesalso features the lovable oaf Reyn, as well as the suave Dunban. They all play off each other brilliantly, rounded out by the kind-hearted princess Melia and fiercely protective Sharla. Their chemistry together is remarkable, and several members of the game’s cast have gone on to appear in spin-offs and the outstandingXenoblade Chronicles 3DLC,Future Redeemed.
