Best Standalone JRPGs

JRPGs are a genre rich in options, with titles available for the main consoles in the market. These games vary widely in gameplay style and narrative approach, offering unique experiences for fans. With this diversity, players always find something to enjoy, whether exploring vibrant worlds or delving into exciting stories.

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10 Best JRPGs For Fast-Paced Gameplay, Ranked

From Granblue Fantasy: Relink to Nier: Automata, these JRPGs deliver fast-paced combat and thrilling action for fans of frenetic gameplay.

Although many franchises in the genre are interconnected, continuing the story of their predecessors, some series stand out by being standalone JRPGs. In these cases, each game offers a complete and independent plot, allowing new players to start with any title. This flexibility, coupled with narrative quality, causes several great games to stand out, delivering memorable adventures from beginning to end.

10

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore

A Fun Combination Between Shin Megami Tensei And Fire Emblem

Systems

Released

January 17, 2020

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

Set in a Tokyo brimming with pop energy, Tokyo Mirage Sessions blends elements of Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem, creating a standalone JRPG filled with stylish battles. Here, young aspiring idols use musical performances to face threats from another dimension. This unexpected union shapes a universe full of colors and surprises.

The turn-based battle system emphasizes collaborations called Sessions, where allies combine to extend chains of attacks. At the same time, the inspiration from Fire Emblem permeates character progression, with several characters from Nintendo’s RPG series appearing as summons. Thus, despite the references, the story of Tokyo Mirage Sessions operates independently.

9

The Last Remnant

An Exciting JRPG With Strategic Battles

The Last Remnant is a standalone JRPG from Square Enix, featuring a unique combat system for the genre, where characters, instead of fighting in groups, are assembled into squads for use during battles. The plot revolves around Rush Sykes, involved in a political and mystical conspiracy amidst powerful artifacts called Remnants.

Unlike some traditional JRPGs, in The Last Remnant, player choices influence tactical formations and character growth naturally. The game combines classic elements like dungeon exploration and equipment customization with detailed visuals and an immersive soundtrack. This blend ensures intense battles and satisfying progression, making it a standout title in the genre.

8

Radiant Historia

An Excellent JRPG About War And Time Travel

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Radiant Historia

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Released

November 3, 2010

Radiant Historia leverages time travel elements, reminiscent of classics like Chrono Trigger and Chrono Cross, but tells its own story about a tragic war seen from multiple perspectives and an apparently inevitable future. As a standalone JRPG, it doesn’t require prior knowledge, allowing players to dive into the narrative, jumping between timelines and uncovering secrets.

Uniquely, its battle system values strategic positioning, granting advantages to those who anticipate enemy moves. This style, combined with plot choices that alter the world’s fate, makes Radiant Historia an incomparable game. Every decision influences outcomes, offering deep challenges and rewards for fans of RPGs full of twists.

7

Octopath Traveler 2

A Significant Improvement Over Its Predecessor

Starting with eight distinct storylines, Octopath Traveler 2 refines what was already excellent in the original, enhancing the experience with improved HD-2D visuals and polished mechanics. Being a standalone JRPG, it doesn’t require prior knowledge, as each character follows their own journey. Each story operates independently, resulting in engaging exploration full of discoveries.

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10 Best JRPGs For Fast-Paced Gameplay, Ranked

From Granblue Fantasy: Relink to Nier: Automata, these JRPGs deliver fast-paced combat and thrilling action for fans of frenetic gameplay.

In combat, the Break and Boost system receives enhancements, making each fight more strategic and rewarding. The ability to choose where to start, combined with customizable jobs and skills, grants total freedom to the player. This set of innovations, along with deeper narratives, makes Octopath Traveler 2 shine as a solid and inviting sequel.

6

Live A Live

A JRPG That Takes Players Through Different Eras Of Humanity

Innovating in format, Live A Live separates its narrative into different historical periods, each starring heroes with unique styles and mechanics. At first glance, they seem like standalone tales, but this is a standalone JRPG where everything converges unexpectedly. Each chapter keeps curiosity alive, revealing small details that intertwine.

