The 10 Best Stories in JRPGs! 

Radiant Historia was amazing. Got the true-true ending on it. It was so peak.

Its baffling how Ys 8 started as a shipwrecked, trapped in an island kind of thing. You would think it's gonna be a case of explore this island make a boat and bolt outta there, but once you explore the other half of the island, oh boy are you in for a ride. One of the best games I've played in terms of storyline. Its slow burn, but a really good burning.

The effect that Evangelion had on the cultural zeitgeist of Japan really can't be overstated. Its influence can be felt through various works like Xenogears, Code Geass, Persona 5, Naruto, Serial Experiments Lain, and hundreds more, all seeking to expound on, refute, or answer the primary theme of Eva, and one of the central paradoxes of humanity: the hedgehog's dilemma. I think we'll look back on Eva as Japan's version of The Hero With a Thousand Faces, as a work that shaped an entire generation of storytelling.

Love your content so much. Just finished Crossbell Arc and bought a Steam Deck and I am 20 hours in Trails from the Sky. I love Estelle so much. Thanks man. You encouraged me. Love these other games. Omori is now on my wishlist.

Lacrimosa of Dana isn't just one of the greatest RPGs I've ever played... it's one of the greatest *video games* I've ever played. In nearly every RPG I've ever played, there's always a few members of the main cast I don't care for. In FF9, I never felt much for Quina, Amarant or Eiko. FF8 had Zell, Selphie and Irvine fall flat for me. In Ni No Kuni 2, pretty much only Roland and Evan I found endearing. And Sea of Stars made me want to beat Garl over the head with a chair. But Ys VIII? Every. Single. Character. I ADORED them. Adol, Hummel, Laxia, Ricotta, Sahad and, of course, the titular Dana. This cast was so immensely loveable and charming, and they were all fun to play as. I love Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana. It was a crown jewel experience.

Xenogears will always be my number one for story telling as well, but really glad to see Ys VIII on this list. That was a game I started up on a whim thinking "ah it will be a fun action RPG but probably nothing to right home about" and it ended up being of my favorite RPGs of all time.

I'm a little shocked you didn't mention behind your left shoulder. Lunar SSSC and EB are right there with these.

You're always in your element whenever talking about JRPG stories. Great video Branden!

Omori was a welcome surprise, and it is truly a hidden gem. Though, my goodness, is the story heavy! The cutesy, clever gameplay and colorful characters helps offset the weight of it though.

Another banger of a list! Still waiting on my copy of Harvestella and I promise to keep you posted! Ps. Your video skills, your editing, and your delivery have gotten so, so good. Keep doing a great job and raking in those subscribers!

I love it when your videos start, and you're miles away from the camera 🤣 Awesome list though, Lacrimosa of Dana is unbelievable, I absolutely love that game ❤️

I'm so glad you included Xenogears. That for me is still the most ambitious storytelling ever seen in a JRPG. Only Trails manages to come close in terms of shocking plot twists and dark themes. Other stories I really like include Lost Odyssey and Persona 5.

Love your picks and clearly I really need to get to Ys VIII! I at least have it now so zero excuses!!! I play JRPGs for the stories so it’s a HUGE factor for me!

Love the selection of games here! My personal list would have to also include Xenosaga and Tales of Berseria.

FF6 is my favorite game of all time I thing Lunar Sliver song would be a nice add to this list. Great video.

22:00 That's FROG KNIGHT! 🐸 🎵 Theme plays in the background 🎵

Radiant Historia story was an eye opener, so much parallel with real life things (human conflict, ambition, politics etc)

I still havent played Harvestella but I fell in love with the cover the moment it was announced and cant wait to play it especially after hearing your thoughts about it!

The two omissions I'd place in would be Xenoblade 1 and Suikoden II.

I love Ys 8, it totally surprised me with its quality

Awesome video man!! I can feel the passion for every game you mentioned

A great list! I think Breath of Fire 2 would be on mine. I just remember how intrigued and drawn in I was at the really sad start to that game's story as a kid 😊

Hey, it's the Trails guy!

