While best can mean different things to different people, the ideal JRPG blends together an engaging story, innovative and exciting gameplay, and a world brimming with discoveries. While this list does have over forty entries, it’s with good reason.
BATEN KAITOS: ETERNAL WINGS AND THE ENDLESS OCEAN
Baten Kaitos is a little-known JRPG game that was released on GameCube in 2003. It focused on cards and deck building in turn-based battles before it was as popular as it is today in games like Slay the Spire and Hearthstone.
CHRONO TRIGGER
Chrono Trigger is often regarded as the best JRPG of all-time – usually fending off its top spot from Final Fantasy 6. There was something about the age of Super Nintendo JRPGs that drew people in and held fast.
CHRONO CROSS
Unfortunately, so many people get caught up in comparing Chrono Cross to Chrono Trigger that it often gets a lot of unnecessary hate. When looked at on its own merits, it holds up.
DRAGON QUEST 8: JOURNEY OF THE CURSED KING
Dragon Quest 8 brought more eyes to the Dragon Quest games than previous entries. It continues its more old-school battles but embraces a fully 3D world.
Dragon Quest 11 doesn’t reinvent the wheel and it didn’t really need to. It takes the best parts of the Dragon Quest series like turn-based battles, goofy, loveable characters
EARTHBOUND
Earthbound is one whacky, fun ride. It was the first game in the Mother series to make its way to the United States. Since its release, it has acquired a cult following.