Topic: General JRPG Thread

Not sure if this topic is going to catch on or not, but I thought it'd be fun to start this general thread about JRPGs.
It can be a place discuss your favorites, make rankings, talk about upcoming games you're looking forward to, new game announcements and general discussions about the genre.

It's in that last category I'd like the discussion to start. This week, Nintendo released some new sales figures for their software and one thing stood out to me: Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition has sold 1.32 million copies in its first month of release (29th May - 30th June). Apparently, that's pretty massive considering JRPGs are quite niche.

Other franchises in the genre are also doing exceedingly well. For instance: Persona 5 hit 4.6 million and Dragon Quest XI hit 5.5 million. Both a new record best in their respective franchises. Also noteworthy is Octopath Traveler which hit 2 million copies sold.

Does this mean the genre is finally gaining traction and franchises other than Pokémon and Final Fantasy are finally getting the recognition they deserve in the west? Let's discuss!

Is Miitopia a JRPG game too ?

@Anti-Matter
I had to look it up because I'm not familiar with Miitopia but yes, I'd categorize it as a JRPG, albeit a very light one.

Previous Dragon Quest games were only on the DS, then 2/3 DS, though, @Shulkalot .... So, DQXI having released on PS4, then being on Steam before the Switch version gave it a big advantage! I know quite a few who got it on PS4 & Switch, as well & others who'll get the Definitive version on PS4 when that releases

@BruceCM
DQVII was released on PS1 before being ported to DS and DQVIII was a PS2 game before it became available on 3DS. It's been around longer in the west than many realize, and if it had sold better back then, we might have received a localization for DQX as well.

Edit: to clarify, the only mainline DQ not to have received a localization is DQX. All other did, at least in the USA, dating back to the NES. In other words, it got localized better than even FF but didn't take off in the west until DQXI. That's one of the reasons I asked if JRPGs are finally being recognized worldwide in my original post.

I've played FFVII Remake and Ys VIII this year, and they're both great. Good to see some JRPGs hitting it out of the park.

My trouble with the genre as a whole is a lot of the games look like generic anime. And the Japanese obsession with kids in bikinis. If they could be a bit more creative with their art design and make their protagonists look 10 to 15 years older. I'd buy more of them

Didn't know that, @Shulkalot .... Still, if future entries are going to be multi-platform, it'd help the sales for them

@Wargoose
I agree that art styles often hold back certain games. XC2 is one of those examples in which character designs and their costumes are completely ridiculous and I understand it's a turnoff for some people. On the other hand, it might also attract others who like that sort of thing. I'm just not sure which it does more, attract or deter.

@BruceCM
That goes without saying. 😁

@Slowdive
Thank you for the interesting videos and the link to Resonant Arc's YouTube channel.

The game that got me into JRPGs was Septerra Core. Released in 1999 on PC, it was the first game of its kind that I played and was immediately hooked.

We need XSEED to release ToCS I & II on Switch.

I have them on PS Vita, but I'd like to have all four boxed Switch copies on my shelf.

@Magician
Gotta admit, I've never played any of the Legend of Heroes games but I've heard some nice things about them. I might give them a go in the near future.

Edit: Which game would you recommend for a newcomer to the franchise?

@Shulkalot

I believe ToCS 1 is available on more platforms (Steam, PS4, etc.) than most other entries in the Legend of Heroes series. It might be the best place to start.

@Magician
Thanks, I'll give it a shot one day... if I find the time that is. 😅

Does Mother 3 count as a JRPG or no? I’m playing through it today and it’s a ton of fun.

@Blooper987
It sure does! Haven't played it myself yet but I quite liked EarthBound (Mother 2) and from what I can gather Mother 3 is supposed to be even better.

I have Earthlock Switch version by Super Rare Games.
I didn't realize if that indie Norwegian game have very turn based style JRPG battle system.
More shocking, Earthlock 2 have been announced for PS5 and Xbox series X.
Earthlock 2 will be Action RPG according from Snowcastle as the developer.

@Shulkalot EarthBound is probably one of my favorite RPGs. It does a great job at giving a detailed and humorous story without drifting to far from the main plot. The battle system is basic but in Mother 3 they change it up by adding a rhythm element which will allow you to deal a little extra damage if you press the button to the rhythm. The same humor and great story are just made even better in Mother 3.

@Blooper987
Jup, it sounds great alright! Too bad that Nintendo isn't willing to localize it in the west. 😢

JRPGs have been one of my favorite genres ever since I played Paper Mario, Kingdom Hearts, & Final Fantasy X when I was in middle school.

Final Fantasy X, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (w/Torna), Dragon Quest VIII, Tales of the Abyss (& Vesperia), & Ys VIII are some of my favorites off the top of my head. Kingdom Hearts was also instrumental to me, but as it's been years since I've played the first 2, I'm not sure how well they really hold up (especially since I'm mixed on III).

Just this year I've played:

• Kingdom Hearts III (PS4) - Decent, but the ending felt rushed/unsatisfying. World quality was mixed too, IMO.
• XC2: Torna (Switch) - Fantastic prequel, one of the best games I've played this year.
• Tales of Berseria (PS4) - Solid comfort food JRPG. Not as good as Abyss or Vesperia IMO, but a few steps above Zesteria.
• Final Fantasy IX (Switch) - Made it about halfway through, then just sort of lost my enthusiasm for it.
• Final Fantasy VII Remake (PS4) - This on the other hand I adored. Never played the original, but this was a blast (has the best boss fights I've encountered in a JRPG in a long time), and is one of the best games I've played this year.
• Paper Mario: the Origami King (Switch) - Currently playing. I know it's not really a JRPG anymore, but it'd feel wrong not to mention it given the series' pedigree. Not too far in yet, but it seems full of charm.
• Trials of Mana (PS4) - Currently playing. Nothing too extraordinary, but a nice simple comfort food JRPG. Just cleared the Ghost Ship segment.

@RR529
That's a nice list of games!

FFIX is one of my personal favorites. Trials of Mana was a major disappointment. I'll probably never be able to play FFVIIR because I don't own a PS4. Wasn't that big a fan of the original though, so it's not a big loss to me.

I don't categorize Origami King as a JRPG either. It's not because earlier entries of the franchise were JRPGs that its sequels should automatically be categorized the same as well. I remember going into this discussion with some people about Shantae: Half-Genie Hero. Many called it a Metroidvania, like previous installments, while it clearly wasn't. Shantae 4 was just a regular platformer with separate levels.