Love that you included Xenogears, I have a similar experience with that game. I played it over and over on my PS1 it was my favorite game of all time, and I also loved NGE. As a teen I identified with Shinji hating himself. JRPGs hit a lot harder as a teen, I remember when completing a game like FF7 or FF8 or XG I would get really sad for days and miss the characters in them as if they were real people. To this day I still have a hard time listening to Small Two of Pieces because of the memories and emotions it brings back up. In a way I miss those times, but also would never want to go back.

As a die hard Trails fanatic. Thank you for mentioning my favourite series

Clicked on the video because I was pretty surprised to see Ys 8 in the thumbnail. That games story doesn't get enough attention, its seriously impressive for an Ys game and it blew me away. The twists and turns had me hooked. You are right about it being way better than the narrative in previous entries. It was the one thing that was slightly lacking in other games, now we have the complete Ys package. My absolute favorite in the series.

Phenomenal list and video. I’d like to submit: SMT/Persona series Mother 2 and 3 Xenosaga series Xenoblade chronicles 1 and 3 Valkyria chronicles Steambot Chronicles Final Fantasy Tactics, 9-10, 14 Suikoden series Nier Series And some honorable mentions: Star Ocean second story Vagrant Story Shadow Hearts series Parasite Eve

Omori was such a surprise addition to my favorite switch games. Didn't expect so many...feels. Regarding the RE trilogy of FF7, I suspect it'll be something similar to the Rebuild of Evangelion movies. A half-sequel, half-shenanigans and a definitive ending. Until the creators are strapped for cash again.

JRPG stories I love are Eternal Sonata on PS3 which is still stuck there and Ni Nu Kuni which both just really emotionally moved me. Final Fantasy IX with beautiful disney esc character designs and loveable characters. Fire Emblem Echoes is stoll my favorite story for that series. Thanks Brandon.

I think the story from Tales of Berseria stuck with me more than just about any other game. It's not that the story is so deep but it has a high emotional impact and the ending...well enough said.

This is excellent idea for a video. Stories are my number 1 priority for choosing the games I play!! 🥰

I'm a story & character guy as well, so I may have to check out a few on your list that I haven't played. For me the standouts are the Trails Series, Dragon Quest V, and Suikoden II. I agree that FF VI & Chrono Trigger should always be included in a list such as this as well. For an underrated recent game that I think should be up there, I'd throw in Triangle Strategy.

Vagrant story ?? I know it’s more linear and small but the storytelling quality is so high

I literally almost looked ahead in the timeline, oops lol. Good choices of best stories all around! I probably would've put Shadow Hearts up there too, but I just like all the mythos around Roger Bacon haha.

Chomping at the bit to play Harvestella!

Such a great list!

That's a good list. Ys 8 has been on my backlog for a while. Also support the Xenogears mention 100%!!

Lufia II the ending made me cry....

I came for Chrono Trigger, and I wasn’t disappointed 😎

I really like the trails series. I started YS 8 a few days ago. Not even through the first chapter. I am glad to hear the story will be this amazing. Personally, I would add Suokoden 2, but perhaps I am biased since it is my favorite game of all time.

A fellow story lover! Love to see videos about game stories and I agree with most of these picks especially Y8 I loved the setting and concept Tho is does break my heart not seeing Nier automata on the list jk😅 if you haven’t played it I highly recommend for its story

Ya had me scared that you'd feature a list with Harvestella but not Xenogears, but you came through! Hahaha jkjk But I'd definitely put The World Ends With You on a list like this. It's one I don't see get mentioned very often, but I think the characters and themes they explore really make it some of Square's top notch story telling!

So.. I'm not really a story guy. But in your opinion, do you think that games with "bad" stories are better or worse than games with "meh" stories?

It's funny I've only finished one game mentioned here and 2 others I've only spent a few hours in. I'll be honest I'm surprised that Crystar wasn't mentioned, personally that would make my Top 10 without doubt that and Triangle Strategy, Blue Reflection Second Light, Yakuza 0 as well as the Xenoblade Chronical games just to name a few. And at the moment I'm playing through Mary Skelter 2 and I'm really looking forward to finding out how the two games are connected. I've so many questions.

