Top 50 Best JRPGs of All Time
Top 50 Best Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) of All Time
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- DirectorYoshinori KitaseAkihiko MatsuiTakashi TokitaCrono, a young boy, is thrust to adventure by destiny to destroy an oncoming threat that will destroy the world in 1999.96 (SNES), 92 (DS, PS1)
Square Enix - DirectorHiroyuki ItôYoshinori KitaseA mysterious woman joins a group of mercenaries in order to find out about her destiny and means of saving the world from an evil madman.94 (SNES), 97 (PS1), 91 (GBA)
2-player co-op campaign (SNES, PS1: Battles only)
Square Enix - DirectorHiroyuki ItôWhen bandits try to kidnap the princess, they discover that it's the princess who wants to be kidnapped. But they are chased by an evil queen and an even more powerful entity.93 (PS1, PSN), 85 (PS4)
2-player co-op campaign (PS1/PSN, PS4: Battles only)
Square Enix - DirectorKatsura HashinoStarsJun FukuyamaMamoru MiyanoNana MizukiA group of high school students create a vigilante group to expose the crimes of corrupt adults but soon find themselves in the midst of a worldwide conspiracy and targeted by powerful individuals who would do anything to silence them.93 (PS4, PS3)
Atlus - DirectorYoshinori KitaseYasushi MatsumuraMasato YagiA former soldier from an evil company joins a mercenary clan to fight the company he once served.92 (PS1, PSN, PS4)
Square Enix - StarsAtsushi GotoKachiko HinoHiroaki HirataEdge is one of the soldiers in the service of the mighty Empire. The Empire has recently ordered some excavations at ancient ruins, trying to discover the secret of an old technology that is much superior to that of present time. During the excavation works, Edge encounters a mysterious young girl. He then witnesses the murder of his captain and other soldiers by Crayden, one of the Empire's officers. Coming into contact with an ancient dragon, Edge begins to roam the world, determined to find Crayden and avenge the death of his comrades. Nobody helps him but his faithful dragon. But the Empire is also after Crayden, so there appear to be at least three sides in the conflict - or are there more?92 (SAT)
Team Andromeda - DirectorKatsura HashinoJinya KitsuiSusumu NishizawaStarsDaisuke NamikawaShôtarô MorikuboYui HorieA high school student forms a group that explores a hidden world accessible through TV sets to find a connection between the "realm of shadows" and the mysterious murders in their town.92 (PS2), 94 (Vita)
Atlus - DirectorMasato KatoFor Serge, the truth is all too disturbing when he stumbles into another dimension, a dimension where he is long dead. Now the fate of two worlds hangs in the balance and Serge is the only hope.92 (PS1, PSN)
Square Enix (Square Product Development Division 3) - DirectorYasumi MatsunoValendia is a land that had undergone civil war, the end of which had birthed the parliament and several organizations to control the balance of power. Ashley Riot is a Riskbreaker, an elite agent for the Valendia Knights of Peace (VKP) who is investigating some strange occurrences. A cult of religious fanatics known as Müllenkamp and their leader Sydney Losstarot have seized the manor of Duke Bardorba of Valendia Kingdom. The events at the manor have sent Ashley on a quest to get to the bottom of events, and travel into the catacombs that lead to the destroyed, yet magical city of Leá Monde. However Ashley is not the only person interested in the city, and other factions of the government, including parliament assigned Knights of the Crimson Blade and other VKP agents are pursuing their own agenda.92 (PS1, PSN)
Square Enix (Square Product Development Division 4) - DirectorKo KojimaGenki YokotaTetsuya TakahashiStarsShintarô AsanumaEri NakaoRyô HorikawaIn a world of endless ocean, all life lives on the decaying corpses of two gigantic titans, the Bionis and Mechonis. When the army of Mechonis attacks his home, young scientist Shulk sets out for revenge.92 (Wii), 86 (3DS)
