10 JRPGs Critics Rank Higher Than Final Fantasy VII
▼ Summary
– Final Fantasy VII revolutionized the JRPG genre by making it more accessible with a linear narrative and pre-defined characters, establishing Square as a major developer.
– The article lists 10 JRPGs that have higher or equal Metacritic scores than Final Fantasy VII’s 92, highlighting their significance and quality.
– Fire Emblem: Awakening is noted for revitalizing its franchise through polished gameplay and accessibility features like Casual Mode.
– Chrono Trigger is praised for its impeccable pacing, engaging combat, and timeless qualities, despite its aggregate score coming from a re-release.
– Persona 5 Royal holds the title of the highest-rated JRPG with a Metacritic score of 95, acclaimed for its narrative, characters, and refined turn-based gameplay.
Final Fantasy VII stands as a landmark title that fundamentally reshaped the JRPG landscape, bringing the genre to a massive global audience with its cinematic storytelling and accessible mechanics. While its legacy is undeniable, the world of Japanese role-playing games is vast and filled with other masterpieces that have, according to critical consensus, achieved even higher acclaim. This exploration highlights ten such games that have earned superior review scores, celebrating their unique contributions without diminishing the monumental impact of Cloud Strife’s adventure.
Fire Emblem: Awakening is often credited with single-handedly rescuing its franchise from potential oblivion. Developers Intelligent Systems listened intently to player feedback, refining every aspect of the tactical RPG formula. They enhanced the beloved Support System, introduced a more forgiving Casual Mode, and polished the strategic combat to a brilliant sheen. The result was a title that not only revitalized the entire series but also set a new standard for accessibility and depth in the genre, earning its place as the highest-rated Fire Emblem game.
Chrono Trigger remains a titan among JRPGs, frequently cited as one of the greatest games ever created. Its enduring appeal lies in a masterfully crafted experience featuring impeccable pacing, a memorable cast of characters, and a revolutionary combat system that avoids random encounters. The pixel art is timeless, and the soundtrack by Yasunori Mitsuda and Nobuo Uematsu is legendary. Many argue that if original Super Nintendo reviews were aggregated, its score would be even higher, solidifying its status as a flawless classic that defined an era.
Paper Mario brought a delightful paper-craft aesthetic to the Nintendo 64, creating a charming and visually distinct world. This spiritual successor to Super Mario RPG retained the series’ signature humor and introduced a streamlined partner system and a customizable Badge equipment mechanic. Its turn-based battles, augmented by well-timed button presses, provided a satisfying layer of player interaction. The game is celebrated for its witty writing and joyful atmosphere, making it a standout RPG on the console.
The Dreamcast’s Skies of Arcadia is a cherished cult classic, an epic tale of air pirates exploring a vast world of floating continents. Despite being hampered by a high random encounter rate, the game won over players with its incredibly optimistic tone, a lovable crew of characters, and a grand sense of adventure. Its innovative ship-to-ship combat and the sheer joy of discovery have fueled years of fan demand for a modern re-release, a testament to its enduring and passionate following.
Persona 4 Golden is widely considered the definitive way to experience one of the genre’s most beloved stories. Originally a PlayStation 2 title, the Vita and subsequent multi-platform re-release expanded the game with new Social Links, additional story content, and countless quality-of-life improvements. It perfects the formula of balancing high school life with supernatural dungeon crawling, creating an unforgettable murder mystery that is both deeply personal and incredibly engaging.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 demonstrated that turn-based combat and cutting-edge graphics are a perfect match. This visually stunning game, inspired by classic JRPGs, captivated players with its cinematic presentation and emotionally resonant characters. It successfully attracted a new audience to the genre, proving that traditional mechanics could feel fresh and modern. The game’s success is a powerful reminder of the creative potential within established formulas.
Metaphor: ReFantazio represents the pinnacle of Atlus’s design philosophy, transplanting the social sim and calendar systems of Persona into a high-fantasy setting. Players navigate a political campaign for the throne, engaging in a unique blend of real-time exploration and turn-based combat. The game’s narrative cleverly mirrors contemporary societal issues, making its fantasy world feel surprisingly relevant. It is a bold and masterfully executed new IP that earned widespread critical praise.
Final Fantasy IX served as a heartfelt return to the series’ high-fantasy roots, offering a more traditional experience compared to its sci-fi predecessors. With a stellar cast, a charming world, and a robust ability-learning system tied to equipment, the game is a love letter to the franchise’s history. Critics and fans alike praise its consistent tone, emotional story, and well-defined character roles, often considering it a refined and quintessential Final Fantasy experience.
Chrono Cross bravely ventured to expand upon the legacy of its legendary predecessor, Chrono Trigger. Set in a world of parallel realities, it features a complex narrative and a massive roster of potential party members. Its unique stamina-based battle system discourages mindless attacking and encourages strategic thinking. While its connection to Trigger is debated, the game is acclaimed for its ambitious storytelling and innovative combat mechanics.
Sitting at the top of critical lists is Persona 5 Royal, the highest-rated JRPG of all time. This expanded version of an already stellar game adds a tremendous amount of content, including a full new story arc, characters, and gameplay refinements. It is a stylistic tour de force, blending a gripping modern-day narrative about rebellion and justice with incredibly slick turn-based combat and deep social simulation. Its universal acclaim cements its status as a modern masterpiece that dominates the genre.
(Source: Dual Shockers)
