8 More Satisfying JRPGs To Play!
Dragon Quest is regarded as the father of RPGs. This franchise went on to influence many popular RPGs fans love today from Pokémon to Final Fantasy. While its cartoon-like art style from Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama might make it look like a childish game, this series tackles some dark and mature themes. From its multitude of spin-offs to its mainline turn-based combat, Dragon Quest is a franchise that’s here to stay. If you’ve finished playing Dragon Quest and are looking for alternatives – fret not! We’ve combed through the archives and saved you the hassle with our top 8 picks. Of course, for all the games we’ve reviewed, we’ve also added a handy link, so you can check out our full thoughts on that and see if it’s something you want to invest your time in. So without further ado, we present 8 games to check out if you’re looking for a game like Dragon Quest.
Chrono Trigger
Kicking off the list is Chrono Trigger, another work Toriyama was involved with. Where Dragon Quest serves as the father of RPGs, Chrono Trigger feels like the poster child. This game features fun game mechanics, a memorable cast, and a visually stunning world. This game still sets the gold standard for RPGs despite being a relic of the past. Despite having 16-bit visuals, everything feels full of life from its character animations to its remarkable over-world. From battling boatloads of enemies to traversing its different themed settings, this is a game that will please, immerse, and surprise many RPG fans. Chrono Trigger’s gameplay is fun and absorbs you into the world. It adopts an “Active Time Battle” system that’s more in line with old-school Final Fantasy titles. While that may sound like a buzzkill, it helps the title stand out from others. Furthermore, the abilities these characters have at their disposal vary per character like the cast in Dragon Quest. If you’re on the hunt for classic JRPGs, then I highly recommend giving Chrono Trigger a shot.
Pokémon (Franchise)
Although Dragon Quest isn’t as popular worldwide as Pokémon, both games harbor similar coming-of-age story tropes and feature fun turn-based gameplay. Despite the Pokémon franchise taking a dip in quality in recent years, the franchise has made little strides to offer fans something new with its world. For example, newer entries like Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet offer open environments for people to traverse. These open environments will remind fans of Dragon Quest, as both evoke this feeling of adventure and freedom. Both games feature villains players must defeat and a crowning ceremony that treats you like that game’s hero. On that note, the turn-based gameplay involving level progression and attaining new moves is shared between both franchises. The only difference is that Pokémon focuses more on the monster-taming and battling aspects than Dragon Quest.
Persona 5
Persona 5 is a fan-favorite title for the franchise. Everything about this title screams style and action. Beautiful graphics aside, Persona 5 features an incredible narrative full of thought-provoking elements, enriching gameplay, and memorable characters. For those unaware, Persona 5 follows a group of high schoolers who live mundane lives by day but our stellar thieves at night. Deemed the Phantom Thieves, their journey provides them with several obstacles. Some activities include fighting hordes of monsters, exploring deadly dungeons, and fighting a different powerful enemy per chapter. This is a game that’ll require players to put in a lot of time to complete it. While it may feel sluggish at times, the game offers enough twists and gameplay mechanics to keep you invested. Like Dragon Quest, this game boasts a few mini-games that’ll keep you preoccupied. While the world isn’t as vast or open as Dragon Quest, players will find it difficult to despise the game’s gorgeous areas. If you need a beefy JRPG to play after finishing a Dragon Quest title, give Persona 5 a chance.
Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom
Ni No Kuni and Dragon Quest offer the same feeling as classic anime. Where Dragon Quest evokes the joyful feelings fans get while watching Dragon Ball or Dr. Slump, Ni No Kuni feels like a homage to classic Studio Ghibli films. With its colorful world, revamped battle system, and action-centric focus, Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom is a worthy follow-up to the first game. Like Dragon Quest, Revenant Kingdom has players undertake numerous activities and missions. The RPG-like elements in this game may feel like a burden in comparison to Dragon Quest though. However, if you can stick through the game’s sluggish moments, you’ll walk away from it satisfied. Revenant Kingdom offers an Isekai-like tale. It revolves around a New York resident named Roland getting transported to a fantastical world. He awakens inside Ding Dong Bell’s chambers, infuriating this ruler. Thankfully, Roland escapes but runs into a young ruler named Evan. The two exchange information with each other and embark on a mission to build a new kingdom that will rival Bell’s. By the story’s end, Roland hopes to aid Evan in retaining the crown that belongs to him. If you adored the world of Dragon Quest, then you should give Ni No Kuni 1 and 2 a shot.
