Best Turn-Based JRPG Franchises, Ranked

Key Takeaways

• Turn-based combat in JRPGs remains popular due to innovative mechanics and engaging storytelling.
• JRPG franchises like Persona and Dragon Quest maintain their relevance over time with unique gameplay and art styles.
• Suikoden’s unique combat system and large roster of characters make it a standout in the genre.

JRPGs are among the most well-known genres for gamers in the video game industry, often being home to fantastic games and major franchises that hold a classic position in the industry. Although it’s a broad genre with different gameplay styles, some mechanics are normally associated with it.

One of these is turn-based combat which, although much more popular several decades ago, continues to surprise players today with new and well-crafted mechanics. Thus, the best Turn-Based JRPG franchises stand out for their engaging combat and stories, providing incredible experiences that capture the attention not only of genre fans but also of other players.

10 SaGa/The Final Fantasy Legend

A Franchise That Evolved And Reclaimed Its Identity In The West

Initially released as The Final Fantasy Legend by Square Enix for marketing reasons, the SaGa series quickly gained its own identity, becoming one of the best Turn-Based JRPG franchises. Known for its innovative approach to game mechanics and non-linear narratives, the series offers something different from many other games in the genre.

Recently, the series received a revival with remakes of some of its classic titles, such as Romancing SaGa 2 and SaGa Frontier. These remakes not only modernized the graphics and gameplay but also reintroduced the franchise to a new generation of players, further consolidating the legacy of the SaGa series in the turn-based JRPG genre.

9 Suikoden

An Epic Of Heroes And Amazing Battles

Remembered as one of the best turn-based JRPGs, Suikoden is known for its unique combat system, where players and enemies select their actions first, and then attacks occur based on each character’s speed. Additionally, each new Suikoden entry is known for featuring a large roster of companions that can be recruited throughout the game.

Beyond that, the combat in Suikoden includes three different styles that are used in various story moments, giving the gameplay a great deal of variety. The characters, while sometimes varying in the depth of their individual stories, each have unique traits that make them valuable additions to any team.

8 Paper Mario

Carrying The Legacy Of Super Mario RPG

Although Mario is widely known for platform games and various other spin-offs, the Paper Mario series took the character to explore the Turn-Based JRPG genre. With a unique artistic style that simulates cut-out paper, the franchise offers engaging stories and innovative combat systems that differ from the character’s traditional titles.

Despite Super Mario RPG being a very enjoyable game, it did not become its own franchise. Thus, Paper Mario filled this void with incredible games, combining humor, well-crafted narratives, and unique gameplay mechanics. The series has become a highlight among the best turn-based JRPG franchises, attracting even more fans to the games.

7 Trails/The Legend Of Heroes

JRPG With Incredible World-Building

The Trails series, also known as The Legend of Heroes, stands out as one of the best Turn-Based JRPG franchises due to its rich narrative and detailed world-building. Each game connects to the other, creating a cohesive universe that rewards players attentive to details.

Additionally, Trails offers a strategic and well-designed combat system, combining unique character abilities with tactical mechanics. This blend of engaging story and refined gameplay makes the series an indispensable reference for fans of the genre.

6 Shin Megami Tensei

One Of The First Monster-Taming Games Ever Produced

Even though Pokemon is known for this dynamic, one of the first games to present the concept of monster taming was Shin Megami Tensei, allowing players to capture demons and use them in combat. Besides being a pioneer in the genre, the franchise continues to be one of the best Turn-Based JRPGs to this day, delivering various dark fantasy stories.

Moreover, Shin Megami Tensei also has many excellent games and a series of spin-offs that use the franchise’s concepts in different settings, the most popular being Persona. Through a combination of complex mechanics and deep themes, the series offers a challenging gaming experience, also serving as a major reference in the genre.

5 Persona

One Of The Most Beloved Turn-Based JRPG Franchises

Despite originating as a spin-off of Shin Megami Tensei, it didn’t take long for Persona to evolve into something of its own and become one of the best Turn-Based JRPG franchises ever produced. Each game typically explores different and dark themes but always delivers excellent turn-based combat and outstanding characters.

Even though it is well-known among niche fans, it was with Persona 5 that the franchise was further consolidated among the best in the genre, delivering a unique art style and excellent music. Additionally, the combat underwent some small modifications to make it more dynamic and enjoyable for players.

4 Mother

A Trilogy That Entered Gaming History

Produced by HAL Laboratory, Mother is a trilogy of turn-based JRPGs exclusive to Nintendo that takes players on a remarkable journey filled with uniqueness. Here, players are welcomed into a setting that steps away from traditional medieval fantasy, instead embracing a modern backdrop infused with elements of fantasy and science fiction.

Each game features a captivating plot that explores deep and emotional themes while maintaining an ironic and humorous tone, creating iconic characters and unforgettable moments across the trilogy. The legacy of Mother remains highly influential in modern releases, inspiring the creation of many other games, such as Undertale.

3 Dragon Quest

Turn-Based Jrpg Franchise With Akira Toriyama’s Art

Dragon Quest is one of the pioneering game series in the genre, being one of the best Turn-Based JRPG franchises that remained faithful to its roots, offering players a classic and consistent gameplay experience. Launched in the mid-80s, another highlight of the games in the series is the unique art style of Akira Toriyama.

Even so long after its release, Dragon Quest continues to be a reference in the JRPG market, bringing stories about heroism and charismatic characters. Thus, the franchise remains relevant thanks to its ability to evolve without losing the essence that defined it, maintaining all the elements that made it so iconic.

2 Final Fantasy

The Origins Of Final Fantasy Lie In Turn-Based JRPGs

Arguably, Final Fantasy is one of the most famous franchises in the world, not just within the JRPG genre. The origin of the series helped define several pillars of the genre, including epic stories, extremely interesting and well-developed characters, as well as well-produced turn-based combat that marked a generation of players.

Although the modern entries of Final Fantasy produced by Square lean more towards action combat, the early games make the series one of the best Turn-Based JRPG franchises ever created, with titles revered for different elements. One of these is the job system, which became a trademark, offering great freedom to customize characters.

1 Pokemon

A Prime Example Of A Turn-Based JRPG Franchise

Since its emergence in the video game market, Pokemon has held the status of one of the best and most important Turn-Based JRPG franchises, despite deviating slightly from the setting that players are accustomed to in other games of the genre. Additionally, the series managed to break through barriers, appealing to various different audiences.

Another point is that, although new mechanics have been added or modified as new games were developed, such as the addition of Mega Evolutions or similar features, the franchise’s gameplay remains faithful to the roots of the series. Thus, the series continues to be relevant in the gaming market, attracting attention from different players and expanding more and more.