Monolith Soft - DirectorYoshinori KitaseStarsJames Arnold TaylorHedy BurressJohn DiMaggioA celebrated young athlete is drawn from his futuristic hometown and convenient lifestyle to a harsh and techno-phobic land by a mysterious force only known as Sin.92 (PS2), 83 (PS4), 86 (PS3), 95 (Vita)
Square Enix (Square Product Development Division 1) - DirectorSatoshi TajiriRole playing game for the Game Boy Color, introducing the second generation of Pokémon, where you are on a quest to master Pokémon battling.91 (GBC Gold, Silver), 88 (DS HeartGold, SoulSilver), 80 (GBC Crystal, 3DS VC)
Game Freak - DirectorHiroyuki KubotaStarsCharles MartinetKenny JamesSamantha KellyThe evil Bowser consumed Mario, Luigi and Co. Now they are trying to get out, as well as help Bowser fight the evil Fawful, who has taken over Bowser's Castle, as well as Princess Peach's.91 (DS, 3DS)
AlphaDream - DirectorTetsuya TakahashiStarsHikaru MidorikawaTomokazu SekiYumi TômaYoung warrior and artist Fei Fong Wong sets off on a journey that tests his faith as well as courage as he is suddenly thrown into a battle where no one is who they seem.91 (PS1, PSN)
Square Enix (Square Product Development Division 3) - DirectorHiroshi MinagawaHiroyuki ItôStarsBobby EdnerCatherine TaberGideon EmeryStreet thief Vaan becomes embroiled in a quest to save the occupied kingdom in which he resides, Dalmasca, from a war that seems imminent.91 (PS2), 86 (PS4)
Square Enix - DirectorHiroyuki KoyamaStarsHikaru MidorikawaChisa YokoyamaKumiko NishiharaWhen long-time friends Hiro and Ruby discover a strange visitor from another world, they find themselves on a long journey to find the goddess Althena and stop the mad godlike Zophar from rebirth. Many other characters with their own stories to tell join the party throughout the adventure. In the end it comes to one question: can Hiro save Lunar or will Zophar bring the tiny world into darkness for ever?91 (SCD), 83 (PS1)
Game Arts, Studio Alex - DirectorShuntaro TanakaStarsYuri AmanoKinryû ArimotoBill BroughtonVyse and his crew of sky pirates work together to stop an evil empress from reawakening an ancient weapon.91 (DC), 85 (GCN)
Overworks - DirectorYoshihiko MaekawaStarsCharles MartinetJen TaylorScott BurnsAfter Princess Peach's voice is stolen by the witch Cackletta and her minion Fawful, Mario and Luigi must travel to the Beanbean Kingdom to get it back.90 (GBA, 3DS)
AlphaDream - DirectorAkihiro HinoStarsRicky GroverEmma OwenBlake RitsonThe game begins with the court jester of the kingdom of Trodain, Dhoulmagus, stealing an ancient scepter and casting a spell on Trodain castle.90 (PS2), 85 (3DS)
Level-5 - DirectorKôichi IshiiSix kingdoms are fighting each other for power over the Mana stones and are battling for world dominance. Six warriors are sent out from their homes to save the world.90 (SNES)
Japan exclusive (English ROM hack)
3-player co-op campaign (ROM hack)
2-player co-op campaign (SNES)
Square Enix - DirectorTakao MiyoshiYour planet is dying. To escape, the citizens of your world construct two gigantic spaceships and strike out in search of a new home.90 (DC), 83 (Xbox), 82 (GCN)
4-player split-screen co-op campaign (GCN)
4-player online co-op campaign (DC, Xbox, GCN)
Sonic Team - DirectorYoshinori KitaseA group of students at a military academy rescue a mysterious girl, who some say is the sorceress who wants to govern the universe.89 (PS1, PSN)
Square Enix - DirectorChihiro FujiokaYoshihiko MaekawaJust as Mario trounces Bowser for the millionth time, a giant, malevolent sword crashes into Bowser's keep, casting Mario, Princess Toadstool and Bowser far and wide, and breaking seven pieces from the wish-granting Star Road.89 (SNES)
Square Enix - DirectorShugo TakahashiIn a dark age of history, evil forces are pursuing the lost art of alchemy. Armed with cool weapons, special powers and unique creatures a band of 4 magic-attuned "Adepts" are the only hope to put an end to the advance of evil.89 (GBA, Wii U VC)
Camelot Software Planning - DirectorRyota KawadeBowser has become invulnerable by imprisoning the seven Star Spirits and using the wish granting powers of the mythical Star Rod from Star Haven. Mario must rescue the Star Spirits, who have been sealed in cards.89 (N64)
