The immersive nature of JRPGs is often highlighted by the ability to pause and breathe within towns and cities throughout the game. These bustling locales serve as more than mere stops along our journey; they become sanctuaries for rest, shops for upgrading gear, and even venues for chance at the casino, particularly in games like Dragon Quest.
Amidst a myriad of towns, some easily fade into the background, merely acting as checkpoints. Yet, certain cities linger vividly in our minds, distinguished for their unique characteristics and the experiences they provide.
This article will explore what I consider to be the most iconic cities within the JRPG genre—whether due to their architectural splendor, the features they present, or a deep-rooted nostalgia that tugs at the heartstrings.
Although I aimed to mitigate redundancy by avoiding cities from the same franchise repeatedly, a few standout entries simply had to be included for their undeniable significance.
8 Zaphias
Tales of Vesperia
Having played nearly all of the mainline Tales series, the city that stands out most vividly for me is Zaphias, the imperial capital featured in Tales of Vesperia. This is where players embark on the journey of the rebellious anti-hero, Yuri Lowell.
What makes Zaphias fascinating is its portrayal of a stringent caste system visibly interwoven into daily life. From the lower quarters to the opulent districts of the nobility, the city’s social hierarchy is starkly evident, affecting how its citizens interact.
As you navigate the nobility’s region with Yuri, NPCs often express disdain toward him, highlighting the societal class divide. Zaphias showcases how a city can serve as a compelling narrative device, delivering a critique of its society through rich lore.
7 Township
Breath of Fire II
Nostalgia plays a significant role in my fondness for Township, a pivotal location in Breath of Fire II. In this town, players take on the task of rebuilding and upgrading the community after saving it from invading giant cockroaches.
Throughout the game, players encounter NPCs yearning for a new start, and they have the option to draw such characters into Township to expand it with new shops and residences, marking the first instance of town-building mechanics I experienced in a JRPG.
This feature has since appeared in similar forms in titles such as Breath of Fire III and Xenoblade Chronicles, among others, enhancing the genre’s diversity.
6 Zeal
Chrono Trigger
The haunting melodies of Zeal’s soundtrack still resonate as I think back to my journeys in Chrono Trigger. This aerial kingdom inhabited by magically gifted humans is simply enchanting, making it hard to dislike.
Chrono Trigger ingeniously navigates across various eras while embracing their suitable cultural and fantastical elements, ensuring that each location feels rich and textured. The initial visit to Zeal in 12, 000 BC reveals a society that melds technology with magic—a beacon of enlightenment that ultimately falls victim to its own quest for power.
Who knew that siphoning energy from an alien being could lead to such disastrous results?
5 Heliodor
Dragon Quest XI
While cities like Puerto Valor and Gondolia in Dragon Quest XI are equally charming, Heliodor garners its reputation for being the first major hub players encounter, thus solidifying its iconic status.
A distinctive aspect of the Dragon Quest series is how its cities reflect real-world cultures, notably seen in Heliodor’s English architectural influences and the various regional accents of its residents.
This city epitomizes the quintessential medieval fantasy setting, complete with distinct districts that encompass both the noble classes and the bustling lower streets, teeming with intriguing characters.
4 Grand Trad
Metaphor: ReFantasy
Grand Trad, the capital of the Kingdom of Euchronia, stands out for reasons that starkly contrast with the idea of iconic charm. This city is a hub of political discourse within Metaphor: ReFantazio, tackling heavy themes like diversity and racial equality.
From the moment we arrive, the hostile atmosphere becomes palpable; civilians openly hurl slurs at our protagonist, underscoring the societal fragmentation. This grim environment is accentuated by horrific public executions and blatant neglect toward the less fortunate, revealing a harsh reality that is unforgettable.
While Grand Trad may not be aesthetically iconic, its depiction ensures it leaves an indelible mark on anyone who dares to explore its streets.
3 High altitude
Final Fantasy XV
Despite my mixed feelings toward Final Fantasy XV, particularly during its initial launch, I must acknowledge the breathtaking beauty of its locales, especially the stunning city of Altissia, inspired by Venice.
In Altissia, players can engage in fishing, stop by quaint cafés, capture moments with Prompto, and traverse the canals on gondolas, adding layers of immersion to the experience.
While it ranks among the most picturesque cities in JRPGs, the destruction caused by Leviathan adds a bittersweet note to its allure. The gameplay allows exploration without the ramifications of destruction, leaving one with a sense of longing for what could have been; indeed, Altissia holds a cherished place in my heart.
2 New Los Angeles
Xenoblade Chronicles X
Choosing a singular city from the Xenoblade series proved a challenge, but New Los Angeles emerged as the clear choice, given its narrative importance and the abundance of activities available to players.
This city stands as humanity’s last refuge, built after the Earth’s demise, and its design employs a future-oriented take on the classic Los Angeles layout. The vibrant life and struggle for survival within this metropolis captivate players as they embark on quests to uncover the mysteries of the Lifehold, a vital supercomputer for humanity’s survival.
The sheer volume of side quests and character interactions enrich the experience, making New Los Angeles an unforgettable locale in the Xenoblade Chronicles universe.
1 Midgar
Final Fantasy VII
When it comes to iconic JRPG cities, Midgar from Final Fantasy VII stands unrivaled. Its cybersecurity structure is emblematic of a dystopian society characterized by significant class disparities. Key locations, such as Seventh Heaven, Shinra’s headquarters, and the lively Wall Market, are deeply embedded in gaming lore.
Players begin in Midgar, setting forth on a quest not only to save Gaia but also to uplift the oppressed populace against the tyrannical Shinra Electric Power Company. The city and its intricate storylines allow for profound character development and emotional connections.
The Final Fantasy VII Remake amplified Midgar’s significance by enriching the world with intricate details, providing depth to locations like the Honeybee Inn and delving into the lives of minor characters such as Johnny and the Shinra Middle Manager. While some critics argue the remake is a stretch, others find it enhances the narrative, paving the way for a richer journey in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, which I consider to be amongst the finest JRPGs of 2024.
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