Hey! So I’ve just finished playing Triangle Strategy and while I really liked it and its heavy political story, it was a bit too grounded for me.

I’m looking for an JRPG akin to Final Fantasy Tactics where initially grounded story later goes deep into ancient magical and divine mysteries. Or like xenogears, where at first we are introduced to fairly regular conflict between two nations and then uncover more and more supernatural mysteries.

It doesn’t have to be completely mundane and grounded at the start, magical or divine elements can be suggested or hinted at from the very start.

I’m looking for JRPGs on PS4/5, PC and Switch.

Yeah so I have recently been playing Queen's Blade SC and like the fact this game has clothing damage as a feature and plays it up for all its worth sexually. I at least know Ar Tonelico 3 has stripping clothes as some kind of feature (but that's a long way off to play), and the third Agarest game also has this.

Any more games with that? Can be any console or native to PC, since I have a strong PC nothing's off limits. Clothing damage or clothes coming off in-gameplay.

Also forewarning, all the aforementioned games are NSFW obviously before you go looking up footage.

I mean, yes I know that it’s been well over 13 years since the original game came out way back on the PS3 as the thing is that while I did beat all 3 games already, I am starting to realize how much I miss that experience of what it was like to load the game for the first time back in those days.

For instance , the Catacombs is one of my favorite areas in the original game as there was something that was fun about exploring an abandoned tomb and running into a bunch of blood crazed skeletons as I will never forget getting clobbered by them so fast.

Again, I know the original game came out over 13 years ago, but suddenly I am starting to realize how much i miss the game itself as i start to wonder if there will be ever be an RPG that delibera that type of experience where the game refundes to hold the player’s hand for too long due to the aforementioned high difficulty factor.

I feel like the PS2 had so many under-appreciated JRPGs, especially Phantom Brave and Shadow King. Maybe that’s just nostalgia bias. Enjoyed the Switch port of Phantom Brave a lot though.

Sorry if this is the wrong place to post this, I just thought it would be my best chance to get it answered. I understand how it works and everything but should I go ahead and research and try to build everything there? Are those items a lot better than other items you can find or buy? Also, I’m not gonna screw myself using the money and resources on weapons I might not use just to not have enough money for an important upgrade?

Link to steam page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/220700/RPG_Maker_VX_Ace/

As I mentioned in the title, even if you aren't interested in making games with the software, it's useful for adding QOL mods like Fullscreen++ to RPGmaker games, which is a big improvement over the native fullscreen mode. The only way to do this is by using this software to go into the game files and access its script editor. I've written a guide about how to add mods here: https://www.reddit.com/r/JRPG/comments/1hjfw05/guide_running_rpg_maker_vx_ace_games_in_smooth/ I've personally used this process countless times for improving my experience playing indie JRPGs made in VX Ace.

I was thinking back today on the older Atelier games and replayed a bit of Escha and Logy, and the game has a really neat feature where if a character kills the last enemy of the battle with an Ultimate, the animation for the Ultimate would be different and the character would say a badass one liner.

It didn't have any real use, it was just fun to see different animations after getting so used to seeing the same ones over and over. Are there any other games that do something similar to this?

Just started the game, about 10 hours in. Knew next to nothing about it prior to playing but I’m genuinely having a really good time.

Was wondering what the community’s opinions were on it.

Any non spoiler tips are gladly welcome

Minimaps, where players be without them nowadays? Especially in JRPGs with their intricate locations and all. Depending on the game, the maps can range from simple geometric shapes representing the walkable area to showing the actual terrain. And that's without mentioning the other variables such as the shape of the borders, whether the map moves with the camera or stays in place and the possible markers representing stuff like enemies, items and quest objectives. Note that this thread encompasses both the minimaps of todays JRPGs and the map used for navigating the overworld from earlier titles.

Now that's out of the way, I guess my fav maps in JRPGs have to be the ones used for the FFXIII trilogy. It has a pretty unique flair overall and the map naturally follows suit in that department. Usability-wise, they're pretty standard but the levels aren't too complex that they'd ever be a hindrance.

I don‘t want to play it again just now, but I loved the game from start to finish. Fluid for a jrpg, focused and not too long. So what can I play next on PC (or switch). I started trials of mana but it feels, let‘s say, casual. I loved FF6, DQ11 and tales of arise+berseria. Not a persona/social sim fan. Turnbased or acrion is fine for me. And i don’t want to start trails series, who got time for this? Any ideas. Thanks!

I know it’s been 3 years since the last one came out as the game itself is mildly divisive in the USA for its writing structure, but lately I have been wondering where the franchise could go next in its gameplay structure such as its battle system.

I mean, from what I have seen in the level design system of the demo version of Tales of Arise is that the game sort of feels like a sandbox game at times as the game feels open as I say this because I sound like to see if the next Tales of game should be a mix between linear and sandbox type game in the design aesthetics.

Writing wise however, I don’t know how to say it, but from what I know is that Tales of Arise’s main villains had gotten a bit of criticism for how they were handled in the story as my point is that if that is true, then I would like to see how the next game will be done in the writing department to see how the characters could be better written.

