Since the first Triangle Strategy, more and more people have become absorbed by the magical and exciting world of JRPGs. With the growth of studios and titles across multiple generations of consoles, the genre has become one of the most celebrated in the video game industry.
But which ones are deemed the best? Using the ranking website Metacritic and looking at the plethora of games under the role-playing category, these are the games from Japanese developers that made it onto the list.
Chrono Trigger - 92
Originally released on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1995, Chrono Trigger was made by Hironobu Sakaguchi (the creator of Final Fantasy) and Yuji Jori (the creator of Dragon Quest.) They created a new and exciting fantasy JRPG that saw the of your party travel through time to save the world.
But the game's DS port was the one to receive this rating and with the enhancements from the PlayStation 1 version and the use of the Nintendo DS' dual screens, it's not hard to see why Metacritic named it as best DS game of 2008.
Skies of Arcadia - 93
Released back on Sega's Dreamcast in 2000, the player controls Vyse and his crew of air pirates as they travel through the skies between floating cities to discover hidden treasures. Throughout the game, players can upgrade their airship as well as their weapons and magical spells to navigate across Arcadia.
Seen by many as the best JRPG on the Dreamcast, it was praised at the time for its visuals and a fun world to explore. It even received a GameCube port titled Skies of Arcadia Legends, although it didn't receive as much praise compared to its original release which is still seen as one of the best Dreamcast games.
Paper Mario - 93
While the Paper Mario games have stuck around since the Nintendo 64 days, future titles in the series haven't quite received the same praise compared to earlier games. Fans may have enjoyed Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door and Paper Mario: The Origami King, they just didn't quite hit the same mark as the first game.
Released at the tail end of the N64's life in 2000, the game was not just one of the best JRPGs on the console, but it was also one of the best games in its entire library. And for those who haven't played it yet, it is currently available on the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
Persona 4 Golden - 93
Atlus' hit JRPG anthology series slowly became more aware to Western gamers after the release of Persona 4 Golden on the PlayStation Vita. An enhanced handheld port of the PS2 title, the game saw rebalanced gameplay elements and new features for everyone to enjoy while on the go.
Persona 4 Golden got a PC port in 2020 and while it received positive reviews, it didn't quite make the same impact as the Vita version that JRPG fans should play before Persona 5. But for those that missed out on the game and its characters can still enjoy the many spin-off titles on multiple consoles.
Odin Sphere Leftrasir - 93
Originally released as Odin Sphere on the PlayStation 2, Vanillaware's hit JRPG was eventually remade for other PlayStation consoles including the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4. However, the PlayStation Vita port currently holds the highest score for Odin Sphere Leifihraisir and is seen by some as one of the most underrated games on the handheld console.
The developer's trademark painted appearance and exaggerated character designs can be felt throughout the fantastical adventure. And with a side-scrolling perspective, this is also one of the more unique JRPG experiences on the PlayStation consoles.
Chrono Cross - 94
Many may not have played the original game, but some gamers would have heard about the recently released remake. Titled Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition, the game was released on multiple consoles for anyone and everyone to enjoy.
But while the remake received positive reviews, it didn't quite hit the same mark as the PlayStation 1 original. When it was originally released, many critics and JRPG fans loved the world, story, and battle mechanics that the game offered.
Final Fantasy IX - 94
Many might be surprised to know, but the beloved Final Fantasy VII and any of the games that came before it didn't make it on the list by a point or 2. But the 9th title did make it on the list as the only title from the major JRPG franchise to do so.
Released in 2000 on the PlayStation 1, gamers play Zidane Tribal, a thief who s forces with a princess and a band of other characters to take down Queen Brahne. The game has since been ported to other consoles and systems, readily available for those looking to jump into the fantastical world of Gaia after enjoying games like Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition.
Persona 5 Royal - 95
The original Persona 5 was already a masterclass among the collection of PS4 games with a rating of 93 on Metacritic alone. But the enhanced version, Persona 5 Royal, currently holds 95 on the website and is easily seen by many as the best version of the hit game.
Taking center stage in Tokyo, Joker leads The Phantom Thieves against the Metaverse to steal bad intentions created by human desires. Despite the original game already having a lot to do during this caper, Royal introduced a new character for your party, a new school semester, and new gameplay features.
The World Ends With You: Solo Remix - 95
Released on the Nintendo DS in 2007, The World Ends With You became a success on the handheld with its unique battle mechanic and bizarre story. The game did eventually make its way to the Nintendo Switch under The World Ends With You: Final Remix, but was not deemed as good as the original version.
And yet, 2012's The World Ends With You: Solo Remix had a high score on Metacritic. The game was made available for smart devices and in particular, it received positive reviews for the iPad version.
Elden Ring - 96
The newest game on the list and the latest by FromSoftware, Elden Ring is currently the highest-ranked JRPG by Metacritic. Also available for PC and some of the last generation of consoles, it received a 96 for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X versions.
Taking place in a magical open world, players must try to survive and defeat the many dangerous and super-powered monsters and warriors roaming the land. Building upon their already impressive combat from Bloodbourne, the game throws in some new and fresh mechanics for fans of FromSoftware titles as they try to become the next Elden Lord.
