The best turn-based JRPG franchises, ranked

Key points

• Turn-based combat in JRPGs remains popular thanks to innovative mechanics and compelling storytelling.
• JRPG franchises like Persona and Dragon Quest maintain their relevance over time with unique gameplay and art styles.
• Suikoden's unique combat system and large roster of characters make it a standout game in the genre.

JRPGs are among the most popular genres among gamers in the video game industry, often home to fantastic games and major franchises that occupy a classic position in the industry. Although it is a broad genre with different gameplay styles, some mechanics are normally associated with it.

One of these is turn-based combat which, although much more popular several decades ago, continues to surprise players today with new and well-crafted mechanics. Therefore, the best turn-based JRPG franchises stand out for their engaging combat and stories, offering incredible experiences that capture the attention of not only fans of the genre but also other players.

10 SaGa/The Legend of Final Fantasy

A franchise that has evolved and recovered its identity in the West

Initially released as The legend of Final Fantasy by Square Enix for marketing reasons, the Saga the series quickly gained its own identity, becoming one of the best turn-based JRPG franchises. Known for its innovative approach to game mechanics and non-linear narratives, the series offers something different from many other games in the genre.

Recently, the series received a revival with remakes of some of its classic titles, such as Romance SaGa 2 AND SaGa Frontier. These remakes not only modernized the graphics and gameplay, but also reintroduced the franchise to a new generation of players, further cementing the game's legacy. Saga series in the turn-based JRPG genre.

9 Suikoden

An epic of heroes and incredible battles

Remembered as one of the best turn-based JRPGs, Suikoden is known for its unique combat system, where players and enemies first select their actions, then attacks occur based on each character's speed. Moreover, each new Suikoden All characters are known to feature an extensive roster of companions that can be recruited throughout the game.

Beyond that, there's the combat Suikoden includes three different styles that are used at various points in the story, giving the gameplay a great variety. The characters, while sometimes varying in the depth of their individual stories, each have unique traits that make them valuable additions to any team.

8 Paper Mario

Bringing with it the legacy of the Super Mario RPG

Although Mario is widely known for platform games and various other spin-offs, the Paper Mario the series led the character to explore the turn-based JRPG genre. With a unique paper-cut art style, the franchise offers compelling stories and innovative combat systems that differ from traditional character titles.

Despite Super Mario RPG being a very fun game, it didn't become a franchise in its own right. As, Paper Mario has filled this void with incredible games, combining humor, well-crafted narratives and unique gameplay mechanics. The series has become a highlight among the best turn-based JRPG franchises, attracting even more fans to the games.

7 Paths/The Legend of Heroes

JRPG with amazing world building

THE Trails series, also known as The legend of heroesstands out as one of the best turn-based JRPG franchises thanks to its rich narrative and detailed world-building. Each game connects to the next, creating a cohesive universe that rewards players with an eye for detail.

Furthermore, Trails offers a strategic and well-designed combat system, combining unique character abilities with tactical mechanics. This blend of compelling story and refined gameplay makes the series an indispensable reference for fans of the genre.

6 Shin Megami Tensei

One of the first monster taming games ever produced

Despite Pokémon is known for this dynamic, one of the first games to feature the concept of monster taming was Shin Megami Tenseiallowing players to capture demons and use them in combat. In addition to being a pioneer in the genre, the franchise continues to be one of the best turn-based JRPGs to date, offering various dark fantasy stories.

Furthermore, Shin Megami Tensei also has many excellent games and a number of spin-offs that use concepts from the franchise in different settings, of which the most popular is Person. Through a combination of complex mechanics and deep themes, the series offers a compelling gaming experience, while also serving as an important reference in the genre.

5 Person

One of the most beloved turn-based JRPG franchises

Although it was born as a spin-off of Shin Megami TenseiIt didn't take long Person evolve into something of its own and become one of the best turn-based JRPG franchises ever produced. Each game typically explores different and dark themes, but always offers excellent turn-based combat and great characters.

Although he is well known among niche fans, he was with Person 5 that the franchise has further cemented itself among the best in the genre, offering a unique art style and excellent music. Additionally, combat has undergone some minor changes to make it more dynamic and fun for players.

4 Mother

A trilogy that has entered the history of video games

Produced by HAL Laboratory, Mother is a Nintendo-exclusive turn-based JRPG trilogy that takes players on an extraordinary journey full of uniqueness. Here, players are welcomed into a setting that moves away from traditional medieval fantasy, instead embracing a modern setting infused with fantasy and science fiction elements.

Each game features a captivating storyline that explores deep and emotional themes while maintaining a humorous and humorous tone, creating iconic characters and unforgettable moments across the trilogy. Mother's legacy remains highly influential in modern releases, inspiring the creation of many other games, such as Undertale.

3 Dragon Quest

Turn-based Jrpg franchise with art by Akira Toriyama

Dragon Quest is one of the pioneering game series of the genre, being one of the best turn-based JRPG franchises that stayed true to its roots, offering players a classic and consistent gaming experience. Launched in the mid-1980s, another highlight of the games in the series is Akira Toriyama's unique art style.

Even long after its release, Dragon Quest continues to be a reference in the JRPG market, bringing stories of heroism and charismatic characters. Therefore, the franchise remains relevant thanks to its ability to evolve without losing the essence that defined it, maintaining all the elements that made it so iconic.

2 Final fantasy

Final Fantasy's origins lie in turn-based JRPGs

Probably, Final fantasy is one of the most famous franchises in the world, not just in the JRPG genre. The origin of the series helped define several pillars of the genre, including epic stories, extremely interesting and well-developed characters, as well as well-produced turn-based combat that marked a generation of gamers.

Although modern entries of Final fantasy produced by Square are oriented more towards action combat, the first games make the series one of the best turn-based JRPG franchises ever created, with titles revered for several elements. One of these is the work system, which has become a trademark, which offers great freedom in character customization.

1 Pokémon

A great example of a turn-based JRPG franchise

Since its appearance on the video game market, Pokémon has maintained its status as one of the best and most important turn-based JRPG franchises, despite deviating slightly from the setting that players are accustomed to in other games of the genre. Furthermore, the series has managed to overcome barriers, attracting different audiences.

Another point is that, although new mechanics have been added or changed as new games were developed, such as adding Mega Evolutions or similar features, the gameplay of the franchise remains true to the series' roots. Therefore, the series continues to be relevant in the gaming market, attracting the attention of several players and expanding more and more.