Intelligent Systems - DirectorTakashi TakebeStarsCam ClarkeJennifer HaleJodi BensonIn the aftermath of the battle between the God of Light and the God of Darkness, a young mercenary named Ryudo is charged to protect a songstress named Elena, but their journey reveals that the history of the world is not all it seems.89 (DC), 73 (PS2)
Better on Dreamcast
Game Arts - DirectorAkihiro HinoStarsRikako AikawaAki AkihaChafûrinMax receives a mysterious red stone and learns that the rest of the world has been wiped out by a creature named Griffon who's looking for the stone. With the help of a girl from the future he sets out to rebuild the world and stop Griffon.88 (PS2, PSN)
Level-5 - DirectorYoichi MiyajiStarsKikuko InoueRokurô NayaKôichi KitamuraFrom the village of Burg, a teenager named Alex sets out to become the fabled guardian of the goddess Althena...the Dragonmaster. Along with his girlfriend Luna, and several friends they meet along the journey, they soon discover that the happy world of Lunar is on the verge of Armageddon. As Dragonmaster, Alex could save it. As a ruthless and powerful sorceror is about to play his hand, will Alex and company succeed in their quest before all is lost? And is his girlfriend Luna involved in these world shattering events? Play along and find out.88 (SCD), 86 (PS1), 81 (PSP), 79 (GBA)
Game Arts, Studio Alex - DirectorSatoshi TajiriPlay as a young Pokémon trainer trying to catch all 150 Pokémon.88 (GB Red, Blue), 85 (GB Yellow, 3DS VC), 82 (GBA FireRed, LeafGreen)
Game Freak - DirectorShigesato ItoiStarsShigesato ItoiYukari SaitoHirokazu KoyanoNess, a boy from Onett, Eagleland, teams up with new friends to defeat an Evil Destroyer named Giygas. During the epic pursuits, Ness and his allies attempt to find the sacred Eight Melodies.88 (SNES)
HAL Laboratory, Creatures (Ape) - DirectorRyota KawadeStarsCharles MartinetJen TaylorScott BurnsMario must find all the seven crystal stars to enter the Thousand-Year-Door and save Princess Peach.88 (GCN)
Intelligent Systems - DirectorJin FujisawaAkihiro HinoYou play as a Celestrian, an angel who falls to the mortal realm on the eve of Yggdrasil's awakening. It's up to you to reclaim Yggdrasil's Fyggs and fulfill the destiny that lies before you.88 (DS)
Level-5, Square Enix - DirectorShigeru OhmoriStarsIkue ÔtaniAs a trainer in the Alola region, your task is to journey across the islands, catch all the Pokemon, complete the island challenges, defeat the 4 islands guardians, and eventually meet the legendary Solgaleo.88 (3DS Sun, Moon), 84 (3DS Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon)
Game Freak - DirectorJun'ichi MasudaStarsIkue ÔtaniShannon Chan-KentPokémon sequel for the Nintendo 3DS, introducing 72 new Pokémon species, and new features such as the Fairy type, character customization, and updated battle and training mechanics.88 (3DS X, Y)
Game Freak - DirectorTetsuya NomuraStarsHaley Joel OsmentDavid GallagherHayden PanettiereSora and friends face mysterious new enemies as they continue their journey to save all worlds, and find Riku and King Mickey.87 (PS2), 84 (PS4), 83 (PS3)
Square Enix (Square Enix Product Development Division 1) - DirectorKatsura HashinoStarsAkira IshidaMegumi ToyoguchiRie TanakaA new student arrives at a school full of monsters that attack at night. A team of Persona users recruit him to help battle alongside them to rid the monsters for good.87 (PS2), 88 (PS2 FES), 91 (PSP)
Atlus - DirectorKôichi IshiiThe story of a boy who pulls out a rusty sword and is banished from Potos. He meets a girl and a Sprite. Together, they journey to gather 8 Mana seeds to save the Mana tree and stop Thanatos and his empire from taking over the world.87 (SNES), 60 (PS4), 52 (Vita)
3-player co-op campaign
Square Enix - DirectorRieko KodamaKiyoshi TakeuchiTohru YoshidaChaz Ashley is a hunter who lives on a planet once was green that's now a desert. He has to deal with the biomonster problem. Later he has to stop Zio the magician who wants to destroy the world and restore the computer systems.87 (GEN, PS3/360, PS2/PSP, SAT)
