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JRPGs of Interest

Game list created by Paulo Júnior

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My favorite RPGs from the land of the rising sun.

985

7.9

Final Fantasy VIII - PlayStation

My favorite RPG. I love its storyline, especially.

++Story

+Art/aesthetics

+Atmosphere/charm

+Turn-based

+Character customization systems

+Overworld

+Fair encounter rate

Paulo Júnior's rating:

397

8.5

Xenogears - PlayStation

The story, soundtrack and art are awesome. And with the exception of mech battles, the gameplay is fun, although shallow and repetitive. Also, the gameplay comprises very little of the playtime. Come for the story, which is the best I've ever seen.

+++Story

+Art/aesthetics

+Atmosphere/charm

+Turn-based

+Puzzles and/or platforming

+Overworld

+Fair encounter rate

Paulo Júnior's rating:

540

8.1

Chrono Cross - PlayStation

I didn't play much this too, it has a very weird battle system that I don't like, but at least it doesn't have random encounters and the story is good (complex, just like I like). The theme of interdimensional travel/parallel universes interests me greatly and the graphics are some of the best on PS1.

+Story

+Art/aesthetics

+Atmosphere/charm

+Turn-based

+No random encounters

8.7

Tales of Phantasia - PlayStation

Above average for the time, with well-made story, good unique battle system, puzzles and the encounter rate, that was a problem in original SNES version, was fixed in the PS version. The fantranslation of this version is also more accurate to the original.

+Story

+Art/aesthetics

+Atmosphere/charm

+Puzzles and/or platforming

+Overworld

+Fair encounter rate

486

Chrono Trigger - Super famicom and SNES

The story starts simplistic, but at some point it becomes good. The battle system has combine attacks and magical attacks are area-of-effect. It is also a fairly easy RPG, which I like. The art and sound are phenomenal. Love the theme of time travel, too.

+Story

+Art/aesthetics

+Atmosphere/charm

+Turn-based

+No random encounters

Paulo Júnior's rating:

1459

7.5

Final Fantasy X - PlayStation 2

Such good story,battle system, customization system, sound and graphics!

++Story

+Art/aesthetics

+Atmosphere/charm

+Turn-based

+Character customization systems

+Fair encounter rate

Paulo Júnior's rating:

182

8.3

Tales of the Abyss - PlayStation 2

An awesome story, a fun battle system that's kinda shallow, repetitive and too easy, pretty graphics and good characters. Also, no random encounters, yay!

++Story

+Art/aesthetics

+No random encounters

+Overworld

Paulo Júnior's rating:

181

7.9

Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria - PlayStation 2

I didn't play much this, but I pretend. The graphics are astounding! The battle system is fun and the customization seems very deep.

+Story

+Art/aesthetics

+Atmosphere/charm

+Turn-based

+Puzzles and/or platforming

+No random encounters

+Character customization systems

331

Parasite Eve - PlayStation

Probably the best action RPG ever. The story is awesome, the graphics follow suit, the battle system is interesting, it has nice customization too.

++Story

+Art/aesthetics

+Atmosphere/charm

+Turn-based

+Character customization systems

Paulo Júnior's rating:

8.5

Phantasy Star IV - Sega Genesis and Mega Drive

Above most RPGs at the time, the themes of space-faring adventure in sword and sorcery worlds is unequaled. Star Ocean wished it was Phantasy Star Algol Saga! Although some things are weird, like the game lacks maps and item descriptions, they are on the manual(?)! The story is good, well-paced, intriguing and it becomes better at the end. The graphics are some of the best on Mega Drive, as is the soundtrack.

+Story

+Art/aesthetics

+Atmosphere/charm

+Turn-based

+Overworld

+Fair encounter rate

Paulo Júnior's rating:

8.9

Tales of Vesperia - PlayStation 3

Yuri Lowell is an awesome main character.

+Story

+Art/aesthetics - so pretty! I love the fixed camera!

+Atmosphere/charm

+No random encounters

+Character customization systems

+Overworld

Paulo Júnior's rating:

Wild Arms 5 - PlayStation 2

The whole Wild Arms series interests me, but WA5 has the best graphics and I took interest in the hex battle system. Although I didn't reach far yet (I also don't have my PS2 anymore). Why am I interested? It's an RPG series famous for adding puzzle-solving to the mix. Also, the wild west with sci-fi elements is super interesting.

+Story

+Art/aesthetics

+Turn-based

++Puzzles and/or platforming

?Character customization systems

+Overworld

+Fair encounter rate

233

7.8

Parasite Eve II - PlayStation

Albeit the story is not as awesome as on the first one, it added more survival horror elements (the battle system is less RPG now).

+Story

+Art/aesthetics

++Atmosphere/charm

+Turn-based

+Puzzles and/or platforming

Paulo Júnior's rating:

1234

8.4

Final Fantasy VII - PlayStation

Didn't reach far. Read the whole story, though. Good story.

