Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) differ greatly from western role-playing games (WRPGs) in terms of gameplay. Battles in JRPGs are usually turn-based, meaning that the players and enemies take turns making moves. Generally, only a limited number of characters are involved in each battle.
However, more modern JRPGs often use more realistic actions, allowing players to quickly switch between characters during fights. In contrast, Tactical RPGs usually have a fixed, chess-like structure where players and enemies take turns making moves.On the PC platform there’s a lot of competition for many types of genres, with the JRPG market being another one of those genres; despite this, I’ve managed to put together a short list of some of the best JRPG’s that are currently available to anyone on PC.
Table of Contents
Final Fantasy XV
Final Fantasy XV is an action-packed role-playing game where the player takes on the role of Noctis, a groom-to-be who embarks on a dangerous journey with his friends. The game features a unique battle system that combines real-time action with strategic elements.
Players can use special attacks, magic, and items to defeat their enemies. The game also has an open world with side quests, mini-games, and a variety of locations to explore. There is no doubt that Final Fantasy XV is one of the most visually stunning games on PC.
Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered
Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is a beloved JRPG that was originally released for the PlayStation 3 in 2013. The game has since been remastered and released for the PC platform in 2019. The game is set in a vibrant world filled with magical creatures and a unique story. Players take control of a young boy named Oliver, who must use the power of a magical book to travel to a parallel world and save his mother. Along the way, Oliver meets a variety of characters, such as the fairylike Drippy and the catlike Mr. Drippy, who help him on his quest.
The game combines traditional JRPG elements with an engaging story and beautiful visuals. Players will explore the world and battle enemies using a turn-based combat system. The game also features an innovative Familiar system, which allows players to capture and train monsters to fight alongside them. The game also features a deep crafting system, allowing players to create powerful items.
Octopath Traveler
Octopath Traveler is a critically acclaimed JRPG for PC developed by Square Enix and Acquire. The game is set in a fantasy world and follows eight protagonists on their individual journeys. The game has a unique visual style, with characters and environments rendered in a “HD-2D” style that combines modern 3D graphics with classic 16-bit sprites.
Gameplay in Octopath Traveler is turn-based, with players controlling a party of four characters in battle. Each character has their own unique abilities, such as the thief’s ability to steal items from enemies, or the cleric’s healing spells. Players can also use items and special attacks to gain an advantage in battle. The game also features a deep job system, allowing players to customize their characters with a variety of different classes and abilities.
Octopath Traveler is a great JRPG for PC, offering a deep and engaging story, a unique art style, and a variety of combat options. The game also has a great soundtrack, with each character having their own unique theme song. With its interesting characters, challenging battles, and captivating story, Octopath Traveler is a must-play for JRPG fans.
Tales of Arise
With a beautiful setting and characters, Tales of Arise is a game that looks and feels like a modern-day classic. The game is set in a world where two neighboring planets, Dahna and Rena, are in a state of imbalance. You play as two characters, Alphen and Shionne, who are on a quest to restore balance and save their respective planets.
The combat system in Tales of Arise is fast-paced and intuitive, with a focus on strategic decision-making. The game also features a variety of weapons and items that can be used to customize your character’s playstyle. The game also features an in-depth character customization system, allowing you to create a unique character that fits your playstyle.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel IV
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel IV is the ultimate class reunion, bringing together the heroes of Class VII, the Special Support Section of Crossbell, and even the heroes of Liberl to stand against the Empire and save the world.
Players will be able to battle with the largest roster in series history, as well as enjoy new and returning systems such as the ability to summon giant mechs, Auto Battle, and Lost Arts, the most powerful Orbal magic. In between battles, players can take a breather with a number of mini-games including Vantage Master, fishing, and puzzle games, as well as new pursuits like Poker, Blackjack, and the Horror Coaster.
All of this is in service of the story, which follows the heroes of Class VII as they unite with heroes from all over the continent to stand against the Empire and save the world.
Nioh
Nioh coming to PC is a surprise to many RPG fans. You can say that it is similar to Souls series but set in feudal Japan. You will play as William Adams in his journey to defeat Yokai, Japanese monsters.
Nioh is an action role-playing game developed by Team Ninja and published by Koei Tecmo for the PlayStation 4. It was released in February 2017 in Japan, and worldwide the following month.
The game is set in Japan during the year 1600, in the period of civil war called the Sengoku period. Players take control of William, a blond-haired swordsman of Western descent, as he fights his way through enemies in order to find a way to travel back to his own time.
