Summary
ThePlayStation 2is one of the greatest video game consoles of all time. The jump in hardware between generations was lauded by the masses, opening the doors for real-time action and graphical superiority to pave the way for how modern games would be developed. As a result, some people were led to believe thatJRPGswould not enjoy the same dominance they had in the previous generation, and this was true to an extent.
However, that didn’t stop developers from pushing the boundaries of this genre with theirPS2releases, enhancing the graphics and innovating on tried-and-tested gameplay to entice the masses. It’s a shame that more JRPGs didn’t make the most of this improved hardware to wow the masses, but fans will still be pleased to see an amazing library of JRPGs on this console, many of which can immerse players in high-stakes narratives.
The idea of a Lovecraftian JRPG is something that sounds captivating, especially given the renewed interest in cosmic horror.Shadow Heartsmay lack a lot of the foreboding inevitability present in the best tales of this genre, but that should take nothing away from one of themost unique JRPGs of all timewith memorable characters, an interesting story, and a runtime that doesn’t overstay its welcome.
Set moments before the onset of the First World War, the story is steeped in alternate history with nefarious villains trying to gain control over dark powers that will help them take over the world. At the center of this tale is Yuri Hyuga, a Harmonixer with the power to transform into nightmarish monsters. Exploring the Graveyard in his soul adds to the unique allure ofShadow Hearts, with players exploring numerous locations and enduring one tragedy after another before finally stopping the fake Roger Bacon and Dehuai from making their plans a reality.
4Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga
Tribes Battle Against Each Other To Ascend To Nirvana In A Captivating Tale
Most people know ofShin Megami Tenseibecause ofPersona, a spin-off series that grew so huge that it quickly became one of Atlus' most celebrated works. The cheery nature of high school students going about their day like usual while masquerading as heroes and taking out numerous shadows is easy to get into, so most people aren’t aware that the bulk ofShin Megami Tenseigames featuredark themes and oppressive atmospheresthat are quite unlike the settings one would expect from most JRPGs.
Digital Devil Sagais no exception to this rule, taking place entirely in a virtual combat simulator called the Junkyard. It’s a unique premise that is capitalized upon with inter-faction conflict that is as riveting as they come. After a virus infects this digital world, these factions become more bloodthirsty in their attempts to establish superiority and attain Nirvana. This captivating premise is supported by a story that takes some wild turns and is unlike any other JRPG fans have experienced.
Dragon Quest 8was one of the most celebrated JRPG releases at the time, staking its claim as one of thebest-looking games in the franchise. The main conflict begins when an evil jester, Dhoulmagus, curses Trodain Castle and transforms everyone but the main protagonist. This prompts the start of an epic adventure where a band of lovable allies team up to take down this jester by any means necessary.
However, what helps this game stand out is how easily it subverts expectations with a narrative that seems cliched. Hunting down Dhoulmagus is just a small part of a story that is bolstered with a memorable cast of characters that fans will grow attached to in no time. The combat system is simple enough for players to further appreciate the story’s charm and writing chops, helping this game stand out for boasting one of the best narratives in aDragon Questgame.
The combination of social sim elements along with JRPG gameplay was a winning formula that made it clear that Atlus was on the right track withPersona 3. For the sequel, they decided to refine this combination and develop a story that felt more naturally integrated with the gameplay side of things. The end result wasPersona 4, a game that many people consider to be thegreatest in the series from a narrative perspective. The small town of Inaba goes a long way in helping players establish a connection with this location and its residents.
On top of this, almost every major dungeon in the game tackles a deep-rooted insecurity for each party member, aiding their character development and turning them into the best part of a story where the gang tries to foil the plans of a serial killer and prevent more people from becoming victims.The story’s twists and turnsdon’t stop till the very end, making it clear why the riveting plot ofPersona 4is one of its strongest aspects that is still praised to the moon and back.
Most people wondered howFinal Fantasywould cope withthe shift to a new console generation, but Squaresoft blew everyone’s expectations out of the water with an engrossing tale where the protagonist is isekaid into the world of Spira and must figure out why he was brought there. This turns Tidus into a perfect stand-in for the player, who is naturally drip-fed the lore while being roped into a quest where he must help Yuna complete her journey as a Summoner. Despite being a fairly lighthearted tale in the early going, it doesn’t take long forFinal Fantasy 10’s dark revelations to make it clear that the narrative has higher stakes than players assumed.
The love story between Tidus and Yunais a driving force of the narrative, with their bond being deepened by the many adversities they face throughout the journey. Trying to stop an unwavering force like Sin is easier said than done, especially when players witness firsthand the destruction this malevolent entity can cause. With Seymour’s villainous presence adding to the tension, it’s easy to see why many fans consider this title to be an excellent swansong forFinal Fantasyunder Squaresoft before the eventual formation of Square Enix.
