What does the Hack and Slash genre have in common with theJRPG? They both emphasize building power fantasies and are innovative genres made popular by Japanese video games.
But what do you get when you mix the two genres? Why, you have a subgenre that’s dedicated to giving its players a satisfying experience of mincing their enemies in a campaign of unrelenting melee violence.
10 Most Iconic JRPG Party Members Of All Time
JRPGs are long ingrained in the gaming landscape and throughout the years, we have experienced some of the best written characters imaginable.
11God Eater 3
Devour Divinity
God Eater 3
Besides remakes and spin-offs,God Eater 3is part of the mainline series, but its story is largely isolated from the first two.
Set in a futuristic post-apocalyptic world where humanity is on the brink of extinction thanks to the monstrous Aragami,God Eater 3is an underrated game with a dedicated fanbase.
With a similar “kill monsters and use their parts to make weapons” gameplay loop, theGod Eaterseries is Bandai Namco’s answer toMonster Hunter, which has gained an insane amount of popularity compared to its competition.
It’s hard not to compareMonster HunterwithGod Eaterbecause of their similar mechanics, but the latter has more fast-paced combat than the other, and the weapons you use can transform between Blade, Gun, and Shield modes.
What makesGod Eatergreat is also the fact that you’re able to quite literally eat the monsters with your weapon, as it opens a giant maw and takes a large bite from your enemy.If you’re looking for over-the-top monster-slaying with weapons of impossible proportions, thenGod Eater 3is for you.
10Scarlet Nexus
Smack Your Enemies With Pillars
Scarlet Nexus
Even though it struggles with tropey characters and a lackluster story,Scarlet Nexusshines the brightest in its combat and creative application of the protagonists' psychic powers.
Set in a futuristic world with an anime artstyle,you play as one of two new recruitsin a militaristic organization where you fight against monstrous mutants called Others.
While you have access to melee weapons, the main combat mechanic relies on theprotagonists' psychokinetic powers that allow you to hurl objects at enemies.
Like most JRPGs, you also get a party ofcompanions with unique abilities whom you can bond withto get extra combat benefits.
The premise ofScarlet Nexusis cool and leans heavily into anime tropes, but its mashup ofDevil May Cryand Platinum games in its intense combat is what makes it the most fun to play. Oh, and it has some pretty awesome monster designs, too.
9Tales of Arise
A Traditional JRPG With Flair
Tales of Arise
AnotherBandai Namcoaction JRPG,Tales of Ariseleans closer towards the RPG elements,with bombastic combat and a distinct fantasy aesthetic to its art style.
LikeScarlet Nexus, Tales of Ariseshines the most in its combat. However, it’s comparatively more accessible, with a much simpler combo system that transitions to more complex mechanics once you get comfortable.
While tougher enemies can be a slog to get through,the flair in your party members' special attacks never gets old.
While the game does drag on a bit in some side content, it is overall asolid game with a great storyfor anybody looking for a lengthy JRPG experience.
8Code Vein
What’s That Smell? It’s Blood!
What do you get if you mix a post-apocalyptic setting with soulslike combat, anime art style, and bloodthirsty undead? You getCode Vein, and it’s unapologetically melodramatic in its storytelling and unforgiving combat.
Unlike manysoulslikes, Code Vein’s combat feels equally deliberate as it is fast-paced.You have to carefully watch your enemy’s attacks before making a calculated counter, or you’ll have a bad time.
Thankfully, you’re paired up with a companion for most of the game, who’s probably more reliable than aDark SoulsorElden Ringsummon.
Code Veinhas an interesting variety of magic and weapons, from oversize hammers to bayonet rifles, mixed with a wide range of blood-themed elemental spells.
7Astral Chain
Swing Your Robotic Companion Like A Whip
Astral Chain
If there’s one thingPlatinum Gamesis undefeated at, it’s making action games with high-octane and fluid combat, andAstral Chainis by far one of their best games in recent memory.
This game has a unique power system where you fight alongside robotic familiars named “Legions,” and their designs feel very much reminiscent ofJoJostands or Personas.
Chaining specific attacks and combos also activates quick time events in the form of synchronized attacks, which look amazing when pulled off just right.You can also fuse with your Legion to deal massive damage to your enemies.
Astral Chainboasts an innovative system that lets you control two characters at once, giving players a dynamic combat experience and fun puzzles to solve with your Legions.
10 Best Long-Running JRPG Franchises Ranked
JRPGs have been around since the advent of gaming, and they still persist today. Here are the ten best long-running JRPG series.