Octopath Traveler
Octopath Traveler is a fairly new JRPG that took the fandom by storm with its insanely new take on 2D-styled graphics and story. This is the first HD-2D game that’d influence Square Enix to make more games like Project Triangle Strategy and a remake of a Japanese exclusive RPG titled Live A Live. As one can tell, this game sought massively acclaimed and has won numerous awards for its engrossing narrative, innovative graphics, and addictive turn-based combat. To some degree, Dragon Quest and Octopath Traveler offer similar storylines. The difference is that Dragon Quest spawns different games to tell these distinct stories while Octopath Traveler contained all the narratives in one game. Furthermore, the stories in Octopath Traveler interconnect in the most fascinating ways possible. While some Dragon Quest tales have some connection in theme, they’re not fully connected like Octopath’s storylines. Fans of classic pixelated Dragon Quest entries will admire Octopath’s jaw-dropping visuals. Everything has style in this world from the battle animations to its various cities and terrain. If you’re looking for a stupendous HD-2D game with an incredible battle system, gorgeous visuals, and a memorable soundtrack, check out Octopath Traveler.
Parasite Eve
Parasite Eve is a forgotten relic of Square’s catalog that many fans want to see revisited. This game features an engrossing narrative, well-rounded characters, and a chilling world to explore. Players take on the role of the game’s female lead Aya Brea who must prevent New York City from being completely wiped out. Like Dragon Quest, this game has astonishing visuals for its time. From exploring Central Park to rummaging through the game’s eery alleyways, Parasite Eve offers enough scenery to warrant fans’ curiosity. Both games offer intricate creature designs that stand out and serve their purposes. As one can tell, Parasite Eve leans more into terror than Dragon Quest. The game’s controls and soundtrack can feel a little underwhelming at times. For instance, players may not adore Aya’s slow running speed or the game’s somber battle music. However, many will find its weapon abilities and variety exciting. If you’re looking for a spookier RPG title that’ll frighten you, check out Parasite Eve.
Xenoblade Chronicles (Series)
Alongside Fire Emblem, Xenoblade Chronicles was one of those series that’s starting to get the recognition it deserves. Each entry boasts well-written stories, likable characters, countless side quests, and vastly colorful environments. This game’s battle system isn’t as player friendly, though. It’s layered in complexity and depth. While it’s easy to adjust to, it’ll take players some time to master. The battle system receives some improvements with each new release. Each game offers something new and exciting for fans from blade-themed organisms to mecha anime-themed transformations. Xenoblade Chronicles’ gameplay feels more action-centric compared to Dragon Quest’s turn-based formula. Nonetheless, both titles feature attack combinations that are cinematic and distinct in quality. These are two series that’ll require fans to spend hours exploring everything it offers. If you’re looking for a more active-based JRPG with incredible depth, check out any of the Xenoblade Chronicles games.
Final Fantasy VII Remake
Final Fantasy VII Remake is a breathtaking reimagining of the classic PlayStation JRPG. This game may have abandoned its turn-based roots for something action-centric, but it managed to enchant people once again with its endearing narrative, memorable characters, and beautiful sci-fi and fantasy world. Like Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy VII Remake follows the adventure of a band of heroes tied by fate. Both titles deliver emotional dialogue and scenery that’ll leave a vital mark in the player’s mind. The worlds it’s protagonist Cloud Strife and his friends inhabit feel lively and vary in design. The enemies Cloud encounters in this game offer some challenge and depth. The boss battles feel satisfying to participate in, and like Dragon Quest, players will adore vanquishing these powerful foes. Lastly, Final Fantasy VII Remake features our cast utilizing magic and skills that similar in theme to Dragon Quest. If you’re looking for a JRPG with fast-paced action and an exhilarating plot, check out Final Fantasy VII Remake. You can read our thoughts on Final Fantasy VII: Remake in our game review here! So there we have it, our 8 video game picks to keep you busy after playing Dragon Quest. What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!
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