There are RPGs, and then there are JRPGs. Japan’s take on the West-spawned genre is just as obsessed with hit points and deep fantasy lore, but it applies a unique swagger and sensibility to proceedings.
As someone who’s been gaming since the ’90s, I can honestly say that Lunar: Silver Star Story Touch brought back some nostalgic vibes! The game is a delightful blend of adventure, humor, and an innovative battle system, complete with an hour of anime-worthy cutscenes. If you’re a fan of JRPGs, give it a try!
As a gamer, I’m no stranger to the quirks of JRPGs – they love tossing around over-the-top characters with spikes in their hairdo and a case of amnesia, and let’s not forget the absurdly oversized swords that seem to come standard with the package.
Hey there, I’m reminiscing about my time with Cloud Strife, the main protagonist from Final Fantasy VII. You know, he’s that guy who’s got a mysterious past, a buster sword at his side, and a heart full of determination. Yet, it seems like many other JRPG heroes I’ve encountered share similar traits – stoic, strong-willed, and capable of growing beyond their initial selves. That’s the beauty of these games, isn’t it? Each character has a unique journey that resonates with us in one way or another.
Among the iconic and lengthy-running Final Fantasy series, various other Japanese Role Playing Game (JRPG) franchises have also made a significant impact. Dragon Quest enjoys widespread adoration, while the SaGa and Monster Hunter titles are also highly popular.
Here’s a fun fact: You can enjoy an array of popular game franchises directly on your iPhone or iPad now! Plus, you’ll find plenty of innovative Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) waiting for discovery, whether they’re exclusive to Apple Arcade or available across the App Store.
1 Final Fantasy IX
Publisher:
Square Enix
Available on: iOS + Android + PSP
Genre: Adventure, RPG
Find out more about Final Fantasy IX
Frequently undervalued, Final Fantasy IX stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Final Fantasy VII as among the finest 3D installments in the series. In this game, you’ll join Zidane and his companion, a captured princess on her mission to return home. The mobile version of this game is exceptionally well done, making it an excellent introduction or re-entry into the Final Fantasy universe.
2 Dragon Quest VIII
Publisher: Square Enix
Available on: iOS + Android + 3DS
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
Among all the JRPGs on mobile I’ve played so far, none seems to be as delightful or visually stunning as Dragon Quest VIII. If there’s one that outshines it, I haven’t encountered it yet. What makes this port even more appealing is its switch to portrait mode for a smoother gaming experience. The narrative revolves around an ancient staff, which was once sealed, but now a selfish magician has awakened it with ill intentions of putting a deep sleep curse on the entire town. It’s our job to protect our home by thwarting this evil sorcerer’s plans.
3 Chrono Trigger
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Available on: iOS + Android + DS
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Chrono Trigger
One of the finest JRPGs ever made, with a dizzying time-traveling plot and excellent combat. Thanks to a recent upgrade, this is a much better port than it used to be. This game has a story that focuses on different eras throughout time, going through the middle ages, the present, the future, and even exploring ancient times. Your goal is simple; to save the planet’s future.
4 Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition
Publisher: Square Enix
Available on: iOS
Find out more about Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition
For this daring undertaking, Square Enix stepped away from its focus on porting games to instead create a mobile adaptation of Final Fantasy XV, complete with a new graphics engine and refined gameplay mechanics. This mobile edition features high-quality voice acting, so you can immerse yourself further by plugging in your headphones for an enhanced experience! The streamlined combat system and evocative narrative may stir feelings of nostalgia.
Download Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition
5 KonoSuba: Fantastic Days
Developer: Nexon
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Adventure, RPG
Find out more about KonoSuba: Fantastic Days
For an excellent reason, this app tops the App Store’s Comedy Anime JRPG category! Journey alongside Megumin, Kazuma, Aqua, and other endearing characters, all voiced by their original anime voice actors. The tale is filled with laughter, from our protagonist yearning for a laid-back life to the quest of saving the world from the Devil King. Nexon has masterfully crafted an unforgettable adventure.
Download KonoSuba: Fantastic Days
6 Sword of Convallaria
Available on: iOS + Android + Steam
Genre: RPG, Strategy
Find out more about Sword of Convallaria
The unique pixel art game, Convallaria’s Sword, is a valuable addition to this collection! In this game, you engage in turn-based battles where you deploy your team and strategize their moves on the battlefield. However, combat isn’t the only aspect; you’ll also encounter decisions that impact your town and the narrative. Building relationships, enhancing skills, and delving into the mineral-rich land of Iria are essential as you navigate through this captivating story.
