Every JRPG I've Completed - Worst to Best
The exact qualifications for a game to be considered a JRPG are openly up to debate, but I'll be using a fairly loose definition for this list: as long as it was made by a Japanese studio and has a focus on levels, skills, stats, and/or experience, then it's fair game (thanks JRPG Chronicles Discord server).
Any remakes and ports I complete will get their only placement if the differences are significant enough and if they have their own game page. If I decide to specifically list any remasters or re-releases, my placement and ranking will only account for the base game and not any DLC or expansions they may include. I will be including story DLC/expansions as their own entries.
Rating descriptors (Light, Decent, Strong) are arbitrary and mainly help me to more easily decide where to rank some games.
The difference between my 9s and 10s isn't as large, so I don't use descriptors aside from 9.5 indicating that it fell just short of being a 10.
Anything that's a 2 or below doesn't get a descriptor, either, mainly because I think it's pointless to be anal about a game I really dislike. Plus, the gap between a 1 and a 2 is larger than my other ratings, so the descriptors wouldn't match up with their respective thresholds.
> On the subject of Final Fantasy XIV: Despite my initial intentions, I will not be ranking the patches, but I will be ranking expansions when I finish them. Upon completing their associated patches, I will update their rankings/score if necessary to account for said patches.
Any remakes and ports I complete will get their only placement if the differences are significant enough and if they have their own game page. If I decide to specifically list any remasters or re-releases, my placement and ranking will only account for the base game and not any DLC or expansions they may include. I will be including story DLC/expansions as their own entries.
Rating descriptors (Light, Decent, Strong) are arbitrary and mainly help me to more easily decide where to rank some games.
The difference between my 9s and 10s isn't as large, so I don't use descriptors aside from 9.5 indicating that it fell just short of being a 10.
Anything that's a 2 or below doesn't get a descriptor, either, mainly because I think it's pointless to be anal about a game I really dislike. Plus, the gap between a 1 and a 2 is larger than my other ratings, so the descriptors wouldn't match up with their respective thresholds.
> On the subject of Final Fantasy XIV: Despite my initial intentions, I will not be ranking the patches, but I will be ranking expansions when I finish them. Upon completing their associated patches, I will update their rankings/score if necessary to account for said patches.
108 Games
10 - I'll forgive its difficulty because Maria is literally my favorite boss fight in the entire Souls franchise.
Strong 7 - While it vastly improved upon the first game's combat and content, its deeper dive into heavy lore makes the pacing suffer a bit, especially when having to revisit the worlds.
9.5 - A wonderful love letter to fans who stuck around for the whole journey. In conclusion, the future was indeed redeemed.
10 - The fast-paced combat and incredible atmosphere makes for an unforgettable experience and one that FromSoftware has yet to top.
10 - Leave it to FromSoft to make an open-world game I actually care this much about.
9 - It's easy to see why this is often hailed as one of the greatest JRPGs of all time, but I'll admit it is somewhat lacking in emotional depth for me to call it a masterpiece.
9.5 - Aside from one particularly annoying boss, this is good stuff, and I can vouch for at least a couple of these bosses trumping anything in the base game.
10 - This could very well be the peak of Mario RPGs if I didn't have the nostalgia for SMRPG. Also known as the game where Princess Peach strips naked.
10 - Contrary to what my younger self would say on the matter, I'm starting to think Metroidvanias really are my jam.
10 - FC was already a masterclass in worldbuilding and character interactions, but this sequel just does everything so much better, with an incredible story and plenty of tear-jerking moments. Simply phenomenal.
10 - A timeless classic that held the spot for my favorite game of all time for quite a few years. When you consider that this is a SNES game that came out in 1994, and yet never fails to make me cry on multiple occasions throughout its story is a testament to how well written its narrative and characters are.
10 - With its engrossing exploration, this is the best of the trilogy, but not necessarily my favorite. This is also the longest I've spent finishing a JRPG so far, and a large chunk of it was just sidequests. Says a lot, me thinks.
10 - While its clunkiness took some getting used to, this landmark achievement for RPGs is worthy of all its praise and recognition.
+ Finished the Remaster but also played the OG
+ Finished the Remaster but also played the OG
Strong 8 - An insanely complex and intriguing story that will keep you guessing 'til the very end. The main thing holding it back are the obligatory RTS battles that I'm not too keen on.
