In the realm of JRPGs, particularly during the 1990s, a defining characteristic was the freedom of exploration. Initially, players traversed vast landscapes on foot, but the gameplay evolved to include maritime journeys that unlocked new continents for adventure.
Ultimately, players gained access to airships—whether they took the form of vehicles, mythical beings, or even entire cities designed to fly. The moment an airship became available, it signaled a wave of discovery, as players delved into the world’s secrets and sought out rare treasures, all while occasionally facing off against formidable hidden bosses capable of devastating them in a single blow.
With a plethora of airships featured across many titles, certain ones stand out due to their significance in the narrative or their functionality beyond mere transportation. Let’s explore some of the most memorable airships in JRPG history.
8 Grandship
Bravely Default
Bravely Default serves as a nostalgic nod to classic Final Fantasy games. This turn-based JRPG showcases a job system, familiar magical terms, and expansive exploration. The Grandship, an innovative hybrid vessel, becomes central to this adventure. Initially immobile due to a malfunctioning engine, it transforms into a means of exploration once repaired, allowing players to navigate the rich world with ease.
Notably, the Grandship remains with players throughout their journey, although its condition declines as the story progresses, an intriguing touch that adds depth to its role.
7 Lunar Whale
Final Fantasy IV
Imagine an airship resembling a whale that facilitates your journey to the moon—such is the charm of the Lunar Whale in Final Fantasy IV. Airships are pivotal themes throughout this game, as players initially embark on their adventures aboard one before acquiring several crafts, culminating in the awe-inspiring Lunar Whale.
Despite its name, this vessel is a genuinely engineered ship, bestowed upon players by a mystical elder. The Lunar Whale captured the imagination of fans, even making a notable appearance in Final Fantasy XIV during its Endwalker expansion. While it’s an expensive premium mount, it remains a fan-favorite for its iconic status.
6 Yggdrasil
Xenogears
Xenogears introduces players to the Yggdrasil, featuring three progressive iterations that evolve throughout the game. The journey begins with a version limited to desert travel, which ultimately meets its demise. Bart’s discovery of Yggdrasil II revitalizes the expedition as it can now navigate seas.
The final transformation into Yggdrasil III allows players to soar high above the land, unlocking opportunities to tackle unique challenges, monsters, and valuable gear. The ship also offers amenities like a bar and lounge, adding a delightful touch to the exploration experience, which fans hope to see in a potential remake.
5 Albiore
Tales of the Abyss
Within the Tales series, traditional elements often included airships for exploration; however, the genre has shifted over the years, favoring fast travel systems instead. In Tales of the Abyss, the Albiore represents a harmonious blend of both approaches. After an ambitious rescue mission, the party claims the airship, enabling exploration of the world and earlier locations.
The Albiore also boasts upgrade paths, enhancing both its fast-travel capabilities and its ability to engage in secret boss fights, thus leaving plenty of room for discovery.
4 Highwind
Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII stands as a cornerstone of the JRPG genre, amplified by recent remakes and sequels. Among its many cherished elements, the Highwind emerges as perhaps the most recognizable airship in the franchise. Although its design may not be the most unique or proficient compared to a Gold Chocobo, its nostalgic qualities resonate deeply with fans.
The airship’s name pays tribute to Cid Highwind, its chief engineer and one of the franchise’s iconic characters, symbolizing the player’s freedom to traverse the expansive game world. With excitement brewing for the upcoming sequels, fans eagerly anticipate the Highwind’s role as well.
3 Flying Township
Breath of Fire II
While initially skeptical about including unique flying entities, I was surprised to discover that the Township in Breath of Fire II evolves into a flying city. This JRPG integrates base-building mechanics, rewarding players not only for their architectural improvements but also for the ability to elevate the Township skyward.
Though not the most efficient means of air travel, the Township’s operation relies on human energy—specifically, the protagonist’s father, Ganer Bateson, who heroically sacrifices himself. This blend of emotional narrative and gameplay mechanics provides a unique twist on the airship concept.
2 Ragnarok
Final Fantasy VIII
For sheer style and audacity, few airships can rival the Ragnarok from Final Fantasy VIII. As a striking dragon-shaped airship, its vivid crimson hue sets it apart. Players discover the Ragnarok adrift in the vastness of space, a bold and unexpected twist in narrative exploration.
The ship is equipped with autopilot, internal save points, and draw points, while also incorporating a dedicated area for playing the engaging minigame Triple Triad. With its advanced technological capabilities, the Ragnarok epitomizes what it means to explore beyond the stars.
1 Epoch
Chrono Trigger
When it comes to airships, Square’s brilliance shines through via the Epoch in Chrono Trigger. This remarkable vessel transcends traditional transportation by enabling users not just to explore the entirety of the world but also to travel through time itself. This added layer amplifies both gameplay and narrative depth, intertwining the ship’s capabilities with the core theme of time travel.
The Epoch symbolizes adventure and discovery and remains an essential element within what is often regarded as one of the greatest JRPGs of all time. An amusing note: while many refer to this ship simply as the Epoch, its alternate, less-known name is Aero-Dalton Imperial, an inside joke among fans.
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