Hey everyone! I loved JRPGs as a kid, but as I grew up, I struggled to find newer titles that I enjoy. I recently finished Final Fantasy X and Expedition 33, and I’m craving more, but I have specific preferences. I want games with fun gameplay that aren’t just about spamming strong attacks. Ideally, the stories should be engaging without relying too much on convenient plot twists. I’d like to avoid cliché characters and excessive nonsense moments, like odd mech transformations. I’ve played a bunch of titles already: I liked Final Fantasy VI through X (with VIII being my favorite due to its story and world-building), but I didn’t enjoy games like Dragon Quest due to their gameplay, or Persona because of its life-sim elements. I thought Earthbound missed the mark for me in both gameplay and story. I really enjoyed Chained Echoes for its great story and music. I’m on PC, and I’m excited to hear what you all have to recommend!
5 Answers
You might want to explore clearer turn-based options. **Cosmic Star Heroine** is an indie gem that’s fun and full of charm. Also, **Trails** or the **Ys** series could fit your needs, providing robust stories with engaging combat without the clichés you’re trying to avoid!
I think you might enjoy **Grandia 2**! Its gameplay features great battle mechanics and an evolving system that keeps it fun, despite some cliché characters and story flaws. If you play it on PC, remember to tweak the compatibility settings to avoid crashes. And you might also want to check out **Shadow Hearts 1 and 2**—they’re unique and engaging!
Check out the **Atelier** series for a lighter, crafting-focused JRPG experience! Games like **Atelier Ryza** or **Rune Factory** combine cozy mechanics with RPG elements, which might hit the sweet spot for you. Also consider trying **Xenoblade Chronicles** for a massive adventure with a bit more engagement in gameplay.
If you’re open to some newer titles, give **Clair Obscur: Expedition 33** a shot! It has a more modern feel, requiring active engagement rather than just classic menu navigation—great if you’re looking for something different!
You should definitely try **Romancing SaGa 2**! While the overall story isn’t groundbreaking, you’ll find interesting character customization and an open-world feel. The gameplay is reminiscent of **Octopath Traveler**, focusing on exploiting enemy weaknesses which might appeal to you.
Sounds cool, I’ll give it a shot!
Thanks for the recommendation!