The realm of gaming boasts an impressive selection of long-standing JRPG franchises. While many of these series present interconnected narratives across their installments, others opt for unique adventures with each new title. Both approaches contribute to the genre’s richness, providing players with captivating stories, immersive gameplay, and enchanting worlds.
What all these JRPGs share is an underlying mythology—a lore that persists throughout the various entries. Even in games that are designed as standalones, they still embody the franchise’s identity through recurring themes, recognizable character designs, and other elements that tie them to a broader universe.
This article will explore top JRPG franchises known for their standalone stories, yet still maintaining a cohesive mythology. For our selection, we considered only franchises with a minimum of three mainline entries, intentionally excluding titles with direct sequels to focus on distinct narratives.
8 Pokémon
Distinct Generations
The Pokémon franchise stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of JRPGs within the gaming industry. With over nine generations and an astounding array of more than 1,000 unique Pokémon, players might wonder about the narrative connections between the mainline games. The reality is that each Pokémon title features its own standalone plot. Although not heavily narrative-driven, these games can be enjoyed independently.
While there are subtle nods to the franchise’s expansive multimedia universe, fundamentally, each game revolves around the shared journey of a trainer aiming to catch Pokémon, collect badges, and become the best—all encapsulated in its unique storyline.
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A Truly Standalone Franchise
The primary unifying feature across the Grandia series is its innovative battle system, while each game unfolds entirely different narratives with unique characters, settings, and scenarios. For example, the original Grandia follows the adventures of Justin, with subsequent games introducing protagonists like Ryudo and Yuki, each on their own quests.
Gameplay centers around a hybrid system of real-time and turn-based mechanics, where strategic timing can disrupt enemies. Additionally, the series features a distinctive magic system that allows players to combine elements, generating new spells as they navigate their journeys.
6 Wild Arms
A Fantasy Wild West
The Wild Arms series presents five distinct yet thematically connected titles, set in a desert-like world inspired by the Wild West called Filgaia. Each game explores environmental themes while featuring recurring elements like the powerful ARMs—firearms wielded by characters against advancing villains.
Throughout the series, these firearms and a cast of protectors known as the Guardians serve as integral components of the combat system, bridging the titles together thematically while allowing for unique narratives and gameplay mechanics in each installment.
5 Breath of Fire
The Dragon Clan Saga
Although the first three Breath of Fire games share a world, centuries separate their events, allowing players to dive into each game without prerequisite knowledge. Ryu, a recurring blue-haired protagonist with dragon transformation abilities, and Nina, the winged princess, navigate their adventures against a backdrop of fantasy elements.
Recurring themes often revolve around the struggle of dragons seeking peace amidst antagonistic forces, delivering vibrant narratives interspersed with fishing, exploration, and battles against religious foes.
4 Star Ocean
Exploring a Universe of Games
While all Star Ocean entries are placed within an overarching timeline, they treat their distinct narratives as separate stories, often set millennia apart. While the games share certain familial ties and thematic elements—particularly the Pangalactic Federation—most narratives unfold independently.
Players are drawn to the franchise’s exciting blend of futuristic and medieval settings, creating a unique gameplay experience that has evolved over time. Recent titles, like Star Ocean: The Divine Force, evoke nostalgia by subtly referencing earlier games, serving as a bittersweet farewell to the series.
3 Shin Megami Tensei
Richly Thematic and Religious
Shin Megami Tensei showcases a consistent thematic framework where players navigate extensive narratives imbued with religious motifs from a myriad of belief systems. The series regularly features a blend of mythological characters, philosophical themes, and post-apocalyptic scenarios, often set in modern-day settings.
The complexity of each storyline reflects the intricate nature of the series’ philosophical explorations and character dynamics, pushing players to consider the implications of good and evil as they engage with supernatural forces invading their world.
2 Tales Of
The Most Anime-esque Franchise
Diving into the Tales of franchise reveals an impressive portfolio of over 15 mainline titles, most of which stand as unique explorations of various settings and narratives. Although certain games continue others’ stories, the majority thrive on delivering standalone experiences filled with rich character arcs and engaging plots.
This franchise fully embraces its anime heritage, successfully integrating dramatic narratives with humor and character-driven storytelling. The recent entry, Tales of Arise, epitomizes the blend of traditional elements with modern aesthetics while keeping the familiar themes alive.
1 Final Fantasy
The Legacy of the Crystals
When considering anthology series in gaming, Final Fantasy often emerges as the most iconic. Each mainline entry delivers a fresh, standalone tale, rich in world-building, character development, and innovative gameplay, yet interwoven with shared lore elements such as crystals, iconic characters like Cid, and recurring spells.
The settings vary dramatically, ranging from medieval realms to futuristic landscapes, and the creative freedom embraced by each installment invites players to explore a multitude of experiences. Even amid this diversity, the franchise’s core mythology remains apparent, effortlessly connecting each unique title under the Final Fantasy banner.
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