As I navigate through life, I’ve noticed an increase in my emotional sensitivity. Whether it stems from a deeper understanding of the stories and art I engage with, an appreciation for life’s subtleties, or simply a result of personal emotional development, I’ve morphed into quite the sentimental individual.
Of all the mediums I explore, video games, particularly Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), have the uncanny ability to bring me to tears. It doesn’t require a critically acclaimed title to strike an emotional chord; often, it’s just a narrative that resonates with my personal experiences or current feelings that sends me into a torrent of tears.
Reflecting on this, I felt compelled to highlight a selection of JRPGs that are guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings throughout their narratives. Although not everyone may share my emotional perspective—after all, emotional responses are deeply subjective—this list might resonate with those who appreciate a profound narrative experience.
If you find yourself aligning with my emotional stance on storytelling and are open to a heartfelt journey through these games, I suggest keeping some tissues close at hand.
Before delving into these stories, be advised: spoilers abound for various titles we’ll be discussing.
10 Final Fantasy X
Come Back, Tidus
While I could populate this list with several titles from the Final Fantasy series, I’ll limit myself to the ones that have had the most profound impact on me, starting with Final Fantasy X. My teenage years were marked by my experience with this game, which introduced complex themes surrounding mortality and emotional connection that I was only beginning to grasp at that time.
Throughout the game, I came to empathize with Tidus, the protagonist, whose narrative made excellent strides in making me feel his struggles and triumphs. As the story unfolded, I connected deeply with Tidus’s farewell to Yuna during a climactic moment. Watching him fade away while she professed her love—an extraordinary localization detail—was a heart-wrenching scene that remains etched in my memory.
9 Sea of Stars
Living on Borrowed Time
In Sea of Stars, I didn’t initially find Garl to be a compelling character but was ultimately moved by his poignant story arc. Though possessing a bit of an archetypal demeanor, discovering that his existence was limited by a ticking clock added a layer of complexity that moved me greatly.
Faced with a dire fate following an encounter with the Fleshmancer, Garl’s resolve to prepare a meal for a dragon to aid his friends became a display of unyielding courage. His ultimate sacrifice left an indelible mark, accentuated by the gut-wrenching scenes depicting his funeral and their collective grief—a moment that allowed me to forge a deeper connection with the story’s protagonists.
8 Metaphor: ReFantasy
Heismay’s Bond
While Metaphor: ReFantazio isn’t draped in sorrow, it certainly tackles heavy themes like prejudice and inequality. However, the narrative’s emotional depth surged when I engaged with Heismay’s story. Released shortly after my son’s first birthday, any parent-child storyline felt instantly relevant.
Heismay’s struggles with the loss of his son compelled me as a father to reflect on the harsh reality of grief. Each recollection of his past brought forward waves of empathy, making his emotional turmoil resonate deeply. His battle against his own guilt struck a chord, and I found myself deeply moved by his intimate moments of vulnerability.
7 Lost Odyssey
Them Short Stories
Introduced by game designer Hironobu Sakaguchi, the short stories featured in Lost Odyssey are delicately woven narratives that highlight the protagonist Kaim Argonar’s long-lived experiences. Each of these tales is laced with heart-wrenching emotion, revealing the passage of time through Kaim’s eyes.
The stories carry significant weight and capture substantial moments of beauty and sorrow, painting a picture of an immortal’s isolation. Some passages left me genuinely teary-eyed, offering a profound exploration of the loneliness that immortality can bring. The minimalistic delivery of these narratives—merely text—spoke volumes and made the impact feel even more profound.
6 Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward
Haurchefant’s Dad
Final Fantasy XIV has evolved into a major player in the gaming industry. Initially, doubts plagued its early iteration, but with the launch of the Heavensward expansion, the storytelling dramatically improved. Characters became compelling, and the stakes felt higher.
Throughout the journey, we encounter Haurchefant, a character whose warmth and unwavering support stands in stark contrast to the turmoil surrounding us. When he met his tragic end—his iconic line, “a smile better suits a hero”echoing in our minds—it was emotional. Yet, the true heartache emerged afterwards when we had to convey his fate to his estranged father. In that moment, Edmont’s heartbreak became a mirror for my own, pulling me into shared grief and empathetic sorrow.
5 Breath of Fire III
Baby Dragon Mistreated
My affinity for Breath of Fire III makes my emotional response during its opening scenes profoundly personal. The introduction showcases a baby dragon’s plight, and witnessing his struggle for survival amidst mistreatment profoundly impacts me. Ryu, the young dragon, faces brutality for merely being an innocent child.
The emotional turmoil intensifies as he navigates life in captivity, yearning for a sense of belonging and family while suffering continuous setbacks. Each moment he fights to reclaim his narrative becomes symbolic of the resilience of the innocent faced with overwhelming adversities, and it hits home with every replay.
4 NieR: Automata
Existential Crisis Incoming
While I didn’t shed tears while playing NieR: Automata, the experience was riddled with profound reflections, and at times, I found myself plunged into existential contemplation. The narrative unfolds within a world brimming with echoes of humanity’s fall from grace, constantly challenging perceptions of purpose.
As characters confront their existence, the questions they raise about identity and goal resonate on a personal level, intertwining with my own reflections on life. Witnessing their anguish and determination to break free from predetermined fates offers both a cathartic release and a poignant reminder of the fragility of choice.
3 Xenoblade Chronicles 3
The Prison Scene
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 excels in immersive storytelling, combining rich mythology with poignant character arcs. The grim backdrop of continuous warfare creates an atmosphere where hope feels fleeting. However, as characters start to awaken to the possibility of life beyond conflict, their emotional struggles emerge as key moments of depth.
A particularly moving segment occurs at the end of Chapter 5. The emotional toll becomes palpable as characters confront hopelessness, their resolve beginning to fray. Witnessing Mio’s acceptance intertwined with her raw emotions toward Noah during the climax is a moment that etched itself into my heart—eloquent, yet steeped in tragedy.
2 Kingdom Hearts 3
Damn That Finale
Having played through the entire Kingdom Hearts franchise in close succession, my emotional investment reached peaks of intensity. Each character interaction built upon the last, making the finale of Kingdom Hearts 3 overwhelmingly impactful.
Although the previous encounters and moments of heartfelt reunion stirred emotions, nothing could have prepared me for the gut-wrenching farewell between Kairi and Sora. When he vanished into the sunset after saving her, I was left devastated, tears flowing freely as the credits rolled—a moment solidified by my journey through countless adventures with them.
1 Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33
The Whole Game
Upon its reveal at the Xbox Showcase, my expectations for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 soared. From the moment I started my journey, I was captivated—emotionally overwhelmed as early as the prologue. This game became a remarkable narrative experience that had me in tears through various pivotal scenes.
One of the most heart-wrenching moments occurred not during Gustave’s shocking demise, but rather during the characters’ collective mourning in the wake of his death. As the emotional weight of Maelle’s words resonated, I found myself enveloped in raw sadness, compelled to reflect on the fragility of life alongside these characters.
The emotional fitness continued with further losses, encapsulating the entirety of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as a powerful correspondence on love, grief, and the bonds we forge throughout our lives. Though the game left me emotionally spent, it ultimately offered a rich, fulfilling experience I deeply cherish.
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