6Dragon’s Dogma 2
A Brutally Realistic Game
Dragon’s Dogma II
While it doesn’t have the same level of polish and masterful storytelling asBaldur’s Gate 3or the combat ofElden Ring,Dragon’s Dogma 2makes up for it withGame ofThrones-inspired geopolitical intrigue,unforgiving encountersthat can snowball out of control, and a sense of wonder when exploring the open world.
If you’re looking for a sense of adventure, thenDragon’s Dogma 2is the game for you. Its combat is quite reminiscent of soulslikes andMonster Hunter,and it feels grounded.
Every attack feels weighty at first, but at higher levels of combat, fighting makes you feel like an unstoppable force.
And like any JRPG, there’s a wide variety of builds and playstyles to experiment with. Want to charge in on your foes headfirst with a fighter build, hang back as an archer or mage while your allies draw aggro, or would you rather channel your inner anime protagonist as a Mystic Spearhand?Dragon’s Dogma 2is a must-play for any fantasy JRPG.
5Kingdom Hearts 3
A Series With The Most Devoted Fanbase
Kingdom Hearts 3
As one of Square Enix’s flagship games,Kingdom Hearts 3drew a lot of attention during its release in January 2019.Its stunning visuals, fluid combat, and enjoyable level design make up for the franchise’s ever-convoluted narrative.
It’s a divisive franchise for sure. The fandom will rave about how it’s a masterpiece, while naysayers would make the most scathing indictments about its needlessly nonsensical worldbuilding.
Regardless, you can’t deny that Sora is incredibly fun to play, and the JRPG elements combined with a Disney aesthetic make up for its charm.I mean, who wouldn’t want to fight alongside Goofy and Donald Duck?
4Monster Hunter World
The Hunt Is On
Monster Hunter World
While theMonster Hunterfranchise isn’t my cup of tea, beatingMonster Hunter World’smain story campaign during its release made me appreciate the franchise’s impact on the JRPG genre.
The main gameplay loop in anyMonster Huntergame is essentially channeling our inner hunter-gatherer instincts: find a monster, track it, fight and pursue it, and use its hide and organs to make the sickest armor sets to further your fashion and stats.
There’s also a wide variety of weapon and damage types, most notably the Insect Glaive and Warhorn.
The combat feels intentionally slow,emphasizing the need to plan your steps and make calculated strikes while engaging your prey.Because none of the monsters have a visible health bar, fighting them can feel like wading in molasses.
While the game can be really tough at times, it immerses you in the hunting experience by allowing you tosystematically whittle down the monster’s health, giving each body part individual health values before you may finish them off.
3Final Fantasy 16
An Eikonic Experience
Final Fantasy 16
Final Fantasy 16is by far one of my favorite original entries in the franchise, mostly because of the scale of its battles and a combat system that feels like an improvement ofFF15’sStagger mechanic.
With a dark fantasy setting that seems heavily inspired byGame of Thrones, FF16delivers an epic story, starring Ben Starr’s amazing performance as protagonist Clive Rosfield.
FF16’scombat is both accessible for beginners and in-depth for veterans because its combat director is Ryota Suzuki, a formerDevil May Crydeveloper who also worked onDragon’s Dogma.
InFF16, you can chain intricate combos, toggle between unique abilities, and style on your enemies with cool parries and perfect dodges.Like recent action-based Final Fantasy games, you can also fill up a Stagger meter where you can deal maximum damage.
Everything aboutFF16 is epic in scale, from the opening Eikon battle to the final boss fight where you fight the literal god of this world (like any classic JRPG).
If you need a point of reference to just how over-the-top the fights are,just check out this boss fight.The game is also dense with side quests and a strong main narrative.
2FF7 Rebirth
A Reunion Of The Ages
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
I know this is a back-to-backFinal Fantasyentry, but it would be a crime not to includeFinal Fantasy 7: Rebirth. Shifting fromRemake’snarrow, linear world to a wide, open world,Rebirthmodernizes the original game’s overworld by filling it with interesting collectibles and intense combat encounters.
Not to mention,FF7 Rebirthis a gorgeous game with equally gorgeous character design.
After spending at least 80 hours onFF7 Rebirth,I can say it is undoubtedly one of Square Enix’s best games to date.It retells the story of the second act of the original with a fresh perspective and has some of the best combat and minigamesI’ve had the pleasure of completing.
FF7 Rebirth also understands the importance of the relationships between Cloud and his companions, giving us some much-needed moments we’ve always wanted to see in high-fidelity graphics. Oh, it also has a pretty fun card game built into it.
If you’re looking to relive the adventure that the original FF7 brought to you, then Rebirth is a must-have experience.
