Having been an ardent fan of JRPGs since my childhood—though I often played them without fully grasping their complexities—I occasionally find myself drawn back to revisit classic titles I once enjoyed. However, these nostalgic journeys can sometimes lead to disappointing revelations.
Generally speaking, unless a game has received a significant remaster that includes essential quality-of-life improvements, older JRPGs often prove to be quite challenging and frustrating. This is primarily attributed to dated mechanics and slow-paced gameplay that may not resonate with modern gamers.
Nevertheless, there are exceptions—certain JRPGs that have stood the test of time and continue to captivate players regardless of when they were released. These titles are frequently celebrated as genre-defining masterpieces. Today, we will explore eightJRPGs that have aged poorly, assessing why their charm may have worn off over the years, whether due to frustrating mechanics, outdated visuals, or ambitious designs that faltered.
Notably, I will focus exclusively on the original versions rather than remakes or remasters that significantly enhance the gameplay experience.
8 Legend of Legaia
Excruciating Slow Combat
Released in 1998, Legend of Legaia was a journey into an era when internet accessibility was sparse—at least in Brazil—making it nearly impossible for players like me to consult walkthroughs. This lack of external guidance led to an engaging personal experience as I learned about the game’s Arts system through trial and error.
For those unacquainted, the game features a unique turn-based combat system where players can combine different attacks to unleash powerful Arts. The thrill of discovering new combinations kept me occupied for countless hours. However, upon revisiting the game today, I found the combat to be painfully slow, particularly in random encounters. The need to now rely on internet resources to discover Arts has diminished the incentive to engage in lengthy battles, which can detract from the experience significantly for new players.
7 Xenogears
The Notorious Disc Two
While I tend to shy away from deep discussions on psychology, philosophy, and politics, I still find myself captivated by Xenogears. Its complex narrative draws heavily from influential figures like Carl Jung and Friedrich Nietzsche, creating multifaceted characters and intricate plot lines that enthrall dedicated fans.
However, creator Tetsuya Takahashi’s grand ambitions for the project led to significant compromises, resulting in a hastily constructed second disc that felt more like a PowerPoint presentation than a continuation of the story. For those unfamiliar, Xenogears represents the fifth installment of a sprawling narrative, so approaching it means accepting the experience of an incomplete story—all the more poignant for hardcore fans.
6 Star Ocean: First Departure
Backtracking To The Stars
Star Ocean: First Departure serves as a remake of the franchise’s inaugural entry. It’s noteworthy that many Western gamers were first introduced to this classic through this release. As a devoted fan of the series, I was eager to engage with its origins on the PS4.
Despite a few quality-of-life tweaks, the original game’s struggles with gameplay mechanics were difficult to overlook. The most prominent drawback is the excessive backtracking, compounded by relentless random encounters that can quickly drain the enjoyment from the experience.
Even with my knowledge of the series’ Item Creation mechanics, which did help mitigate some frustrations, the inherent issues with First Departure remain apparent. As such, I cannot in good conscience recommend this title without cautioning potential players about its shortcomings.
5 Breath of Fire
Every Step You Take, A Battle
Long hailed as my favorite RPG series, I revisited Breath of Fire when the initial games arrived on Nintendo Switch Online. However, returning to these classics unveiled several frustrations that marred my nostalgic experience. While I tend to prefer the GBA versions for their superior audio quality, only the SNES editions were made available through the service.
The absence of a run button, coupled with diminished rewards for experience and currency, made exploring tedious. In a world where every step risks triggering a random encounter, the ability to move quickly is essential. Regrettably, my time with this title was characterized more by frequent battles than exploration, ultimately diminishing the nostalgic enjoyment I had anticipated.
4 Final Fantasy II
Yeah, The Leveling Up System
For seasoned JRPG enthusiasts, Final Fantasy II might not merit attention, but casual players might perceive its character-building mechanics as perplexing. While I understand the intricacies of its leveling system, many players simply want to enjoy the game without excessive complication.
The game’s experimental leveling mechanics, while groundbreaking for their time, lack the sense of rewarding progression. Manipulating progression by self-sabotaging characters can be bewildering. Furthermore, the system discourages exploration and experimentation, leaving players relying on established strategies instead of allowing them to engage with diverse builds and character growth.
3 Secret of Mana
Action RPG With ATB
When I reflect on Secret of Mana, a fond memory comes to mind: my brother joined in by taking control of a second character, creating a unique cooperative experience rarely seen in RPGs of that era. This nostalgic attachment has often led me to praise the game highly. However, upon revisiting the remastered version, what I once considered nostalgia began to feel like a misperception.
The combat system, while innovative, suffers from sluggish mechanics. The action is bogged down by an ATB (Active Time Battle) gauge that must reach full capacity for an attack to be effective. This rhythm creates a repetitive cycle of waiting and striking that diminishes the excitement of the action elements, resulting in a less compelling gameplay experience.
2 Drakengard
Drags On A Lot
Initially attracted by the dragons, I was eager to dive into the world of Drakengard. However, what unfolded was a narrative riddled with darkness and despair that often felt overwhelming. While the game is notorious for its disturbing themes and multiple endings, the gameplay has not aged well.
Attempts are made to introduce unique mechanics, like the dragon-riding segments, but these interactions feel outdated and lack the polish found in later entries, such as NieR: Automata. This results in gameplay that, by today’s standards, feels tedious and unfulfilling. While the sequels enhance gameplay quality, those interested in exploring the first installment should be prepared for extensive grind and repetition.
1 Quest 64
One Of The Few Nintendo 64’s JRPG
Although Quest 64 holds a certain nostalgic charm as one of the few JRPGs on the Nintendo 64, it has not aged favorably. While it presents mechanics that appear promising at first, the gameplay quickly devolves into monotony.
The battle system attempts to merge turn-based and real-time elements, yet it feels disjointed and lacks depth. Though there are aspects of character growth and spell enhancement, the overall experience resembles more of a prototype rather than a fully realized game. Despite its status as a unique title on the platform, Quest 64 struggled to achieve a lasting legacy in both critical reception and player satisfaction.
For diehard JRPG fans or those intrigued by retro gaming, this title may still hold some appeal. However, players should approach it with tempered expectations to truly enjoy the nostalgic venture of Brian the mage.
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