I’m a massive fan of Tetsuya Takahashi’s work - Xenoblades 1-3 +DLC was my favorite stories - it was massive and sad even at the “end” 800+ hours and worth every minute - love your list 😊❤

Great list. I really enjoyed Valkyria chronicles. 1 and 4 are great games though I think I prefer 1’s story more

Great list! Here is mine, and 3 from the same series: 1. Suikoden II. 108 characters and somehow its the best character game to me. I love the setup and delivery for the entire game. And I fell apart when Nanami...well spoilers. 2. Final Fantasy 6. For me 7 doesn't even get close and 8 is better than 7. The sheer epic of the world and what happens to it is amazing. I loved the characters and the opera scene...chefs kiss 3. Persona 2 both: Not many people have played this, but for me was the best marriage of SMT and the "new thing" there is a monumental sacrifice to the story and I'm a suckered for that 4. Suikoden III. A pretty decent game, with some characterizations that are realistic and atypical...I can't give it away, but I love the subtle way the characters react to things that happen, and how uncertain you are of who really is the good guy...then they dare to put you in the shoes of the man that caused it all...the Luc arc makes Suikoden III 5 Xenoblade chronicles: I'm one of those strange people that actually thinks this is better than Xenogears...which is blasphemy. 6. Trails in the Sky SC: an incredible leap in story quality from the setup of first chapter to everything is gold second. What a game, what a ride. 7. Trails to Azure. Who wouldn't cry after this game. It ups the stakes into the stratosphere, and to the very end, you not only feel for the heroes, you feel for the villains as well. 8 Suikoden 5. When this released, I thought it was a return to form. Instead, it would be the last good one. It's still an amazing story, finishing and adding to stories given in the previous games. 9. Final fantasy tactics: a final fantasy that was anything but typical, giving us political intrigue equal to the apocalyptic nature of other Final fantasies. Of course it's just ogre battle...meaning it's fantastic. 10. Dragon quest V. What was it? 4 generations in one game? And the way everything is a generational struggle, the incredible obstacles overcome and the unique aspect of the main characters (your not the chosen one...your the father of the chosen one...) ...I love this game and finished it several times. Special mention: Phantasy Star IV...a masterpiece of the old, old generation that's been forgotten too soon. RIP Yoshitaka Murayama...and thank you

I'm starting to think he likes Harvestella. 🤔

I'd also include Suikoden 2 on this list. Some other personal preferences but overall pretty good.

13 SENTINELS AEGIS RIM, Xenogears, the Xenoblades, FF6-7-10 (my dirty secret is I consider 10-2 very much a part of 10) and probably FFT too, definitely Radiant Historia Perfect Chronology yeah, Undertale if it counts, CHAINED ECHOES if it counts, Triangle Strategy tries a bit hard but I love it, Fire Emblem: Three Houses, all the Suikodens, Trails in the Sky. Honorary mention to Tales of the Abyss and Tales of Arise, but I think both are flawed. Abyss has weird pacing since it puts a bazillion twists in the first third or so, and Arise is ... if you've played Arise I feel like why it's flawed is so obvious lol but I love love love both. I adoooore Ys VIII but let's just say I'm very surprised to see it on this particular list lol.

That us a good list. I need to get on the ball and get Harvestella before it become one of those expensive games that gets over looked. I would probably put Chrono Cross on my list as for me, it is one of the best games on the original Playstation. My issue with Xenogears is how it is clear they ran of time or money to finish it, and it falls flat on itself (plus, I am still salty to this day about trying to beat the final boss and never being able to).,

Xenosaga is, in my opinion, still the best story ever told. Chrono Trigger I played for the first time about 5 years ago so even with no nostalgia attached I still consider it one of the best games ever made.

I need to play Omori. I have heard it's quite the experience and you convinced me to finally pick it up and play it.

This reminds me that I gotta get back to Ys VIII eventually. I was enjoying the game but the game is a crime to the eyes on Switch so I gotta get it on Steam so it actually looks acceptable lol.

I'm not finished with the video yet but can you place both FF's in the same list? There's such a debate when it comes to those two that I feel like it's not possible. However both of them do have great stories so maybe it's allowed here. All right, time to finish the video.

I would add Suikoden I (haven't played the others), Persona 5, and FF4

The most amazing thing about ff6 having a great story is that it does so with one arm tied behind its back. If the WoR was as polished as the WoB, it would be one of the best stories inside or outside of gaming

Xenogears is that one game that I can still play, today, without any mods Okay, that's an exaggeration; virtually everything with hand drawn art is still on the table. Doubly so if it's pixel art. But, gfd... Xenogears hits just as hard as the year it came out.

