A Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG) can mean different things for different people. For some, it's merely any role-playing game created by a Japanese developer, labeling games like Dark Souls a JRPG. For others though, a JRPG is a specific genre that is defined by games like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, adhering to traditions like a strong focus on story and character development, fantasy elements like magic, squad customization, and leveling systems.
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For this list, an official JRPG buyer's guide issued by PlayStation will be used as a reference on what qualifies for the genre, although some games not mentioned in the article will also be considered. Only Metacritic reviewed games made for, or remastered and released on, PS4 are under consideration. For example, Metacritic has a review for Final Fantasy IX on PS4 but not the original Final Fantasy VII, so the latter won't be included.
Updated April 30, 2021 by Mark Sammut: Every Sony console needs to have at least a few dozen worthwhile JRPGs, a standard the PS4 meets without breaking a sweat. While the PS5 slowly amasses its library of games, players can turn back to the console’s predecessor to scratch their JRPG itch. Alongside established properties such as Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, the PS4 also has quite a few great but less mainstream JRPGs, titles that tend to be only known by die-hard fans of the genre. Time to change that.
15 Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition (Score: 81)
While waiting for the release of Tales of Arise, players interested in diving into Namco Bandai’s franchise have more than two decades' worth of games at their disposal. From the ones available on the PS4, Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition stands out as the cream of the crop.
Originally released in 2008, Tales of Vesperia has aged beautifully, partially due to its stylistic visuals. The combat is simplistic compared to subsequent entries in the franchise, but Vesperia shines in the story and character departments. The protagonist, Yuri, is especially fantastic.
14 The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III (Score: 82)
Although originating in the late ‘80s, Nihon Falcom’s franchise really gained steam with 2004’s The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky. In 2013, the series launched the “Trails of Cold Steel” arc, a four-part saga that encompasses some of the most intricate world-building in the JRPG genre.
The highest-rated of the bunch, The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III features plenty of quality of life improvements, particularly when it comes to the turn-based battles. As each entry builds upon the last, Trails of Cold Steel III can’t be recommended as a standalone game; thankfully, the series has produced nothing but great titles.
13 NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… (Score: 83)
While NieR: Automata is an action game with RPG elements, NieR Replicant is a JRPG through and through, albeit one with real-time combat. A remaster of the 2010 game, NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… tweaks the combat and some of the side-quests just enough to sharpen the original’s rough edges without molding the experience into something new.
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NieR’s first half plays out like a bog-standard JRPG, particularly when it comes to the desolate world’s presentation and the mind-numbing side-quests. However, this pays off in a big way later down the line.
12 Yakuza: Like a Dragon (Score: 84)
In a surprising move, Sega’s Yakuza franchise moved away from its beat-’em-up roots for its seventh main entry, opting for a turn-based battle system instead. Yakuza: Like a Dragon marks a fresh start for the beloved property, as the RPG also offers a new protagonist and setting.
As tends to be the case with this series, Yakuza: Like a Dragon’s combat system plays second-fiddle to the game’s excellent story, memorable characters, and unique sense of humor. Aping Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy, Yakuza: Like a Dragon’s turn-based system respectfully mimics the JRPG genre’s veterans while still injecting its own personality. Hopefully, this entry is only the first chapter in a new era of Yakuza.
11 Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster (Score: 84)
Final Fantasy X remains one of the best Final Fantasy games of all time and also one of the most easily accessible games from the series for newcomers. If someone has never played this gem, they should do themselves a favor and pick up the remastered version on PS4.
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While Final Fantasy X-2 isn't as beloved as its predecessor, it is still a fun sequel that earns points for being the only direct sequel for a Final Fantasy game ever. Getting both of these games for the price of one is a steal.
10 Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom (Score: 84)
A sequel to the JRPG classic, Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom is a beautifully animated game that brings to life anime visuals evocative of Hayao Miyazaki films.
Many gamers love Ni No Kuni II for how it sticks to traditional JRPG elements while also pushing the envelope and attempting to breathe new life into some of those concepts. Cute, addictive, and expertly crafted, this game serves as a great starting point for gamers new to JRPGs even though it's a sequel because it's a new story in the franchise.
