The 17 Ultimate Best JRPGs for PC. How Many of These Have You Played?

Different parts of the world have different cultures and beliefs. But gamers from all over the world can agree that the JRPG genre has played a significant role in video game history.  Learn about some of the best JRPGs for the PC in this top 17 list and observe how the genre has influenced video games today. 

17.  Battle Chasers: Nightwar

WTF is... Battle Chasers: Nightwar ? 

Battle Chasers: Nightwar is an RPG based on a comic book named Battle Chasers released in 1998 by Joe Madureira. The game's graphics is made to look like a comic book and its combat is inspired by classic JRPG games like the Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy series.

From the publisher of the popular Darksiders game, THQ Nordic presents Battle Chasers: Nightwar. Joe Madureira, creator of the original Battle Chasers comic, also worked on Marvel Comic's The Uncanny X-Men. Battle Chasers: Nightwar joins the party of stylish action games with its art style. Take control of characters from the original Battle Chasers comic. Explore the overworld map in the classic JRPG top-down view with your party members trailing behind you.

Do you love randomly generated dungeons? Battle Chasers: Nightwar will feed your dungeon crawling and loot hoarding addiction. Face enemies in a classic Final Fantasy style turn-based combat. Take your time to create epic gear with its deep crafting system. Explore the overworld map with hidden dungeons, rare bosses, and randomly appearing NPCs. Learn about the original characters from the Battle Chasers comic book as you wield their weapons and use each of their unique skills. 

Stylish, art driven games look like comic books coming to life.

Cure your RPG crafting itch.

16. Nioh: Complete Edition

[1440p] 60 Minutes Of Nioh: Complete Edition Gameplay [GTX 1080] 

Nioh is an action RPG inspired by the Dark Souls series. You play as William Adams, an Englishman turned Samurai. Travel back in time to a fictional ancient Japan and learn about William's story.

Nioh brings the legendary Japanese Samurai to the Dark Souls genre. But it comes with a demon slaying twist. Slash and dodge your way through demons known as Yokai and collect loot to craft epic samurai gear. Haven't had enough of dying from Dark Souls and Bloodborne? Nioh challenges and demands your patience in an addictive action RPG. 

Face grotesque Yokai in challenging boss fights. Learn the way of the samurai warrior by using "stances". Each stance offers a different play style. Not even Yokai would dare challenge a veteran samurai.

Demons aren't that ugly and scary if you're a samurai.

What's better and more addicting than crafting gear? Crating samurai gear.

15.  Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel

Trails of Cold Steel PC Gameplay Showcase 

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel is a story driven, turn-based JRPG. It is a modern-day JRPG based on the classic JRPG system. Veteran JRPG developer Nihon Falcom makes sure you feel the JRPG nostalgia in Trails of Cold Steel.

Trails of Cold Steel exists for gamers who grew up playing and enjoying JRPGS all day and night. You play as a student of a military academy in the fictional Erebonian Empire. Replay the high school life by taking a stroll at classroom corridors of the military academy. High school won't be the same without memorable friendships. Talk to your favorite classmates and immerse yourself in their voice acted dialogue.

Unnecessary random battles have certainly tested, or maybe even broke, the limits your childhood patience.  Trails of Cold Steel improves the traditional JRPG systems by removing random battles and adding link attacks to make combat faster. Quest markers guarantee that you don't lose precious gaming time by letting you focus on quest objectives. You can still enjoy the classic combat menus and turn order display.  Trails of Cold Steel's social system improves link abilities in combat, so pack your bag and socialize with your classmates after class.

Classic JRPG and a high school setting is a recipe for nostalgia.

Combat menus never get old.

14. Dark Souls Series

Dark Souls 3: Lothric, Younger Prince and Lorian, Elder Prince Boss Fight (4K 60fps) 

The Dark Souls games are action RPGs focused on challenging combat. Players are rewarded for learning from their mistakes. This means dying and respawning many times, but Dark Souls makes this process fun and rewarding by giving players a chance to take back what they lost from dying.

Classic video games in the 80's and 90's had a reputation for being simple and challenging. But at the same time, those games generously rewarded players who had enough patience and understanding. This is what Dark Souls offers. Rapid heartbeats and sweaty palms are worth it if you know there's going to be a reward worth dying (or respawning) for. Dark Souls challenged players to know both the enemy and themselves.