Sorry if that sounded peculiar, but basically I was trying to see where the next big Tales of game could go in terms of ideas as I feel that while Arise is alright in its structure, I kind of understand the problems people have with the game itself as like I said, I was just trying to figure out what the franchise could do next regarding innovation.

Originality is great and all, but cliches are cliches for a reason. They can be comforting, safe, and fun. So, for you, what's your favorite cliche JRPG?

For me, it's Dragon Quest XI. The plot is about the least original ever, beat the evil guy, save the world, but it's so charming and has such a fun cast of characters (especially Sylvando, the man, the myth, the legend) that it doesn't matter.

I just finished Phoenotopia Awakening and I loved it.

I stumbled upon it after asking for more games like CrossCode and Secrets of Grindea, which I also loved and found by chance.

The fun and agile combat, the original story, tons of exploration and collection, and a huge world! These Zelda style games with RPG elements are my cherry on the top, as a RPG lover.

Please, more recommendations on this line.

Any console is fine. [This mod rule is another level of stupid]

And if you haven't played it, please try it. It's worth your time.

I played Pokemon Mystery Dungeon a decade ago and after seeing the credits roll you don't actually go back to the save before the final boss but you get to save after the ending and get extra story content like finding out about Gengar's origins. I don't know if other games do that but let me know.

It wasn't executed perfectly but I absolutely loved it and wish more games did this. I would've loved to interact with the characters and the world you just saved, and uncover the lingering secrets after the ending in a lot of FF or tales of games and to name a few.

Hi guys!

So back in the day I had this rpg on the PS1 and for my life I can't remember the name and my memory is fading.

I don't remember much to be honest and I would love some help to find it so I can play it properly now.

I'll try to give you everything I remember about the game (which isn't much).

• The game was in Japanese (I don't know if it was released in english).

• The game was low poly and the characters didn't have much details. I remember them being blocky but somewhat colourful.

• It was turn based.

• I believe it was like medieval/fantasy.

• Isometric.

• There was a fight right in the beginning and you control a party right out the gate.

• If I remember correctly the fight was in a dungeon of sorts.

• I had the off market copy and the cd had brow design (sorry that is all I remember).

That is all I remember and I desperately need help finding this game. The last thing I can say is that the game looks like Wild Arms 2 but not as detailed.

Thanks for all the help!

What the hell is burst variation or GD regist or the bars next to the song magic in the result screen? What's the point of renaming items. There are so many weird mechanics. Also I wish I knew dating simulator is a huge part of the game. I was just diving into Aurica's level 6 cosmosphere on a plane and suddenly she showed up in bathing towel while the little girl and her mom sitting next to me staring at my screen.

I really love this trope when they look like Sephiroth, Louis Guiabern, Magus are there any games with villains similar to this? They look otherworldly and regal, especially when this "feminine" trait is combined with masculinity and ruthless mentality that villains usually have. Please don't advice Final Fantasy, I know the series too well.

I want dust off my vita a bit, and I think I have some space there for some slow-ass JPRG, so why not try to dive into Atelier series? I tried to play Totori back when it was new on PS3, but kinda got bored after moving to the big city part.

Which of the games that are released on vita is objectively the best? 'Objectively' I mean judging not by which have the cutest heroine (cause it'll be Sofie), but by stuff like QoL, refined combat, least amount of boring grinding, high production value and etc.

Latest game would be Atelier Lydie & Suelle, but it's score is kinda low by series standard. Highest would be Rorona+, but it's pretty early in comparassion, would it be more date? Is there a sweet spot?

Looking for a new JRPG, on Nintendo Switch, that has turn-based combat, and world exploration, like the Final Fantasy 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 games.

(Excluding games with movement/grid within combat like Triangle Strategy, Final Fantasy Tactics etc).

Recent games I enjoyed were:

• Ruined King
• Dragon Quest XI
• Earthlock
• Battlechasers: Nightwar

Other games I've already considered:

• Monster Hunter Stories 1 + 2
• Shin Megami Tensei V
• Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯FE Encore
• 'Persona' games
• 'Atelier' games
• Fantasian Neo Dimension
• Witch Spring R
• Alliance Alive: HD Remastered
• Legend of Legacy
• 'Romancing SaGa' games
• Octopath Traveler 1 + 2
• Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
• STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R
• Live A Live
• Sea of Stars
• Chained Echoes
• Rise of the Third Power
• Cosmic Star Heroine
• Star Renegades
• Bravely Default II
• Fuga: Melodies of Steel 1 + 2
• LEGRAND LEGACY: Tale of the Fatebounds
• World of Final Fantasy Maxima
• Hero must die. Again
• Astria Ascending
• Gale Of Windoria
• South Park: The Stick of Truth
• Haven
• The Cruel King and the Great Hero
• Märchen Forest
• For The King
• Sin Slayers
• Cris Tales
• Takeshi and Hiroshi
• The Last Remnant
• Ikenfell
• Jack Move

Releasing soon:

• Maliki: Poison of the Past
• Suikoden 1 + 2
• Lost Hellden

Not on Switch, but interested:

• Ex Astris
• Expedition 33: Clair Obscur

Which to buy

I've played a good few jrpgs, but I' don't know which one to buy between SMTV, persona 3 reload and metaphor. I've play P5 and P4 in the umbrella. I've played a few FF, the trails of cold steel series, tales of arise and some more jrpgs, so it will be far from my first one. I can only really afford one in the Xbox sale... maybe 2 at a stretch. So what are people's recommendations?

