JRPGs That Player Better With A Keyboard And Mouse

Key Takeaways

• Some JRPGs, like Trails in the Sky, are optimized for keyboards, not controllers.
• Final Fantasy 14’s expansive UI is easier to navigate and manage with a keyboard.
• Games like Tactics Ogre Reborn allow players to complete the entirety of the game using just a mouse.

Most people familiar with the gaming industry know that Japanese developers prefer to make games for consoles as opposed to PC. The fact that games like Judgment took ages to appear on home computers since the actor giving his likeness in this title feared that his image would be impacted by such a decision shows the mindset people have towards PC gaming here.

So, it’s rare for a Japanese role-playing game to play better with a mouse and keyboard, since most developers would prefer to make their games easily playable with a controller. However, some JRPGs buck this trend and allow players to enjoy a great experience while using a mouse and keyboard.

8 The Legend Of Heroes: Trails In The Sky

Nihon Falcom Started As PC Developers Before Eventually Shifting To PC

Nihon Falcom is a rare example of a Japanese developer who used to make games that catered to PC audiences. While their focus has shifted to consoles in modern times, some of their earlier titles are optimized for mouse and keyboard.

This includes the Trails in the Sky trilogy, which can be played entirely with a mouse if players wish. Clicking to move around and selecting things from menus feels natural and makes the older Legend of Heroes games perfect for PC players to sink their teeth into.

7 Final Fantasy 14

The UI Is Expansive And Easier To Navigate With A Mouse

Final Fantasy 14 is one of the greatest modern MMORPGs of all time, with the game turning things around after a torrid launch. With numerous expansions and a wealth of engaging story content, it’s easy to see why most fans will have a great time powering their way through the meaty content of this MMORPG.

Given how most MMOs feature complex menus that can be a nightmare to navigate with a controller, it’s easy to see why Final Fantasy 14 may be more palatable for PC players. With access to a wealth of hotkeys, shortcuts, and everything else along the same lines, managing the player character’s abilities is easier than ever before.

6 Chrono Trigger

A Simple JRPG That Is Very Keyboard Friendly

Chrono Trigger revels in its simplicity, letting players enjoy a wonderful JRPG that is tightly paced and doesn’t waste a player’s time. Many encounters can be avoided by moving around them, and the game’s time-traveling mechanics help it stand out as a unique experience in the eyes of many.

Moving around and selecting commands is pretty easy with a keyboard, making the PC port of this game very easy to play for players who aren’t used to a controller. Players who have yet to check out this amazing title should make it a priority to enjoy what is arguably the greatest JRPG ever made.

5 Final Fantasy 6 Pixel Remaster

Painless To Play With A Keyboard

Before Final Fantasy shifted to a three-dimensional landscape, Final Fantasy 6 established itself as the best 2D game in the series by a country mile. The massive cast of characters along with an epic story that isn’t afraid to change the entire world play a huge role in helping this title garner such a stellar reputation.

Final Fantasy 6 is ultimately a simple game that can be enjoyed with a keyboard if players wish, with the Pixel Remaster allowing a whole new generation of fans to experience this title’s brilliance firsthand. Trying to stop Kefka by any means necessary makes for an epic adventure that fans can get lost in with ease.

4 Persona 4 Golden

Very Easy To Navigate Menus And Execute Commands With A Keyboard

With the advent of Persona 5, combat was made easier for players with a controller, who could use the buttons to access actions with greater speed. It’s a simple yet much-welcome change to the UI that makes a gamepad objectively better for the game.

However, when it comes to Persona 4 Golden, players more used to a keyboard will find this to be the better control scheme for them. Combat actions are arguably snappier with a keyboard as players unleash abilities quickly to end most enemy encounters before they can even react to the party’s relentless assault.

3 Octopath Traveler 2

A Classic JRPG Where Movement And Combat Is Very Simple With A Keyboard

A beautiful HD-2D JRPG that is a huge improvement over its predecessor, Octopath Traveler 2 is a must-play for fans of classic JRPGs. The improvements made to everything from the narrative structure to the engaging gameplay were lauded by the masses, who loved this ambitious role-playing game for whisking players away on an epic adventure with a satisfying conclusion.

Octopath Traveler 2 is inherently a simple game in terms of the control scheme it uses, which is why a keyboard is more than enough to enjoy this title. Moving around in the world and selecting actions in combat is something that will be second nature for PC players who are huge fans of most JRPGs.

2 Tactics Ogre: Reborn

It’s Possible To Play This Entire Game With A Mouse Alone

One of the best tactical JRPGs of all time that was remastered for a new generation of fans, Tactics Ogre Reborn is a simple yet captivating game that fans of strategy games will have a great time with. PC players will love this title simply because of its stellar mouse and keyboard support.

This game can be completed entirely with a mouse alone, which is great for players who are more accustomed to this control scheme. Clicking to do everything from selecting missions to executing combat actions feels snappy and satisfying.

1 Ys 6: The Ark Of Napishtim

Another Nihon Falcon Game That Feels Natural On The PC

• Platforms: PC, Mobile, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable
• Release Date: September 27, 2003
• Developer: Nihon Falcom

Before the games let players move around the camera, the Ys series featured games that were optimized for the PC. This means that players can use the keyboard and mouse to play this game with ease.

It’s easy to see why this is the case, given that Nihon Falcom focused on the PC platform over consoles back in the day. This action JRPG features a satisfying power creep where players can rely on a whole host of powerful abilities to smash their opponents to smithereens.