7 Bleach: Brave Souls
Publisher: KLab
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: 3D, Action
Find out more about Bleach: Brave Souls
Despite being primarily an action RPG rather than a Japanese RPG, we couldn’t resist adding Bleach: Brave Souls to our collection. After all, it’s based on one of the most renowned anime and manga series in history! The game boasts an excellent cooperative mode that allows you to re-experience the story alongside your friends. Additionally, there’s a thrilling arena mode where you can challenge other players to showcase your skills.
The Bleach: Brave Souls
8 Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth
Publisher: Square Enix
Available on: iOS + Android + PSP
Genre: Action, RPG
Find out more about Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth
As a devoted gaming enthusiast, I must say that revisiting the captivating world of Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth feels like stepping into a time machine to relive one of Square Enix’s most enigmatic role-playing adventures. This remake combines the unique side-scrolling gameplay with an exhilarating narrative that breathes fresh life into Norse mythology, making it an unforgettable journey for fans and newcomers alike.
Download Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth
9 Fantasian
Available on: iOS + Apple Arcade
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Fantasian
An exceptional, seldom-seen mobile RPG original by Mistwalker, led by the esteemed creator of Final Fantasy, Hironobu Sakaguchi, presents Fantasian. This game offers everything an enthusiast of JRPGs could desire, with a visually stunning world meticulously crafted by hand.
10 Genshin Impact
Developer: Hoyoverse
Publisher: Hoyoverse
Available on: iOS + Android + Switch
Genre: 3D, Action, Adventure
Find out more about Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact, though developed by Chinese studio miHoYo, showcases elements reminiscent of Japanese Role Playing Games (JRPG). It blends an expansive open-world akin to Breath of the Wild with contemporary gacha gameplay mechanisms, explaining its widespread popularity.
For any character you choose in Genshin Impact, we provide comprehensive guides to help you navigate smoothly. These guides might be the key difference between finding the game challenging or sailing through it effortlessly. Additionally, don’t forget to use the codes for Genshin Impact and grab some free items – why not? It’s a great way to enhance your gaming experience!
11 Fate/Grand Order
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Fate/Grand Order
In the realm of mobile games, Fate/Grand Order, drawing inspiration from the captivating world of anime and manga, stands out as one of the finest on the App Store currently. If you’re familiar with its source material, you’re in for a delightful continuation. The game doesn’t disappoint when it comes to character advancement and player-led growth. It’s truly remarkable! So impressive, in fact, that we felt compelled to create a Fate Grand Order rank list. Rest assured, our list is always current as we consistently update it with new characters.
12 Guardian Tales
Publisher: Kakao Games
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Guardian Tales
In a delightful blend of timeless classics such as Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete and Tales of Destiny, coupled with contemporary humor and gacha gameplay mechanics, Guardian Tales strikes the perfect balance between the old and the new. We’ve meticulously crafted our own Guardian Tales character tier list, where every character is ranked for your convenience. But that’s not all! Alongside this, we have exclusive codes for Guardian Tales that we are excited to share. What makes them even more appealing? They are consistently updated, ensuring they stay fresh and relevant whenever you decide to check them out.
13 Romancing SaGa 3
Publisher: Square Enix
Available on: iOS + Android + PS Vita + Switch
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Romancing SaGa 3
Originally unavailable in the West until now, this 1995 SNES game is considered a hidden gem. It offers eight different viewpoints and traditional turn-based battle mechanics. The updated release includes a fresh dungeon to traverse, additional storylines, and a new game+ feature for enhanced replayability.
14 Another Eden
Available on: iOS + Android + Steam
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Another Eden
This game, Another Eden, boasts an impressive heritage, being developed by renowned JRPG creator Masato Kato, known for his work on Chrono Trigger and Xenogears. It’s a spiritual sequel to the latter, but also includes features that cater to mobile gaming, such as Gacha mechanics.
To give the game a spin, don’t forget to glance at our Another Eden character rankings as well. That way, you’ll be aware of who to focus on playing!