Anyone who’s played a fair number of JRPGs will have encountered these two biomes. They’re quite often the most unpopular areas in a game, and can be a grind and a slog.

Sewer: usually linear. Dark, dank, dirty. Green/brown/grey colour palette. Could have poisonous water as a hazard. Will definitely have enemies which inflict poison status. If you’re really unfortunate, there will be zombies or other abominations. May or may not be trapped in there until you reach the exit. Very rarely may be visually striking, especially if the sewer is the lost ruins of an ancient city.

Desert: usually open or has branching paths in multiple directions. Desolate but bright. May be prone to sandstorms. In the worst cases there’s an exposure mechanic where you can overheat/dehydrate. Sometimes has a Lost Woods mechanic, where a wrong turn takes you back to the start. For some reason, they’re often used as a prison. If not a prison, it’s still usually a place you can’t leave until it’s completed. Very often visually striking with vast views and oases. Sometimes will have Egyptian-esque ruins to break up the monotony.

So which is your least favourite? And why?

game looked cool, until I scrolled down to the steam store page and saw that they think they have "rules" for streaming the game lol. that's some wild entitled behavior i've never seen in a jrpg, or almost any game for that matter XD

"don't be nsfw"
"no spoilers"
"don't stream chapter 4 AT ALL before a certain date"
blah blah blah...

um, no thank you, i'll stream in whatever manner i would like. my stream is absolutely none of your business, game company.

i dunno maybe i'm in the minority here but i thought this was crazy lol.

I'm not looking for identical gameplay but something with the atmosphere captured by these two games. I liked SMT V a lot more but found the atmosphere in SMT 3 to be better. Are there any games that can pull off a similar feel?

Other games I've played with the type of dread atmosphere I'm describing are things like Drakengard and Nier and I've also heard of the "Fear and Hunger" games.

The games I am looking for would need to be available on either Nintendo Switch or PC.

I’m looking for a game that has enjoyable exploration, that doesn't feel like a checklist. After playing SMT V: Vengeance, I found the open world to be a bit dull and empty, much like my experience with the original game. The types of exploration I enjoy are found in games like the Souls series (if you count them), Digital Devil Saga, FFX, FFVII, and Unicorn Overlord. I really appreciate games with optional areas, like in the Souls titles.

I’m also looking for a more mature story. By that, I mean I’d prefer a game that doesn’t revolve around a high school setting or overly rely on shounen tropes. Extra points if the cast is fully adult. I’m still fine with the “power of friendship” theme to some extent and okay with some fan service, as long as the characters are adults and it’s not overly dominant in the plot. Games with stories that I enjoy include FFX, FFXVI, OG FFVII most of the Yakuza games, Persona 3 FES, Digital Devil Saga, Persona 2, Lost Odyssey and Metaphor: ReFantazio.

I would prefer games available on modern hardware, mainly the PS5, but it isn't a hard requirement. I've been meaning to play the Trails Series, Suikoden, Valkyrie Profile, or FF Tactics, so if those fall under what I'm looking for, please let me know.

Are there clues to upcoming boss weakness/strengths that I should be looking out for? Am I really supposed to just game over once? The game has so many quality of life enhancements -- I'm surprised there isn't one that's like "spyglass + load from save" instead of having to play out a battle I know I'm gonna lose for the first time...

And, I recently died to this cool looking demon that was like a black human with a horse face and an asian hat. But it was sooo strong and just literally randomly in the middle of a building full of trash mobs. Is this also a common thing? What's the "fun" in having to interrupt gameplay to save my file in a state of never-ending paranoia? -._.`

I clicked through a Youtube let's play and it does look kinda rough but so do most early 3D games. Has anyone played both games and could tell me whether Granstream Saga may be worth a play? Obviously, I have no nostalgia for it but I have been playing JRPGs since the mid 90s so I can stomach PS1 jank to some extent.

Or should I play Robotrek instead?

I know this might sound like an odd request, but I lately I was wondering if it was possible to create an RPG with comedic elements that it felt watching a sitcom as while I don’t know how the gameplay mechanics would work, it was an idea I had after experiencing a nightmare.

See, what happened is that my brain was playing tricks on me recently as I had a surreal dream where I saw the very first Persona use posters of Seinfeld as what I recall seeing was a classroom setting where there were references to the show all over the first one as it suddenly got me wondering If someone were to design an RPG that was done in the style of an sitcom where players can design elemental based creatures, but the game feels like something straight out of an old sitcom one would see from the mid 90s as the game is part comedic and drama based.

Sorry if this concept must sound strange to some people, but I just wanted to express myself as lately I was wondering what such a game would be like if it did exist as I do have a penchant for classic sitcoms, and I started to wonder how an RPG would work in concept if it was designed after one in say writing aspects.

I loved Recettear: An Item Shop's Tale, how about you guys what one did you like?