Prepare to die and tack back your lost "souls". This process makes you stronger by using souls to upgrade your character. It's hard not to curse loudly or throw away your controller when you're angry, but the game will teach you why it's always better to be patient. You will also be surprised to know how the game tells the different parts of its story. It's impossible to miss, so just take your time going through the menus and checking your equipment and item stats.

Don't fear the enemy. Fear your own ignorance and impatience.

It's always better to know your equipment.

13. Tales of Symphonia

Tales of Symphonia - Gameplay PC - Steam 

Tales of Symphonia is a classic JRPG first released on the Nintendo Gamecube on August 2003. It is part of the "Tales of" series of games. Compared to other classic JRPG's, Tales of Symphonia features real-time battles.

Many classic JRPGs were turn-based. Tales of Symphonia potentially attracted non-JRPG gamers by using a real-time battle system. Players also no longer had to suffer from annoying random battles which was common in many RPGs back then. Play as Lloyd Irving and discover his long journey with Colette to restore mana to the world of Sylvarant. Animated scenes return as one of the core features of  the Tales series.

Why was the JRPG genre popular? JRPGs offered extended gaming hours (almost a hundred hours), deep, addictive combat systems, unforgettable music, and long journeys in wide, grassy fields under clear blue skies. All of these were present in Tales of Symphonia. Cel-shaded graphics, anime inspired design, and voice-acted characters is a JRPG you'd want to escape into. Deviate from the classic turn-based battles and enjoy a unique, real-time battle system called "linear motion battle system".

JRPG towns are full of positivity.

Real-time battles are a welcome change to JRPGs.

12. Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force

Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force (PC/PS4) Review (60fps, CC) 

Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force is a remastered version of Fairy Fencer F released in 2013. It is a turn-based JRPG with an anime inspired design. This remastered version enhances the graphics, adds new story scenes, and extra endings.

Are you obsessed with food? Then so is Fang, one of Fairy Fencer F's characters. He decides to become a Fairy Fencer to get more food. Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force brings a JRPG filled with weird characters and erotic, comedic dialogue. Conversations are voiced acted and presented in a simple 2D display with a dialogue box on top of a static background image.

Random battles don't make an appearance in this game. Turn-based battles return with a slight modification by allowing players to move character position during their turn. Character customization, side quests, item shops, and crafting certify Fairy Fencer F as a JRPG. Unleash powerful limit breaks called Fairize during battle. 

JRPGs don't always have to be serious to be fun.

Limit break or "Fairize" to unleash a killer, stylish look.

11. I Am Setsuna

I am Setsuna Gameplay (PC HD) 

I Am Setsuna is inspired by classic JRPGs. Its own game description says that it is inspired by Chrono Trigger. It is developed by Tokyo RPG Factory, a company name that simply resonates with fans of the JRPG genre.  

Appropriate and unforgettable soundtrack, pleasant and vibrant fantasy worlds, a simple turn-based combat system, a long and memorable story, are all ingredients to a deadly JRPG recipe. I Am Setsuna honors the great classic games such as Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy. It tells the tragic story of Setsuna as she fulfills her duty and sacrifices herself. She is presented in a desolate, snow-covered world. With no random battles, face enemies in the classic Active Time Battle (ATB) system.

Miniature 3D character design makes characters look more adorable. The game presents itself from the top-down perspective. Combat menus and even the familiar sound effect of text appearing in the dialogue box captures the heart of the nostalgic gamer.

Combine and use unique skills from the Tech command menu.

I Am Setsuna still boasts a simple, vibrant, and pleasant appearance even if its story is about unfortunate events.

10. Disgaea 2 PC

Disgaea 2 PC Gameplay (PC Steam) 

Disgaea 2 is a turn-based strategy and RPG similar to the popular Fire Emblem series and Final Fantasy Tactics. Disgaea 2 PC adds all content from Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories (PS2) and Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days (PSP), making it the definitive version. It combines turn-based strategy gameplay with RPG elements such as character classes and customization.

Overlord Zenon cursed the land, turning everyone into demons. One person named Adell was not affected by the curse. He decides to save his family and everyone else by breaking Zenon's curse. Disgaea 2's plot is presented in 2D dialogue boxes while a dynamic scene is presented in the background. Think of your best comeback move in the classic tactical gameplay where you move around in square tiles. 