Xenoblade Chronicles tops my list, but it's followed by Xenogears, Xenosaga, FFVII, and Chrono Trigger.

Honestly, I’ve played so many JRPGS in the past 10 years and I seriously couldn’t tell you the plot to 9/10 of them. I always lose track of wtf is going on and just sort of jump from town to town, quest to quest, and don’t really know what’s going on with the main story. So many of them are so needlessly convoluted-seriously, does anyone really know wtf happened in FF8? It was so confusing and off the wall and that’s just one example. Tactics ogre reborn, another more recent example. I lost track of that in probably three hours. Don’t get me wrong, I love the gameplay and combat of JRPGs, but I lose track of the stories so fast and they’re always so needlessly complex.

I would put FF 7 (just that game, none of the stuff that came after it) as the fourth best story FF; I rank 6, then 9, then 10, and then 7, and 6 and 9 are really close, with there being a gap between 9 and 10. FF 7 came along at the right time; it was a massive step up in graphics and it was the first playstation FF. I remember that I was the only person in my entire High School who loved FF 6 and Chrono Trigger, but I also remember that everyone was playing FF 7 in my college dorm. FF 7 was so hyped, and it was such a massive step up for the series into mainstream cultural relevance that JRPGs had never had before. It got all the additional stuff because of when it came along. Don't get me wrong, those top 4 FF are all amongst the greatest games I've ever played, being the fourth best FF is still absolutely an elite all-time game. However, I think FF 7 was a product of perfect timing; you can't become what it's become without being a fantastic game, but FF 9, which I feel is a better game, had the exact opposite happen: FF 9 was the product of the worst timing imaginable. Ys 8 and the Trails series have completely ruined Action RPGs and turn-based RPGs for me, respectively. I played Star Ocean: Second Story when it first came out years ago, and I loved it, and right now, I'm playing through Second Story R. The remake is a 10/10 remake, but now, when compared with the Trails series and Ys 8, the flaws of the original Star Ocean Second Story becomes painfully apparent. The way the story just drags on in the second half; the way the plot is resolved with techno-babble "magic" with little in the way of consistency and how it undermines choices and consequences just completely stick out. That's not something I noticed before Trails, but once you've played Trails, it's hard to ask a man to go back.

Radiant Historia my favourite of all 💜

2024 is finally my year for Xenogears and I'm super excited to play it!!

This is why I’m subscribed 😎

Nice vifeo great list

Old school retro rpgs are the best ones Branden, everyone knows that silly man. 😮

Brilliant content yet again Brandon! Story Deffo trumps gameplay (as long as it’s at least half decent haha) I tried to played Tokyo Mirage Sessions FE not long ago and I had to stop as the story was just not for me. You have made me aware of some “gems” here which I will look into further. You reckon the trails series will come to switch? 😂 I’m saving for the Deck but if it comes out before I buy it then boom! I can always dream!

