Japanese role-playing games, commonly known as JRPGs, have long been cherished cornerstones of gaming culture, but their definition has evolved. Today, studios beyond Japan—especially indie developers—are crafting their own tributes to the beloved JRPG genre, leading to a broader interpretation of what constitutes a JRPG. The essence of the “J”now signifies RPGs that draw inspiration from Japanese culture, transcending geographical boundaries.
Central to this cultural identity is anime, an iconic animation style renowned globally. Whether you’re an avid fan or someone casually familiar, chances are you’ve encountered its influence. It’s no wonder that many modern JRPGs incorporate anime cutscenes to enhance their storytelling, showcasing pivotal moments while celebrating Japan’s distinctive animation heritage.
9 Wild Arms
Anime Opening Done Right
Wild Arms boasts a single anime cutscene that leaves a lasting impression. The opening sequence, accompanied by the score “Into the Wilderness, ”immerses players into its Western-themed JRPG world right from the start. In an era when captivating players quickly was crucial, this game excelled with its engaging anime intro, which showcases distinct characters and hints at the challenges ahead.
This enchanting introduction captivated me and propelled me into the vast universe of Filgaia. Each subsequent game in the series, leading up to five installments, deepened my affection for the franchise. As I look forward to the upcoming release of Armed Fantasia, I reflect on how Wild Arms artistically blended narrative and animation to create a compelling experience.
8 Chrono Trigger
Time-Traveling Dragon Ball
Chrono Trigger remains a staple in JRPG discussions for its all-encompassing excellence, yet its anime cutscenes are relatively minimalistic. Initially, the game lacked any animated sequences, but the PlayStation 1 release, known as Final Fantasy Chronicles, rectified this with the addition of a few anime segments that enhance the storytelling experience.
The game’s anime opening, featuring character introductions and key villains, demonstrated the influence of renowned artist Akira Toriyama, as Toei Animation, the studio behind Dragon Ball, brought these moments to life.
7 Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium
Manga-Style Cutscenes
Phantasy Star IV effectively employed anime cutscenes to enrich its narrative landscape. Unlike other JRPGs that showcased fully animated sequences, this game adopted a manga-inspired style, presenting still illustrations that conveyed dialogue and emotions in a distinctive way. This artistic choice contributed significantly to its charm, earning Phantasy Star IV recognition as one of the finest titles on the Sega Genesis.
6 Metaphor: ReFantasy
The Anime Tradition Lives On
The latest JRPG from Studio Zero, Metaphor: ReFantazio, continues the cherished tradition of integrating anime cutscenes. Enhanced production values offer a delightful mix of high-quality animated segments that punctuate key plot points throughout the game, from its gripping opening to climactic moments. Notably, the game has already inspired a manga adaptation, with plans for an anime series by the acclaimed A-1 Pictures, further emphasizing its narrative depth.
5 Xenogears
Where I Learned That Anime Isn’t Only For Kids
Xenogears is a hallmark of 90s JRPGs made by Square, known for its rich storytelling, intricate gameplay, and profound themes—factors that made it a substantial addition to the genre. It set a benchmark as the first Square JRPG to feature both anime and CGI cutscenes produced by Production I. G.These animated sequences were strategically placed in character-focused moments, enhancing emotional weight and dramatic impact throughout the game’s narrative.
4 Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
A Blend Between JRPG and Studio Ghibli
The collaboration between Level-5 and Studio Ghibli brought forth stunning anime cutscenes in Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch. The enchanting animation style beautifully complements the heartwarming story of a boy on a quest to resurrect his mother, expertly blending Ghibli’s signature charm with the game’s artistic visuals. By continuously drawing inspiration from the studio’s films, the team crafted an unforgettable experience that earned the game critical acclaim.
3 Person 5
School Anime Meets Demons
The inclusion of Persona 5 in this discussion feels particularly fitting, given its high-quality anime cutscenes that mirror the game’s vibrant aesthetic. Similar to its predecessors, Persona 5 combines stunning animation with compelling storytelling. The game’s contemporary setting allows for relatable high school themes intertwined with supernatural elements, creating a captivating visual narrative.
Despite differences in presentation between in-game graphics and anime sequences, the character portrayals remain consistent and engaging. However, I found the experience somewhat jarring as it transitions between English voiceovers in gameplay and Japanese in its anime cutscenes—a unique challenge for players who enjoy both mediums.
2 Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete
One Hour Worth of Anime Cutscenes
Lunar: Silver Star Story began its journey on the Sega CD, and following its success, it was remade for the PlayStation 1. This remake significantly increased the anime cutscenes from a mere 10 minutes in the original to an impressive 50 minutes in the remake, produced by Studio Gonzo.
Unlike many JRPGs that integrate anime sparingly, Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete weaves animation throughout its narrative, using cutscenes to enhance boss battles and key events, culminating in a nearly fully animated conclusion. Anticipation for its upcoming remastered collection on modern platforms is high, promising to introduce a new audience to this classic gem.
1 Tales of Vesperia
A Whole Franchise Backed By Anime
Tales of is celebrated for its extensive use of anime cutscenes, with numerous titles in the series receiving anime adaptations that enrich their storylines. Tales of Vesperia stands out, accompanied by a prequel film that delves into the backstory of its rebellious hero, Yuri, adding layers to his character development.
While any number of titles within the Tales series could merit this section, Vesperia exemplifies the franchise’s dedication to high-quality animation. Each game, from Tales of Destiny to Tales of Arise, has consistently featured exceptional anime cutscenes, produced by esteemed animators like Production I. G.and later Ufotable, renowned for their work on popular series like Demon Slayer.
Since its inception in 1997, beautifully animated cutscenes have become synonymous with the Tales of franchise, an essential element that helps to ensure that the “J”remains in its RPG designation.
Leave a Reply