The definition of a JRPG (Japanese Role-Playing Game) is a bit ambiguous. On one hand, it can literally mean an RPG game that's Japanese...
...but on the other hand, it more often refers to a signature style that was historically common among RPGs from Japan—a style that has since been adopted by developers worldwide.
In short, the JRPG has traditionally been an RPG with turn-based combat, a wide roster of characters, and an epic-scale story.
The PS4 has a huge selection of JRPGs for you to play. Here are some of the best JRPGs for the PS4. Just keep in mind that this list includes both conventional and unconventional JRPGs!
8. Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth: Hacker's Memory
If you're a fan of Digimon, you have to play Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth: Hacker's Memory. This is a follow-up to Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth, but it's a new story and you don't need to have played the first one.
You might've been disappointed by Digimon games in the past, but this one is different. It's set in the not so distant future, where reality and the digital world become intertwined.
You play as a Japanese student who becomes victim to identity theft by a hacker, resulting in you being framed for a crime you didn't commit. It's up to you—with the help of the Digimon you befriend—to set things right.
7. Valkyria Chronicles 4
Valkyria Chronicles 4 takes place in 1935 EC, during the same timeline as the original Valkyria Chronicles and Valkyria Chronicles 3. As the Second Europan War rages on, the Atlantic Federation struggles against the Autocratic Eastern Imperial Alliance.
The game follows Squad E, a military unit lead by Claude Wallace. On the battlefield, Valkyria offers turn-based combat where you'll control all aspects of your squad, including the new class of grenadiers.
You need to think strategically—the members of your squad are subject to permadeath!
6. Final Fantasy XV
Final Fantasy is probably the most well-known JRPG of all time. The fifteenth game in the series, Final Fantasy XV, features a vast open-world at the start of the game, and later turns linear.
The plot centers around Noctis Caelum, the prince of Lucis. He travels to Altissia with his close friends, Gladiolus, Ignis, and Prompto, in order to get married. En route, the Niflheim empire attacks the city of Insomnia, forcing Noctis to become king.
5. NieR: Automata
NieR: Automata isn't the most traditional JRPG, as it features real-time combat. Its compelling storyline, beautiful soundtrack, and visual depth make this game one of a kind.
In the post-apocalyptic future, machines have taken over, leaving humans to live on the moon. Now that a group of alien machines has unexpectedly invaded Earth, the humans deploy the YoRHa, an android army.
You play as three different YoRHa units throughout the game, hacking away at enemy bots and collecting plug-in chips to enhance your skills.
4. Tales of Berseria
The Tales series is another long-running set of JRPGs, and Tales of Berseria is the 16th installment.
You take on the role of a demonic young woman named Velvet, who seeks to avenge the death of her brother. With a group of misfits, you'll explore the Holy Midgand Empire and expose the Empire's wrongdoings.
Tales of Berseria features a new battle system that allows you to perform strategic combo attacks. You can control the different characters in your party during battle, taking advantage of each of their diverse abilities.
3. Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom
The first Ni no Kuni was an amazing JRPG released for the PS3. Level 5 collaborated with Studio Ghibli for the original title, creating a visually-stunning game. Although Ni no Kuni II didn't involve Studio Ghibli, the game still retains its signature art style.
You play as the young king, Evan Pettiwhisker Tildrum, who sets out to build a new kingdom. Unlike most JRPGs, Ni no Kuni II features real-time combat, doing away with the turn-based combat in the previous Ni no Kuni game.
2. Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of An Elusive Age
The Dragon Quest series is a long-time staple in the world of JRPGs, and Dragon Quest XI keeps things traditional. Once again, you'll play as the Hero, as you fight monsters and attempt to ward off darkness.
It'll take you 70 hours to complete the whole story, making Dragon Quest XI S well worth your money. Whether you're new to the Dragon Quest series or a die-hard fan, the game's easy-to-learn, yet precise gameplay satisfies both parties.
1. Persona 5 Royal
Persona 5 follows a group of seemingly ordinary high schoolers who also happen to live double lives as Phantom Thieves. When school gets out, you'll get to enter the strange worlds created by the hearts of immoral adults, also known as Palaces.
You'll engage in dungeon-crawling gameplay to make the corrupt adults change their criminal ways. Intriguing themes, a unique modern setting, and classic turn-based gameplay make Persona 5 a must-play.
Make sure you get Persona 5 Royal, as it's the definitive edition of Persona 5 with additional content you'll want to play.
Immerse Yourself in PS4 Worlds
JRPGs are the perfect games to help you escape from reality. Once you delve into the world of a JRPG, it's hard to get out. The above games will undoubtedly have you addicted.
If you want to stay immersed in even more PS4 games, you'll want to check out these super-long PS4 games that offer the best bang for your buck as far as playtime and gameplay length.