10 - A younger me hated how slow this game was. An older me wants to beat the shit out of younger me.
10 - After having grown attached to the Sky trilogy, I thought embarking on a new arc would feel weird. This was not the case. Crossbell is a refreshing change of scenery, and the SSS is an amazingly loveable main cast. I'm ready to get blown away by Azure...
9.5 - Playing through this made me miss the atmosphere and interconnected level design of DS1, but it probably has it beat in terms of sheer gameplay.
9 - The conclusion to the Sky trilogy is a strong one in terms of narrative, but its more linear chapters and fragmented approach to backstory slightly weigh down the experience.
Decent 4 - I can't say that I cared much for its story, and while its unique combat system can be fun at times, it's incredibly obtuse and unintuitive, leading to some annoying fights and progression.
10 - A beautiful remaster of a game I didn't expect to blow me away like it did, but I'm glad it did, for it introduced me to this fantastic series as a whole. Also, Melia is bae.
9.5 - An amazing narrative and a finale that made for an exceptionally emotional payoff; only slightly hindered by its repetitive B route.
10 - A game that needs no introduction. VII may feel quite dated with its blocky visuals and slow battles, but it's still an engrossing experience today, and you can tell just how influential it was for the genre as a whole.
9.5 - A game that goes above and beyond what a story expansion can be. I can forgive its mandatory side quests for its overall improvements to XC2 and for getting me so emotionally invested.
10 - A game with heart that made me genuinely feel like I was living in its world. Aside from some overall bland dungeon design, every other aspect of the game is fantastic.
Strong 8 - An initial slow burn ultimately paves the way for a great story with a satisfying payoff. Exploration is also a highlight.
Strong 7 - My first proper introduction to the series and tactical JRPGs as a whole. While it didn't convert me into a mega fan of the genre, its strong focus on character relationships made me really want to continue exploring this franchise.
Strong 8 - XIV's first expansion is no doubt a nice improvement over ARR's often sluggish pacing, and while I still liked ARR enough, this is indeed where XIV truly starts to shine.
+ Ranking accounts for post-game patches as well
+ Ranking accounts for post-game patches as well
Light 8 - Dare I say, overrated? But despite my nitpicks with its story and some other miscallaneous issues (puzzles, really?), its combat system ultimately shines through as one of my absolute favorites in the turn-based genre.
Strong 7 - Relink's strength lies in its excellent combat and extensive post-game content; but as someone who usually isn't too keen on post-game grinds, I would have liked a lengthier and deeper story.
10 - This was probably my second game ever? I was only two and couldn't read yet, so I never did beat it as a kid. Later on, when I got around to beating it, I finally got sweet closure.
10 - This almost feels like a spiritual successor to FF6. I won't elaborate, but if you know, you know.
Decent 8 - A 16-bit remake of Dragon Quest III that's quite easy on the eyes. Despite the grinding, it's a really cozy adventure that manages to stay engaging without a complex plot.
9 - Padding is a given here, but the fleshed out world and characters are enough to make any FFVII fan happy. Not to mention the incredibly fun and challenging combat.
9 - Basically a prologue extended to a full game's length; but as the first non-Persona SMT game I finished, it left quite an impression.
10 - So much nostalgia for this one. It's funny how the most fleshed out and interesting take on the Mushroom Kingdom was not developed by Nintendo.
Decent 8 - One of the prettiest PSX RPGs, but the 'minigames' seriously piss me off. Also, Ershin is best robot.
9.5 - A monstrum of a game that builds upon some of VIII's great qualities and condenses it into a tighter and more enjoyable experience.
9 - XVI is less RPG and more action blockbuster, and while this radical deviation may not please some series veterans, it mostly delivered on my own expectations.
9 - Improves on the formula laid out by Ys VI in every way... but my god, is it tough..
Strong 3 - A proto-Link's Awakening featuring a cute and humorous story. Unfortunately, its gameplay fails to impress, with some annoying late game backtracking that drags the experience.
Decent 7 - Honestly, way too short, but it's a pretty cool genre-mesh made even more interesting by the fact that it was developed by Square.
10 - The worldbuilding is excellent and the cliffhanger ending/plot twist had me bamboozled. This is the beginning of an insane and wonderful JRPG series rabbit hole.
9.5 - Anti-Korean propaganda I can actually get behind.
