Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Join Gustave, Maelle and their fellow Expeditioners as they embark upon a desperate quest to destroy the Paintress, a being who is slowly eradicating humankind, and discover the fate of previous expeditions.

Explore an enchanting realm populated by surreal adversaries in this multi-award-winning evolution of classic Japanese RPGs where real-time actions – dodging, parrying and countering – enhance the heat of turn-based combat. 

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

The second entry in the Final Fantasy VII remake project sees Cloud and his allies – Barret, Aerith, Tifa and Red XIII – leave Midgar to explore the world of Gaia. The party pursues Sephiroth, a mysterious and vengeful swordsman assumed to be dead.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a continuation of Final Fantasy VII Remake’s story and a standalone adventure, meaning beginners can enjoy it. Delivering a new standard of cinematic storytelling, fast-paced combat and rewarding adventuring, Rebirth is another high point of a series full of memorable moments.

Metaphor: ReFantazio

From the creative minds behind Persona 3, 4 and 5 comes Metaphor: ReFantazio. Enter a unique fantasy world where your protagonist will journey alongside his fairy companion, Gallica, to lift the curse from the kingdom’s lost prince.

Control your destiny, face your fears and awaken magical 'Archetype' powers. Strengthen your bonds and build your party to take down powerful foes and discover the kingdom’s true nature in this multi-award-winning adventure.

Unicorn Overlord

Reclaim a treacherous continent consumed by evil in this tactical fantasy RPG from Vanillaware, the makers of 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim and Dragon’s Crown, and featuring the studio’s unmistakable visual style.

Take up arms as Alain, an exiled prince, and conquer an enormous overworld. Raise an army with over 60 unique characters, including humans, beasts, elves and angels, and dive into innovative turn-based battles.

What does JRPG stand for?

JRPG stands for 'Japanese Role-Playing Game'. They are traditionally story-driven adventure games developed in Japan, featuring a group of pre-defined characters journeying on a quest fraught with danger. Typical traits of the genre include turn-based combat, fantasy elements (especially magic), extensive character and/or squad customization, and character progression or 'levelling' systems.

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter 

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a full, refined remake of 2004's The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky, a story-driven RPG that took off as the landmark first instalment of the beloved Trails series. Critically acclaimed, this new version welcomes both beginners to the series and longtime fans eager to revisit a favorite.

Enjoy seamless transitions between two battle modes: field action and turn-based combat. Experience various quests and extensive side content, immersing yourself in the journey from a fresh perspective.

Persona 5 Royal

With each new entry (and eventual re-release), the Persona series has steadily gained popularity on the back of its heady blend of dungeon crawling, monster capturing and management of daytime social/romance commitments.

In Persona 5, Japanese high schoolers use their newly-awakened personas to change the actions of villains by diving into their subconscious. The expanded Royal version adds even more content and quality-of-life updates, giving you an astounding number of hours for the asking price.

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion 

Explore a different side of Midgar and see familiar characters in new lights in this prequel to Final Fantasy VII. Discover SOLDIER’s origins and the truth behind experiments that made Zack Fair and Cloud Strife into elite super-soldiers.

An updated version of the 2007-released PSP classic, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion features fully remastered graphics, voiced dialogue, a revised battle system and a newly arranged soundtrack from original composer Takeharu Ishimoto.

Octopath Traveler 0

Experience a story of restoration and retribution over the divine rings – an epic saga that unfolds across the realm of Orsterra – in the newest entry in the Octopath Traveler series.

Enjoy familiar features such as the series' HD-2D graphics and the strategic Break or Boost combat system, alongside new inclusions like character creation and town building.

Are all JRPGs alike?

Not at all! The JRPG has evolved significantly since its early days and now encompasses a range of sub-genres, including tactical RPGs and action RPGs, which absorb elements from other genres. The lines can get blurry, and this page covers a range of titles offering some very different experiences. Be sure to explore the games in more detail to really discover what features underpin their gameplay.

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age

There’s perhaps no more perfect distillation of the traditional JRPG formula than Dragon Quest XI. The acclaimed sequel deftly mixes turn-based sword-swinging and spell-hurling combat with world-ending stakes and a cast of characters that personify what has made this series a mainstay for decades. 

Despite ticking nearly all the JRPG boxes, the sheer size and variety of the places you’ll see in this lovingly hand-crafted world makes it a joy to explore. “Traditional” need not feel antiquated, and DQXI pays homage to the way Japanese fantasy RPGs used to be.

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake

A stunning reimagination of the first two legendary adventures in The Erdrick Trilogy, brought together in one package. Enjoy turn-based battles and explore a world filled with towns, castles, caves and dungeons.

