JRPGs took a while to get popular in North America. Final Fantasy 7 is one big contributor to getting more Westerners into the genre, along with Kingdom Hearts and Persona 4 Golden, among many others. Now, the sub-genre of RPGs is very popular, and fans look forward to the next big AAA experience.
However, because it took so long for the genre to catch on, players may have missed the opportunity to play the following JRPGs for one reason or another. They may also have not even known these existed because they were trapped in Japan. These JRPGs may be hard to find and play now officially, but where there is a will, there is a way. Also, in an effort to diversify, the systems will be mixed to create a broader view of JRPG history.
Lufia 2: Rise Of The Sinistrals
A Top Ten Buried
Lufia 2: Rise of the Sinistrals is one of the best JRPGs on the SNES, one of the best JRPG prequels, and one of the JRPGs full stop, but it is widely not available to play by official means, nor are the other titles in the franchise.
The turn-based combat was simple, but the sprites were expressive during combat, giving it a more whimsical feel for the era. There were puzzles in dungeons, a compelling story, fun characters, and a big adventure awaiting on the world map. The game was remade, or more like reimagined, on the DS as Lufia: Curse of the Sinistrals, and that too is unavailable.
Breath Of Fire 4
The OTHER Dragon Quest
Square Enix has been good about re-releasing Dragon Quest games, including the recently released Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake. Capcom has not been on top of their dragon-themed franchise, Breath of Fire, in quite the same way. Strangely, though, one of the best entries, Breath of Fire 4, was made available through GOG in April 2025.
It came out in the middle of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 fever, so it was buried yet again, just as it was in 2000 on the PS1. JRPG and Capcom fans owe it to themselves to check it out, as the sprite-based models still look good and the turn-based combat is just as engaging, especially with all the cool dragon transformations that the hero, Ryu, could perform.
Mega Man X: Command Mission
Mega Man’s Other RPG
Another ill-fated Capcom JRPG is Mega Man X: Command Mission. When it comes to RPGs based on the Blue Bomber, most tend to think about the Mega Man Battle Network franchise, but this was the X franchise’s one attempt at a turn-based RPG.
The battle system was similar to Final Fantasy 10’s, with players being able to equip three party members, both familiar and new, for combat. Unlike Final Fantasy 10, though, Mega Man X: Command Mission was hard, but worthwhile since it expanded the X franchise beyond action platformers, and the cel-shading looked great. The PS2 and GameCube versions have sadly never been re-released.
Onimusha Tactics
Grid-Based Horror
Onimusha Tactics was an odd choice for a spinoff because it took the established themes of the action horror franchise on the PS2 and simplified them for kids on the Game Boy Advance. Players were still a gifted samurai who wielded an Oni Gauntlet, capable of giving them demonic strength.
Also, they faced Lord Nobunaga and his demon army in battle, albeit through tactical combat instead similar to Final Fantasy Tactics Advance. While the defanging of the Onimusha franchise may have felt bizarre to some, it was a decent little GBA JRPG that Capcom should revive, leading up to the release of Onimusha: Way of the Sword.
The Wizard Of Oz: Beyond The Yellow Brick Road
A Better Wicked
The Wizard of Oz: Beyond the Yellow Brick Road is a DS RPG obviously based around the Oz property, albeit with an original Japanese spin. The game was developed by Media.Vision, who most may know from the Wild Arms and Valkyria Chronicles franchises.
Players controlled Dorothy in dungeons with a trackball using the bottom screen of the DS, and battles were turn-based, with each party member being strong against a specific enemy type. This hulking version of the Tin Man was good against plants thanks to his axe, for example. Like many DS JRPGs, this was a niche release, and it’s a shame because Media.Vision put their back into it.
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This article originally appeared on GameRant and is republished here with permission.