Light 8 - Similar enough to the first game in terms of gameplay and quality, but still an improvement, nonetheless, especially in its visuals and presentation. Sad that we may never get a third entry.
9 - I have so many problems with this game, and yet... I think I love it? Maybe it's Stockholm syndrome.
Strong 8 - While KH2 is the better game in terms of gameplay and story, I still prefer the first entry for its breezier length and simple charm.
9.5 - The fact that this is a remake of an NES game goes to show how impressive the scope of the original's storytelling was. Of course, this is the best way to experience it.
9 - As a kid, this was probably the best narrative I had experienced in a videogame. I remember certain sections being a bit tedious, so I can't say for sure how well this would hold up until I replay it, but it was very creative and cool for sure.
9 - As someone who rarely replays games, having to basically go through this one 3 times didn't get stale, surprisingly enough.
Strong 7 - Kat is such a cool protagonist, and the gravity shifting gameplay is satisfying once it clicks. This is a game that really benefited from a remaster.
Light 8 - Zestiria's prequel definitely improves on many things and features a darker, more compelling story. However, certain personal nitpicks like some pacing issues and an easier combat system makes me prefer it only slightly less.
Light 7 - I thought that with one Fire Emblem game under my belt prior to this, I wouldn't struggle with some of the maps here as much as I did. Skill issue aside, this made for a solid introduction to the franchise in the west.
Strong 8 - Not much substance here, with only two bosses and one of them being Sister Friede, which is personally in the running for the most annoying Souls boss. More DS3 is still bound to be a good thing, though.
Light 8 - While definitely on the easier side, the third and final GBA title offers some nice QOL improvements and a stellar cast to boot, making it my favorite on the system.
10 - The cast is an absolute joy, and despite a rough start due to my incompetence with its battle system, my eventual return to this game made me fall in love and left me eager to explore the rest of the series.
Light 8 - Often regarded as the first "true classic" in the series, it's an overall great game with an interesting 5 character party gimmick. I could have done without the terribly sluggish endgame grind, though.
+ Finished the PSP version
+ Finished the PSP version
Decent 7 - ARR is definitely a tedious slog at times, but among the tedium is the faint glimmer of something truly special. By the end, I was fully on board.
+ This ranking only applies to A Realm Reborn (post-game patches included)
+ This ranking only applies to A Realm Reborn (post-game patches included)
Strong 8 - My introduction to this series proved that there's a lot of heart to be found in its storytelling hidden behind the memes and overall goofiness.
Decent 6 - Zack's story is one with some great emotional payoffs, but the game suffers from a very slow first half and some annoying combat gimmicks.
Light 3 - If I was cynical, I'd call him MusaSHIT. But, I digress. It has plenty of Saturday morning cartoon charm that's sadly plagued by sadistic level design and finnicky controls.
Decent 5 - Its numerous frustrating boss fights and often middling areas to explore degraded my experience, despite its solid story and characters.
Light 5 - Full of cutesy charm and quirkiness. But ultimately, its all too simplistic story and combat leaves me wanting something more.
9 - My first Atelier game and one that really resonated with my fondness for slice-of-life anime. It's a cute and relaxing JRPG that serves as a nice change of pace from the typical large scale threat trope of other games in the genre.
Decent 4 - The quirky aesthetics and multiple branching paths lead to some good replay value, especially with a friend. It's a shame that beat-em-ups just aren't my thing.
9 - Great evolution for the Tales series with an incredibly fun combat system and charming cast. The main thing holding it back is its sluggish "Part 2."
Light 7 - It's good, but like... we waited 14 years for THIS? Come on, Nomura...
Decent 4 - A full 3D remake of Burst that's certainly a lot more competent, but still feels barebones after being spoiled by better games in the series.
Light 4 - Even for a "baby's first RPG," this is way too easy and mind-numbing. If you can stomach the gameplay, you'll be rewarded with a wonderful soundtrack and a ton of charm with its cute story and characters.
Strong 7 - This feels more like fan service for Melia lovers rather than an essential epilogue, but it's fun enough and doesn't overstay its welcome.
Strong 6 - Arguably better than the first, but I don't necessarily agree. The final Shrine area is so tedious and confusing, and that's mainly what keeps me from rating it higher.