Each era offers unique battles, ranging from martial arts confrontations to stealth strategies, ensuring variety in gameplay. In the end, shocking revelations link plots that once seemed disconnected, surprising those seeking something beyond the obvious. Live A Live proves how multiple narratives can merge into a cohesive journey full of discoveries.

5

Vagrant Story

A Unique Combat System In This Isometric JRPG

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Vagrant Story

Systems

Released

May 15, 2000

Developer(s)

Square

Publisher(s)

Square

Set in the shadowy city of Leá Monde, Vagrant Story stands out for its mature narrative and protagonist Ashley Riot, a relentless agent amidst conspiracies and supernatural forces. As a standalone JRPG, it doesn’t require knowledge of other franchises, ensuring a dense and complete experience. Every aspect of the plot deepens the political and religious complexity.

The combat system is notable for its emphasis on directed strikes and detailed weapon customization, making each battle a matter of careful strategy. Vagrant Story also features exploration as a core mechanic, even requiring players to engage in a new game plus to access all the rooms encountered along the way.

4

Super Mario RPG

A Light Adventure For Players

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Super Mario RPG

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OpenCritic

Top Critic Rating:
84/100


Critics Recommend:
94%

Released

November 17, 2023

Developer(s)

Nintendo

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

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Despite having a large number of spin-offs, some of Nintendo’s mascot series haven’t had as many games, such as Super Mario RPG, which takes players on a fun yet light and cozy adventure where the character teams up with other allies like Bowser and Princess Peach. All this to protect Star Road from the problems caused by the Smithy Gang.

Subsequently, there were other Mario games with RPG elements, such as the Mario and Luigi series, as well as Paper Mario. Although excellent, none matched those produced by Square Enix on the SNES and later the Nintendo Switch remake. Thus, for players who love the character, the standalone JRPG is a great experience.

An Epic Medieval Fantasy Journey With Persona Elements

For players interested in the Persona formula, especially those related to social bonds and time-management, but who don’t like the game’s high school setting, Metaphor: ReFantazio is an excellent option. This standalone JRPG, also developed by Atlus, narrates a compelling high medieval fantasy journey where characters seek to become rulers.

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Visually stunning and stylish, these JRPGs are not only fun to play but also a feast for the eyes thanks to their incredible art and graphics.

The turn-based combat gameplay is quite dynamic, with some interesting changes compared to Persona and Shin Megami Tensei mechanics, giving the game its own personality despite the similarities. Additionally, the artistic direction and soundtrack stand out, delivering an excellent experience to players.

2

The Legend of Dragoon

A Great Classic Originally Released On PlayStation 1

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The Legend of Dragoon

Systems

Released

June 14, 2000

Publisher(s)

Sony Computer Entertainment

Legend of Dragoon is a standalone JRPG that became a cult favorite among RPG fans on the original PlayStation. The story follows Dart and his companions, who inherit legendary powers by becoming Dragoons, warriors capable of channeling dragon strength. The plot blends political intrigues, personal tragedies, and epic confrontations.

One of the highlights is the combat system based on ‘Additions,’ which rewards precise timing to unleash powerful combos on enemies. Thus, each character has their own abilities, utilizing both devastating magic and special attacks against adversaries. All these elements make the game a great experience, perpetuating its classic status.

1

Chrono Trigger

One Of The Best JRPGs Ever Produced As A Standalone Game

Considered one of the best JRPGs of all time, Chrono Trigger combines elements that justify its acclaim, such as an epic time-travel story, unforgettable characters, and Akira Toriyama’s unique style. The narrative guides players through different historical periods in a fight to save humanity from the threat of Lavos.

Surprisingly, despite all its fame, the game remained a standalone JRPG. Chrono Cross, although a direct sequel, also presents a closed story with few direct connections to the original. So, for those seeking a self-sufficient journey without ties to major franchises, Chrono Trigger is an ideal choice, delivering a complete and unforgettable experience.

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