The Best Japanese Games

Update : Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land added at rank #6.
1

Persona 5 Royal (2022)

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95
Review score
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Playstation 4 Xbox Series X Xbox One Playstation 5 PC Windows Nintendo Switch

Persona 5 Royal is a JRPG that mixes turn-based combat with stealth and puzzles, creating an unbelievably cool and unique gaming experience. You play as a high schooler fighting supernatural forces while balancing everyday activities and relationships. The game features excellent visuals, an outstanding soundtrack, and a well-realized story that deals with some serious teenage issues. With refined mechanics and new additions, Persona 5 Royal is undoubtedly worth playing.


What we like:
  • Well-realized story
  • Unique gameplay loop
  • Top-notch combat system
  • Outstanding soundtrack
  • Multiple meaningful additions
What could be improved:
  • Heavy on dialogue and story
  • Slow start
  • Can be overwhelming

  • japanese
  • rpg
  • dungeon
  • jrpg
  • turn-based
  • battle
  • combat
  • fight

2

Persona 3 Reload (2024)

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88
Review score
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PC Windows Xbox Series X Xbox One Playstation 5 Playstation 4

Dive into the Dark Hour and awaken the depths of your heart. Persona 3 Reload is a captivating reimagining of the genre-defining RPG, reborn for the modern era with cutting-edge graphics and gameplay.


  • rpg
  • japanese
  • remake
  • jrpg
  • dungeon
  • turn-based
  • battle
  • combat
  • dungeon-crawler
  • supernatural

3

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance (2024)

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86
Review score
Logo of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance Screenshot of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance Screenshot of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance Screenshot of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance

Nintendo Switch Xbox One Xbox Series X Playstation 5 Playstation 4 PC Windows

Become a mighty demigod and battle through a decimated Tokyo in a war between angels and demons. Make new allies along your journey, engage in intense, turn-based combat, recruit hundreds of demons and forge your own path to dictate the fate of all existence.


  • japanese
  • demons
  • rpg
  • jrpg
  • turn-based
  • battle
  • combat
  • boss
  • post-apocalyptic
  • narrative
  • dungeon
  • exploration
  • skill
  • fight
  • open-world

4

Metaphor ReFantazio (2024)

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93
Review score
Logo of Metaphor ReFantazio Screenshot of Metaphor ReFantazio Screenshot of Metaphor ReFantazio Screenshot of Metaphor ReFantazio

PC Windows Xbox One Xbox Series X Playstation 5 Playstation 4

The throne sits empty after the king’s assassination. With no heirs, the will of the late king decrees that the next monarch will be elected by the people, & thus begins your fight for the throne..


  • turn-based
  • rpg
  • dungeon
  • japanese
  • fantasy
  • combat
  • battle
  • political
  • jrpg
  • orchestral
  • anime

5

Octopath Traveler II (2023)

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84
Review score
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Nintendo Switch Android Xbox Series X Xbox One Playstation 5 Playstation 4 PC Windows

Octopath Traveler is a stunning homage to 16-bit era JRPGs. It features beautiful art design, nuanced and mature storytelling, complete with 8 unique characters that the player can get to know in their own journeys. Players will also experience a behemoth of an overall narrative, a robust combat system, and plenty of content to explore.


What we like:
  • Homage to 16-bit era JRPGs
  • Beautiful art design
  • Nuanced and mature storytelling
  • Unique characters with personal stories
  • Robust combat system
  • Plenty of content to explore
What could be improved:
  • Can be difficult to navigate the world at points
  • Battles tend to go overlong
  • No visual indication when bosses are weakened or close to death

  • japanese
  • rpg
  • jrpg
  • turn-based
  • battle

6

Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land (2025)

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80
Review score
Logo of Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land Screenshot of Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land Screenshot of Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land Screenshot of Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land

Nintendo Switch Playstation 5 Xbox One Playstation 4 PC Windows j Xbox Series X

"Atelier Yumia" is a story about “memory”. Explore the field to gather materials and synthesis items. The items you create can be key to advancing the story and can also be used in battles and exploration. Additionally, you can create your own base with “Building" in the field.

Buy

  • japanese
  • rpg
  • open-world
  • jrpg
  • crafting
  • combat
  • exploration
  • battle
  • long-running

7

Persona 4 Golden (2020)

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96
Review score
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vita PC Windows

A coming of age story that sets the protagonist and his friends on a journey kickstarted by a chain of serial murders.


  • japanese
  • rpg
  • dungeon
  • jrpg
  • turn-based
  • battle
  • combat
  • fight

8

Chained Echoes (2022)

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90
Review score
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Playstation 4 Xbox One Mac OS PC Windows Nintendo Switch Linux

Chained Echoes is an indie JRPG that surprises players with engaging combat, compelling characters, and stellar worldbuilding. It pays homage to classic RPGs and adds clever twists. The turn-based combat system is excellent, requiring strategy and skill upgrades. Well-written characters and a thought-provoking story make the game enjoyable throughout its 30-40 hour runtime. The music perfectly complements the high fantasy setting. Chained Echoes is a fresh and smart adventure that celebrates classic JRPGs while incorporating modern improvements.


What we like:
  • Engaging combat
  • Compelling characters
  • Stellar worldbuilding
  • Thought-provoking story
  • Excellent music
What could be improved:
  • Grindy levelling system

  • japanese
  • rpg
  • jrpg
  • turn-based
  • mech

9

Star Ocean The Second Story R (2023)

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87
Review score
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Nintendo Switch Playstation 5 Playstation 4 PC Windows

In this science fantasy RPG, choose between Claude or Rena, play through their perspectives, and unlock various endings. Recruit allies and defeat foes in fast paced real-time battles.


  • rpg
  • japanese
  • jrpg
  • remake
  • battle
  • sci-fi
  • dungeon
  • classic

10

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (2022)

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90
Review score
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Nintendo Switch

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 offers a mature and captivating storyline that will keep you engaged for over 100 hours of gameplay. The game features stunning visuals, exciting exploration, and flexible combat systems. Class systems and tactical advantages give players endless possibilities to overcome their foes. Though the game can feel old-fashioned at times, it remains one of the finest experiences currently available on any platform.

Buy

What we like:
  • Captivating and engaging storyline
  • Stunning visuals and exciting exploration
  • Flexible class system and tactical advantages
  • Over 100 hours of gameplay
  • One of the finest experiences currently available on any platform
What could be improved:
  • Can feel old-fashioned at times
  • Slow loading times.

  • japanese
  • rpg
  • jrpg
  • battle
  • combat

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