Choose from over 200 classes and create your squad. Tired of playing on a console controller? Disgaea 2 PC has keyboard and mouse support. User interface has also been polished to make text more readable and sharp for the PC version.   

Disgaea 2 PC polishes the old user interface.

Disgaea games were also praised for its humor.

9. God Eater 2 RAGE BURST

GOD EATER 2 Rage Burst PC Gameplay Part 2 

God Eater 2: Rage Burst is an action RPG similar to the Monster Hunter Series. It was released in August 2016 as an enhanced version of the original God Eater 2 released for the PS Vita and PS4. In God Eater games, players take control of a specialist in exterminating monsters known as Aragami.

Is the God Eater series a Monster Hunter rip-off? No, but it is one of those games which is inspired by Monster Hunter. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where monsters known as the Aragami have destroyed the majority of the world. God Eater games have a more engaging plot and deeper relationships between characters. It has extended dialogue and dialogue choices like the Persona series.

God Eaters use one massive weapon which is unique to the game called the "God Arc". The God Arc is made from the cells of the Aragami, therefore it is the only weapon which can cause damage to them. This weapon can transform into a close range weapon (resembling a sword, greatsword, or scythe), a gun, and a shield at any time. Using the gun function consumes a unique "oracle point " gauge, which can be replenished by performing close range attacks. God Eater 2: Rage Burst introduces new features such as the Blood Rage/RageBurst system and the Variant Scythe which is a new weapon type.

Extended dialogues and social interactions between characters give more depth to God Eater 2's plot.

The new God Arc called the Variant Scythe is exclusive to God Eater 2: Rage Burst.

8. Tales of Berseria

Tales of Berseria | PC Gameplay | 1080p HD | Max Settings 

Tales of Berseria is the sixteenth main entry in the Tales series. The game was released worldwide in January 2017. Mutsumi Inomata, a veteran character designer of the Tales series has personally designed the game's main character, Velvet Crowe.

Tales of Berseria is about a tale of revenge and of questioning one's emotions. Velvet Crowe is driven by revenge after she and her younger brother Laphicet lost their older sister and her unborn child. She has developed a personal hatred due to this unfortunate experience. Velvet embarks on a journey of self-discovery and joins a crew of pirates as they sail across the sea. Just like previous games in the Tales series,  animated scenes are used to present parts of the story.

Unlike the other Tales games, Berseria tells the tragic story of Velvet Crowe. The game uses the Liberation Linear Motion Battle System (LMBS), which can be explained in-depth here. In LMBS, characters can move in the battlefield and interact with allies and opponents during battle.

Veteran Tales series designer Mutsumi Inomata designed Velvet Crowe.

Tales of Berseria is a tale about Velvet Crowe's desire for revenge.

7. Valkyria Chronicles

Valkyria Chronicles Gameplay (PC HD) 

Valkyria Chronicles is a tactical RPG developed by SEGA. The remastered PC version was released on November 2014 via Steam.  The game utilizes SEGA's CANVAS graphics engine, making the graphics look like animated paintings.

Valkyria Chronicles is set in a fictional Europe called Europa in the 1930s. The nations in Europa are engaged in war because of a unique material called Ragnite ore, which can be used to create a powerful fuel. Valkyria Chronicles features an original turn-based battle system called Blitz (Battle of Live Tactical Zones). Between turns, the player switches between a strategical overhead or a top-down view during  Command Mode, and then to a zoomed in control of each individual unit on the battlefield during Action Mode. The game features unique units: a mid-range scout, a tank commander, assault infantry, anti-tank lancers, snipers, and combat engineers.

Units form a rock-paper-scissors type system to determine strengths and weaknesses. The environment is also interactive during combat. Foliage can be used as cover while certain structures such as walls can be knocked down by tanks.

Units form a rock-paper-scissors type system.

SEGA's CANVAS graphics engine makes the game look like an animated painting.

6. Nier Automata

NieR Automata PC Ultra Settings Gameplay 

Nier: Automata is an action RPG developed by Platinum Games. It is a sequel to the 2010 game called Nier. Similar to the Devil May Cry games, Nier: Automata features fast paced and fluid combat. However, it is not solely based on the action genre since there are parts of the game that are based on classic shooter games.

