5 JRPGs Where Being Evil Has Consequences

Key Takeaways

• JRPGs like Shin Megami Tensei 3 feature different endings based on player decisions and actions. (120 characters)
• In Persona 5, dishonesty and wrong choices can impact confidant relationships. (74 characters)
• Nier: Automata has great combat mechanics and multiple endings based on player actions. (85 characters)

JPRGs are known for many things, including their customization options, wide variety of playable characters, both optional and not, and the amazing stories that they present players with every title. On top of that, some games in this genre also feature multiple endings that players can either lock or unlock, depending on their decisions and actions.

Although most players like to complete a game by being good and noble, others seek the thrill of being evil and mean. The latter might often find themselves being punished or ending in the worst-case scenario, opening up a whole new world of possibilities. Here are some of the best JRPGs where being evil has consequences.

5 Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne

The Demi-fiend’s Decisions Matter Throughout The Story

• Tokyo enters a state of chaos due to a mysterious cult
• Players can make different choices that will impact their playthroughs

Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne follows the story of a high school student who is turned into the Demi-Fiend when Tokyo is overrun by demons as the result of the actions of an evil cult.

With such a premise, players should not be surprised that this title allows them to make different decisions that will eventually determine the ending they get. This mechanic is also present in other Shin Megami Tensei games, and it has always worked very well with the franchise to give it another layer of complexity.

4 Persona 5

Confidant Relationships Can Be Affected Through Various Actions

• Joker and his friends discover a mysterious power
• Confidant relationships can go in many different ways

Persona 5 is arguably one of the best JRPGs of the last 10 years. The game follows a high school student who goes by the codename “Joker.” Due to a series of unfortunate events in his former high school, Joker is forced to relocate to a different institution. After meeting a group of fellow students, Joker and his new friends discover a mysterious power that gives them unimaginable abilities.

With their newly acquired powers, they become the vigilante group known as the Phantom Thieves of Hearts. Although Persona 5 doesn’t have consequences as terrible for acting dishonestly or making the wrong choices as other JRPGs, they can impact confidant relationships.

3 NieR: Automata

A Great Hack And Slash Requiring Multiple Playthroughs

• Multiple endings that are unlocked through different actions
• Great combat mechanics

Set during a war between machines and human-made androids, specifically following the stories of Android 2B, Android S9, and prototype 2A, NieR: Automata is a fast-paced, story-rich title that is a blast. Like other JRPGs, the game features multiple endings that players can unlock through various actions. Decisions matter here more than anywhere else, as they will determine which type of ending players get. To unlock all possible endings, players will have to beat the game more than once.

The combat mechanics are great, and there’s an overall wonderful combination between role-playing and hack-and-slash action. There’s also a wide variety of enemies for players to fight, and they’ll need catlike reflexes and nerves of steel to emerge victorious from the multiple encounters they’ll face.

2 Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Edelgard Is Not What She Seems

• Edelgard is a character that, while presented as evil, isn’t always so
• Players can recruit students from other houses

The Fire Emblem franchise has been around for a long time, but many players agree that Fire Emblem: Three Houses is the most complete and complex title of the lot. Not only does this title have great combat mechanics, permadeath (optional), and an interesting story, but it also allows players to recruit allies as they progress. The story focuses on Byleth, who is tasked with training youngsters from a military academy to turn them into seasoned warriors. As players advance through the story, they’ll gain a certain reputation, making students from other houses want to join them.

While there are no real consequences for being evil or making the wrong choice, there’s a topic that’s been up for debate among many of the franchise’s fans. If players choose to join the Black Eagles House, they will meet the leader, Edelgard. If players join any other house, the Black Eagles and Edelgard herself seem like terrible people, and the truth is only seen by joining the Black Eagles and completing that route, which actually reveals that, in many ways, she’s not the bad guy, and that sometimes, things aren’t black and white.

1 Disgaea: Hour Of Darkness

Different Endings For Laharl And Other Characters

• Laharl must claim his late father’s throne
• Different endings depend on players’ decisions

Disgaea: Hour of Darkness‘ story starts with Laharl, the prince of the Netherworld, jumping out of a coffin to receive the news that his father, King Krichevskov, has died. Immediately, Laharl decides to reclaim his father’s throne, and a set of adventures begins. This title not only has a great plot, good combat mechanics, and an overall great sense of humor, but it also presents players with several choices that will impact the story. Depending on players’ actions, they will unlock different endings that will determine what happens to Laharl and several other characters.

All in all, Disgaea not only follows the classical JRPG tactic of putting the narrative largely in players’ hands, but it does so masterfully.