Sega - DirectorHironobu SakaguchiA dark knight questions the ruthless actions of his king and undergoes a quest to redeem himself and save the world.87 (SNES), 80 (PSP), 85 (DS), 83 (GBA), 67 (PS1)
2-player co-op campaign (SNES: Battles only)
Square Enix - DirectorAkihiro HinoStarsClaire MorganJared ZeusEllie FranschA young king, Evan Pettiwhisker Tildrum, is usurped from his kingdom on his coronation day. He sets out with Roland, a man from another world, to create a new kingdom where everyone can live happily ever after.87 (PS4)
Level-5 - DirectorTetsuya NomuraStarsMiyu IrinoMamoru MiyanoRisa UchidaWhen his world is destroyed and his friends mysteriously disappear, a young boy named Sora is thrust into a quest to find his missing friends and prevent the armies of darkness from destroying many other worlds.86 (PS2), 85 (PS4), 80 (PS3)
Square Enix - DirectorKentaro MotomuraStarsAdam WilsonLauren MoteLouis TamoneOliver discovers that his mother is not dead, but kidnapped and taken hostage by the White Witch.86 (PS3)
Level-5 - DirectorMatsuzo MachidaStarsJoe CappellettiKari WahlgrenEllyn SternDuring World War I, a German army officer and her companions try to thwart the plans of a secret society.86 (PS2)
Nautilus - DirectorHidenobu TakahashiStarsAngela AndersonBlaney R. AikmanSharon ColemanJustin, a boy from the quiet village of Parm, seeks adventure on a far away continent, in a quest to uncover the mysteries of an ancient civilization.87 (SAT), 86 (PS1)
Better on Saturn
Game Arts - DirectorMotomu ToriyamaStarsAli HillisTroy BakerGeorgia Van CuylenburgIn a futuristic city, a group of adventurers must fight the government forces controlled by an alien force to stop its plan to destroy the world.84 (PS3), 82 (360)
Square Enix (Square Enix 1st Production Department) - DirectorKo KojimaHiroshi ShiraiTetsuya TakahashiStarsAl WeaverHiro ShimonoSkye BennettIn a world laden with an endless sea of clouds and titans, Rex, an ambitious salvager, embarks on an adventure with the help of his friends in search of the mythical paradise, Elysium.83 (NS)
Monolith Soft - DirectorHajime TabataStarsTatsuhisa SuzukiRay ChaseKenta MiyakeAfter leaving his home city of Insomnia, young prince Noctis embarks on a journey with his closest friends to reclaim his throne.81 (PS4), 86 (XB1)
4-player online co-op quests
Square Enix (Square Enix Business Division 2) - DirectorHironobu SakaguchiRoy SatoStarsKeith FergusonTara StrongSalli SaffiotiAfter a meteor wipes out the majority of forces from the nations of Uhra and Khent, Kaim joins a group of immortals who have lost their memories to confront threats generated by the world's approaching magical industrial revolution.80 (360)
Mistwalker, Feelplus - DirectorHideo SuzukiThe year is 2064, when the great solar power satellite, ATLAS is overshadowed by the invention of fusion power. The government alliance that had supported the building of ATLAS now find themselves facing economic crisis as the balance of power shifts. In this world of conflict and change, the Walking Panzer, or Wanzer, (a form of mecha) becomes the standard armored unit for wars and petty battles across the globe. For the small nation of Bergen, a coup d'etat is underway, staged by Colonel Ark. Seeking to establish complete control over the government and the NORAD units stationed there, Ark's first step involves the capture of President Orwen. Tipped off to the rebellion, Orwen seeks to flee from Bergen, looking for safe passage out of the seaport of Port Ertothal. A young Wanzer pilot, Albert Grabner, is assigned escort duty to the president by loyal elements of the army stationed there.SNES
Japan exclusive (English ROM hack)
Omiya Soft - DirectorTetsuya NomuraTai YasueMasaru OkaStarsHaley Joel OsmentDavid GallagherAlyson StonerBelieving light and darkness must remain in balance, Master Xehanort seeks to spark war against the "tyranny of light" to restore equilibrium.PS4, XB1
Square Enix (Square Enix Business Division 3)