NieR: Automata is about the androids 2B, 9S and A2 and their battle to reclaim a dark, post-apocalyptic world overrun by powerful machines. Humans were driven from the Earth by mechanical alien beings. To take back Earth, the human resistance group sends a force of android soldiers to destroy the invaders. Nier Automata's fast and action packed combat is similar to games like Devil May Cry and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. Players can use melee or ranged attacks and can even use both at the same time.

The game also features other gameplay modes such as the classic top-down shooter game. There are multiple endings to unlock after completing the first (2B's) story. Nier: Automata's epic soundtrack complements its atmosphere by evoking feelings of post-apocalyptic emptiness and sadness, 

Explore post-apocalyptic Earth in Nier: Automata's open world map.

2B's hyper fast sword moves give a rush of adrenaline.

5. Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom

Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom - PC/PS4 - To the Kingmaker's Mound! (Gameplay Footage) 

Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom is story-driven action RPG. It is developed by Level-5, a veteran developer known for games like the Professor Layton series and Yokai Watch series. The game is a sequel to Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch.

Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom is about Evan, a boy prince who learns how to become a leader and build a kingdom. One of the most notable aspects of this game is its art and design. Its appearance has a similarity to movies from Studio Ghibli, a Japanese animation studio known for famous animated movies like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. In the first Ni No Kuni, the game's animated sequences were produced by Studio Ghibli. Ni No Kuni 2 uses an open-world map, combined with building simulator elements where players can manage a kingdom.

Outside of quests, players can explore the open world by visiting beautiful towns, villages, and secret areas around the world. Ni No Kuni 2's battles take place on an open battlefield, where players can freely move around the area. Tiny, colorful, spirit creatures called "Higgledies" can be brought into battle and they assist in different ways.

Improve your kingdom in Ni No Kuni 2's kingdom management mode.

I can willingly and happily get lost in the beautiful world of Ni No Kuni 2.

4. World of Final Fantasy

World of Final Fantasy | PC Gameplay | 1080p HD | Max Settings 

World of Final Fantasy is a game designed for fans of the Final Fantasy series. It is a single player game where you can collect and command monsters in battle. It features your favorite characters from the Final Fantasy series.

World of Final Fantasy calls to the fans of the series by bringing the heroes of light together in one game. However, it is not your typical Final Fantasy game. The game's character design is presented in miniature form to make everything look cute, charming,  and adorable. The game is about 2 siblings named Reynn and Lann who are trying to recover their memories as Mirage Keepers. Travel the world and command monsters from the Final Fantasy universe.

Like Pokemon, monsters you collect can be trained and used in battle. Each has its own abilities and weaknesses. Stack monsters together to combine their strengths in a unique stacking system.

Lightning never looked this cute.

Stacking monsters looks ridiculous but fun.

3. Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD remaster 

Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster PC vs PS2 vs PS4 Graphics Comparison 

Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster is a high-definition remastered version Final Fantasy X Final Fantasy X-2 which were previously released on the PS2 in 2001 and 2003. It features exclusive content from the international editions of the game, and a new audio drama set a year after the events of X-2.

Final Fantasy X is about the teenager named Tidus who is transported to the world of Spira after an encounter with a creature known as Sin. Character progression in FFX is achieved through the Sphere Grid where players can improve skills. FFX uses the Conditional Turn-Based Battle (CTB). Final Fantasy X-2's story is set two years after the events of Final Fantasy X and features Yuna as the main character. She is now a treasure hunter in search of spheres.

FFX-2 reinvents the series by using a modified Active Time Battle (ATB) system and a classic job system in the form of the Garment Grid. Jobs can be acquired as fancy "dresspheres" which are unique costumes that give the characters special abilities.

The HD Remaster featured improvements on the graphics and music of the game. Certain content became accessible to players outside of Japan for the first time. An auto-save feature and game booster speeds up the game and help players avoid encounters.

A comparison of the original and the remastered Yuna.

Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster is the definitive version for who haven't played the game yet.

