Over on my BlueSky, I’ve started another minor project. Every single day, I’m posting one game from my game collection. I’m leaning towards lesser-talked about titles that people may not have tried. To make things easier to digest, I’ll also be doing monthly wrap-ups of those posts here on one single page for easier viewing.
This month was a special case for me, as I wanted to pay homage to my favorite genre, the JRPG. Throughout my life, I’ve spent hundreds of hours specifically on PS1/PS2 era JRPGs, and I decided this month I’d dig through some of them that people may not remember amongst all the Persona’s and Final Fantasy’s. I did take liberties with the “J” RPG part though…
Anyway, enough rambling, here is another gallery of games you should take a look at if you enjoy the RPG genre.
A charming entry-level JRPG with Pokemon-esque mechanics. Very breezy and pleasant game. Have a guide ready if you want to get all the Living Toys for your party.
While the PS1 original is already something of a overlooked gem, most people dont even know there is a sequel. And that it’s a damn solid game in it’s own right and a perfect evolution of a great battle system.A decent action-RPG with an interesting story. While it’s far from perfect, it’s pretty solid and oft-overlooked amongst SE’s catalog.After Final Fantasy Tactics, every JRPG series wanted in on the tactics genre. This is a solid enough Wild ARMs game that keeps the series identity and manages unique enough mechanics. I should finish it someday…Nostalgia done right. But also a fun game in it’s own right.An ambitious and stylish action-RPG capturing the adventurous nature of space travel amazingly well.You know what tactical JRPGs really need? Disney-esque musical numbers! A cute pleasant and decently funny game thats available on modern consoles too!The first Ni no Kuni felt like a big deal when it came out, but the sequel feels oft-overlooked even though its a very good game as well.A little-known sequel to a lesser-known PS1 series of sorta-tactical RPGs. An interesting story and fun characters with an enjoyable combat system.A unique battle system and one of the best narrative twists in the genre make this one worth playing. And now that its remastered on modern consoles you have no excuses!A survival horror JRPG with unique battle and character growth systems. Surprisingly good voice acting for a lower budget PS1 game too. Lil’ easter egg in this pic of something to come…
Continuing from the last entry. Sorta-sequel to Koudelka. Keeps some horror vibes, but goes into quirky weird territory too. These two act as a singular story that delivers bigtime. And it has an excellent Judgement Ring battle system too.
A charming light-hearted RPG. I have yet to try the pictured sequel though…
Not technically a “J”RPG but it is heavily inspired by the combat style of Valkyrie Profile! Ignore the controversy surrounding this game, its really an excellent game with fun characters.An RPG-Dating Sim combo with a solid art style and animation.An often over-looked sequel to a classic. Engaging story and unique twist on the originals battle system. A must play for fans of the first.One of my favorite modern takes on classic style JRPGs. Amazing character synergies makes the combat incredibly fun. It’s also a shorter game so it’s a breezy playthrough.Dare I say this is the best JRPG ever to also be a history lesson about composer Frederic Chopin?A stylish and quirky RPG that gets by on charm for sure.Though I havent played a lot of this one, what I did play was fascinating. Unique aesthetic and tone and a Wii-focused combat system make this a real one of one.One of the few SMT games I enjoy and one of the most overlookee/forgotten on the PS2.A decent “baby’s first tactical RPG”. A budget game, but enjoyable for a quick playthrough.A pleasant sense of humor and ability to add almost anyone you meet to your party (or kick them) makes this a really unique experience. Definitely one that deserves a second chance.This one is a bit better-known, but it really needs a modern port/remaster. It truly is the best modern Final Fantasy game with remarkable emotional payoff.A charming dungeon crawler with endearing characters and writing.The black sheep of the Tales series. Rough around the edges for sure, but it has it’s charms.A fun little top down dungeon crawler with the trademark Mana style. Maligned for not being the Mana sequel people wanted, but not a bad little game.A quicker, more focused tactical RPG with heavy attention to a compelling story.
The Mog Pile 