The legacy of Final Fantasy VII is a cornerstone in the evolution of the JRPG genre. This iconic title not only solidified Square Enix’s position in the gaming world but also introduced a new era of RPG design characterized by linear narratives and well-defined characters. It marked a pivotal shift that attracted a broader audience to role-playing games.
Square Enix’s decision to part ways with Nintendo in favor of Sony’s emerging console was a bold gamble. The substantial investment in Final Fantasy VII paid off handsomely, generating unprecedented success and cultivating a vast community of fans.
Today, the interest in JRPGs continues to flourish, with new releases captivating players globally and influencing various forms of media. Despite this, it’s essential to recognize that while Cloud and his companions have earned their accolades, other exceptional JRPGs have also made substantial impacts, receiving higher acclaim than Final Fantasy VII.
The reference point for our discussion is the game’s impressive 92 Metacritic score, though some included titles have identical ratings yet boast a greater number of critical reviews.
10 Fire Emblem: Awakening
The Series’ Phoenix
One standout quality among JRPGs is the determination of their developers to breathe new life into their franchises, particularly in the face of adversity.Fire Emblem: Awakening is often regarded as the title that revitalized the Fire Emblem series, showcasing how creativity can flourish in challenging times.
Intelligent Systems meticulously refined every aspect of the game based on player feedback, enhancing popular features like the Support System, introducing the innovative Casual Mode, and implementing new gameplay elements that made it more accessible. Its polished execution led it to become one of the highest-rated entries in the Fire Emblem franchise.
9 Chrono Trigger
The Original Was Never Rated
Despite its immense popularity, I believe Chrono Trigger doesn’t get the aggregate recognition it deserves, mainly because early reviews for the SNES version are often overlooked. The 92 score you see today originates from its Nintendo DS re-release, which faced critics expecting more than just a simple port.
Nevertheless, Chrono Trigger is frequently celebrated as one of the best JRPGs of all time. Its exceptional pacing, engaging combat, memorable characters, stunning pixel art, and a timeless soundtrack solidify its legendary status. It exemplified Square’s brilliance long before Final Fantasy VII made its mark.
8 Paper Mario
Allegedly Mario’s Best RPG
Building on the legacy of Super Mario RPG, which never received a proper aggregate rating, its spiritual successor Paper Mario soared to a score of 93, demonstrating its excellence. This title introduced a unique aesthetic that mimics traditional 2D art while existing within a 3D environment, coupled with the classic Mario charm.
Retaining core gameplay mechanics from its predecessor, Paper Mario innovated with a new partner system that provided diverse abilities, a badge system for added customization, and a witty script that consistently entertains. Its delightful pacing helped it earn its place as one of the finest JRPGs on the Nintendo 64.
7 Skies of Arcadia
Dreamcast’s JRPG Swan Song
Skies of Arcadia is a brilliant example of a late-console title that, despite exceeding expectations, faded into obscurity due to limited marketing. Originally released as a Dreamcast exclusive, it gradually garnered the status of a cult classic among RPG fans.
Its vibrant world, endearing characters, and a captivating battle system contribute to its charm, making quests enjoyable even amidst frequent random encounters. Calls for a remake are growing louder, especially with Sega’s recent initiatives to revive classic titles, leaving many hopeful for a revitalized experience of Vyse and his companions’ adventures.
6 Persona 4 Golden
All That Glitters Is Gold
While the PS Vita didn’t achieve commercial success, it became a haven for JRPG enthusiasts, particularly with the release of Persona 4 Golden, the highest-rated title on the platform. Atlus consistently builds upon its previous titles, and Persona 4 enhanced the social mechanics, dungeons, and combat introduced in Persona 3.
With its refined gameplay and expanded content, including additional social links and nighttime activities, Persona 4 Golden has solidified its status as the definitive version of the game. It’s widely recommended for anyone looking to experience the franchise, especially with the announcement of a forthcoming remake.
5 Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33
It All Started With Final Fantasy
Can we consider JRPG-inspired titles? Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a game that might not exist without Final Fantasy VII, is a testament to the evolution of the genre. Director Guillaume Broche acknowledged that his experience with Final Fantasy VIII shaped his creative vision.
This game bridges the gap between high-fidelity graphics and turn-based gameplay, featuring a compelling narrative and relatable characters. However, it’s disheartening to see its community sometimes disparaging other JRPGs instead of appreciating their influence.Clair Obscur deserves recognition for engaging newcomers while honoring its inspirations.
4 Metaphor: ReFantasy
Closest To Game Of The Year
Atlus has been producing excellent titles, and their latest release, Metaphor: ReFantazio, takes JRPG elements to a medieval setting. This title combines features like a dynamic calendar system, Social Links, and turn-based combat, showcasing the developer’s extensive experience in crafting narrative-driven games.
While shifting away from the school setting that characterized the Persona series, Metaphor: ReFantazio retains contemporary themes that appeal to a broad audience. It invites players to explore a richly woven narrative that mirrors societal issues while offering engaging gameplay mechanics.
3 Final Fantasy IX
Carrying The Torch
Final Fantasy IX may not have achieved the same commercial success as its predecessor, Final Fantasy VII, but it garnered immense critical acclaim. Many fans regard it as the superior entry, thanks to its enchanting aesthetic, whimsical setting, and a return to the series’ roots. The character development and charm of Zidane stand in stark contrast to the more brooding nature of Cloud.
Its unique ability-learning system encourages exploration of the game’s vast equipment, while characters embody distinctive archetypes, reminiscent of the Job system. This depth in design ensures that every character feels special and adds to the rich tapestry of the narrative.
2 Chrono Cross
Yeah, It’s That Good
For those newer to JRPGs, it’s important to recognize the golden era of SquareSoft, which not only gave us Final Fantasy VII but also exceptional titles like Chrono Trigger. The subsequent title, Chrono Cross, builds upon the lore of its predecessor, creating a unique world that explores themes of fate and choice.
In Chrono Cross, players navigate parallel dimensions, guiding protagonist Serge as he navigates alliances and conflicts that shape the destinies of both worlds. The game features a one-of-a-kind combat system that encourages player interaction and strategic engagement, making it a compelling entry into the genre.
1 Person 5 Royal
The Highest-Rated JRPG Ever
Persona 5 holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers, despite its potential to intimidate new players with its pacing and complexity. Nonetheless, Persona 5 was met with critical acclaim, earning a 93, while the enhanced Persona 5 Royal achieved an impressive 95, solidifying its status as the highest-rated JRPG to date.
The game’s contemporary themes, intricate plotting, memorable characters, exceptional soundtrack, and refined turn-based mechanics have contributed to its acclaim. Atlus’ commitment to delivering engaging experiences has established them as a leader in the industry, with exciting new additions ensuring the franchise’s continued growth and appeal.
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