Check out my list of 10 JRPGS that I would recommend to beginners of the genre! Check me out on social media! www.thefemtrooper.com thefemtrooper thefemtrooper Instagram: thefemtrooper
As someone who plays ALOT of JRPG's - I think making this list is perfect! My nephew has started gaming and he is always interested in what my partner and I play but we both struggle to think of a game that he should pick up to introduce him to the genre.
Great list. In my case, I fell in love with JRPGs when I played SNES and PSX classics such as Chrono Trigger, Seiken Densetsu 3 (now entitled Trials of Mana), FFVII, etc. some summers ago. I'm very glad that you're back, it's good to see you again. Cheers!
Nice list my favorite was Pokémon Black. I'm not nearly as familiar with JRPGs as I am with Western RPGs (I never see it stylised as WRPGs now I think about it) but I remember this game Tales of Vesperia being pretty good
Great list! If I can recommend some great JRPGs for beginners, the Mario&Luigi series is a great place to start as they're easy to understand and grasp their mechanics, their stories are well written and really funny. Also, they're on DS and 3DS, so they're easy to grab them if you can digest their prices on Amazon/eBay, or the eShop in the case of the 3DS entries.
Also I'd add Ni no Kuni to this list, very classic and long if you're a completionist, but it's very light hearted, not too hard! Also currently finishing Yakuza Like a Dragon which is an RPG now, and it has the turn-based combat and very long gameplay if you're a completionist....but never was it complex or extremely hard, and with all the cutscenes it's like watching a series! Very good list though, it also helps longtime RPG fans looking for something light inbetween the heavier ones: :)
I really like your channel! I was talking the other day about turn based RPJs and how I don’t like them because I don’t get the combat and I suck at them.So I was really exited when I saw you posted this video. I think from your list I’ll probably try Pokémon Let’s Go Eevee and also the South Park games. Probably the Fracture but whole because it’s on the Switch and pretty much I’m gaming most of my time on the Switch because It’s convenient for me. Also because this are very accessible and cheap and I don want to spend a lot of and then I don’t like them. Thank you for the video!
Great list! Dragon Warrior (NES) was my introduction to JRPGs in 1989. That, combined with Final Fantasy (NES) cemented my love for the genre that will live forever. And as always, I'm super happy to hear people mention Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure. As you know, its one of my top 2 favorite games of all time (for the story, not the actual gameplay) Two of the games you mentioned are ones I haven't played yet but am planning on playing soon, Cosmic Star Heroine and Lunar. I've heard great things about both.
Awesome list. I'm so glad you put the South Park games on there because i love both (Finished Stick of Truth twice on PS3 then PS4, currently playing through Fractured But Whole). Pokemon Sword and Shield are good contenders for newcomers because of how easy they are (A little too much for me because i've played since Ruby but i still enjoyed them regardless).
Awesome video! I can't think of a better list of starter JRPGs. My gateway JRPG was Suikoden on the PS1, which to me is like a cross between a Dragon Quest game and a Pokemon game. But Suikoden strikes me as a good second or third JRPG -- the whole 108 Stars of Destiny can be a bit intimidating, and the story may be a bit involved. I think I followed that up with Wild Arms on the PS1, which, again, may be a good second or third JRPG. But again, thanks for this video . . . I'm thinking it's time to pick up Rhapsody :-)
Honestly, Chrono Trigger was my first JRPG, having only played Zelda 1 and 2 as adventure-rpg hybrids, and then Super Mario RPG, Secret of Evermore, and FFVI after Chrono Trigger. I played a lot more after those, but I definitely got a wide variety of story plot, tone, and mechanics out of those games, each with vibrant worlds and solid puzzles, funny and emotional dialogue bits, gorgeous art and music... Sure, I'd recommend Zelda 1 first, and then Chrono Trigger. It never made it too difficult to grind if you needed to, and usually you didn't need to if you payed attention to the mechanics. The ability to avoid combat and have known triggers helps with a variety of games, and it was groundbreaking in its usage in Chrono Trigger. Plus, if someone can follow the plot of the game, they get rewarded with the multiple ending options for replayability, and with the 3DS version, everything that the SNES and PS1 versions had, plus more (though I don't like some translation changes). Super Mario RPG definitely pushes timing and can be easy to play, but difficult to master and complete. Secret of Evermore is even more difficulty, but the mechanics make sense, and having an ally that helps without needing to control them is great, even if you can do that too if you need to. FFVI then leads to the sheer marvel of its plot. I love Chrono Trigger more, but FFVI came out first, and had the villain actually win, before Chrono Trigger had Lavos win. That, coupled with jumping around between different characters in the plot... It really goes to show what sort of stories JRPGs can tell that action RPGs rarely venture toward, let alone achieve. FFVII may be more popular, but solely original game for original game, FFVI edges out in my opinion. Any of those could be picked up by a beginner easily enough, though the ones Femtrooper picked are useful for those who don't even know what a JRPG is, let alone never played one. And that's what a beginner is, really. I still think the ones I listed are fine for beginners, but they do require a little bit of prior non-JRPG gaming experience, while the ones she listed largely can just be played as they are as brand new games, if someone reads the instructions.
