The RPG genre these days is truly immense, and there are a lot of games that could fit under that umbrella term.JRPGsare a particularly venerable subgenre, and a lot of major RPG hallmarks can be traced back to it.
Despite its age, the JRPG subgenre is still going strong. The franchises that started the trend,likeFinal FantasyandDragon Quest, are still coming out with new entries, and newer series are still joining the throng as well. Here are ten ofthe best turn-based JRPGs currently available on Steam.
The tactical side of the JRPG genre is often underrepresented in comparison to the more traditional party-focused approach to turn-based combat. Tactics have a rich history in the JRPG space, and there are few games that demonstrate that history better thanTactics Ogre.
2022’sTactics Ogre: Rebornpresents the game’s faithful 2010 remake, fully remastered for modern PCs. This release smooths out a lot of the technical limitations that are commonly encountered in early RPGs, leaving fans with a fully modernized title that still retains all thebest parts of the gamethat helped put tactical RPGs on the map.
The JRPG genre benefits just as much as any other type of game from the technical advancements that the gaming industry is constantly receiving. As theOctopath Travelerseries demonstrates, though, the industry never forgets its past. The original 2018 game debuted a charming HD-2D artstyle, blending the esthetic sensibilities of the classic RPGs with modern console capabilities.
Octopath Traveler 2, released in 2023, enhances this distinctive esthetic even more, while at the same time introducing a wealth of new features to improve on the previous game. This title more thoroughly connects the storylines of the game’s eight protagonists, while also debuting newtravelers' tales; shorter adventuresthat let two characters interact more closely. There are also a number of quality of life upgrades, such as the ability to quickly transition between day and night.
TheFinal Fantasyfranchise is one of the biggest names in the JRPG genre, and for good reason. Recently, the franchise has transitioned to a more action-oriented combat system, but many fans still prefer the turn-based approach, andFinal Fantasy 10/10-2 HD Remasteris an exceptional example of it.
As the title suggests, this game combinesFinal Fantasy 10and its direct sequel, boasting a visual overhaul to make both games shine on modern PCs. It also includes content from the international edition which was previously only released in Japan and Europe. For hardcore JRPG fans, this two in one deal is an excellent way to experience one of the high points of theFinal Fantasyseries and get to know thelovable characters that carry the story.
Atlus is best known these days for thePersonagames, but that series is only part of a much larger overarching franchise.Shin Megami Tenseiis a sizable media franchise which incorporates a lot of spinoffs, but the core series is a set of dark turn-based RPGs set in grim worlds where monsters rule.
Shin Megami Tensei 3is a standout title, considered by many to be the pinnacle of the series. The recent HD remaster lets fans who got hooked on the most recentPersonagames in on this venerable title, which boasts considerably less forgiving combat than its spinoff. JRPG fans who really want to test the limits of their skills should consider givingShin Megami Tensei 3a try.
Persona 3is one of thePersonaseries' most prominent entries. It honed the franchise’s signature blend of RPG strategy and social sim gameplay, and many of its advancements are still present in later games likePersona 5.Persona 3 Reload, the 2024 remake, fully modernizes the game, making it easier than ever for players to enjoy the systems it pioneered.
In addition to a total graphical overhaul,Persona 3 Reloadalso introduces several quality of life upgrades and even adds new content in the form of additional character interactions with new voice acting. The game is missing upgrades fromPersona 3 Portable, most notablythe ability to play as Kotone, but with so many improvements under its belt, this is still a fantastic entry.
The JRPG genre is most commonly associated with fantasy, and even less conventional entries like thePersonagames still include supernatural elements.Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealthis a major exception to this rule. Like its predecessor,Infinite Wealthfollows Ichiban Kasuga, a former Yakuza member, and restricts its action to the real world.
Despite its lack of supernatural elements,Infinite Wealthis still one of the most outlandish JRPGs on the market.Ichiban’s adventures often take a truly absurdist direction. Players will be fighting killer robots, helping a crayfish find love, and photographing strangers in an on-rails shooter minigame. Combat in the game is bizarre too, with Ichiban and his friends taking on a variety of everyday jobs and using them to fuel some extremely silly and brutally effective moves in combat.
TheDragon Questfranchise is a foundational part of RPG history. The series has been influencing the genre since 1986, and it’s still going strong today.Dragon Quest 11 S, the most recent mainline series entry, is an excellent modern JRPG that pays homage to the genre hallmarks that earlierDragon Questgames originated.
Dragon Quest 11 Sfeatures a story that is epic in scope without losing the humor and quirkiness that has always helped the franchise stand out. The Definitive Edition, available on Steam, expands this already massive game with additional character scenarios, an enhanced musical score, and even the ability to play the whole game in 2D with 8-bit graphics, truly bringing the franchise back to its roots.
Chrono Triggeris undoubtedly one of the most renowned JRPGs ever made. The title revolutionized the industry when it launched in 1995, and is still considered by many to be one of the greatest video games of all time.The version on Steam includes updated graphics and gameplay content that wasn’t present in the original release, making it a must-have for JRPG fans.
This title features gameplay innovations like multiple endings and character-driven sidequests, which are considered mostly commonplace in the modern RPG genre. Its unique battle system reinvigorates the tried and true turn-based formula with an additional strategic edge, letting multiple characters act at once to perform powerful moves together. From the gameplay to the story, every aspect ofChrono Triggeris legendary, and JRPG fans would be doing themselves a disservice not to play it.
Final Fantasyis a truly immense franchise, butFinal Fantasy 7stands apart. This was the first 3DFinal Fantasygame, and it would set the standard for just about every mainline series entry to follow. While the original game was a PS1 exclusive, it has since been ported to Steam with a number of enhancements and quality of life upgrades.
The impact thatFinal Fantasy 7has had on both theFinal Fantasyseries and the gaming industry as a whole is immense. There are almost as many spin-offs and sequels based onFinal Fantasy 7as there are main seriesFinal Fantasygames, and thanks to the ongoingFinal Fantasy 7remake trilogy, this subfranchise isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
ThePersonaseries has always been a prominent name in the JRPG landscape, butPersona 5brought the series more mainstream attention than ever before. This illustrious title sees a group of idealistic teens struggle to reform society while caught in a metaphysical conflict with ramifications they can’t even imagine.
Persona 5 Royalenhances the iconic RPG with a wealth of new content, including brand-new characters and storylines. This culminates in a brand-new final dungeon and a battlemore personal and intensethan anything the Phantom Thieves have ever faced before.Persona 5 Royalblends JRPG combat with social management and some of the best character writing in the genre, and is absolutely not a game to be missed.
