Great Japanese RPGs on PS4

What is a Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG)?

JRPGs are traditionally story-driven adventure games developed in Japan, featuring a group of pre-defined characters journeying on a quest fraught with danger. Typical traits of the genre include turn-based combat, fantasy elements (especially magic), extensive character and/or squad customization, and character progression or 'levelling' systems. 

The JRPG has evolved significantly since its early days and now encompasses a range of sub-genres, including tactical RPGs and action RPGs, which absorb elements from other genres. The lines can get blurry! For the purpose of this condensed list, we've focused on titles that adhere to more traditional aspects of the genre, but if you enjoy these games start exploring more widely - a world of adventure awaits!

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age

ESRB Teen: Violence, Mild Blood, Suggestive Themes

Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix

Featuring a raft of enhanced gameplay features on PS4 such as a revised battle design and a more customizable character levelling system, this remastered classic helped change the direction of Final Fantasy games when it first launched on PlayStation 2 back in 2006.

Focusing on more naturalistic in-game character designs rather than the cute ‘chibi’ style of previous titles, FFXII’s spectacular visuals and complex plot of fallen royalty make it one to remember. 

ESRB TEEN: Violence, Mild Blood, Partial Nudity, Language

Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix

Set off on an unusual road trip where a massive, fantastical open world of magic, machines, and monsters await. Join Prince Noctis and his entourage as they travel across the dangerous kingdom of Lucis in a mission to reclaim the throne.

A real-time battle system which seamlessly transitions from non-combat situations makes this sprawling quest as beautiful to watch as it is fun to play.

ESRB MATURE 17+: Sexual Themes, Violence, Strong Language, Blood, Drug Reference, Partial Nudity

Developer: ATLUS
Publisher: Sega

With each new entry (and eventual re-release), the Persona series has steadily gained popularity on the back of its heady blend of dungeon crawling, monster capturing, and fusion, and management of daytime social/romance commitments.

This time, Japanese high schoolers use their newly-awakened personas to change the actions of villains by diving into their subconscious. The Royal version adds even more content and quality-of-life updates, giving you an astounding number of hours for the asking price.

ESRB EVERYONE 10+: Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Alocohol Reference

Developer: Tokyo RPG Factory
Publisher: Square Enix

Weaving its magic to create a charming throwback to ‘90s-style JPRGs, this poignant story of innocence lost casts you in a world full to the brim with beautiful character designs and environments.

Setsuna’s quest to fulfill her destiny takes you across dark forests, snowy plains, and secretive towns – while even the deadliest of turn-based battles can be won with careful use of the combo system. Do you have the heart to make the ultimate sacrifice and protect the people of Setsuna’s land? 

ESRB TEEN: Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, Blood, Language, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco

Developer: Nihon Falcom
Publisher: NIS America

With its fascinating characters, in-depth combat mechanics and a spectacular magic system, Nihon Falcom’s school-based fantasy adventure is far more than it first appears. While developing a life between lessons is a big part of this Legend of Heroes spin-off, the exploration of the series’ lore, social class, and military structure provide plenty of mature and nuanced narrative to go with it.  

ESRB TEEN: Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, Blood, Partial Nudity, Mild Language, Use of Alcohol

Developer: Bandai Namco Studios
Publisher: Bandai Namco

From its beautiful animated opening, Velvet’s quest for blood-soaked revenge is striking, poignant, and larger-than-life. Featuring the first solo heroine in the Tales series, this massive, gothic adventure explores the dark heart of humanity and the lengths taken to find personal peace. Mastering Velvet’s vicious repertoire of attacks in the fast-paced, action-based combat system is only part of the challenge that awaits…

ESRB EVERYONE 10+: Fantasy Violence, Language

Developer: Tokyo RPG Factory
Publisher: Square Enix

Adding mechanical bosses and robotic Vulcosuits to its fantasy setting, Japan RPG Factory’s spiritual follow up to I Am Setsuna delivers a more traditional quest of a world under threat.

In a land where everything is made with Memories, entire parts can disappear once a memory is lost. Through strategic turn-based combat against devastating foes, only you and a brave band of adventurers can save the very fabric of reality.

ESRB TEEN: Violence, Blood, Language, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Suggestive Themes

Developer: Sega
Publisher: Sega

A tense blend of turn-based and real-time strategy RPG elements, Valkyria Chronicles 4 starts every round on a tactical map, then dives seamlessly down onto the battlefield for individual actions. Take direct control of each unit, avoiding incoming fire and manually targeting enemies to exploit class-based weaknesses.

Actions for every unit cost a fixed amount of command points, only refreshed between rounds, making every decision strategic and crucial, especially when death can remove characters from your roster - permanently.

ESRB TEEN: Violence, Blood, Language

Developer: Nihon Falcom
Publisher: DotEmu

Ys Origin is a newcomer-friendly departure from the mainline numbered games, offering completely new main characters and exploration of a single, massive tower rather than a sprawling overworld.

Despite being a fresh-start prequel perfect for jumping in, this is still a tight action RPG with three distinct character abilities and play styles to develop as you level them up through combat to learn their part in a greater story told through multiple perspectives.