These are some great recommendations! It's funny, as I was watching your vid I was going to suggest Cosmic Star and then you mentioned it, lol. If I were to suggest any beginner JRPG's to try, I would say the Costume Quest series, and Ni No Kuni are very approachable.
My first and still only JRPG that I’ve played is FF7 on the original PlayStation back in the late 90s. I bought a used one specifically to play FF7 because of all the hype. I was a PC gamer at the time and didn’t care for the big headed character designs of JRPGs but FF7 changed all that for me. I’ve been collecting JRPGs but unfortunately haven’t played any yet. I do have some of the games mentioned in this video so maybe I’ll start there ;)
Awesome! Never too late to start! So many wonderful JRPGs out there. It’s my favourite genre and at this point it’s limitless! Definitely try and play another one!
Final Fantasy 9 is the essence of Final Fantasy series, one of the best game ever made! Wow! a real gamer mother, you know what a great RPG means! Super! For beginners, my recommendations are: Lufia 2 (Snes) Secret of Mana 1 (Snes) Tales of Phantasia (Snes) Super Mario RPG (Snes) Chrono Trigger Final Fantasy 6 (Snes) Terranigma (Snes)
Great list! I'm kinda re-entering the world of JRPGs, so lists like this are right up my alley. Very useful. Also, I think "the algorithm" is going to like this list :)
Thank you!!! I really appreciate it! Let me know if you need more recommendations as like I said, many f my favourites weren’t on this list and could easily be one you could start with. Just depends on what you like!
@@femtrooper That's very nice of you. I'll add that I also played DQXI recently, and it was kind of a re-introduction to the genre for me. I couldn't believe how good it was. Easily one of the most impactful experiences I've had with games. I almost feel like it's all down hill from here cos nothing could possibly live up to that level of quality. I am playing Ni No Kuni Remastered right now. I'm about 10 hours in, and it's good, but I'm sensing that it will be nowhere near as good as DQXI. Persona 5 Royale is up next in the queue. If you've got any recs that are in the same realm of quality as DQXI, then I'm all ears. The closest thing I can compare to DQXI is BotW. Different genre, of course, but the scale and overall feel of the two games is very similar to me. I know you mentioned previously that you didn't like the idea of open world, but I think that BotW can be played very linearly, if that's what you want. Exploring pays off because the shrines you find will help you power up. But, you can be very disciplined when playing and keep things very objective-based. (Just saying BotW is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences very worth having!)
Haha it is all downhill after playing DQXI! No no, but damn, that game is a masterpiece. You should play more DQ games! I have enjoyed all the ones I have played so far! I also LOVE Ni No Kuni! Have you played Chrono Trigger? Any of the FFs? Mother 3? Persona 4? I need to play Persona 5 so I’m hoping to this year!
@@femtrooper Chrono Trigger is a big reason I'm trying to get into JRPGs again. It was one of my favorite games as a kid, and weirdly I didn't play many JRPGs after that. I should really replay it. The only games I've played as of late are Phantasy Star I (Sega Ages edition, which is great!), FFVII original and remake, Ys I (Turbo CD), and DQXI. EarthBound is really high on my to-play list, and so is FFVI. I may take your advice and play DQI, but man, that Switch port looks rough. I love the way the GBC version looks, so I might roll with that. Thank you for all the tips!
