Key takeaways
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Traditional JRPGs like Dragon Quest 11 feature exceptional casts with diverse backgrounds and personalities.
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Games like Eternal Sonata and Yakuza: Like A Dragon push the boundaries with unique and exceptional party members.
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Titles like Persona 5 Royal and Final Fantasy 7 feature iconic characters in stories full of depth and growth.
It’s nearly impossible to separate the role-playing game genre from its roots, as the origins of brave adventurers on a quest to stop the ultimate evil is a story as old as time. So rooted in the world of fiction, traditional role-playing game templates like Dungeons and Dragons played a major role in influencing early Japanese role-playing games, such as Dragon Search and final fantasy. One element that JRPGs have continued to take advantage of is the concept of a cast of fascinating and charming party members that the player can travel with.
Whether it’s a squad of brave rebels attempting to overthrow a tyrannical empire or a group of brave heroes in battle against an ancient evil, the casts of the industry’s best JRPGs have captivated and delighted players for decades. Their rebellious wit and inspiring heroism are also often at the center of their internal conflicts, as the best JRPG actors are not best friends from day one, but rather a group of people who have their own shades of morality.
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Eternal Sonata
Exclusive JRPG Features Cast Named After Musical Instruments and Styles
Eternal Sonata is one of the most fascinating games of the seventh generation of consoles, as it is the story of the famous composer of the romantic era Frédéric Chopin, who dreams the world of the game while dying of tuberculosis in 1849. This leads him to meet a fabulous list of characters, all of whom are named after different instruments and musical styles.
They are all imbued with a distinctive personality, as Viola’s brash, hardened exterior contrasts starkly with Jazz’s more reserved demeanor. It’s also one of the largest casts in a JRPG, as it can be played with a total of 12 characters. Eternal SonataThe whimsical story of death and the value of life.
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Yakuza: like a dragon
Beat ‘Em Up turned JRPG has an amazing cast
when he yakuza The franchise went from a beat ’em up action series to a turn-based RPG with like a dragon In 2020 it used some of the best traditions of the genre and its star party is a key aspect. Newcomer Ichiban Kasuga replaced veteran series protagonist Kazuma Kiryu and brought with him a group of exceptional characters, as they all come together in one of yakuza greater entries.
Led by the endearing Ichiban, characters like Nanba and Adachi add a kind of gruff toughness to the group, which tends to work perfectly in conjunction with the flashier characters. Meanwhile, Zhao simply oozes charisma and feels like a more traditional person. yakuza character from previous games. They grow together, sometimes through shared experiences and sometimes through conflict, but it’s simply a pleasure to watch them evolve on their arduous quest through Japan and the criminal underworld.
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Final Fantasy 9
PS1 Swan Song is full of memorable characters
As a farewell to the PS1 era of final fantasy and a love letter to the series’ roots, the ninth main entry in this long-running JRPG franchise features a truly wonderful cast of characters. The charismatic thief Zidane and his undeniable chemistry with one of the most important female characters in video games, Princess Garnet, serve as the foundation of the party, while new cast members enter at a perfect pace.
Steiner evolves from a flamboyant, somewhat broad oaf to one of the best characters in the game, while the heartbreaking fate of black mage Vivi is one of the Final Fantasy 9The most tragic and compelling arcs. In a franchise already filled with iconic heroes, Final Fantasy 9 manages to stand out and feature a phenomenal cast, some of whom have become some of the most popular characters in the series.
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Radiant History: Perfect Chronology
Atlus JRPG features an entertaining cast
Radiant History was a dual production of Atlus and Headlock, which was made up of former tri-Ace staff. The PS2 JRPG Radiata Stories served as a base, while Atlus and Headlock moved forward in creating a new JRPG with similar thematic elements. It was later remade for the 3DS as Radiant History: Perfect Chronologyand while Radiata Stories It had an excellent cast of characters, this team between Atlus and Deadlock produced one of the best JRPG casts of all time.
The quiet and reserved Stocke is front and center, as his leadership skills complement other characters, such as the bright and hopeful Raynie, a former mercenary. Completing the cast are Eruca, an empathetic princess, and the cheerful Aht. Their relationships are forged from external and internal conflicts, since at the end of the story they feel like a connected whole. Radiant HistoryThe excellent campaign.
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Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes of an elusive era
JRPG game fulfills traditional roles with an exceptional title
Dragon quest 11 came out during a time when JRPGs were veering in decidedly more mature directions, so its commitment to traditional fantasy narratives and characters was able to make old things seem new again. Its fabulous cast of characters begins with the appropriately titled Hero, a classic JRPG protagonist who embodies the Chosen One as Luminary trope.
Along the way, Luminary is joined by the likes of a brazen thief named Erik, as well as a strong-willed martial artist named Jade and a caring healer named Serena. Dragon quest 11The cast feels like a throwback to the golden age of the genre, featuring a diverse group coming from different backgrounds and worlds in an adventure that spans the beautiful world of Erdrea.
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Persona 5 Real
The Phantom Thieves are some of the best in the genre
Full Atlus Persona 5 Real with an exceptional and magnetic cast of characters with which to live their story. Known as the Phantom Thieves, starting with the trio of Joker, Ann and Ryuji, they expand to become one of the gaming industry’s most popular and beloved casts of all time.
Whether it’s the complicated and twisted relationship between Makoto and his sister Sae Niijima, the police detective who hunts down the Phantom Thieves, or the undeniable charm of hacker Futaba, this ever-evolving group of vigilantes is a joy. Other favorites include the quirky Haru and the eccentric Kitagawa, as the Phantom Thieves have become superstars in the gaming industry even outside of Japan. Persona 5 Real. This all-star cast has appeared outside of the main game several times, including appearances in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
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Final Fantasy 7
Iconic PS1 JRPG pits Avalanche against Shinra
If any franchise is known for its rich history of ensemble casts, it’s final fantasyand with the seventh entry, Square went all out by creating some of the most iconic and popular characters in the genre. Collectively known as Avalanche, this group of diverse freedom fighters battle the Shinra Electric Power Company, attempting to save the planet from their insidious exploits. Led by Barret Wallace, one of gaming’s first POC protagonists, Avalanche becomes a symbol of freedom and protection from Gaia.
The rest of Avalanche is rounded out by Tifa, a childhood friend of former SOLDIER Cloud, who joins the group at the beginning of the game. The traditional JRPG trio formula works wonders, as she sets them up before introducing the rest of the group. Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge are adorable together, while honorary members like Yuffie and Cid round out the rest of the group. Final Fantasy 7The everlasting success and popularity cannot be denied, and it is largely due to its remarkable cast of heroes, who have stood the test of time.
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Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
The classic Wii JRPG retains all its charming characters on Switch
After finally launching in the West in 2010, Xenoblade Chronicles It became one of the most beloved JRPGs on the console. So when it was remade for Nintendo Switch in 2020, it became the best way to experience the epic journey of Shulk and the rest of the crew. And when it comes to the crew Xenoblade Chroniclesis easily the best cast of characters ever assembled for a JRPG.
Leading them is Shulk, one of the genre’s greatest protagonists, who begins as a young man desperately dedicated to his work while ignoring the complexity of human emotions. Along with Shulk, Xenoblade Chronicles It also features the lovable oaf Reyn, as well as the suave Dunban. They all play off each other brilliantly, rounded out by the kind-hearted Princess Melia and the fiercely protective Sharla. Their chemistry between them is notable, and several members of the game’s cast have appeared in spin-offs and featured films. Xenoblade 3 Chronicles downloadable content, Future redeemed.