JRPGs for WRPG Fans
While terms like JRPG and WRPG are more generalizations rather than hard genres, the fact is that certain elements are more strongly associated with Japanese roleplaying games versus Western ones. Based on some discussions I've seen online, this is a list of Japanese-made RPGs, mostly for consoles, that have elements that might make them appealing to CRPG fans. This includes deep mechanics, exploration, non-linear gameplay, party customization, and/or a solid difficulty.
Recommendations are welcome.
Recommendations are welcome.
49 Games
The Metal Max series is known for giving almost complete access to the world and allowing for non-linear progression, along with extensive customization.
Features a non-linear world, along with complex character and battle systems.
Very much at home with top-down dungeon crawlers, Diablo, etc.
Arguably the strongest Japanese-made entry in what was one of the first major Western CRPG series.
The SaGa series is known for being extremely non-linear and having many deep mechanics and systems to dive into.
Multiple characters, multiple endings, a large open world with tons of side-quests, side characters to recruit. Highly customizable character growth.
The Growlanser series have moderately deep character systems, somewhat open worlds, and real-time-with-pause combat not unlike the Baldur's Gate series.
Made by the same people as Growlanser, it's a strategy RPG with many mutually exclusive plotlines that change depending on how you play the game.
Long-running SRPG series. These particular entries are notable for their non-linear approach.
Though it's a stage-based tactical strategy game, the player get a lot of freedom in terms of story progression and team building.
The earlier Megami Tensei/Shin Megami Tensei games are strongly informed by classic western dungeon crawlers.
Complex Japanese indie project inspired by CRPGs, especially rogue-likes such as ADOM and Anbang. In-depth party customization and vibrant fan community.
8 Comments
Yeah, honestly I can't believe I didn't have Vagrant Story on there to begin with. Funny enough, the same day you left this comment, I saw a thread on Twitter talking about the game and it cemented that it belongs here for a number of reasons.
By technicality, Souls is a JRPG too
This comment was deleted
^Disagree, the systems are entirely connected to the eurocentric, darkened atmosphere and ethos, the level system is pretty liberal too which is kinda one of the strongest attractions of WRPG's third person focus. You can play "as you want", even when literally crippling your character.
Yeah, I've debated putting Dark Souls on here, due to being a Japanese RPG with a very Western aesthetic, but I feel like it mechanically falls a bit far from what I'm specifically looking for. Also it's a pretty easy choice.
suikoden it’s generic and easy, i wouldn’t recomend it
Possibly the first final fantasy? It was inspired more by ultima and wizardry than dragon quest.
lpslucasps
1 year ago