10 Great MMO And MMORPG Games - Forbes
Often featuring deep worlds and stories with addicting gameplay, the best MMO games can really take over your life if you get sucked in.
iconic JRPG series
Another MMO option from the East, Final Fantasy 14 is an MMO in the <anchor>iconic JRPG series</anchor> from Square Enix that has found a big audience with fans after a massive false start. FF 14 initially launched in 2010, but was closed two years later because of how bad it was before being revived.
10 Best JRPG (Japanese Role-Playing Games)
10 Best JRPG (Japanese Role-Playing Games)

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# 10 Top JRPG (Japanese Role-Playing Games)

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There are some incredible JRPGs available to play right now.

Credit: Platinum Games / Square Enix

The Japanese role playing video games genre is one of the most well-loved in all of games, with a very dedicated fan base. Obviously hailing from Japan, most JRPG games have a visual style with similarities to other areas of Japanese media such as Manga and Anime. This makes it a genre that many Westerners will bounce off due to cultural differences, but for those who fall in love with a JRPG, the rewards are massive. There are many all-time classics in the genre and some that have become genuine worldwide cultural phenomenons. Finding the best JRPGs isn’t always easy due to poor translations or a lack of modernised ports, but there are a lot available today that can claim to be great.

## What Is A JRPG?

JRPG stands for Japanese role-playing game, which is a game from Japan that sits within the [RPG genre](https://www.forbes.com/sites/technology/article/best-rpg-games/ "https://www.forbes.com/sites/technology/article/best-rpg-games/"). The genre has been around since the early 80s, but it wasn’t until the mid 80’s with games like Dragon Quest that it really started to solidify itself as a unique genre away from traditional RPGs.

While the name of the genre is fairly self-explanatory, it is a little more specialised than that. True JRPGs often have a distinct art style that mirrors other Japanese media, some kind of party system featuring multiple characters, and either turn-based or action-style combat that tends to remain on the slower more tactical side of things. There will also be an epic story that can take hundreds of hours to complete. These days you can play JRPGs on almost every platform available, but the consoles from Japanese companies such as Nintendo and Sony have the biggest catalogues.

### RPG Vs. JRPG

While RPGs and JRPGs obviously share a lot of similarities there are some key differences that separate the two. An RPG, or [Role Playing Game](https://www.forbes.com/sites/technology/article/what-are-rpg-games/ "https://www.forbes.com/sites/technology/article/what-are-rpg-games/"), allows you to play as a character within a story, and usually what you do as that character will impact the game in some way.

This is still the case in JRPGs, however, the Japanese influence also adds a few extra features that typically differentiate them from general RPGs. The visual style is a key factor, with most JRPGs having similarities to other Japanese media, and the stories are usually more aligned with Japanese culture. While not a hard rule, most JRPGs also include some kind of party system, featuring multiple characters or creatures that will join you on your journey in some way.

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## Top JRPG Games

Over the last 15 years, JRPGs have become much more accessible to players in the West, with translations and ports improving dramatically. Now you can find JPRGs on every platform, even mobile, but you’ll find the biggest catalogues on consoles with Japanese heritage such as the Switch and PlayStation.

The games below make up the best JRPGs you can play today based on critical and fan reception and overall quality. Some classics in the genre either require old hardware, a knowledge of the Japanese language or are prohibitively expensive to play legally, so are not included.

### 10\. _Octopath Traveller II_

_Octopath Traveller II_ is a throwback to the very early JRPGs, many of which are difficult to play these days. With a beautiful 2D-come-3D style and a simple gameplay loop, this is a back-to-basics JPRG but it executes nearly flawlessly.

Developed by Square Enix and released in 2023, _Octopath Traveller II_ features eight characters, each with their own story to explore. You’ll switch between all of them throughout the game to experience their stories and traverse through the world of Solistia, which is set around the turn of the 20th century. Combat is turn-based, like all the classic JRPGs, but with some more modern improvements to make it less clunky than older games. If you’re a fan of older JRPGs this is certainly one to check out, and it’s available on Switch, PS4, PS5 and PC, with Xbox releases expected in mid-2024.

### 9\. _Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered_

If you want a game that looks like a playable anime, _Ni No Kuni Wrath of the White Witch Remastered_ by Level-5 is the one for you. The original released in 2011, but the PS54, PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S remaster from 2019 is the one you’ll want to play these days.

Studio Ghibli was on hand to produce the animated sections of the game, with the art style trying to mimic the iconic look of the studio’s work making this one of the best-looking games ever made. The story isn’t bad either, following a child whose doll Drippy is brought to life by tears and they embark on a journey between worlds. It’s an [action RPG](https://www.forbes.com/sites/technology/article/best-arpg-games/ "https://www.forbes.com/sites/technology/article/best-arpg-games/") with decent combat and pretty fun quests, but this is more about the story and look of the game than anything. If you are a fan of Studio Ghibli’s work, or just anime in general this is worth a look, but anyone who isn’t a fan of that style of media might be disappointed.

