I know many like to differentiate between RPG and JRPG, but many of us only grew up with the latter. Games likeChrono Trigger, series likeFinal Fantasy, or even odd ducks likeShadow Hearts.
The main way a JRPG differentiates itself is through storytelling, a catchy visual style, and usually complex and over-the-top combat systems.
10 JRPGS That Need 2D-HD Remakes
The JRPG is in the midst of making its big come back to the front of the mainstream and a big reason why is the appearance of the HD/2D remakes.
While it’s true there are a ton of amazing (as well as several not-so-amazing) examples of the genre, this list aims to cultivate a list of quite compelling and enjoyable adventures in the JRPG style.
So, lace up your boots and get ready to go on an epic quest.
10Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
A Modern Love Letter
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
In most JRPGs, you’ll only be contending with a team of 5-8 characters, which you’ll switch out for various reasons. So when there are some 100+ playable characters instead, you know you’re in for something quite different.
That’s the case inEiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, which is itself a modern love letter to JRPGs from the 90s likeSuikoden.
The story takes place in Allraan, a diverse nation comprised of many different species and cultures, including humans, beastmen, elves, and desert people. Peace is broken by the Galdean Empire, and you’ll have to muster an army capable of beating them back.
Combat is a tactical, turn-based affair with really catchy and upbeat music. And like many other examples of the genre, there’s plenty to do inEiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, including fishing, racing, and much more.
9Rise of the Third Power
War Rises Again
PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox One
DANGEN Entertainment
Release Date
June 09, 2025
Stegosoft Games tends to create linear JRPGs that don’t feel all that linear. You’re usually free to explore and upgrade your gear and abilities any way you see fit. Grinding isn’t a necessity, but it sure doesn’t hurt. In Rise of the Third Power, they utilized all these features and threw them into a world on the brink of devastation after years of peace.
Another trademark from the developer is well-crafted characters and stories, and the ragtag band here definitely counts. Sure, they’re on a suicide mission, but that doesn’t mean they can’t lend some humor and heart to the telling.
While the combat is pretty traditional, the best part is that each playable character has their own playstyle. Rowan builds his fury by attacking and tends to make foes bleed away health.
Or take the princess, who uses a ship’s cannon to devastate her foes. If that wasn’t enough, the game also has an incredibly simple yet satisfying crafting system that even the greenest of gamers can appreciate.
8Bravely Default II
Crystal Clear Adventuring
Bravely Default 2
It’s a small miracle Square Enix gave us the Bravely series at all since there was some commotion about whether or not classically styled JRPGs would sell.
Thankfully the firstBravely Defaultproved to be a pretty big success, large enough to spawn two sequels, including Bravely Default II.
Mechanically, every game in the series is close to identical. But that’s merely because it works so well. Using Brave and Default to gather energy and unleash a torrent of attacks is highly satisfying, as is playing around with the various Job Asterisks.
While the game can be very grindy, it’s worth the effort when you find an amazing combo of jobs to annihilate the hardest of foes.
Bravely Default 2 Producers On Bravely Second’s Influence, Artstyle, OST
Bravely Default 2 Producers Tomoya Asano and Masashi Takahashi stressed out they won’t repeat the mistakes of Bravely Second.
Another important aspect ofBravely Default IIis the character development. While perhaps not as memorable as the first team of adventurers in Bravely Default, the crew here is still engaging and fun to bond with.
Just get ready to spend a lot of time with the game, as getting the best ending will take a lot of battling foes to level up sufficiently.
A Tribute to EarthBound
It’s not many a story where a frying pan, a miner, and telekinetic powers are all you need to save the world. But that’s basically the premise inEastward.
A ragtag cast has to fight against a dangerous miasma and do so with heart and just a little luck. There’s no reason the end of the world can’t be a fun time.
Much likeEarthBound, Eastward is all about being quirky. You might quaff delicious (and likely toxic) meals to boost stats. Or you’ll pick up a flamethrower to deal with weird and terrifying monsters.
As you explore, you’ll also solve environmental puzzles by switching between John and his young ward Sam.
That all would be enough, but the game also features darling and lush artwork that is sure to grab you, along with memorable tunes.Eastwardis a really great example of the genre from Shanghai-based Pixpil Games.
6Fantasian
A Mobile Juggernaut
Generally, when we think of JRPGs, we consider PCs or consoles. Mobile platforms, by contrast, are often relegated to shovelware and poorly made cash grabs. But when Mistwalker is involved, you learn to expect the unexpected. And with Fantasian, we got exactly that.
Besides featuring lush, diorama-styled arenas to explore, Fantasian also introduced the Dimengion mechanic. It lets you put foes aside to deal with later so that you can explore the game’s vibrant world.
