The Best Japanese Games for PC Windows

Update : DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake added at rank #9.
1

Persona 3 Reload (2024)

View Similar Games
88
Review score
Logo of Persona 3 Reload Screenshot of Persona 3 Reload Screenshot of Persona 3 Reload Screenshot of Persona 3 Reload

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
  • jrpg
  • remake
  • turn-based
  • dungeon
  • dungeon-crawler
  • combat
  • battle

2

Persona 5 Royal (2019)

View Similar Games
96
Review score
Logo of Persona 5 Royal Screenshot of Persona 5 Royal Screenshot of Persona 5 Royal Screenshot of Persona 5 Royal

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

3

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance (2024)

View Similar Games
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

Persona 4 Golden (2020)

View Similar Games
96
Review score
Logo of Persona 4 Golden Screenshot of Persona 4 Golden Screenshot of Persona 4 Golden Screenshot of Persona 4 Golden

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

5

Chained Echoes (2022)

View Similar Games
90
Review score
Logo of Chained Echoes Screenshot of Chained Echoes Screenshot of Chained Echoes Screenshot of Chained Echoes

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

6

Octopath Traveler II (2023)

View Similar Games
84
Review score
Logo of Octopath Traveler II Screenshot of Octopath Traveler II Screenshot of Octopath Traveler II Screenshot of Octopath Traveler II

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

7

Metaphor ReFantazio (2024)

View Similar Games
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
  • japanese
  • dungeon
  • fantasy
  • combat
  • battle
  • jrpg
  • political
  • orchestral
  • anime

8

The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero (2020)

View Similar Games
93
Review score
Logo of The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero Screenshot of The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero Screenshot of The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero Screenshot of The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero

Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch PC Windows

The Legend of Heroes: Trails From Zero is a classic Japanese JRPG that has been localized for the West. Players take control of a team of young police recruits in a major city as they strive to improve the reputation of their force by completing odd tasks for citizens. With impressive visuals and engaging characters, Trails From Zero will provide an enjoyable experience for both newcomers and veterans alike.


What we like:
  • Tactical turn-based combat
  • Dynamic shadows
  • Keyboard & mouse support on PC
What could be improved:
  • Boring side quests
  • PC offers higher frame rate but needs powerful hardware

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

9

DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake (2024)

View Similar Games
85
Review score
Logo of DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake

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

DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake is a stunning reimagining of the beloved masterpiece and narrative beginning to The Erdrick Trilogy.


  • rpg
  • japanese
  • remake
  • jrpg
  • turn-based
  • old-school
  • battle
  • dungeon
  • narrative
  • classic
  • auto-battle
  • combat

10

Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream (2022)

View Similar Games
88
Review score
Logo of Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream Screenshot of Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream Screenshot of Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream Screenshot of Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream

Nintendo Switch PC Windows Playstation 4

Embark on a heartwarming journey with Sophie the Alchemist in Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream. Explore a world where you can fulfill your dreams while attempting to return a friend's soul to human form. The game features a beautifully designed anime-inspired world, a captivating story, and an engaging alchemy crafting system. Battle with six party members and utilize weather manipulation to open up new paths. Enjoy lovable characters, great music, and improvements over previous Atelier titles. With a variety of DLC content available, the adventure never ends.

Buy

What we like:
  • Beautiful anime-inspired world
  • Captivating story with rich characterizations
  • Engaging alchemy crafting system
  • Excellent turn-based combat with weather manipulation gimmick
  • Lovable characters
What could be improved:
  • Panel Synthesis alchemy system returns mostly unchanged from previous game
  • Fully voiced in Japanese without an option for English
  • Gathering system can be tedious
  • Alchemy system requires a lot of understanding

  • japanese
  • rpg
  • jrpg
  • turn-based
  • grid
  • battle
  • combat
  • crafting

Not seeing your game?