### _8\. Xenoblade Chronicles 3_

All three games in the _Xenoblade_ trilogy from Monolith Soft are worth playing if you have the older Nintendo hardware to do so, but if not then you can pick up the third for the Switch and still have a great time in its massive open world with impressive combat and solid story.

Released in 2022, the third instalment in the series is an action RPG that sees you and a party of up to seven fighting incredible monsters around the world of Aionios where there is a big war going on that you find yourself in the middle of. A much-improved combat system compared to the older games allows you to combine abilities from party members in hundreds of different ways to keep fights fresh throughout its massive 100+ hour run time. This is very much a game for true JRPG fans and does have a lot of downtime compared to some others on the list, but if you gel with it you are in for a great time.

### _7\. Genshin Impact_

_Genshin Impact_ is one of the biggest games in the world right now, with the fact it’s available for free on Android, iOS, PC, PS5 and PS4 likely being a big factor in that. But if you can get past the F2P monetization this is a great game you can spend hours with.

Created by Chinese developers miHoYo in 2020, _Genshin Impact_ might not quite have the Japanese part of JRPG covered, but its style is so similar to the rest of the genre that it can easily sit within it. It’s an open-world action-RPG, which is impressive on mobile devices, and it's fun to play, especially with friends in co-op. There are puzzles, enemies to fight and a massive world to explore, with some even comparing it to recent Zelda games. However, it falls down a little with the end-game content that really requires you to drop some cash to fully enjoy. If you are ok with that then this is one to try, especially if you want to play on mobile.

### _6\. Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth_

The _Yakuza_ series, which has recently shifted to _Like A Dragon_ in the West, was the hidden gem of JRPGs for years, with only hardcore fans knowing about the unusual series until more recent years. Now it’s a firm mainstream favourite with the latest outing being one of the best ever.

2024’s _Infinite Wealth_, developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, is what happens when a series doesn’t take itself seriously and goes with whatever seems fun. Instead of taking place in Japan, the stars of the series find themselves in Hawaii with some loose goals that end up going in some unexpected directions and make for some great moments. You can run around a cause chaos or play darts and do karaoke, with comparison to the _GTA_ style not being totally unwarranted. This is not the semi-serious gangster epic you might think of, but it’s all the better for it and much more accessible for even non-JRPG fans. It’s available on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4 and PS5.

### _5\. Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age_

Developed by Square Enix, the _Dragon Quest_ series is one of the oldest and most well-loved JRPG series of all time, and the 11th instalment from 2017 is one of the best to play today, especially if you pick up the definitive edition on Switch, PS4, Xbox One or PC.

The _Dragon Quest_ series features character design from the legendary Akira Toriyama and has always looked incredible as a result, with 11 being no different. It’s not the easiest series to get into, but the story in 11 is solid with your character being the reincarnation of a legendary hero, but almost no one believes you so you go on a quest to prove them wrong and save the world. But just generally being in the cool world, running around and fighting monsters is great fun and what makes _Dragon Quest 11_ a great JRPG. As such an iconic series every JRPG fan should play at least one game in the series, and this is the best modern option.

### _4\. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl_

You can pretty much swap in any mainline _Pokémon_ title here and it would still justify the place on the list as the iconic franchise rarely falters. But in terms of games that stand up to modern scrutiny while still keeping the classic feel, _Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl_ are the best bet.

The pair of titles are remakes of the 2006 Nintendo DS games, but updated for the Switch and released in 2021. Obviously the core experience Game Freak produced all those years ago remains, but with ILCA tackling the remake there are a few improvements from the originals that make this the definitive version. The standard _Pokémon_ format of a small child embarking on an adventure to catch them all and become the best _Pokémon_ trainer in the world is still present, this time taking place in Sinnoh which features snow-covered routes. _Pokémon_ is one of the rare franchises that can be enjoyed by both adults and kids equally, and everyone should play at least one game in the series.

### _3\. NieR: Automata_

When _NieR: Automata_ was preparing to launch in 2017 a lot of JRPG fans were excited, but only when it launched did the wider world take notice to realise this isn’t just a great JRPG, it's one of the best games of all time.

Developed by the legendary Platinum Games, _NieR: Automata_ is an action JRPG that has some of the most satisfying combat ever. Set in a world where human-made androids are fighting alien machines, you’ll be darting around hacking and slashing through a variety of enemies with a massive smile on your face all the time. There are also a few surprises thrown in, and with its unique story layout, it’s a game you’ll want to play through multiple times to experience all the possibilities. _NeiR_ is the game for anyone looking for fast-paced and exciting combat, and it’s available on PS4, Xbox One, Switch and PC.