The Switch port is great! It looks a bit “mobile-y” but it’s still a good time. I also recommend Earthbound BIG TIME since it is my favourite game after all!
Oh geeee! So much goodness. FF9 is the essential FF Chrono trigger is THE answer everyone uses, but so glad cosmic star heroine made the cut. That game is fantastic. It’s also good for the “working adult” cuz it doesn’t take too long. Great list.
Great video!!! Speaking of rpgs & Earthbound, would you like to see Nintendo do something new with the Earthbound/Mother series or just leave it be? Also, have you seen the Oddity reveal teaser trailer?
I would LOVE to see Nintendo do anything with the Mother series. I would welcome a remake too! Anything will do at this point. I just love it so much so any port or remake or whatever would be appreciated. Haven’t seen the Oddity teaser so I better look that up!
Man FF9 and Super Mario RPG are the perfect games for beginner JRPG players! I recently tried the Disgaea series. I really liked the first game but its a totally different type of RPG that I wasn't used to. So yeah I agree with your list, good to dip your toes into the large cold body of water that is JRPGs XD
@@femtrooper Yes! The first game was pretty fun. It's grind heavy but everything levels up. Everything you do has a reward pretty much. Story is decent but I enjoyed the strategy battle system so much!
However, Disgaea is a much tougher SRPG. I love the humor and the graphical style, but they're not easy (to put things in perspective, SRPGs are out of my comfort zone, but I did manage to finish the latest Fire Emblem game on the Switch). Mind you, I haven't played the first one nor Disgaea 5, so maybe those two are more accessible than the ones I played. If NIS America adds an easy mode to Disgaea 6, then yes, it's definitely a game to add to the list.
Nice recommendation. Personally, if you are a DBZ fan, i would recommend the Legacy of Goku games on the GBA. Particularly the 2nd and Buu's Furry. I would also recommend Mario & Luigi: Bowser's inside story on the ds/3ds.
Lists rock! Cosmic Star Heroine is a great game. Lost Sphear or I Am Setsuna might fit too - both reasonably short, good turn-based combat, interesting stories. Also....no Mass Effect?
I got Yokai Watch at Five Below for like $4 brand new. lol Also, that Cosmic Star Heroine looks really cool! It looks alot like CrossCode - which is amazing with an amazing soundtrack!
Have you played the Atelier series on Switch ? I don't play jrpgs so I decided to try out this series, i came across a youtuber who is a fan of the series and recommend starting with Atelier Lulua. So i've played a few hours of that. The only jrpg i played till the end to was Grandia 2 when it was on Dreamcast, you can find in a collection on the nintendo eshop.
@@femtrooper I'm not a fan of crafting in RPGs either. From what little I've of played of Atelier Lulua the crafting feels more like its integrated into the experience of the game rather than being this separate mechanic within the game you're forced to do. If it was that I would've stopped playing it. While the crafting is a big part of the game in the end its still a JRPG with exploration, story, characters and turn based combat. This is all coming from a person who doesn't play JRPGs at all, so veteran of the genre like yourself should have no problem with it. I'd say give Atelier Lulua a try because apparently its the first game in the series to not have time sensitive questing, which would be a bigger turn off for me than the crafting.
The South Park games are perfect picks for this list. I prefer Stick over Fractured, but both are wonderful. To add to your list, suggest: Final Fantasy Mystic Quest (it was designed specifically for beginners) Costume Quest 1 and 2 Any and all of the Mario RPG games.
I haven’t played Costume Quest yet but I’ve heard it’s really good!!! The other two weren’t on the list simply due to age - I only wanted to include more recent stuff.
@@femtrooper There are recent Mario RPG games. I'm sure you've checked them out, so I won't advise you on that. Some feel they aren't RPGs, but I feel they are to a good enough degree to count. Super Paper Mario excluded - that one falls just under the bar for me to count as an RPG.