If you’re more enchanted by sound design, you’ll likely be ecstatic to hear Nobuo Uematsu is behind the soundtrack. So it doesn’t just look great, but it sounds amazing. An unexpectedly great mobile masterpiece.
5ASTLIBRA Revision
A Lush Two-Dimensional Adventure
Astlibra Revision
You don’t necessarily think of 2D platformers when you think of JRPGs, but there are solid examples. Take ASTLIBRA Revision, by developer KEIZO.
It’s a mashup of platforming and strategy mixed with fast-paced combat and JRPG conventions.
The combat will have you carefully utilizing your stamina to Slash, Smash, and Thrust weapons against foes in deadly combat. You’ll want to be aggressive while also keeping strategy firmly in mind, lest you fall in battle to the game’s massive and bloodthirsty monsters.
Players also have a lot of minute control over the game, by finding and equipping powerful equipment, as well as learning powerful attacks and skills.
Just when you think the game is over, there’s a lot of deep postgame content inASTLIBRA Revisionto keep you entertained as well.
4Triangle Strategy
The Dangers of Free Will
Triangle Strategy
While many JRPGs are somewhat breezy and sprawling in their storytelling style, not so withTriangle Strategy. It’s like reading a slow-paced, dense fantasy visual novel, where every minute aspect is vital.
While that does make the game start somewhat slowly, it gradually builds into an epic tale of betrayal, greed, and war.
One of the most unique aspects of the game is when you vote on different courses of action, and in so doing alienate some allies and endear yourself to others.
You’ll get the chance to add many different characters to your army, and in combat will have to carefully make use of the grid to find success.
10 Best Triangle Strategy Characters, Ranked
With a thirty-character roster, and a game that lets you bring only a fraction of them, the 10 best characters in Triangle Strategy are a must-know.
It’s not an easy game by any stretch, but using your brain and being patient goes a long way. And if you need an extra boost, you may engage in mock battles to level up any stragglers. A memorable story paired well with challenging combat and deep strategy.
3Octopath Traveler
Grasping Tentacles
Octopath Traveler
Although most JRPGs have various characters join you on your quest, it’s rare for every person to get their own sprawling story.
But that’s exactly whatOctopath Traveleris known and renowned for. Not only does each character have their own playstyle and personality, but you can explore them in whatever order you choose.
Much like the Bravely Default series, the combat here is fast-paced and grueling, with the capacity to deal a ton of damage in one turn after mustering your strength. There are also many different classes you can master, and even utilize skills from different ones.
The game also features a complex story and extensive postgame content, if the eye-catching artwork and music don’t keep you excited. Just be patient with Octopath Traveler, because it’s old school hard, and will wipe you out unexpectedly on many occasions.
2Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Three Ways to Play
Nintendo Switch
June 14, 2025
Few games say 2D JRPG like Fire Emblem. While the series has evolved and become more graphically advanced, the way it plays out is always on a top-down grid.
After nearly going the way of the dinosaur several years back, it got reinvigorated with Fire Emblem: Awakening. In the wake of that massively popular adventure,Three Housespicked up the slack and kept things interesting.
It plays out a bit like a Hogwarts situation, as you go to class and bond with friends. At one key point, things veer unexpectedly in a different direction, and based on your previous choices, some friends will inevitably turn to dire threats.
This givesFire Emblem: Three Housesmore replayability than most in the series, which is saying a lot.
One of the big differences was using an army to push back foes with barrages of arrows and the like. And like other modern Fire Emblems, there’s a ton of engaging DLC you’re able to try out if you want to spend more time with the game.
1Chained Echoes
Unchained From the Past
Chained Echoes
It takes a lot for a new IP to stand out, let alone to break out in a big way. Sea of Stars certainly managed it, and so did a 2D JRPG called Chained Echoes. It has the aesthetic of a 16-bit JRPG, but manages to regularly innovate in this shockingly fun adventure.
While the game is technically not open-world, you have a lot of leeway to explore, especially once you get an airship. There’s plenty to do, from fulfilling sidequests to defeating massive, dangerous beasts and much more.
As for the combat, it’s challenging but fun. You can swap out characters for reserve allies, and different combinations will be able to unleash powerful combo attacks. It’s all about managing your Overdrive bar, and sometimes taking the risky approach to deal and receive more damage.
If you’re at all a fan of classic JRPGs, you should definitely putChained Echoeson your wishlist. It’s a great example of why the genre is so vital and engaging to this very day.
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Modern games like Sea of Stars and Chained Echoes are keeping the spirit of pixelated JRPGs alive and well.
