Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) have cultivated numerous features that date back to the iconic era of the 1990s. A hallmark of many titles is a defined protagonist, rich in personality and backstory. Unlike more open-world RPGs, the player does not create their character from scratch; the narrative often revolves around a character with specific motivations and dreams.
Another engaging aspect of JRPGs is the sophisticated progression system. These games often take the traditional leveling mechanism and enhance it with layers of strategy and customization, allowing players to make meaningful choices about party development and tactical approaches.
One feature that particularly captivates me is the element of base building. Constructing, expanding, and nurturing a base or community offers a dynamic way for players to invest in the game world and reap various benefits. While early SNES and PS1 JRPGs introduced this concept, many modern titles have revived it. Below, I present a selection of the best JRPGs that incorporate base building mechanics.
9 Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven
Expanding Your Empire
The remake of Romancing SaGa 2 revitalizes the original’s base-building feature with a modern interface and enriched gameplay. In this title, you assume the role of the Emperor of Avalon, tasked with expanding your empire by conquering new territories and constructing essential facilities.
Your empire’s growth relies on the successful annexation of regions, which in turn unlocks new construction opportunities. From your throne, you can oversee the expansion process—simply allocate the necessary resources, endure a waiting period, and your empire flourishes. Facilities like a Smithy, a Magic Lab, and even a University, which quizzes players on game lore, enhance your gameplay experience.
8 Sea of Stars
The Village of Mirth
In Sea of Stars, players discover construction plans upon arriving in the charming town of Mirth and can recruit residents to facilitate expansion. While the base building is limited—offering only four construction plans and residents—it serves as a lovely homage to classic JRPGs.
Collect Rainbow Conches to unlock the game’s ultimate conclusion; these collectibles also provide access to essential constructions like an Inn, a Shop, a Fisherman’s Hut, and a Spa. Notably, visiting the Spa permanently enhances a character’s stats, adding strategic benefits to the gameplay.
7 Chained Echoes
Bolstering the Clan Ranks
Chained Echoes revitalizes the base building aspect, integrating it deeply into the gameplay. Players eventually establish the Crimson Wings clan and gain a base on Hermit’s Isle, where the recruitment of NPCs strategically enhances clan features and elevates Clan Rank.
Recruits are not only vital for expansion but can serve crucial roles such as shopkeepers or material providers for crafting weapons. Reaching Clan Rank 3 also unlocks a side quest that introduces a new optional character—Mikah, adding further intrigue to the recruitment process.
6 Breath of Fire 3
Helping the Fairies
Building upon the franchise’s foundation, Breath of Fire 3 introduces a unique twist to the base-building mechanic by focusing on aiding fairies in expanding their village. After rescuing a fairy, players gain access to the village and can engage in management gameplay, introduced when the protagonist matures.
This management system revolves around assigning fairies to gather resources or build facilities, each fairy possessing distinct skills. The growth of the village is a stress-free experience that rewards diligent management without overshadowing the main storyline.
5 Xenoblade Chronicles
Colony 6 Rebuilding
As part of the narrative, the heroes of Xenoblade Chronicles embark on a mission to restore Colony 6, intertwining base building with exploration. Players invest resources to rebuild while also recruiting residents, enhancing the gameplay experience through the Affinity Chart, which reveals relationships among residents and unlocks side quests.
The process of rebuilding Colony 6 yields beneficial perks, including access to higher-quality resources and unique items, enriching the overall game experience while contributing to a vibrant, interactive world.
4 White Knight Chronicles
Better When GeoNet Was Live
White Knight Chronicles introduced players to the Georama, a customizable town tied to the individual’s Guild Rank. While initially bolstered by online interactivity, this mechanic still proves enjoyable in single-player mode as you manage the resources for constructing buildings and selecting their arrangements.
Players recruit residents from around the world, each with unique job specialties, enriching the town’s functionality. Despite the online component’s discontinuation complicating expansion, the system remains a distinct and engaging aspect of the game.
3 Dark Cloud 2
The Georama Returns
Known as Dark Chronicle, Dark Cloud 2 also features the Georama system, intertwining story and gameplay. The Georama aspect provides players with extensive customization options, allowing them to construct various types of buildings and even environmental features.
As players progress through dungeons, they collect materials needed for building and fulfilling residents’ specific construction requirements. With modularity and the option to personalize every aspect, the Georama system offers a rewarding experience for players aiming for 100% completion.
2 Dragon Quest Builders 2
Building the New Erdrick’s Legacy
Dragon Quest Builders 2 offers a unique combination of sandbox style and JRPG elements, echoing the creativity found in games like Minecraft but with a narrative backbone. Players explore, collect resources, and construct various buildings, often necessitated by story developments to unlock crafting recipes and advance.
Once the main campaign reaches its conclusion, players unlock creative mode, expanding the potential for imaginative building and design. Fans of the Dragon Quest universe will appreciate the abundance of familiar figures, creatures, and gear, enhancing nostalgia while providing plenty of customization options.
1. Suikoden
108 Units to Recruit
While other games boast advanced base-building mechanics, Suikoden stands out as a pioneer in the genre. The franchise weaves base expansion into its core narrative, where players recruit up to 108 unique characters to enhance their home base, each contributing distinct functionalities and tied into the overarching plot.
Recruiting these characters, including fan favorites like Viki, enriches gameplay through unique abilities and services they offer, such as fast travel or culinary challenges. While for completionists seeking the true ending, careful attention is required to prevent missing out on recruitable characters.
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