213

8.6

Shadow Hearts: Covenant - PlayStation 2

Read with attention: historical fiction fantasy horror comedy! That is all in this game! Besides, the judgment ring is an interesting system, the graphics are good and the fact that every character has a different customization system is neat! The soundtrack also does a good job, it had Yasunori Mitsuda in it! I seriously think this franchise was very unique. Also, for some reason, the game reminds me of classic Resident Evil. It has puzzles in it, too. And I adore fixed camera!

337

7.6

Star Ocean: Till the End of Time - PlayStation 2

I didn't reach very far on this, but I loved the battle system and graphics and the story was mildly interesting. I was spoiled on the controversial plot twist in the end, but didn't reach it. Depending on the way it is handled, I might not be mad. lol And no random encounters!

316

7.8

Vagrant Story - PlayStation

Probably the best action RPG on PS1 along with Parasite Eve. Even though they're so different. These might be the best fully polygonal graphics on the system. The story is super good, as are the battle and customization systems.

996

6.9

Final Fantasy X-2 - PlayStation 2

I played only the beginning. It seemed nice, obviously the graphics are good, there's a jump button, I've heard the story is more politicized and the job system is back! I doubt the battle system isn't great, considering job system. Although it apparently has an excess of mini-games.

117

8.1

Final Fantasy V - Super famicom and SNES

Didn't finish. Awesome battle system, the job system is fantastic! The story is also fun.

Paulo Júnior's rating:

Add items to section

Promises

I did not play them yet, but I think I'll like 'em.

204

7.6

Shadow Hearts - PlayStation 2

Predecessor to Covenant, it is said to be darker.

+Story

+Art/aesthetics

++Atmosphere/charm

+Turn-based

+Character customization systems

+Fair encounter rate

128

8.1

Wild Arms 2 - PlayStation

A way to perhaps avoid combat from the random encounters, it's charming, with turn-based battles, apparently well-received and has puzzles prominently.

+Story

+Art/aesthetics

+Atmosphere/charm

+Turn-based

++Puzzles and/or platforming

?Character customization systems

+Overworld

+Fair encounter rate

213

Suikoden III - PlayStation 2

+Story

+Art/aesthetics

+Atmosphere/charm

+Turn-based

Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean

158

7.8

Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean... - GameCube

I've heard all of the basics: no random encounters, good battle system, good customization, good story, puzzles, obviously the graphics are nice too. I'm just torn on the card-based battle system.

+Story

+Art/aesthetics

+Atmosphere/charm

+Turn-based

+Puzzles and/or platforming

+No random encounters

?Character customization systems

195

8.1

Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga - PlayStation 2

Incredible atmosphere. But they say the encounter rate is very high.

+Story

+Art/aesthetics

++Atmosphere/charm

+Turn-based

?Character customization systems

212

8.1

Lost Odyssey - Xbox 360

Turn-based! Fixed camera angles! Both your party and the opponent's have two rows, the backrow takes less damage and the rate is determined by a bar. That bar is diminished when the front row takes attacks, making the backrow take more damage. There are items that fill that bar (at the cost of a turn). You can hold a button when you'll attack and release at the right time to have a bonus benefit defined by a ring you equiped on the character. Great art-style and great side-stories. It has random encounters, though.

+Story

+Art/aesthetics

++Atmosphere/charm

+Turn-based

+Puzzles and/or platforming

?Character customization systems

200

8.1

Breath of Fire IV - PlayStation

Gorgeous art and you alternate control between the villain and the heroes.

+Story

+Art/aesthetics

+Atmosphere/charm

+Turn-based

+Puzzles and/or platforming

?Character customization systems

+Fair encounter rate

7.7

Yakuza: Like A Dragon - PlayStation 4

+Story

+Art/aesthetics

+Turn-based

?No random encounters

+Character customization systems?

9.5

Duplicate - PlayStation 3

273

8.2

The Legend of Dragoon - PlayStation

+Story

++Art/aesthetics

+Atmosphere/charm

+Turn-based

+Puzzles and/or platforming

?Character customization systems

143

7.9

Skies of Arcadia: Legends - GameCube

Unique theme of piracy in floating islands, puzzles, graphics. What more could me want? Yes, the encounters are random. I've read the encounter rate was too high on the original Dreamcast release, but was fixed in Legends.

+Story

+Atmosphere/charm

+Turn-based

+Puzzles and/or platforming

?Character customization systems
+Overworld (sorta)

166

7.4

Wild Arms 3 - PlayStation 2

+Story

+Art/aesthetics

+Atmosphere/charm

+Turn-based

++Puzzles and/or platforming

+Character customization systems

+Overworld

Breath of Fire II - Wii Virtual Console

Only with retranslation and random encounter-diminishing+double XP patches. I love how traditional and beautiful it is! Characters have overworld skills to help progress.

