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So today, we’re going to examine ten beginner-friendly JRPGs that are perfect for those looking to get into the genre!
Updated on October 4, 2021 by Paul DiSalvo: The JRPG genre is varied and ever-expanding, with countless new games being released every year. This means that the genre is home to such a massive pool that it is home to several subgenres including turn-based, tactical, and action JRPGs. This variety means that regardless of a player’s tastes, there’s likely a JRPG out there that caters to them! While some may not enjoy the anime aesthetics often associated with these types of games, JRPGs are also home to a wide variety of art directions that can similarly cater to players of varying tastes.
15 Paper Mario
Going strong since the first entry of the series was released for the Nintendo 64 in 2000, the Paper Mario series can be an excellent jumping-on point for the JRPG genre, especially for those who’ve never played a JRPG.
While the series uses many characters associated with the mainline Mario platforming franchise, Paper Mario games are surprisingly character-driven turn-based RPGs with memorable casts and writing. These elements are paired alongside timing-focused mechanics that may make turn-based combat more palatable for some.
14 Bravely Default
The Bravely Default series developed by Square Enix is a throwback to classics from the 1990s with modern game design sensibilities in mind. With a robust and customizable job system, players can easily develop their own strategies through the use of their favorite classes and skills as they create their ideal character builds.
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This self-expression within the game’s combat inherently allows for fun battles as players are given tons of options and only need to use those that speak to them.
13 Earthbound
While originally somewhat of a sleeper hit and hidden gem at the time of its release, in recent years, Earthbound has garnered something of a reputation. Nowadays, it is often regarded as one of the most outstanding RPGs of all time.
Highly regarded for its off-beat writing, comedy, and art style, Earthbound absolutely oozes personality. Set within a modern suburban setting rather than one of fantasy, the game has inspired a wide range of modern indie games from Undertale to Lisa: The Painful.
12 Ni No Kuni
Many JRPGs utilize impressive and stylized visuals and this couldn’t be more epitomized than with the Ni No Kuni games. Turn-based JRPGs that use a lighter tone of whimsy whilst still maintaining stakes, these games have the distinction of being developed in conjunction with several artists and animators of the famed anime studio, Studio Ghibli.
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While the series combat doesn’t reinvent the wheel, the game’s character designs, animation, and charm make the Ni No Kuni series quite unforgettable.
11 The World Ends With You
Like the Ni No Kuni franchise, the World Ends With You and its sequel, Neo: The World Ends with you are highly styled JRPGs with as much visual flair as they have substance. Taking place in modern urban Japan, these games each fast-paced action-based combat rather than turn-based combat, making them a stellar choice for players who prefer more immediacy in their gameplay and are turned off by turn-based battles. These games also notably make great use of a consistent tone that helps to convey the series high stakes as players work to come out on top of a series of fate deciding challenges called the “Reapers’ Game.”
10 Super Mario RPG
Released in 1996, Super Mario RPG was developed by Square and published by Nintendo, bringing the world of Mario into a traditional JRPG.
While not exceptionally difficult, the game is incredibly charming and is a perfect jumping-on point for Nintendo fans who’ve never played through a JRPG. Additionally, as the game was developed by Square, it has all of the polish that one would expect
9 Final Fantasy VII Remake
Final Fantasy 7 is easily one of the most iconic JRPGs of all time. While the original version of the game is a classic turn-based RPG for the PS1, Final Fantasy 7 Remake is a great way to introduce new players to the genre.
An action RPG with great visuals, the game is authentically Final Fantasy 7 while using an alternative form of combat that may be preferred by players disinterested in turn-based combat.
8 Octopath Traveler
Released in 2018, Octopath Traveler is a modern game that is heavily inspired by JRPGs of the 1990s. With a turn-based combat system and a blend of sprite-based graphics and a 3D lighting engine, the game possesses a very distinct visual style that brings together old and new.
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Allowing the player to initially chose from eight characters that each have their own story and abilities, the player can choose a starting point that best fits their taste.
7 Final Fantasy 6
As far as classic Final Fantasy games are concerned, for players who want to get an authentic experience that has aged well and shows what the series has to offer, Final Fantasy 6 may be the game to start with. With one of the largest amounts of playable party members in the series, the game features the active-time battle system that the series is now known for.
Additionally, the game has one of the strongest casts in the series that is highlighted by a structure that regularly shifts the focus of the story to various party members across the game’s duration.
6 Tales Of Vesperia
For players who are looking for a JRPG that doesn’t feature turn-based combat, Tales of Vesperia may be the game for you. An action RPG with a memorable cast of characters, Tales of Vesperia notably allows for each party member to be controlled by a separate player, allowing the game to be experienced with up to four players.
The campaign has a somewhat slow start, but it eventually blossoms into a genuinely gripping adventure. The protagonist, Yuri Lowell, is also a contender for the franchise’s best.
5 Fire Emblem: Three Houses
While the tactical JRPG genre gets a bad rap for being quite difficult, the most recent entry in the Fire Emblem series, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is quite beginner-friendly. With a very forgiving difficulty as well as a casual mode that disables the series staple “perma-death,” the game is much more free-form than any other game in the Fire Emblem series.
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As the player assumes the role of a professor at Garreg Mach Monastary, they are able to teach and train their students to allow them to fight how the player chooses.
4 Chrono Trigger
Often regarded as one of the greatest JRPG’s of all time, Chrono Trigger is a game based around traveling through time within the game’s setting. With great pacing, endearing characters designed by Akira Toriyama, and forgiving combat, Chrono Trigger can start a player off with one of the best games the genre has to offer.
The game even has numerous character-driven side-quests for players who want more out of the cast, and it has numerous endings for players looking for replay value!
3 Dragon Quest 11
Released for the PS4 and the Nintendo Switch, Dragon Quest 11 is an excellent starting point for players looking to get into the JRPG genre. Oozing with charm, the game boasts gorgeous visuals and memorable character designs by Dragon Ball Z creator, Akira Toriyama.
As far as combat is concerned, the game features a very traditional turn-based combat system but allows the player the freedom to choose their party setup, allowing them to use the characters who they prefer.
2 Persona 5
Persona 5 is a game that exudes style and flair without sacrificing substance. While the majority of the entries on this list are more traditional fantasy games, Persona 5 features a modern Japanese setting that is paired with a phenomenally jazzy soundtrack.
With stellar characters and a strong story, the game exemplifies JRPGs’ strength of blending combat with engaging writing in an artistically
1 Pokemon
While Pokemon is one of the most most popular and successful video game franchises of all time, many people tend to gloss over that it is a JRPG through and through. While its turn-based combat may differ from that found in many other entries on this list, Pokemon is without a doubt one of the best gateway JRPGs for those unfamiliar with the genre, being incredibly easy to learn.
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