### _2\. Final Fantasy VII Remake & Rebirth_

This list could easily be filled with _Final Fantasy_ games, but VII is considered to be the best by a large majority of fans, and the recent remakes from Square Enix have brought the classic into the modern era in a way no other remake ever has.

With the original released in 1997 when a lot of the big ideas it had were limited by tech, the remake process has been split into three parts, with the first, _Final Fantasy VII Remake_, launching in 2020 and the second, _Rebirth_, launching in 2024. Both are worth playing and I’d wager the third will be as well, so consider this a recommendation for all of them.

The overall _FF7_ experience sees your hero Cloud escape from Midgar and try to defeat Sephiroth, one of the most iconic baddies in gaming, and end the tyranny of the Shinra Electric Power Company. There is more to it than that, but with the story being such a key component it would be a shame to spoil anything here. It features real-time action combat, with some nifty party combat systems being added for the remakes, and _Rebirth_ has a great open world to run around. If you’ve ever enjoyed a JRPG then chances are you will enjoy this, but you’ll have to be a PS5 owner to play both of them, although _Remake_ is also on PC and PS4.

### _1\. Persona 5 Royal_

_Persona 5_ is not only an amazing JRPG, it's one of the best games of all time. Having initially released in 2016, the Royal edition from 2019, which adds more content and brings it to modern platforms, is the version you need to play to get the full experience created by developers P-Studio.

Set in modern-day Tokyo, _Persona 5_ is a story about high school students who have access to special powers and become vigilantes. While every aspect of the game is incredible, the story is a highlight with well-thought-out characters and relationships between them that make you want to keep playing to see where things go. The turn-based combat system is one of the better ones you will find, but _Persona 5_ is more about the experience and story rather than running around and fighting everyone. JRPG fans simply must play _Persona 5_, and even those not familiar with the genre will likely find a lot to love. It’s available on PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and PC.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

### **What Are The Best JRPGs On Switch?**

The Switch is home to a lot of great JPRGs with _Persona 5 Royal_ being the highlight. Developed by P-Studio the game sees you play as a high school kid who gets access to special powers and becomes a vigilante. It’s one of the best games of all time, and perfect for a portable platform.

However, the Switch also has a number of exclusive JPRGs, from the recent entries in the _Pokémon_ franchise to the incredible _Xenoblade Chronicles 3_ and many more. There’s a massive collection to play on the platform and its portability makes it a great way to experience the longer games without spending hours in front of your TV.

### **What Are The Best JRPGs On Steam?**

_Persona 5 Royal_ is the best JRPG on Steam, and it’s even Steam Deck verified so you can play on the go if you have Valve’s handheld device. Developed by P-Studio the game sees you play as a high school kid who gets access to special powers and becomes a vigilante.

While there are a few JRPGs exclusive to other storefronts, with _Genshin Impact_ being a notable omission from the Steam catalogue, you can usually bet that any JRPG available on PC is on Steam, including a lot of games on this list. Steam is also home to a lot of older JRPGs that you might not be able to find on other modern platforms, and there is a large selection of solid indie options.

### **What Are The Best JRPGs On PS4?**

The PS4 has a big back catalogue of JRPGs, with the highlight being _Persona 5 Royal_ from P-Studio. With the art style of the game, you would never notice the fact that it’s on an older generation of hardware, and the story is exactly the same and includes all the bonus Royal edition content.

Other top PS4 JRPGs include _Final Fantasy VII Remake, NieR: Automata_ and _Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age_ to name just a few. While newer releases are starting to skip the PS4, its years of service as the best home console for JRPGs means it has a massive back catalogue to choose from.

### **What Are The Best JRPGs On PS5?**

The PS5 is the exclusive home of _Final Fantasy VII Rebirth_ from Square Enix, the second part of the trilogy of remakes of one of the greatest JRPGs of all time. If you are hoping to play Rebirth right now you’ll need a PS5 and it’s certainly a game to buy a system for.

Of course, _Persona 5 Royal_ is also available on PS5 and can be considered the best JRPG out there currently, along with a lot of the other titles on this list. As the lead PlayStation platform, you can also expect more great games to arrive for the system over the coming years, especially as PS4 support is coming to an end from most developers.

### **What Are The Best JRPGs On PC?**

Unlike a lot of genres, the PC doesn’t have access to all the best JRPGs, with some key titles being console exclusives. However, the best of the best, _Persona 5 Royal_, is available on PC, and P-Studio’s masterpiece does not disappoint here either.

The extra power PCs can have isn’t fully put to use thanks to the art style of _Persona 5_, but the epic story and world you experience as you play through is of course still present and as good as ever. If you are venturing away from Steam then you can also play _Genshin Impact_ on the Epic Games store, and even find some older classics on the likes of GOG.

**Bottom Line**

The JRPG genre is massive and with games having hundreds of hours of content you could easily spend the rest of your life playing them exclusively and never run out of things to do. They can be an acquired taste, but when you fall in love with the genre you are in for something special.

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