Light 7 - "Origin" and "Felghana" did it better, but as the first game to use the "Napishtim Engine," it's still a fun adventure, albeit a tad too grindy at times.
Decent 7 - Still the best one in the series. Silly beach shenanigans and fun "booba" combat abound.
10 - It may not have the most original story, but it's JRPG comfort food at its finest and its job system is really fun to exploit.
Decent 3 - Evil King Stan deserved to be in a better game. He's quite the funny guy.
Strong 8 - In a nutshell: "Proto-Ys VIII." Yet, this is a cozier experience for me, with probably my favorite cast in the series.
Light 7 - While the rushed story and hollow open world drag the game down, the brotherly party dynamic is a vibe and I can appreciate the creative risks they took here, despite not having the best execution.
Strong 6 - While not a popular opinion, I think this is a downgrade from the original, especially in terms of story. I don't much care for the branching paths, either, but the combat system is still just as fun, and I grew to appreciate the monster companions.
Decent 6 - The game that first got me into this series (which frankly, wasn't really worth it). Still, the transition to 3D environments did wonders for the series' gameplay.
Light 3 - NEP AS A BIKE NEP AS A BIKE NEP AS A BIKE
Light 7 - The definitive remake which introduced me to the series and left a good first impression. We don't speak of that final boss, though.
Decent 6 - Pretty mid/troupey story with an OK cast. The satisfying combat is really what kept me coming back, though it loses its splendor if you decide to do a second playthrough with the other protagonist.
Decent 4 - Having already played the remake, it's hard to go back to any of the many ports of the original, especially with how grindy it is. Decent proof of concept for the time, though.
+ Finished the Master System version
+ Finished the Master System version
Decent 6 - Despite a wonky narrative with some breakneck pacing, this still feels like a complete Tales experience, but portable, with a solid combat system to boot; random encounters be damned.
Decent 8 - This game's story is way better than it has any right to be for a Gameboy title. Also, as a Zelda fan, this just hits the right notes.
Light 6 - (Mobile Remake) - Short and sweet, but most of the time is spent grinding which can become a slog near the end.
Decent 4 - Persona-Lite in more ways than one, with a cutesy aesthetic; it's a chill time, but is severely lacking in depth, both in terms of combat and story.
Strong 7 - I understand the hate for this game. Yes, it's too linear. Yes, the story is kind of mid. And the characters? Meh. But I still enjoyed it, especially with its battle system being one of my favorites in the genre.
Decent 7 - How fitting that the debut to such an iconic franchise was also my introduction to it as a kid. Revisiting it and finally finishing it as an adult, I can say that it still holds up fairly well, even with its archaic magic system and bugs.
2 - 10 dollars for a tedious dungeon and some truly despicable character assassination. But at least Alisha gets some closure.
Decent 3 - Makes me wonder if the overall dullness was Gust betting its sales on the yuri bait alone and not trying to make a quality game. At least the superbosses are fun... all 2 of them.
2 - I used to like Neptunia a lot more, but this game in particular is unnecessarily grindy to the point that I just used cheats to activate "god mode." Dialogue can be humorous, but man is the gameplay loop just oh so boring.
Decent 5 - Way overpriced for what feels like a completely unnecessary expansion, but it's an inoffensive diversion for those who loved Arise's cast.
Strong 5 - Lots of neat ideas that are unfortunately not used to their full potential, leading to one of the most boring combat systems I've experienced. That said, the story and characters were decent enough to keep me invested 'til the end.
Strong 7 - It can get repetitive, sure, but as the first "mature" game in the series, it presented a much darker tone and narrative that wowed a younger me. Incredible ending too.
2 - If the framerate wasn't so atrocious, this would be a perfectly "ok" game. Fanservice can only get you so far.
2 - I imagine this is what Final Fantasy XVI feels like for people who hate it.
Decent 8 - I can understand the poor general consensus on this game, but there's a lot of fun to be had once you get used to its convoluted systems, and the hilarious skits and cast carry the somewhat weaker story.
Strong 5 - A clunky Zelda clone that just so happens to be surprisingly cozy to play, albeit rather easy and lacking any good dungeons.
Strong 4 - It's got some annoying level design, but that's kind of on par for the era. It's nothing special, but its short length makes it easy to digest.
Light 4 - A slightly worse version of Neptunia U with an Onechanbara influence, I assume? Blanc just isn't as "fun" as Nep.