My Top 10 JRPG Stories 10. Grandia II - A complete contrast to the grand adventure vibes from the first Grandia game but Grandia II took things in a darker direction and because the game is very 100% complete friendly it makes the story stick with you more. 9. Xenogears - while folks will say “Good game but disc 2 sucks.” 100% disagree, I feel the challenges and circumstances revolving around Xenogears development actually enhanced the story, the plot twist with Fei and a certain character on Disc 2! still has me chocked up. 8. Persona 3 FES - Along with Nier Automata the most depressing game I have ever played story wise but deals with anxiety, depression and other complicated themes really well. 7. The Legend of Dragoon - For a single entry game, Legend of Dragoon has such rich lore and story beats its the reason why so many folks want a pre-quel or sequel 6. Nier Automata - This is the JRPG that even none JRPG fans love, a game with multiple endings could end in a giant mess but Nier handles everything beautifully 5. Final Fantasy X - The weight of Sin causing that much pain and suffering to Spira for decades and decades and decades still holds up as one of the most interesting narratives in the series 4. Final Fantasy VI - Ticks every box, multi-cast narrative done to perfection (even though technically the Ted Woosley Uncensored version is still the best way to experience it 🤔😂) Opera scene, Celes and Locke, magic story telling 3. Chrono Trigger - The greatest time travel story ever told in fiction, I played the SNES version for the first time back in 2016 and STILL holds up today. 2. Tales of the Abyss - I know Tales of the Abyss is considered in the Tales of holy trinity with fans but I feel Tales of the Abyss doesn’t get enough respect as one of the greatest JRPGs ever made, Luke’s arc in the entire game is so authentic and masterfully done, spoilt amnesia prince to down to earth sympathetic hero by the end, many video games these days would spread TOAT narrative across multiple entries and fail, while TOAT does it within one and succeeds so well. 1. Kingdom Hearts Xehanort Saga - Here me out lol …. I know KH gets dogged one a lot for its story but I personally believe something like MGS gets praised for its complicated story because ‘guns are cool’ while KH is deemed convoluted because it’s disney. I do concede the mobile/PC/Back Cover movie portion of the series did mess up a PERFECT narrative… BUT if you play all the KH games (minus the mobile/PC games and the back cover movie) and include MOM, TWEWY, Neo TWEWY, and Smash Ultimate world of light mode as Sora…… not kidding, the greatest adventure ever told about a boy ‘Sora’ sacrificing himself to save his friends, true love, and the entire world. 🍻

Radiant Historia is one of my favorite games of all time and it's a crime that it's not on the switch. FF6 has the best story of any final fantasy. I would argue that Terra is the main character in the world of balance and Celes is in the world of ruin. Also fun fact, FF6 story was so dark and heavy that Japanese gamers complained and that's why every other final fantasy had crazy tonal shifts. See FF7 where right after the huge section in Midgar falls, killing countless people, you ditch that place and are out on the bright cheery world map. Ys 8 is amazing. I've only played Ys 1 and 8. But I've bought all that ones between on steam. But Ys 8 had a fantastic story with the visions across time and trying to solve the mystery of what happened to the island. Trails is so great. I've only played the first two the last two years. Plan to play the third this year. I just bought harvestella based on yours and chicken fillets recommendation of it. Chrono trigger... What needs to be said. Incredible. Love me some time travel. Xenogears... What would it be like in a world where the second disc was the same as the first?

Very interesting list and not what I was expecting. I admit I haven't actually played many of these - surprisingly. I will absolutely go to bat for Xenogears however. It needs a remake before I die. Better graphics, better translation and full voice acting is All I ask. I would also addThat Xenosaga on the PS2 is on par with it, despite being unfinished. They wrapped it up after 3 games but they could have and were going to do so much more. The first and 3rd games are fantastic, but the story is vastly consistant throughout. If you can play it, do so. Unfortunately it's still stuck ONLY on PS2. That needs to not be so. It's my number 1 game story of all time.

"Track this one down in any way you can" aka Hshop

I don't know if it qualifies, but amongst the games I've played from the Final Fantasy series (most but not all), the very best story for me has been FFXIV. None of the other games had so many moments that had me in tears or left me with my jaw dropped.

Cozy story and easy going games that don’t need a lot of work to complete: Lunar complete story Lunar eternal blue Grandia 1 Games that are semi hard core in terms of story and gameplay Final fantasy 4&6&10 Odin sphere Games that are hard core in terms of story telling: Persona 4 golden (in my opinion it’s the best persona game) Nier automata ( so far the best story I have seen in almost everything) Yakuza like a dragon Judgment the first game And finally tales of bersiria the best tales game ever

Final Fantasy XIV has one of the best stories in any media. People look past it because it's an MMO, but Natsuko Ishikawa and Banri Oda (the lead writer and her loremaster) have crafted an absolute masterpiece that shouldn't be ignored.

- *sees video title* - *checks if Xenogears is in* :D

Xenogears

Storywise Xenogears and FF6 are in my top 1 or 2 of all time Xenogears is hard to play today though for the movement and speed of the game, still love it but it needs some modern love and making the later half less talking and more showing. It does not need a FF7R update, but maybe something more akin to Star Ocean 2 R. FF6 I can still play the original SNES/Super Famicon version just as well as the PR or GBA/DS version.

It pains me so few people were able to play the full Xensosaga Trilogy. The greatest space opera of all time, relegated to obscurity...

