Fall is nearly upon us, and that means that long, cold nights are coming. It’s the perfect time to do nothing more than sit under a blanket, sipping some hot cocoa and enjoying a good story. But forget binging tv shows or reading books – what you need is a good JRPG.
Thankfully, there are plenty of good deals on JRPGs on the PC coming this fall. Whether it’s some old classics getting a remaster or something more recent, this is the perfect opportunity to check them out. Here are some of our top picks from this incredibly unique genre.
Octopath Traveler
If you’re looking for something that’s both innovative and in the spirit of the classics, look no further than Octopath Traveler. Boasting a stellar soundtrack and some very pleasing aesthetics (with graphics utilizing the “HD-2D” technology created by the developers specifically for this game), Octopath Traveler offers some very cozy moments for the long autumn evenings. Set in the medieval Europe-inspired fantasy world of Orsterra, the story follows eight heroes as they travel the world to unravel its mysteries and stop a looming evil.
The game is unique in that you get to choose which of the eight heroes you play as, and their paths later unfold in a semi-non-linear fashion. If you’ve played Romancing SaGa 2, a lot of this will be familiar ground for you. The battle system, while completely turn-based, is quite unique, utilizing Boost Points and shield counters, which adds an additional layer of strategy.
Dragon Quest XI
Dragon Quest is as classic as classic gets. While it has never reached the heights of popularity that Final Fantasy has in the West, it is still the #1 JRPG series in Japan, with new releases being scheduled for holidays specifically so that people don’t skip work to get in line for the new game.
Even if you’ve never played any game in this series before, Dragon Quest XI is the perfect starting point. It has the classic turn-based system which, while simple, does the job really well. It also has the distinct graphical style of Akira Toriyama of Dragonball fame. The game looks amazing, thanks to the Unreal Engine 4 finally doing justice to the artist’s style. Overall, though, what really makes Dragon Quest XI is the sense of adventure. You’ll get to traverse a large, diverse world that’s just filled to the brim with unforgettable story bits – a perfect choice for those September nights.
Tales of Berseria
The latest entry in the legendary Tales series, at least until Tales of Arise comes out, Tales of Berseria actually asks as a prequel to Tales of Zestiria. Don’t let that discourage you if you’re new to the series, though – Tales of Berseria is very easy to hop into even if you haven’t played any of the other game.
Berseria, much like the other games in the series, is an action RPG, so you’ll have a lot of fun hacking away at enemies as you traverse the large, sprawling world and watch the gripping, dark story unfold. What makes this series stand out from the crowd is the “skit” mechanic, which lets you view some additional interactions between the characters, making them feel all the more real.
Nier: Automata
Set in a post-apocalyptic, post-human world, Nier: Automata is as flashy as it is philosophical. Following the fates of several incredibly humanoid androids, the story will make you ponder on the meaning of humanity, existence, and your role in this world. In terms of story alone, there’s nothing quite like Nier: Automata out there.
But that’s far from the game’s only selling point. Headed by the incredible Platinum Games, Nier: Automata is a sheer joy to play with a blood-pumping action RPG system. It’s a must play for all fans of the genre. Here’s a tip, though: don’t stop playing after you’ve obtained ending A.
Final Fantasy VIII Remastered
Though Final Fantasy VIII is two decades old by now, this release is fresh. Other games in the series have already been re-released on modern platforms before, but it took FFVIII a long time to get a proper remaster. Well, here it is now, and it’s the perfect time to revisit this old classic – or experience it for the first time.
Step into the shoes of Squall Leonheart as he gets tangled into a conspiracy that goes far deeper than what he could have imagined his life as a soldier could be. With some gorgeous cinematics that hold up even today, phenomenal music, an intriguing story and a unique character development system, Final Fantasy VIII is a game you won’t want to miss. Now remastered with new, slick character models, this game is now more accessible and more beautiful than ever before.
Subnautica 2: Everything you should know about the game
The deep blue is calling once again, but this time, the waters are completely uncharted—and full of behind-the-scenes corporate drama. If you are one of the millions of survival fans asking if Subnautica 2 is out, we have fantastic news for you. The highly anticipated sequel has officially splashed down! The Subnautica 2 release marks […]
