The Best Japanese Games for Linux

Update : Starlight Riddles added at rank #20.
1

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

2

Cassette Beasts (2023)

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85
Review score
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Xbox One Linux PC Windows

Embark on an epic adventure in Cassette Beasts, a fresh take on monster collecting games! Capture, transform, and fuse monsters for thrilling turn-based battles. Explore the rich world of New Wirral, master a deep battle system, and enjoy the compelling narrative and stunning art. This game is a must-play for all monster collector enthusiasts!

Buy

What we like:
  • Unique and original monster collecting concept
  • Intuitive and strategic battle system
  • Gorgeous art and creature designs
  • Engaging story with complex themes
  • Immersive soundtrack
What could be improved:
  • Main story ending
  • Confusing puzzle and map design
  • Lack of clear instructions on battle mechanics
  • Post-game content feels unrewarding

  • turn-based
  • rpg
  • japanese
  • battle
  • open-world
  • collector
  • creature
  • jrpg
  • pixel
  • pokemon
  • exploration
  • local
  • combat
  • boss-fight
  • retro

3

Rise of the Third Power (2022)

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83
Review score
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Playstation 4 Linux Mac OS PC Windows Nintendo Switch Xbox One

Experience the fusion of East and West, old and new in Rise of the Third Power. Join a party of eight on a suicide mission to topple the Arkadyan emperor in a world of political intrigue. With a custom battle system, persistent equipment, and a captivating story, this RPG is meant to surpass the developer's previous work and leave you wanting more. Will you be able to prevent the reprise of the Great War?


What we like:
  • Top tier character writing
  • Strong balance of serious story with comic relief
  • Story mode for easy battles
  • Humorous dialogue between characters
  • Unique combat mechanics
  • Enjoyable music
  • Well-written story
  • Engaging combat
  • Interesting sidequests
What could be improved:
  • Lack of local map
  • Pacing issues towards the end
  • Some characters feel underdeveloped
  • Smaller party size and limited strategic options
  • Crafting system feels less impactful
  • Challenging and unfair boss fight

  • japanese
  • rpg
  • jrpg
  • war
  • party

4

Rakuen (2017)

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95
Review score
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Nintendo Switch PC Windows Mac OS Linux

Step into the heartwarming world of Rakuen and embark on an unforgettable adventure. Play as a young Boy on a mission to grant his deepest wish, while uncovering the secrets and struggles of his neighbors in a mysterious hospital. Solve whimsical puzzles, explore eerie dungeons, and build friendships in this unique non-combat adventure. Let Rakuen captivate you with its rich story, delightful characters, and enchanting soundtrack.


What we like:
  • Amazing and emotional story that brings back nostalgic feelings
What could be improved:
  • Initial part is a little tedious

  • japanese
  • rpg
  • jrpg
  • puzzle
  • rpgmaker
  • emotional
  • horror
  • fantasy
  • funny
  • story
  • adventure
  • point-and-click
  • anime
  • cute
  • pixel

5

Meg's Monster (2023)

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82
Review score
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PC Windows Nintendo Switch Xbox One Xbox Series X Mac OS Linux

Meg's Monster is a retro-styled, story-driven JRPG developed by Odencat. The game focuses on the story of Meg, a small girl who wakes up in an underground cave and meets two monsters. With its brilliant story and twist on the JRPG genre, Meg's Monster is recommended for players looking for a different and heartfelt gaming experience.

Buy

What we like:
  • Excellent writing
  • Attractive pixel art graphics
  • Unique gameplay twist
  • Welcoming to players unfamiliar with the genre
  • Engaging story
What could be improved:
  • Some minor pacing issues with relationships

  • japanese
  • rpg
  • jrpg
  • choices
  • narrative
  • funny
  • adventure
  • underground
  • fiction
  • pixel

6

Just A To the Moon Series Beach Episode (2024)

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99
Review score
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j PC Windows Mac OS Linux

The Beach Episode™ of To the Moon, Finding Paradise, and Impostor Factory. But something's off.

Buy

  • rpg
  • japanese
  • emotional
  • story
  • rpgmaker
  • pixel
  • narrative
  • jrpg
  • adventure
  • cinematic
  • top-down
  • narration
  • funny
  • linear
  • atmospheric

7

Monster Sanctuary (2020)

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84
Review score
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PC Windows Nintendo Switch Playstation 4 Xbox One Mac OS Linux

Monster Sanctuary is a retro-inspired RPG where you collect over 100 unique monsters to fight alongside you in strategic turn-based combat. The game offers a huge world to explore and highly customizable equipment for each monster. With free DLCs and alternate music tracks, there's always something new to experience. Jump in and start your journey as a Monster Keeper now!


What we like:
  • Intricate teambuilding and turn-based gameplay
  • Huge map with many secret locations and over 100 monsters
  • No required grind, relies mostly on monster synergy and tactics
  • Highly customizable equipment and skill trees for each monster
  • Generous amount of content, including free DLCs and alternate music tracks
What could be improved:
  • Game may be too difficult for players expecting a Pokemon-like experience
  • Story and general progression may not do a great job of directing players towards building monster synergies
  • Sudden difficulty spike relative to the rest of the story may turn some players off
  • Plot is basic and nothing breathtaking

  • turn-based
  • metroidvania
  • rpg
  • battle
  • japanese
  • pixel
  • exploration
  • collector
  • creature
  • jrpg
  • combat
  • platform
  • fight
  • tactical
  • 2d

8

Mr. Saitou (2023)

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74
Review score
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Nintendo Switch Linux Mac OS PC Windows

A short game about an average white-collar worker who struggles to find meaning in a life full of constant overtime and isolation. After an accident lands him in the hospital, Mr. Saitou is spirited away to a strange fantasy world where an unexpected friend takes him on a life-changing adventure.

Buy

  • japanese
  • emotional
  • rpg
  • jrpg
  • story
  • family-friendly
  • pixel
  • anime
  • walking-simulator
  • fantasy
  • cute
  • adventure
  • owl
  • funny
  • point-and-click

9

Crystal Project (2022)

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83
Review score
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Android Linux Mac OS PC Windows

Crystal Project is a non-linear JRPG where you are the maker of your own adventure. Explore the world while you find Crystals, unlock classes, learn abilities, and create a strategy capable of taking down the world's toughest bosses. Or just stick to exploring; it's up to you.

Buy

  • japanese
  • rpg
  • turn-based
  • jrpg
  • voxel
  • metroidvania
  • collectathon
  • nonlinear
  • class
  • party

10

Monster Crown (2020)

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74
Review score
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Linux Mac OS Android Nintendo Switch Xbox One Playstation 4 PC Windows

Dive into a dark world where monsters rule and make pacts with them to defeat an evil young woman seeking power. Hunt, battle, tame and breed monsters to create your own legacy. Together with your monsters, you can restore the balance to Crown Island.

Buy

  • japanese
  • collectathon
  • rpg
  • collector
  • creature
  • lgbtq
  • jrpg
  • pvp
  • dark
  • turn-based
  • colourful
  • open-world
  • top-down
  • exploration
  • fantasy

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