Best JRPGs With Multiple Protagonists

Summary

• Multiple protagonists in JRPGs create a rich narrative experience with unique perspectives and character development.
• Games like Like A Dragon and Romancing SaGa 2 use multiple protagonists to explore dynasties, enriching gameplay.
• Titles like Octopath Traveler and Persona Q blend individual narratives into a coherent overarching story, creating an engaging experience.

JRPGs are renowned for their captivating stories, unforgettable characters, and expansive worlds. When these games feature multiple protagonists, they offer a unique narrative structure, allowing players to experience different perspectives and delve into stories that may stand alone or interconnect, creating a rich and dynamic experience.

The best JRPGs with multiple protagonists are those that use this element to add variety and complexity to the plot. Each character, with distinct motivations and story arcs, complements the narrative while keeping players engaged throughout the game, making every journey memorable and unique.

8 Persona Q: Shadows Of The Labyrinth

A Meeting Of Persona 3 And 4 Main Characters

Although less popular than the main series, Persona Q: Shadows of The Labyrinth allows players to explore a unique story where protagonists and companions from Persona 3 and Persona 4 come together. For fans of the franchise, this is a rare chance to enjoy entertaining and fresh interactions between iconic characters.

The game offers the choice of playing as the protagonist from Persona 3 or Persona 4, providing different perspectives on the unfolding story. Eventually, the narratives converge, bringing all characters together in a collaborative journey to overcome challenges and return to their respective worlds, making it an excellent crossover for enthusiasts of the series.

7 Octopath Traveler

Loosely Interconnected Stories In This Game

The gameplay of the first Octopath Traveler, as well as its sequel, stands out for allowing players to explore the game’s story through different character perspectives, choosing which one to play as. Each protagonist in the narrative has their own origin story and motivations.

Unfortunately, the plots of these characters remain largely self-contained, with each one having their own development arc and limited interactions with the others. However, the protagonists of Octopath Traveler are subtly connected by a common goal, which is usually unveiled during the final moments of the story and gameplay.

6 Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge Of The Seven

An Epic JRPG Through Generations

Developed by Square Enix, Romancing SaGa 2 introduces a unique dynastic succession system, placing players in control of a lineage of Avalon emperors. Each protagonist inherits abilities from their predecessors, allowing characters to grow stronger over time through a story that spans generations.

As a JRPG with multiple protagonists, the game delivers a dynamic and enriching experience. Changing protagonists diversifies gameplay while exploring the consequences of player choices on the kingdom. This blend of innovative and classic elements makes Romancing SaGa 2 a standout choice for fans of the genre.

5 Tales Of Xillia

A Journey With Two Distinct Protagonists

In Tales of Xillia, players can choose between Jude or Milla to experience the story, a mechanic that highlights the game as a standout JRPG with multiple protagonists. The choice affects scenes, battle themes, and the perspective of events when the group separates, delivering a unique and engaging experience.

Jude’s narrative focuses on personal growth, while Milla’s story ties directly to the central events of the plot. Their complementary arcs add depth to the narrative, encouraging multiple playthroughs to fully explore the intricate storylines. This replay value ensures Tales of Xillia offers a fresh perspective with additional content in subsequent runs.

4 Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep

Three Interconnected Stories In This Game

Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleepfeatures a unique narrative structure split between three protagonists: Terra, Ventus, and Aqua. Each character has a separate campaign, exploring different events and locations, providing a deeper understanding of the overarching story. Completing all campaigns and collecting the Xehanort’s Report unlocks an additional fourth campaign.

The game stands out for weaving these stories into a cohesive narrative, where each journey plays a crucial role. The Final Mix version adds a Secret Episode focused on Aqua, requiring specific criteria to unlock. This extra campaign further enriches the game’s storytelling, solidifying its place as a beloved entry in the franchise.

3 Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Iconic Protagonists Unite In This JRPG

One of the standout features of Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, aside from its engaging gameplay and humor, is the ability to experience the story from two different perspectives. Players follow the series’ new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, alongside Kazuma Kiryu.

The narratives unfold simultaneously, with players exploring Hawaii as one character while the other remains in Yokohama. This dual-perspective approach enhances the JRPG experience, even though the concept isn’t new to the franchise, as multiple protagonists have been a recurring element in previous entries.

2 Final Fantasy 6

JRPG With Two Incredible Protagonists

While Final Fantasy 6occasionally presents the story from varying perspectives, Terra Branford and Celes Chere stand out as the true protagonists of this JRPG. Terra drives the initial narrative, with her magical powers playing a pivotal role in the fight against the Gestahlian Empire, emphasizing her significance in the war.

Celes takes the lead during the World of Ruin, the game’s final act, after Kefka’s devastating actions reshape the world. In this segment, players explore early dungeons with her while uncovering information about their missing companions. This protagonist shift enriches the storytelling, cementing Final Fantasy 6 as a classic within the genre.

1 Live A Live

Narratives Across Different Eras Of Humanity

At first, the story of Live A Live appears to be quite contained, with each of the seven characters living in distinct periods of human history and their narratives seemingly unconnected. However, upon completing all chapters, new content is unlocked, revealing multiple connections between the stories presented in the anthology.

This structure allows Live A Live stands out as a JRPG with multiple protagonists, allowing players to explore varied mechanics and incredible narratives. Each character introduces unique gameplay elements, contributing to a distinct experience that culminates in an epic conclusion where all characters unite for a final battle against the main antagonist.