In the past, the realm of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) was predominantly dominated by consoles, with PlayStation leading the charge. At that time, PC gaming struggled to carve out its niche in the mainstream, leading publishers to prioritize console releases. However, the landscape has dramatically changed.
Today, PC gaming enjoys a robust position within the gaming community, prompting publishers to broaden their horizons and bring beloved JRPGs to computer platforms. This transition is particularly beneficial, especially for those like myself who spend a considerable amount of time gaming on PCs. Immersing myself in intricate, character-driven narratives with enhanced visual quality offers a captivating experience.
It’s evident that many Steam users share this sentiment, as JRPGs have flourished on the platform, with passionate player communities rallying around their favorites. To compile this list, I’ve established a few criteria: the games must have the “JRPG”tag on their Steam page and boast an overall user rating of 90% or higher. Additionally, to keep this engaging, we will feature only one title from each series.
9 Persona 5 Royal
96% Positive Rating
Chances are that if you explore the JRPG category on Steam, you will find Persona 5 Royal reigning supreme. This installment of the renowned Persona series was already a fan favorite on PlayStation, and its arrival on PC has only amplified its success.
Many players have logged over a hundred hours on this time-sucking masterpiece, drawn in by its engaging calendar mechanics that intertwine battling objectives with social stat improvements. It’s akin to orchestrating an exhilarating week off, yet it feels endlessly compelling.
Countless times, I’ve settled down for a quick game session only to find an entire afternoon vanished, making me feel like I’ve spent a week in an alternate reality. It’s as if the game possesses its own time-bending qualities.
8 Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33
95% Positive Rating
While the “J”in JRPG stands for “Japanese, ”the genre encompasses games beyond those developed in Japan. A prime example is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a French creation that redefines JRPG experiences.
Since I first laid eyes on its trailer, I was drawn in by the concept, and upon its release, it far exceeded my expectations. This title reimagines our preconceived notions of what JRPGs can be through its thrilling combat, stunning visuals, and heartfelt storytelling.
The game left a profound impact on me, achieving a rare feat for video games: eliciting genuine emotional responses. A powerful ending has a lasting effect, indicating that the game has successfully captured players’ hearts.
7 Yakuza: Like A Dragon
94% Positive Rating
Having been introduced to the Yakuza series via Yakuza 0, I was initially apprehensive about the genre shift in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, which transitioned from a classic brawler style to a turn-based RPG format. However, considering RGG Studio’s track record, it soon became clear that a fresh approach could result in a remarkable experience.
This inventive pivot proved to be a stroke of genius; players can still enjoy the intense combat while benefitting from strategic elements, eliminating worries about blocked attacks. Moreover, it retains all the signature features of the series, including a vast array of side content and mini-games.
Introducing the character Ichiban Kasuga has allowed for a refreshing new lead, with many players deeming him their “comfort character.”His unique charm has resonated deeply, making him a well-accepted successor to Kiryu.
6 Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age
93% Positive Rating
As a cornerstone of the JRPG genre, Dragon Quest is revered by many. Surprisingly, its transition to PC has been gradual, with only two main titles available on Steam to date. Fortunately, one of these is Dragon Quest XI S, which showcases the franchise’s enduring appeal and potential for growth.
This installment masterfully combines nostalgic elements with modern gameplay mechanics, offering a vast open world and eliminating random encounters in favor of visible enemy symbols. One of the standout features of the S version is the ability to switch to a charming 2D mode.
However, I must confess a personal grievance: purchasing the game twice due to the lack of free upgrades from the original Steam release has been frustrating, but I digress.
5 Octopath Traveler 2
94% Positive Rating
Over the past decade, Square Enix has embraced a unique art style termed “HD-2D, ” blending traditional 2D sprites with enhanced pixel art and 3D environments. This approach debuted prominently with Octopath Traveler, but its sequel, Octopath Traveler 2, exemplifies this artistic vision even more effectively.
Steam users generally regard this sequel as a significant improvement over its predecessor due to deeper character narratives and refined combat and exploration systems. The enhanced character storylines create a cohesive narrative that feels less forced compared to the first installment.
4 Tales Of Berseria
91% Positive Rating
Bandai Namco’s Tales series has gradually gained traction on Steam, with many classic titles available to fans. Among them, Tales of Berseria stands out as one of the highest-rated entries in the series, earning accolades for its improved story and gameplay.
This game addressed many shortcomings of its predecessor, Tales of Zestiria, by enhancing combat dynamics and presenting a roster of characters that captures the complexity of moral gray areas. Interestingly, as I play through the newer Tales of Arise, I often find myself longing for the compelling narrative and characters of Berseria.
3 Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling
97% Positive Rating
A long-time fan of the Paper Mario series, particularly its early titles, I was disappointed with the recent direction it took after Sticker Star. The release of Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling impressed many, providing a nostalgic gameplay experience akin to the best days of Paper Mario.
With its charming aesthetics and mechanics, Bug Fables stands out by delivering a well-structured narrative infused with whimsy, complemented by serious undertones when necessary. While I may not declare it superior to Paper Mario, it showcases the potential for revitalizing classic elements without overhauling the formula.
2 Final Fantasy IX
94% Positive Rating
Most of the classic Final Fantasy titles have made their way to Steam, featuring remastered and enhanced versions. Notably, one of the highest-rated releases is Final Fantasy IX, even outperforming both the original and remakes of Final Fantasy VII.
This game diverges from the more serious tones found in VII and VIII, offering a whimsical and endearing experience. Players are treated to a unique storybook-like fantasy adventure that captures the imagination.
Additionally, the Steam version boasts improvements, such as the ability to disable random encounters—a feature that significantly enhances gameplay and makes for a more seamless experience.
1 Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance
92% Positive Rating
Having played the original Shin Megami Tensei V on the Nintendo Switch, I faced some challenges due to the console’s limitations, particularly concerning performance. The release of Vengeance across multiple platforms, including PC, was a welcome remedy to those issues.
This updated version enhanced the overall experience, introducing quality-of-life improvements that elevated gameplay quality. In addition to the new narrative, the original’s story feels significantly more enjoyable with the upgraded performance, allowing for smoother gameplay.
Though it presents a higher difficulty than other titles in the genre, enthusiasts who appreciate a challenge will find Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance a rewarding experience.
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