9 Valkyria Chronicles 4 (Score: 85)
There is no other franchise quite like Valkyria Chronicles, and that extends beyond the narrow confines of the JRPG genre. After two somewhat disappointing sequels and a baffling spin-off, Sega’s series returned to form with its fourth entry. Influenced heavily by World War II, Valkyria Chronicles 4 effortlessly blends tactical nuance, third-person shooter gameplay, and a deep storyline loaded with heart.
Although some familiarity with the previous entries does not hurt, Valkyria Chronicles 4 works well as an entry point into the series.
8 Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA (Score: 85)
Ys is a long-running franchise, but nobody should let that discourage them from picking up this game. While some story details may require some internet research, this is still a fun and highly entertaining game that boasts an incredible combat system that won it an award.
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For most, Ys VIII serves as the pinnacle of the Ys franchise where the developer finally perfected their formula and created a memorable gaming experience despite an uneven story.
7 Final Fantasy IX (Score: 85)
A titan from the PlayStation 1 era, Final Fantasy IX is a cherished game from the franchise due to its movement away from traditional Final Fantasy elements by avoiding dark adult themes and focusing more on a charming adventure and a touching love story.
This game has received several remasters and rereleases, which improves its accessibility even though Final Fantasy IX is a twenty-year-old game. Already having strong graphics for a PS1 game, the now updated graphics improve the player experience and create a more enjoyable playthrough.
6 Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age (Score: 86)
A Final Fantasy game that truly pushed the boundaries of the franchise, Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is mainly known for its revamping of the franchise's battle system. By moving away from gameplay interrupting turn-based combat, this game was the first to seamlessly incorporate combat into standard player movement, allows gamers to freely move while fighting or completely avoid enemies altogether.
The game also received praise for further pushing the boundaries of Final Fantasy norms and introducing the idea of an open-world setting and class system. All in all, Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is cherished as a JRPG for sticking to genre expectations while also pushing innovative ideas.
5 Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch Remastered (Score: 86)
Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered is commonly seen as being superior to its successor. A key factor in this is that the legendary Studio Ghibli was directly involved in the development of the first game, bringing all of that studio's famous charm and talent with it.
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Ni No Kuni II recreates a Miyazaki-like experience, but the original Ni No Kuni (and its PS3 and PS4 versions) is the Miyazaki experience. This game is a must-play for JRPG fans or fans of anime with beautiful animation.
4 Final Fantasy VII Remake (Score: 87)
One of the biggest additions to the JRPG genre recently is not so surprisingly a remake of 1997's beloved Final Fantasy game Final Fantasy VII. Some fans were disappointed by how Final Fantasy VII Remake drastically changed the story of the original game but for those without predefined expectations, the game was nothing short of pure joy.
The masterful visuals for Final Fantasy VII Remake and its fast-paced gameplay systems make it an easy grab for veterans of JRPGs and newcomers alike.
3 Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers (Score: 91)
Some may scoff at the inclusion of an MMORPG as an entry in the JRPG genre, but the fact remains that this game sticks very closely to the values of the Final Fantasy franchise with the only major difference being that the game can be played with others online. Almost the entire game can be played solo though, and anything that requires multiplayer is efficiently managed by the game and requires little user effort.
Final Fantasy XIV is a perfect marriage of a JRPG and an MMORPG. If someone enjoys either of these genres, they should pick up this still heavily populated and frequently-updated game.
2 Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age - Definitive Edition (Score: 94)
Dragon Quest is one of the most loved and cherished JRPG franchises because it essentially invented the genre. While there is some debate on this, at the very least Dragon Quest played a pivotal role in the formation of JRPGs.
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age - Definitive Edition is the latest entry to the franchise and is commonly seen as the best game in the series. When it comes to traditional JRPG experiences on modern consoles, it doesn't get much better than this game.
1 Persona 5 Royal (Score: 95)
Sitting at the top of Metacritic's rankings for best JRPGs reviewed and playable for PS4 is the enhanced rerelease of Persona 5, Persona 5 Royal. While some gamers enjoy the characters or story from previous Persona games more, what all fans of the series will agree is that Persona 5 has by far the best gameplay and most polish.
Persona 5 is commonly seen as one of the best JRPG experiences available on PS4 for hardcore fans of Atlus's franchise or the JRPG genre. However, it is also for people who have never played a JRPG or Persona game before and want to see what all the fuss is about.