2. Final Fantasy XV Windows Edition 

Final Fantasy XV: Windows Edition Official Reveal Trailer (in 4K) 

Final Fantasy XV is a story driven action RPG  developed by Square Enix and released in November 2016. The enhanced PC (Windows Edition) was released in March 2018. As a first for the games in Final Fantasy series, FFXV features an open world environment and an action-based battle system. The Windows Edition features ultra high resolution support with modern graphics tech on the PC such as HDR10. An online multiplayer support and first-person mode was also included.

In a fantasy world named Eos, Noctis Lucis Caelum is the heir to the throne of the kingdom of Lucis.  Eos is dominated by the Niflheim empire, who seek to control the magical Crystal protected by Lucis's royal family in the city of Insomnia. Niflheim attacks the capital of Lucis during a peace negotiation and steals the Crystal. Noctis goes on a quest to rescue the Crystal and defeat Niflheim. The game features a new action-based real-time battle system, called the Active Cross Battle system. In the majority of past Final Fantasy games, players used a menu interface to make basic commands such as attack and defend. In FFXV, the commands are directly mapped to buttons on the controller, such as "Attack", "Defend", and "Item", giving the game a control scheme similar to the Kingdom Hearts games.

Noctis uses a unique and exclusive skill called the Warp Strike. He throws his sword from a distance and then instantly teleports to its location. Magic skills such as Thundaga and Firaga were replaced as a usable item, not a skill. Prompto, one of Noctis' friends, uses his camera to take snapshots during the player's adventures and even during battle. This is one of FFXV's notable and original features. 

FFXV's new combat system feels a lot like Kingdom Hearts.

Prompto is actually a representation of an advanced A.I. which takes photos of your adventures.

BONUS: Disgaea 5 Complete

Disgaea 5 Complete - PC Announce Trailer

Disgaea 5 Complete is a strategy RPG similar to the classic Fire Emblem series. The PC version will include all 8 bonus scenarios, 4 fan-favorite characters, and 3 character classes that were originally DLC in the PlayStation®4 release of Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance. Update: as of May 3, 2018, the game's release date has been delayed to summer 2018 

Disgaea 5 Complete tells a tale of a young demon named Killia. A terrible Overlord named Void Dark seeks to enslave the Netherworlds, but Killia stands to end his reign. Players will lead Killia and his allies on a path of vengeance. Disgaea 5's complete edition now has more top down strategy action, funny dialogue, and endless character stats for players to study. Recruit from over 40 different jobs in an extensive tactical RPG gameplay.

Disgaea 5 Complete edition includes 8 bonus scenarios, 4 fan-favorite characters and 3 character classes from the Disgaea series. Customize your units and choose from over 40 different jobs and races. A hundred hours definitely isn't enough for this game.

The Disgaea series features a colorful, cute, anime inspired design.

Stats, stats, and even more stats.

1. Final Fantasy XII The Zodiac Age

Final Fantasy Xii The Zodiac Age - PC gameplay 4k 60fps 

Final Fantasy XII The Zodiac Age is a remaster of the original game released back in October 2006 for the PS2. It is a story-driven RPG. It reimagines the Final Fantasy series in the steampunk-like world of Ivalice.

The story begins when a street thief named Vaan becomes involved in a quest to save Dalmasca from an imminent war. The original FFXII featured a unique way of improving your characters through a "license board".  Party members can be controlled by using the gambit system, a set of conditions for the player to assign to the party members. FFXII uses a modified Active Time Battle combat system where your selected character can be moved freely. Like any authentic JRPG, the original FFXII required more than a hundred hours of gameplay to complete everything.  

While Final Fantasy XII The Zodiac Age for the PC isn't a completely brand new experience, it certainly improves on a lot of the game's already good aspects. The first of which is the new Zodiac License Board, which focuses more on specific roles in combat such as being an offensive black mage or a supportive white mage.  In case you already played the original, you may want to use the new option to speed up the game. You can also choose between the original and the remastered orchestrated version of the soundtrack.

Ivalice was already beautiful even before it was remastered in HD.

You can input a set of conditions for your party members in FFXII's gambit system.

You may also be interested in

• Top 11 Must Play Fantasy RPGs for PC

• Millions of copies of Final Fantasy 15 have been sold since release, deeming it a success for Square-Enix

• 10 Greatest Female JRPG Characters