JRPGs have been part of the video game industry since the ’80s with the release of games such as the first Dragon Quest in 1986 and the original Final Fantasy in 1987. While the genre has many dedicated fans, JRPGs may appear daunting and unapproachable to those who’ve never played one before. As a genre with a history that spans over three decades, it can be difficult to figure out exactly where to start.
So today, we’re going to examine ten beginner-friendly JRPGs that perfect for those looking to get into the genre!
10 Super Mario RPG
Released in 1996, Super Mario RPG was developed by Square and published by Nintendo, bringing the world of Mario into a traditional JRPG. While not exceptionally difficult, the game is incredibly charming and is a perfect jumping-on point for Nintendo fans who’ve never played through a JRPG. Additionally, as the game was developed by Square, it has all of the polish that one would expect
9 Final Fantasy VII Remake
Final Fantasy VII is easily one of the most iconic JRPGs of all time. While the original version of the game is a classic turn-based RPG for the PS1, Final Fantasy VII Remake is a great way to introduce new players to the genre. An action RPG with great visuals, the game is authentically Final Fantasy VII while using an alternative form of combat that may be preferred by players disinterested in turn-based combat.
8 Octopath Traveler
Released in 2018, Octopath Traveler is a modern game that is heavily inspired by JRPGs of the 1990s. With a turn-based combat system and a blend of sprite-based graphics and a 3D lighting engine, the game possesses a very distinct visual style that brings together old and new.
Allowing the player to initially chose from eight characters that each have their own story and abilities, the player can choose a starting point that best fits their taste.
7 Final Fantasy VI
As far as classic Final Fantasy games are concerned, for players who want to get an authentic experience that has aged well and shows what the series has to offer, Final Fantasy VI may be the game to start with. With one of the largest amounts of playable party members in the series, the game features the active-time battle system that the series is now known for. Additionally, the game has one of the strongest casts in the series that is highlighted by a structure that regularly shifts the focus of the story to various party members across the game’s duration.
6 Tales Of Vesperia
For players who are looking for an JRPG that doesn’t feature turn-based combat, Tales of Vesperia may be the game for you. An action RPG with a memorable cast of characters, Tales of Vesperia notably allows for each party member to be controlled by a separate player, allowing the game to be experienced with up to four players!
5 Fire Emblem: Three Houses
While the tactical JRPG genre gets a bad rap for being quite difficult, the most recent entry in the Fire Emblem series, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is quite beginner-friendly. With a very forgiving difficulty as well as a casual mode that disables the series staple “perma-death,” the game is much more free-form than any other game in the Fire Emblem series.
As the player assumes the role of a professor at Garreg Mach Monastary, they are able to teach and train their students to allow them to fight how the player chooses.
4 Chrono Trigger
Often regarded as one of the greatest JRPG’s of all time, Chrono Trigger is a game based around traveling through time within the game’s setting. With great pacing, endearing characters designed by Akira Toriyama, and forgiving combat, Chrono Trigger can start a player off with one of the best games the genre has to offer. The game even has numerous character-driven side-quests for players who want more out of the cast, and it has numerous endings for players looking for replay value!
3 Dragon Quest XI
Released for the PS4 and the Nintendo Switch, Dragon Quest XI is an excellent starting point for players looking to get into the JRPG genre. Oozing with charm, the game boasts gorgeous visuals and memorable character designs by Dragon Ball Z creator, Akira Toriyama. As far as combat is concerned, the game features a very traditional turn-based combat system but allows the player the freedom to choose their party setup, allowing them to use the characters who they prefer.
2 Persona 5
Persona 5 is a game that exudes style and flair without sacrificing substance. While the majority of the entries on this list are more traditional fantasy games, Persona 5 features a modern Japanese setting that is paired with a phenomenally jazzy soundtrack. With stellar characters and a strong story, the game exemplifies JRPGs’ strength of blending combat with engaging writing in an artistically
1 Pokemon
While Pokemon is one of the most most popular and successful video game franchises of all time, many people tend to gloss over that it is a JRPG through and through. While its turn-based combat may differ from that found in many other entries on this list, Pokemon is without a doubt one of the best gateway JRPGs for those unfamiliar with the genre, being incredibly easy to learn.
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