Nioh has been praised for its intense and challenging combat, deep and rewarding RPG elements, and its stunning visuals. It has also been compared to the Dark Souls series due to its difficulty and combat style.
Tales of Berseria
Another game from the Tales of series – it’s actually the latest in the franchise – and it takes the popular formula from the Tales of series with really strong gameplay, engaging characters, and an interesting story you have to see through to the very end.
These series of games are a great indication of what awesome JRPG’s can become and the fact that this is the 15th main game in the series and yet it is still one of the most beloved franchises out there as of right now definitely goes to show that these developers know what they’re doing.
The Last Remnant
Developed by Square Enix – the team behind the Final Fantasy Series – released The Last Remnant back in November, 2008 and is regarded as one of the best and most unique PC JRPG’s out there.
All thanks to the unique and intriguing mix of strategy and turn-based combat, the gameplay in this one is a highlight and thanks to the wide-variety of weapons and enemies to use them on, there are plenty of reasons to keep coming back to The Last Remnant until you’re done with the engaging story.
Toukiden 2
The sequel to the original Toukiden was released on the 28th July, 2016 and was developed by Omega Force and Koei Tecmo Games. While Toukiden isn’t a game with the greatest story, it does have some of the most enjoyable and exciting monster-hunting/demon-slaying gameplay that you could expect on the PC.
The game plays a lot like Monster Hunter, but with more of an emphasis on demons and with how addictive the overall gameplay loop is for this one, it’s no surprise why it’s on this list.
FF Type-0
FF Type-0 is another title on the list developed by Square Enix and that’s because it’s a spin-off of the main Final Fantasy series. You focus on a class of students from an elite military academy that comes under attack from a nearby invading empire and must uncover the secrets of this upcoming war to make sure they can survive the struggle that follows. Combat and gameplay is similar to that of the Crisis Core game back on the PSP and uses a real-time, action-based battle system that makes the game a great addition for any JRPG fan.
Tales of Zestiria
One of the many Tales of games that fans adore, with Tales of Zestiria being one of the most enjoyable in recent years as of right now. With every new city and character you come across the excellent story manages to develop and enthral the player that little bit more. To top things off, the classic real-time action combat makes a return in this one with stronger mechanics, awesome new abilities, and plenty of enemies to completely destroy as you see fit with the fun combo systems.
GOD EATER 2: Rage Burst
A JRPG that’s developed by Bandai Namco is another monster hunting title added to the list, but is considered one of the best monster hunting games currently our right now; even when in regards to the Monster Hunter franchise.
The story is interesting and gripping and even though the English voice acting isn’t the best in the world, with just how easy it is to get sucked into the gameplay for this game, it’s no surprise that the game has made a spot on this list – since it’s one of the best monster hunting games, hands down!
Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim
Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim is JRPG from the developers over at Nihon Falcom and while the original game came out on the PS2 many-many years ago, the game got a relatively recent rerelease on PC back in 2015. Admittedly, the story isn’t the most interesting part of the game, but the fast-paced and addictive action-RPG style combat is what makes this game so enjoyable and addictive.
Not to mention, it’s one of those JRPG’s that’s incredibly easy to get into, without being too easy due to the myriad of difficulty settings available to the player.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky is another game from the developers over at Nihon Falcom and is considered by many to be one of the best JRPG’s out there because of its impeccable story that has to be experienced to fully appreciate.
In the form of gameplay and combat, the game brings something a little different to the table in comparison to the others on the list and that’s the fact the gameplay is more of a strategy-JRPG and that makes for hundreds of hours of gameplay if you find yourself falling in love with the combat.
Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact is an open-world action role-playing game developed by miHoYo for PC, PlayStation 4, Android, and iOS. It was released in September 2020 and has since become one of the most popular games of the year. The game is set in the fantasy world of Teyvat and follows the story of the Traveler, a mysterious figure who is searching for their lost sibling. Players explore the world of Teyvat, completing quests, fighting monsters, and gathering resources to upgrade their characters.
The game features a unique combat system that combines hack-and-slash elements with magical elements. Players can use a variety of weapons and spells to battle monsters, and can also use elemental attacks to take advantage of the environment. The game also features an expansive crafting system, allowing players to create their own weapons, armor, and other items. Players can also join co-op missions with other players and take on challenging bosses.
Genshin Impact has been praised for its beautiful visuals, engaging combat system, and expansive world. It has become one of the most popular games of the year and is a must-play for any fan of open-world action RPGs. With its unique setting, engaging combat, and expansive crafting system, Genshin Impact is sure to provide hours of entertainment.