Thanks to the heroic efforts of the legendary Erdrick, the Lord of the Underworld was defeated and peace returned to the land of Alefgard. Yet this peace was not to last, as the diabolical Dragonlord has risen and unleashed hordes of monsters on the realm once more. 

NieR:Automata

Explore a truly unique vision of far-future Earth from celebrated creator YOKO TARO. Take control of YoRHa androids 2B and 9S and face down a dangerous machine threat using a range of melee, ranged and hacking abilities.

Told in YOKO TARO’s signature non-linear fashion, NieR:Automata spins a high-concept tale of survival, subterfuge and personal struggle as androids question their purpose and venture far beyond the realm of their programming. 

Persona 4 Golden

Embark on unforgettable adventures with a memorable group of friends, building social bonds and sharing heart-warming experiences in this home console update of the PlayStation Vita classic.

Venture into the terrifying TV world and use your party’s Personas – powerful physical manifestations of the user’s psyche – to combat intimidating foes. Added quality of life features make this the perfect way to experience Persona 4 Golden’s rich narrative and vibrant aesthetic.

Are all RPGs made in Japan JRPGs?

Not quite. Dark Souls, Nioh and Dragon's Dogma, for example, are hugely successful RPGs from Japanese studios, but they're not generally considered JRPGs. Likewise, there are games made outside Japan that many would consider JRPGs, such as the hugely successful Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which was developed in France, and the German-made Chained Echoes. It's best to think of JRPGs as a genre with a strong - but not exclusive - footing in Japanese culture. 

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Two Yakuza series icons – Kazuma Kiryu and Ichiban Kasuga – come together for an adventure set in Japan and Hawaii. Enjoy unique quests, minigames and side jobs like karaoke and food delivery, and encounter memorable characters old and new in this uniquely idiosyncratic experience.

In Yakuza tradition, fast-paced and outlandish combat awaits our heroes, and their party’s skills can be adapted to any situation. Fists will fly, but expect off-kilter comedy, too. 

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance

From the makers of Persona, this expanded version of the acclaimed Shin Megami Tensei V features a brand-new storyline, new locations, demons and choices to make. 

Follow two story paths through a decimated Tokyo, encountering hundreds of familiar demons and dozens of new ones to battle or befriend. Vengeance also offers more accessible gameplay, an improved battle system and greater exploration.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak

Play as an underground professional who’ll work for any client as a detective, negotiator or bounty hunter in this colorful adventure where a strange case threatens the entire Republic of Calvard.

Trails Through Daybreak features an alignment system based on law and chaos, while combat comes in two modes, real-time action and turn-based battles, which can be switched between outside of boss encounters.

Chained Echoes

Inspired by 16-bit JRPGs, Chained Echoes follows a group of heroes as they travel around the continent of Valandis during a time of war between three kingdoms – a war that has already spanned and scarred several generations.

Sunken cities and windswept planes await, likewise exotic archipelagos and foreboding dungeons, into which only the bravest (or most foolhardy) would venture. Pilot mechs and encounter dragons in this enthralling love letter to adventure games past.

Granblue Fantasy: Relink

The world of JRPG sensation Granblue Fantasy - first introduced to PlayStation audiences with Granblue Fantasy Versus - is now realized in a fully 3D action RPG.

Soar to the Sky Realm and become captain of a crew on a quest to find the legendary island of Estalucia. Create a party of four, each with unique skills, and master a deep real-time combat system. Battle enemies and score loot, solo or in up to four-player co-op.

Persona 3 Reload

Assume the role of a transfer student whose world is turned upside-down when they discover there’s an hour hidden between one day and the next. Chase down the mysteries of this Dark Hour, fight beside and for your friends, and awaken a terrific power from inside of you in this reimagining of a genre-defining RPG experience.

Build your team, choose your mission, and dive into this remade classic with cutting-edge visuals, added scenes, new quality of life enhancements, and hyper-stylish UI.

Star Ocean: The Second Story R

Return to a celebrated entry in the Star Ocean series with The Second Story R, a remake of the 1998 classic. Featuring new 2.5D visuals, fusing original 2D pixel art with 3D environments, this is the most beautiful way to revisit Claude’s adventures on the planet of Expel.

Enjoy new battle mechanics, full Japanese and English voice overs, fast-travel options and further quality of life additions in this definitive version, which will charm newcomers and fans alike.

Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles

Enjoy two versions of a fan-favorite Final Fantasy title: Enhanced and Classic.

With improved graphics, fully voiced dialogue and refined gameplay, the enhanced version is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the world of Ivalice. Whereas the classic version unites the graphics and gameplay of the original 1997 version with the renowned War of the Lions translation for a unique way to experience a beloved title.