+Story

+Art/aesthetics

++Atmosphere/charm

+Turn-based

+Puzzles and/or platforming

+Character customization systems

+Overworld

189

8.5

Suikoden V - PlayStation 2

+Story

+Art/aesthetics

+Turn-based

+Overworld

8.3

Tales of Symphonia Chronicles - PlayStation 3

ToS has no random encounters, has puzzles, good story, good graphics, good customization and battle system, kinda multiple endings. The only downside is I prefer turnbased battle systems, as action ones tend to turn into button mashing.

+Story

+Art/aesthetics

++Puzzles and/or platforming

+No random encounters

?Character customization systems

+Overworld

133

7.7

Grandia II - PlayStation 2

A great main character.

++Turn-based
+No random encounters
?Character customization systems
?Overworld

8.1

Persona 2: Innocent Sin - PlayStation

And Eternal Punishment

+Story

+Art/aesthetics

++Atmosphere/charm

+Turn-based

?Character customization systems

189

8.1

Valkyrie Profile - PlayStation

+Story

+Art/aesthetics

+Atmosphere/charm

+Turn-based

+Puzzles and/or platforming

+No random encounters

?Character customization systems

110

7.7

SaGa Frontier 2 - PlayStation

Said to have very good story, it features no random encounters. It has very pretty graphics too.

+Story

+Art/aesthetics

+Atmosphere/charm

+Turn-based

+Generational

197

8.4

Breath of Fire III - PlayStation

Puzzles, good customization, good story, awesome art, good battle system. Apparently, with the exception of lack of random encounters, it's all there. Anyways, this thing about random encounters might be just nitpicking of me, there's no real difference if they're random or not. Although I've heard the encounter rate is high, which makes me cautious. At least, apparently there are no random encounters on the overworld, except in some ares you can choose to go. I find it super odd and outdated that you attack without moving off your place.

+Story

+Art/aesthetics

+Atmosphere/charm

+Turn-based

+Puzzles and/or platforming

?Character customization systems

Trails from Zero

+Story
+Art/aesthetics
+Atmosphere/charm
+Turn-based
+No random encounters
+Character customization systems

Octopath Traveler 2 - Nintendo Switch

Eight characters, each one has a story, they sometimes cross.

+Story
+Art/aesthetics
+Atmosphere/charm
+Turn-based

154

Wild Arms - PlayStation

So charming!
+Story

+Art/aesthetics

+Atmosphere/charm

+Turn-based

++Puzzles and/or platforming

+Character customization systems

+Overworld

Tales of Berseria - PlayStation 3

A dark revenge story?

8.4

Radiant Historia - Nintendo DS

I like time travel. The plot seems good. It also has no randome encounters.

6.5

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse - Nintendo 3DS

Now in third-person.

105

7.5

Persona 5 - PlayStation 4

I've never taken interest to the Shin Megami Tensei Persona series, especially because of randomized dungeons. But from what I hear, most dungeons in Persona 5 aren't randomized. Also, I love turn-based battle system, action battle systems tend to delve into button mashing. And the battle system is acclaimed, so it must be good. The plots of these games, I hear, are always good. The artstyle is superb. There aren't random encounters and I hear there are puzzles. The only downside is there is only straight romance, but at least it's avoidable.

+Story

+Art/aesthetics

+Atmosphere/charm

+Turn-based

+Puzzles and/or platforming

+No random encounters

+Character customization systems

309

7.5

Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht - PlayStation 2

From the creators of Xenogears... probably an awesome story, from what I've seen there are things other than battle, the graphics are glorious. I just don't know about the battle system, since it wasn't strong in Xenogears, and it probably has many long scenes cutting gameplay, which I don't mind much if the story is good enough, which I bet it is.

++Story
+Turn-based

7.4

Hybrid Heaven - Nintendo 64

108

8.1

Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals - Super famicom and SNES

I've heard awesome things about its puzzles, and that's the only reason I wanna play it. That and the lack of random encounters within dungeons.

7.9

Live A Live - Super famicom and SNES

Several very unique different chapters with different casts and a story that then connects.

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Voters of this game list - View all

The japanese role playing games that most interest me, my favorites and the ones I still need to play. I judge them based on: lack of random encounters or not, battle system, customization system, story, graphics, art and existence of gameplay other than battle (usually puzzles). I will not make a difference between turn-based RPGs and action RPGs in this list.

Also, notice the lack of SRPGs? I didn't play many of them yet. They also have a list of their own of mine.

I also won't be putting games that weren't released or fantranslated here. I have a list specifically for stucks-in-Japan I want to play though.
My personal parameters:
+Story
+Art/aesthetics
+Atmosphere/charm
+Turn-based
+Puzzles and/or platforming
+No random encounters
+Character customization systems
+Overworld
+Generational (spans generations)
+Fair encounter rate (if has random encounters)