Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 from the young Montpellier-based studio Sandfall Interactive has become the video game phenomenon of the first half of 2025. Both epic and poetic, this first attempt is also a magnificent homage to the JRPG, the Japanese role-playing game, whose codes it takes while dusting them off, including parrying and dodging to make turn-based combat more dynamic. Perhaps players unfamiliar with JRPGs now want to try the adventure? That's why Hitek is offering you a selection of eight essential titles!
#1 Chrono Trigger, by Square Enix (1995)
Released on Super Nintendo in the mid-1990s, Chrono Trigger is the result of a team of legends, including Hironobu Sakaguchi (creator of the Final Fantasy license), Yuji Horii (creator of Dragon Quest) and Akira Toriyama (the father of Dragon Ball and Dr. Slump). Centered on time travel, from prehistory to a dystopian future, the story offers a non-linear narrative with 13 different endings. The combat system, fluid and strategic, is based on Active Time Battle and allows combos between the different characters. The artistic direction, pixel art graphics, polished animations, and Yasunori Mitsuda's soundtrack have helped make Chrono Trigger one of the most beloved JRPGs of all time. However, it can be criticized for its short gameplay (around thirty hours).
#2 Final Fantasy VII, by Square Enix (1997)
Often cited as one of the most important video games in the history of the medium, Final Fantasy VII propelled Square Enix's saga to the top of the JRPG scene. Released in 1997 on PlayStation, it has sold some 14 million copies worldwide - not including the remake trilogy. Still very popular, the game tells the story of the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE's fight against Shinra, a powerful organization that harnesses the earth's lifeblood to produce energy and weapons. Distinguishing itself from previous installments in the franchise by adopting a cyberpunk aesthetic, Final Fantasy VII's main strength lies in its protagonists and antagonists, each more memorable than the last. These include Cloud Strife, Aeris Gainsborough, Tifa Lockhart, and Sephiroth. The teams gathered around Yoshinori Kitase developed a game whose poignant story continues to captivate us, enhanced by revolutionary graphics for the time and by an original soundtrack composed by Nobuo Uematsu, which is among the most beautiful in the industry. Final Fantasy VII Remake and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth were great opportunities to immerse ourselves in this monument of video games!
#3 Suikoden II, by Konami (1998)
Released on PlayStation in 1998, Suikoden II is a captivating JRPG, often cited among the most illustrious of the genre. Beloved by many players, including the Joueur du Grenier, it follows the adventures of Riou and his 108 recruitable companions. In addition to giving each of these characters a unique personality and role, this dimension gives the game infinite replayability. A true strength of the Suikoden series, the reinforcement system also enriches the turn-based battles by offering a greater strategic dimension. The game also has little impact on the production of RPGs by allowing the player to profoundly impact the story through their choices, which was innovative for the time. Also a word for the utterly charming 2D graphics, and the soundtrack composed by Miki Higashino is a total success.
#4 Ni No Kuni, by Level-5 (2011)
When Level-5 - to whom we owe the Professor Layton series - joins forces with the legendary Studio Ghibli, founded by Hayao Miyazaki, Toshio Suzuki, and Isao Takahata - and about which we recently wrote an article reviewing the correct way to pronounce the name - the result is Ni No Kuni. Young Oliver's journey through the world of Ni No Kuni in order to save his mother has moved many players, seduced by the aesthetic of the project, which recalls the greatest productions of the Japanese animation studio behind My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, and Howl's Moving Castle. It should also be noted that the absolutely sumptuous soundtrack was composed by the great Joe Hisaishi, the almost regular composer for Hayao Miyazaki's feature films. Despite a sometimes uneven pace and often too easy combat, Ni No Kuni remains a memorable JRPG, which integrates a hybrid combat system, based on live action and strategic pet management. Without being the best JRPG of all time, it is nonetheless an immensely attractive title, given the impressive gathering of talent assembled for the project.
#5 Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age, by Square Enix (2017)
Alongside Final Fantasy, the Dragon Quest license is one of the must-haves for JRPG fans. While it's difficult to pinpoint the best game in the series - Dragon Quest V and Dragon Quest VIII can both claim that title, while Dragon Quest III has achieved legendary status in Japan - we believe Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age is a formidable entry into the series, thanks to its perfect balance of tradition and modernity. The game continues the legacy of Square Enix's cult series with classic gameplay, refined turn-based combat, and an epic narrative centered around a hero with a grandiose destiny. In addition to being the latest contribution to the franchise from the legendary Akira Toriyama (Dragon Ball), Dragon Quest XI boasts a stunning art direction, and the Deluxe Edition also features a retro 2D mode that will delight even the most nostalgic fans. Everything contributes to giving Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age a timeless charm.
#6 Fire Emblem: Three Houses, by Intelligent System (2019)
One of the biggest names on the Nintendo Switch, FireEmblem: Three Houses has left a deep impression on players thanks to its immersive storytelling, strategic gameplay, and exceptional replayability. The player takes on the role of Byleth, a professor at the Officers' Academy, where they guide one of three houses (Black Eagles, Golden Stags, Blue Lions). The house chosen by the player offers a unique perspective on a complex political and moral conflict. The impressively accurate character development is one of the game's greatest assets, allowing for rare emotional depth. The turn-based battles are enriched by teaching mechanics. We also welcome the presence of multiple endings, made possible by choices impacting the story, and a colossal lifespan. The only downside: the graphics aren't always up to scratch, but they don't spoil the artistic direction of the project.
#7 Persona 5 Royal, by Atlus (2019)
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 5, better known as Persona 5, is widely considered a JRPG masterpiece, especially in its Royal version. Praised for its captivating storytelling, refined gameplay, and unique visual style, the Atlus-developed game follows the Phantom Thieves of Hearts, a group fighting against social injustice. Blending rebellion and psychological exploration, the story is enriched by complex characters, whose narrative arcs are deepened thanks to an innovative social link system. These include the characters of Ann and Ryuji. The turn-based combat includes an exciting strategic dimension, relying in part on exploiting enemy weaknesses. The Royal version extends the experience by around 100 hours. There's a lot to say about Persona 5, but we want to mention the game's exceptional jazzy soundtrack, composed by Shoji Meguro. It should also be noted that the Persona games are among the major influences of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 alongside Final Fantasy X and this French novel unanimously recognized as a masterpiece of science fiction.
#8 Octopath Traveler II, by Square Enix (2023)
Five years after the success of the first Octopath Traveler on Nintendo Switch, Square Enix is back with an even more accomplished second installment. First of all, the title stands out from the competition with its sublime HD-2D graphics, blending a pixel art aesthetic with modern 3D effects. An artistic direction that Square Enix has used again with Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. As with the first game, Octopath Traveler follows the fate of eight wonderfully well-written characters, whose destinies allow for complex themes to be addressed. The interactions between the eight heroes are more developed, thus addressing one of the rare criticisms fans had of the first OT. Likewise, the bosses are more complex, which makes victory even more satisfying. While there is much to say about the narrative richness of Octopath Traveler II, we must also praise the magnificent soundtrack by Yasunori Nishiki.
And you, how did you find this selection? If you enjoyed this article, please let us know your favorite JRPGs in the comments section.
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