15 Monster Hunter Stories
Publisher: Capcom
Available on: iOS + 3DS
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Monster Hunter Stories
In a new twist compared to other Monster Hunter games, this version for Nintendo 3DS adopts a cuter, Pokemon-style approach. Yet, it still retains the captivating action role-playing game (RPG) experience that’s currently winning hearts everywhere.
Download Monster Hunter Stories
16 Disgaea 1 Complete
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG, Strategy
Find out more about Disgaea 1 Complete
Refreshingly updated version of one of the best JRPGs from the PlayStation 2 era, Disgaea stands out as an exceptionally complex isometric strategy game with a humorous narrative. Its unique combat system, combining isometric turn-based battles, offers strategic depth. In this zany universe, each new piece of equipment becomes a fresh battleground, making Disgaea truly one-of-a-kind.
17 Secret of Mana
Publisher: Square Enix
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Secret of Mana
As a dedicated gamer from the SNES era, I can’t help but feel affectionate towards The Secret of Mana. This fantastic role-playing game stands as a charming bridge connecting the worlds of Dragon Quest and Zelda, offering an engaging real-time combat system and a vibrant, lush environment that truly brings it to life.
18 SaGa Frontier Remastered
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Adventure, RPG
Find out more about SaGa Frontier Remastered
Indeed, once again we have a Square Enix remaster, but SaGa Frontier Remastered stands out as an expansive Director’s Cut of a distinctively obscure jewel in the crown of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPG).
Download SaGa Frontier Remastered
19 Final Fantasy VII
Publisher: Square Enix
Available on: iOS + Android + 3DS
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Final Fantasy VII
Among the cherished and widely appreciated role-playing games ever made, Final Fantasy VII remains endearing due to its charming characters and engaging storyline. Although this particular port may not be the top-notch, the game’s brilliance is still evident.
20 Tower of Fantasy
Available on: iOS + Android + Steam
Genre: Action, RPG
Find out more about Tower of Fantasy
This game is set in a cyberpunk universe, teeming with distinctive anime characters, potent weaponry, and formidable adversaries. With its top-notch visuals, you’ll be immersed in stunning battles and an enchanting world brimming with thrilling adventures.
21 Honkai: Star Rail
Publisher: Hoyoverse
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Honkai: Star Rail
Star Rail: Honkai is an exceptional role-playing game (JRPG) and an engaging adventure title. It’s among the most visually advanced games, boasting stunning visuals and memorable characters that linger in your mind long after you stop playing. Despite being developed by the same team as Genshin Impact, its gameplay differs significantly, as it follows a turn-based format instead.
22 Evertale
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Evertale
Evertale harks back to the classic JRPG era of the ’90s, reminiscent of games like Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy and their contemporaries. Its gameplay bears a striking resemblance to these grand titles, allowing you to guide a single character on the map while fielding an entire team during battles. The narrative may not be groundbreaking, but it’s engaging enough to warrant giving it a try.
23 Lunar: Silver Star Story Touch
Publisher: SoMoGa
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Lunar: Silver Star Story Touch
This game harks back to the nostalgic era of ’90s JRPG classics. Lovingly referred to as LSSS, it’s a delightful, humorous journey that offers a unique combat system and approximately an hour of scenes reminiscent of anime.
Download Lunar: Silver Star Story Touch
24 Fire Emblem: Heroes
Publisher: Nintendo
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Strategy
Find out more about Fire Emblem: Heroes
As a gamer, I can’t help but be captivated by the enchanting world of Fire Emblem Heroes (FEH), a JRPG with engaging gacha elements that hooks you from the get-go with its immersive storyline. The gameplay is top-notch too, making it an exceptional addition to any RPG enthusiast’s collection. Once you dive into this game, putting it down can be quite challenging. For those who are interested in giving FEH a try, I strongly recommend checking out our Fire Emblem: Heroes tier list for some helpful guidance on your journey through the game.
25 Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius
Publisher: Square Enix
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius
Final Fantasy Brave Exvius stands out as an engaging Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG) crafted by renowned developers for iOS devices. This captivating world teems with extraordinary occurrences and thrilling journeys. The game’s setting, music, and visuals are all spot on. Meanwhile, don’t forget to explore our compilation of top tycoon games tailored for iPhone and iPad!
Download Final Fantasy Brave Exvius
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2024-08-28 11:50