The Xbox platform has come a long way when it comes to JRPGs. Previous Xbox consoles saw very few JRPGs for their systems, but nowadays, we're spoiled for choice. Where do you start? We've put together a list to help you decide what to purchase. Here are our chosen titles that make up the best JRPG-styled games in our roundups of best Xbox One games, and best Xbox Series X, Series S games. As a bonus, the Xbox One games on this list are backward compatible on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.
Final Fantasy IX
Re-live the classic fantasy
Final Fantasy IX is a classic turn-based JRPG that debuted on the original PlayStation, but has since been remastered for modern audiences. You play as Zidane Tribal, a thief tasked by the kingdom of Lindblum to kidnap Garnet, the princess of Alexandria. Surprisingly, she was already planning to escape to Lindblum anyway. She wants to warn Lindblum that her mother, Queen Brahne, is plotting to invade the surrounding kingdoms. So, killing two birds with one stone, Zidane agrees to help her escape, and together they set out to stop the evil queen from waging war.
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition
Fulfill the prophecy
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age is the latest entry in the legendary, turn-based JRPGs series, Dragon Quest. You assume the role of the Luminary, a man prophesied to save the world from the Lord of Shadows. However, you are also being chased by the manarchy who believe you will bring doom to the world. To uncover your true destiny, you must form a party of merry mages and rogues to explore the land of Erdrea and defeat the Lord of Shadows.
Final Fantasy XV: Royal Edition
Take back your crown
Final Fantasy XV: Royal Edition is an open-world, action JRPG. You assume Noctis's role, the prince of Lucis who must fight to reclaim his kingdom from the Niflheim empire. To accomplish this task, Noctis and his royal escort must explore the land for powerful weapons, earn the blessing of deities, and Noctis himself must grow as a person to assert his place as the king of Lucis.
Child of Light Ultimate Edition
Abolish the darkness
Child of Light is a turn-based JRPG that also incorporates Metroidvania-style platforming. You play as Aurora, a child who awakens in the land of Lumeria after succumbing to a deadly disease. You've been tasked with restoring light to the world, which has been stolen by the Queen of the Night, condemning Lumeria to eternal darkness.
South Park: The Stick of Truth
LARPing gone too far
South Park: The Stick of Truth is a turn-based JRPG based on the long-running hit TV show. You're the new kid who just moved into South Park, and you get recruited by Cartman to take part in a war to gain control of the Stick of Truth. What starts as an innocent game quickly escalates into a ludicrous adventure that could decide South Park's fate. Team up with your favorite characters from the show and explore the titular town in great detail.
Lost Odyssey
Rediscover lost memories
Lost Odyssey is a classic turn-based JRPG originally released back on the Xbox 360, made by the original creators of the Final Fantasy series. You play as Kaim, an immortal seeking to reclaim his lost memories. Along the way, you will encounter other immortals who have suffered amnesia like you and be forced to contend with a world undergoing a magically fuelled industrial revolution that could change the world for the worse.
Tales of Vesperia Definitive Edition
Protect the weak
Originally released back on the Xbox 360, the action JRPG Tales of Vesperia has been remastered for modern consoles for its 10th anniversary, and now has additional content previously exclusive to the PS3 version. The story follows the Brave Vesperia, an adventurer's guild that is out to stop a war over ancient technology called Blastia. However, evil organizations plan to abuse this technology for their own ends, with no regard for innocent lives lost.
Battle Chasers: Nightwar
The chase is on
Based on the cult comic book series and inspired by classic JRPGs of old, Battle Chasers: Nightwar is a turn-based JRPG and dungeon crawler hybrid. You and your motley crew of adventurers must escape an island filled with deadly monsters, dungeons laden with traps, and stop the evil Sorceress, Destra, from exploiting its natural resources to fuel her plans for world domination.
Nexomon: Extinction
Tame the beasts
A grim take on monster-catching games like Pokemon, Nexomon: Extinction is an indie turn-based JRPG where you take on the role of a Nexomon Tamer. Your goal is to tame the eponymous creatures and save the world from the wrath of the Nexomon Tyrants, which are godlike monsters that threaten to render humanity extinct
CrossCode
Crack the code
CrossCode is an indie action JRPG inspired by Super Nintendo classics like Secret of Mana and Legend of Zelda: A Link to the past. You play as Lea, a gamer trying to recover her lost memories and voice after becoming trapped in a VR MMO. Escaping this virtual world will be no small feat. You will have to traverse mind-boggling dungeons, undertake quests to upgrade your gear, and confront a rogue's gallery of bosses standing in your way of getting your normal life back.
Star Renegades
Dimension-hopping warfare
Star Renegades is an indie, turn-based RPG with Rogue-lite elements. You play as a rag-tag group of rebels called the Armada fighting against the evil Imperium, who are trying to conquer the universe. You must fight and outwit procedurally-generated opponents that get smarter every time they defeat you in battle. And if your warriors should fall, don't fret because your trusty robot companion J5T-1N can help you escape to a new dimension and recruit new heroes to fight the Imperium.
Monster Sanctuary
Protect your sanctuary
Monster Sanctuary is an indie, turn-based RPG that combines the monster-catching aspects of Pokemon with Metroidvania-style platforming. You play as a Monster Keeper, who has the ability to hatch monster eggs and tame them to become your friends. One day, powerful, uncontrollable monsters suddenly appeared and are threatening to destroy your home, the Monster Sanctuary. Form a team of monsters to explore the land and defend your home against the evil monsters in 3v3 team battles.
You finally have a lot of JRPGs to choose from
As you have seen, what defines a JRPG is pretty loose these days. Some are traditional turn-based JRPGs, some play like action games but with JRPG mechanics attached, and some are not even made in Japan but are inspired by classic JRPGs of the past.
There has been plenty of trepidation regarding Yakuza: Like a Dragon's genre shift from beat 'em up to turn-based JRPG leading up to its release. Thankfully, it not only stuck the landing but also managed to retain the fun brutality seen in prior games. It also retains the series' dramatic storytelling, tight characterization, bizarre humor, and a huge amount of side content waiting for you to complete. Don't miss out on Ichiban's fun, insane quest to become the hero of Yokohama.
Final Fantasy IX may be an old game, but it has aged like fine wine. The story is timeless, the characters are unforgettable, the combat has just the right amount of challenge, and the world is filled with enough content to keep you busy for weeks. Thanks to the remaster, it looks even better than before with upgraded character models, HD cinematics, and quality of life improvements to speed up battles.
Despite having a rough launch, Final Fantasy XV has managed to come out as one of the best Final Fantasy games in years. It has a strong cast of characters to root for, one of the best villains the franchise has seen in ages, the combat system makes you feel like an anime superhero, and it has a ton of challenging sidequests with worthy rewards. Tthe Royal Edition comes with new areas, new scenes to flesh out the story, the ability to switch characters mid-combat, and all the DLC side-stories packaged together. Now's a good time as any to help Noctis and his royal guard save the kingdom of Lucis.
Alexander Cope is a writer for Windows Central and iMore that has been gaming since the 16-bit era.