I’ve been playing the genre since 2010 and have beaten a little over 40 different JRPG’s since then. The games I’d recommend for beginners are the following Grandia 1 and 2 Chrono trigger Final fantasy 7 Final fantasy 6 Super Mario RPG Tales of symphonia Skies of arcadia Earthbound
Great Video thank you! I've just gotten into JRPG's this year with a few exceptions like Pokemon, fantasy life and Ni No Kuni (which I took turns on it with my husband who is more into JRPG's so it was super fun) I got into JRPG's with.... Dragon Quest XI haha! But it was under a specific set of circumstances and I had experience in the genre before so I agree with not including it in the list. I wonder if anyone would be able to help me with this query? ... After DQXI I played FFIX and PS3 (I think?! off the top of my head as it's the husbands) and just couldn't get into it at all. I then played Bravely default and was blown away by how much I loved it despite it being hardcore. I feel like I should try FF again and I didn't realise it was available on Switch with additional features. Is it worth trying the Switch version do you think?
oh nice thanks for putting Yokai Watch on the list..Return to PoPoLoCrois: A Story of Seasons Fairytale on the 3DS is also a good JRPG game for the beginners or Fantasy Life..
These are all fantastic beginner games, that Erdrick Trilogy is a great choice in my opinion. A few I’d toss on my list would be: Collection of Mana Persona 5 Royal Dragon Quest Builders These are all recent titles I’ve chosen as well for accessibility reasons as well. I felt an action rpg, turn based rpg and a unique crafting rpg would make some interesting entry points
Aw heck yeah, that was my first RPG too! I didn't understand it at first either, but once i got it, i fell in love. Shining Force and Shining Force 2, underrated classics. SEGA should do a reboot or a new one if they knew what's good for them
I am not huge into JRPGs despite dabbling in the genre a little. I did play FF7 on PS4 and I played with assists on but the problem with that is that every time I would use them on the final boss, they would not work and I had to grind to get items that would make me immune to the final boss' status effects, it really pissed me off since I thought the assists was to be for people who aren't that good at the genre and want to experience the story. Does FF9 have the same issues? I just don't want to be caught by surprise like that again. Do the assists work on the final boss like the rest of the game? I love Cosmic Star Heroine, it's probably my favorite JRPG that I actually have played. Did you play Secret of Mana? I owned that remake for a while now and I am wondering if that and Trials of Mana are on par with each other when it comes to being accessible. Secret of Mana remake apparently has lots of checkpoints which is good to me lol. Me and my wimp ass just love my checkpoints.
@@femtrooper Not to be rude, but what about my FF9 port game assist question? I really curious about that considering if the assists work all the time rather than most, I may play the game sooner. And yeah, CSH is really good, the creator of that is making another game called Cthulhu saves Christmas which is a game I am interested in.
The assists worked just fine in FFIX! Even on the final boss. I also used them in FFVII and had no issues. To be honest, I had issues with them in FFVIII! I’m also stoked to play CSC!
@@femtrooper Interesting how you had no issues with them regarding FF7 wonder if it's because the Switch version is better. And yeah me too. All though it is weird how it's a Christmas game.
Even the hardest difficulty of Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure is a cake walk, which is fitting considering Cornet can summon shortcake and gumdrops to decimate her enemies. The game is "girly" but it can also be very crass. The crassness was turned up to 100 in the sequel, which sadly never got localized.
Mario rpg but they r kinda a signature series that is more unique with action time based attacks. Pretty innocent though and starts off basic and explained well. Probably DQ is the best out of anything since it is easily accessible, basic, and classic more so than any other rpg series. Persona is somewhat basic but with the school system and personas it is unique and more complex in a way. Bosses require certain personas to nullify attacks and lots of buffs and debuffs make it a complex rock paper scissors system . Not a classic adventure rpg like dragon quest either.
Final Fantasy ix is my 2nd favorite final Fantasy game of all time i can recommend it to anyone yup the story the music the characters are so Epic ^^ I loved both South Park game and i love South Park they are awesome yup so true though duh so obvious yeah ^_- Yes pokemon games so many that i love way too many i will always love pokemon
the other problem with starting with the famous classics is the constant disappointment afterwards! like, of course, ChronoTrigger and Earthbound got me hooked on the genre but also of course i spent years searching unsuccessfully for their equals
To me JRPGs is a genre and style of game at this point - not necessarily RPGs made in Japan. If it has all the common traits of a JRPG, it can be made anywhere.
