JRPG Sequels That Went In A Completely Different Direction

Most JRPGs try to follow a template that ensures their success within the genre, even if most gamers would tend to remember titles that innovate on the genre’s cliches. This is especially true in the case of sequels that try to help players enjoy a sense of familiarity.

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However, this isn’t a universal truth. Some JRPG sequels go in completely different directions, and that can end up being riveting in its own way. These titles are often hard to forget, especially when one considers just how different they are when compared to the previous installment.

8

Final Fantasy 10-2

A Chirpy Sequel To An Excellent Melancholic JRPG

The melancholic vibes of Final Fantasy 10 were altered in the game’s direct sequel, with the threat of Sin finally being dealt with at the end. While it was obvious that a sequel wouldn’t feature the same tone given that Spira’s struggles were finally at an end, fans were still taken aback by how different Final Fantasy 10-2 was.

It’s clear from the idol performance at the start of the game that Final Fantasy 10-2 is aiming for something completely different. The new combat system also offers a unique take on a job system in the form of dresspheres, which marks another major shift from the first game that most fans will grow to appreciate after adjusting to how it works.

7

Chrono Cross

Scrapped A Lot Of Chrono Trigger’s Unique Aspects With Mixed Results

Chrono Cross is one of the best JRPGs on the PlayStation, even if some players felt that it was far from an appropriate sequel for Chrono Trigger. Unlike the relatively understandable story and the small yet cozy cast of the first game, Chrono Cross‘ narrative is pretty complicated, and the cast of characters is ridiculously large.

The innovative approach to leveling, coupled with something as simple as integrating battle screen transitions, results in it wildly different from Chrono Trigger. It’s easy to see why this title disappointed fans of one of the greatest JRPG ever made, but those willing to look past these issues will have a great time enjoying Chrono Cross‘ strengths.

6

Parasite Eve 2

Hopped Aboard The Resident Evil Train Instead Of Embracing The Original’s Gameplay

Parasite Eve 2

Systems

Released

September 12, 2000

Developer(s)

Square Product Development Division 5

Parasite Eve is a short, dark, and engaging JRPG that is unlike any other game in the genre. The sequel could’ve offered more of the same, but Resident Evil had become such a major hit on the console that SquareSoft couldn’t stop themselves from hopping on the bandwagon.

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As a result, Parasite Eve 2 features tank controls and a greater focus on tense combat. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but fans of the first game have to go through a major adjustment period if they want to get into this title.

5

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13

Takes Place In A Different Time And Features Unique Combat And A Time Limit Mechanic

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13

Systems

Released

November 21, 2013

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13 is one of the most unique JRPG sequels around, and many gamers appreciate it for its novelty. The combat and setting of Final Fantasy 13 and Final Fantasy 13-2 were pretty engaging, but many fans enjoyed the changes made to this formula in Lightning Returns.

The combat system integrates elements of the dresspheres from Final Fantasy 10-2, and the game is driven by a time-limit mechanic that further adds to the tension. Players can complete main and side quests to prevent the world’s annihilation, but doing so is easier said than done.

4

Kingdom Hearts: Melody Of Memory

Continuing The Story Of Kingdom Hearts 3 In A Rhythm-Action Game Is A Bold Choice

Kingdom Hearts is known for featuring a history of odd sequels and spin-offs, with 358/2 Days being a notable mention here. However, nothing comes close to the bizarre nature of Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory, which takes on the guise of a rhythm-action game that continues the story of Kingdom Hearts 3.

Players who checked out the Re Mind DLC and are invested in the plot should definitely give Melody of Memory a chance. As long as they are open-minded, they’ll have a great time with the experimental nature of this title.

3

Final Fantasy 4: The After Years

This Puzzling Sequel Features Chapters With Different Protagonists Along With A Moon Phase Mechanic

Many argue that Final Fantasy 4 is a game that doesn’t need a sequel, which is a justifiable statement. However, anyone who wants to explore this world and check out familiar locations will like what The After Years brings to the table.

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Controlling Cecil and Rosa’s son, along with some other familiar characters, and taking them across several different scenarios is an interesting way to experience the narrative, with the Moon Phases governing what to prioritize in combat. It may be notably different from Final Fantasy 4 in some ways, but the core gameplay itself shouldn’t be too hard to get into as long as players know what they’re doing.

2

Breath Of Fire: Dragon Quarter

Scrapped A Lot Of What Made Breath Of Fire So Magical, Alienating Many Fans In The Process

Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter

Systems

Released

November 2, 2002

Developer(s)

Capcom, Capcom Production Studio 4

Breath of Fire is a classic JRPG series that many gamers love. However, almost every fan hates Dragon Quarter for completely scrapping what made the series unique and turning it into a sequel that was way too different for its own good.

While players can still have a great time with Dragon Quarter, the complaints are justified to an extent. The fact that this game actively punishes players for using the power of a Dragon shows why most fans can’t gel with this title no matter how hard they try.

1

Yakuza: Like A Dragon

Turned An Action-Brawler Series Into A Party-Focused And Turn-Based JRPG

Systems

Released

November 10, 2020

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

The Yakuza series was doing well as a real-time action franchise that featured hard-hitting combat, so many fans wondered why Like a Dragon decided to implement a whole new combat system. It felt unnecessary, but this game silenced doubters in no time with its innovative changes, which were accompanied by one of the best stories told in a Yakuza game.

The party-based approach to combat augments the story and establishes Ichiban as a unique protagonist who is joyful in his own way. Like a Dragon was a massive shift that attracted new players, kept existing fans happy, and ushered in a brand-new era for the Yakuza series.

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