It's not true that you won't be able to put down the Trails series. I started last February, then I put it down last August... Well to be fair, that was because I finished all 10 English localized games in original release order. But still, I stopped. Pay no attention to those withdrawal symptoms...

GRANDIA 1 .

FFX and FF Tactics have the best stories in jrpgs ever.

No Suikoden 2 huh? I would’ve replaced it with Understale.

Chrono Trigger is so good

👌🏻

TBH stories are secondary to me as I value more the gameplay in video games. I love a good story but not if it interrupts too heavily with the gameplay. For example, I rank Xenoblade Chronicles 3 much lower than others do because at one point I got so frustrated with not being to actually play the game for over an hour because of cutscenes. That said I want to give the nostalgia shoutout to Final Fantasy IV. Consider at the time, there was really nothing like it story wise and the game just gave me the feels in such a strong way. Also I love your shirt Brandon!

What makes Undertale a JRPG considering it’s not Japanese? Wouldn’t it be a Neo-JPRG or JPRG inspired?

Harvestella!!!!!! Really 😅😂😂😂

Suikoden 2

Final Fantasy Tactics

Undertale, Omori, Ys, Trails, Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger... wasn't expecting to see so many franchises I've played, and I'd agree! ... But if you're including Undertale and Omori I'd lose the J in the video's title for accuracy's sake.

Final Fantasy Tactics is the greatest story in the FF series.

If I may give some criticism, the background music is too busy/invasive my ADHD mind is having trouble focusing on your words.

Personally, I'd consider Xenoblade Chronicles 2 to have one of the best stories - not only do I love the main characters, especially Rex/Pyra/Nia, Zeke, and Tora, but the villains are loveable too. Sure, at first they seem like regular "evil for the sake of evil", but as the story progresses, it becomes clear why Jin is so torn up, why he'd side with Malos - and why Malos is the way he is. Not to mention King Eulogeminos, doing what he thinks is best for the world, then after being proven wrong he becomes quite a nice and memorable guy. It also helps that this fantastic story is complemented by fun and surprisingly deep combat, and a bunch of beautiful Titans and areas to explore; Gormott, Leftherian Archipelago, Tantal, even Morytha and Uraya. Indeed, I find XC2 to be a far more gorgeous and enjoyable game than XC3, as it takes way too many steps backwards in almost every aspect. I'd love for Xenoblade Chronicles 2 to get more recognition and praise - sure, it's not perfect in any way, in terms of gameplay mechanics and the Old Factory in Mor Ardain being the laggiest and most confusing area, and the tutorials provided are lacklustre, but I'd consider it the most enjoyable Xenoblade game by far. The gameplay and characters elevate it even over the first game, and XC: Definitive Edition is still a bloody fantastic game.

I can't help but feel all the accolades you praised in final fantasy 7 trails outpaced already. 7 is basically the only Square Enix game that comes close to the richness of the trails games when it comes to world building. I say that btw as someone who is currently fully immersed in ff7, after being a sceptic of the remake i took the release of rebirth to buy both new games and are currently in the process of making my way through the remake and it's good... and you can argue this would be the vision they had for the original ff7 years ago but couldnt realise it/ flesh it out due to the limitations of that time. But trails world building/story telling is unmatched

Omori isnt a jrpg, also your missing strange journey and the Persona 2 duology

Only would disagree with UT being here considering it's not a jRPG but eh, who cares lol

You can't have the stupidity that is the compilation of FF7 in any kind of a best stories list. The OG FF7? Sure, I don't necessarily agree, but I can see why someone could feel that way. But the compilation? Oh f off with that.

Ys VIIII is hot garbage. No, scratch that... it's more like lukewarm garbage. Feels like a budget title but for full price. Also, while the Trails series is certainly impressive in scope, they're also incredibly tedious at times with so much godawful lazy writing which exists only to pad the runtime and damn near ruining the experience.

The old RPG Games have the better Storys, the better Gameplay. New Games have Cinematic Gameplay, boring Stories and complicated Gameplay. A Story you can tell in 30 Hours, stretched more than 100 Hours.I love JRPG with Story, doesn't need Gameplay like Rune Factory. Harvestella seems to be better without crafting Salat,..... The Story is nice but i didn't need the Simulation Part.