Here are 10 must-play JRPGs on the Switch that you should totally play.
Sometimes you just want to sit down and sink your teeth into some lengthy video games. JRPGs are perfect for that craving. Whether it be for the deep story or the multitude of content, they have something for everyone. The Switch is full of JRPGs and here are ten of them you should consider playing.
Oh, and before we get started, yes you’ll be seeing a lot of Square Enix here. They just happen to make some of the best in the genre! Here’s a list of 10 must play Switch JRPGs!
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Literally Any Final Fantasy
Starting this 10 must-play Switch JRPGs list, we have one of the biggest titles. Where do you start with Final Fantasy? Simply put, there is a lot of them. We could’ve been lazy and just listed them individually. The Switch has become home to pretty much all of the popular entries in the series. Final Fantasy VII is, of course, one that people don’t seem to shut up about. Especially after the release of the FFVII remake last week. That one is actually really good though – you play as a guy with a massive sword. Now that I think about it, that’s what you do in nearly every Final Fantasy game. There’s something for everyone. If you want more emphasis on a fantasy setting, Final Fantasy IX is probably up your alley. There’s no wrong answer, so just give on a go. You won’t regret it. Although if you do, there’s a high chance of becoming infatuated with the franchise itself.
Octopath Traveler
Octopath Traveler returns to the classical style of JRPG that was highly popular in the 80s and 90s. It does all that while boasting one beautifully crafted pixel art aesthetic. Combine all this with a deep, meaningful narrative and you’ve got something amazing here. Even the first part of the game’s title “Octopath” has various meanings. It is an anagram for the eight playable characters and also references the number of them too. When I realized this, my mind was blown. It may be something simple, but it’s really cool when you think about it. Learning the backstories behind some of the characters is interesting and will keep you hooked for many hours.
Dragon Quest XI S: Echo Of An Elusive Age – Definitive Edition
I’ve taken the liberty of shortening the title of this game. Dragon Quest XI S: Echo of an Elusive Age is easily one of the best JRPGs in recent memory. It launched on PlayStation 4 back in 2018 and then finally hit Nintendo Switch last year. Switch owners get the privilege of exploring exclusive content, making this the obvious definitive way to experience DQ11. There’s a great story here with a unique combat system that will keep you on your toes. This is also the perfect entryway into the series, so if you’ve been wanting to play Dragon Quest – play this one.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is an excellent JRPG with a deep combat system. It takes some getting used to, but mastering it is a fun learning experience. XC2 is very much one of those anime-inspired titles with a lot of tropes going for it. Many characters look like they came straight out of an anime, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The game takes place in Alrest, a world shrouded in a sea of clouds. Humans live on top of Titans and utilize the power of Blades – powerful beings that can be summoned by certain humans called Drivers. XC2 is a long game, and the story is something that gets progressively interested. It does suffer from a slow beginning but if you persevere, you’re in for a treat.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Fire Emblem is simply brilliant. If you’ve never had the liberty of playing one, Three Houses is a perfect start. Three Houses has some of the best mechanics in the series and a beautiful art-style to coincide with it all. FETH is a tactical JRPG, you control units on the battlefield to win battles against various enemies. In this entry, you take on the role as a Professor in the Garreg Mach monastery. This means you have more control over the units in your party. At the beginning of the game, you choose one of three houses. This includes the Blue Lions, Black Eagles or the Golden Deer. To get the full experience, you definitely want to play through all three routes. The narrative plays out in a similar fashion, but with some major changes down the line. Three Houses is a must-play Switch title and deserves to be apart of any games collection.
Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered
This title is a classic JRPG from 2013 and it made its way to Switch last year. Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered resembles that of a Studio Ghibli animation. That impression is spot-on as Studio Ghibli was directly involved with the games animated sequences. Developer Level 5 then decided to make the game’s art style reflect the animation, making it into a playable Studio Ghibli film. The game’s story retains some influence from Ghibli cartoons, resulting in a heart-warming coming of age tale. To avoid saying too much, just go play it! It’s worth every penny!
Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition
Tales of Vesperia was originally released in 2009 but saw a re-release last year in January. It was released to celebrate the game’s 10th anniversary. This version of the game includes improved visuals and all content from the Japanese exclusive PS3 version. The gameplay is very much that of an action-RPG. Although it feels like a button-mashing simulator, it gets deeper further on. In between combat, you’ll be exploring a 3D environment. It does feel somewhat restrictive, but enemies will appear to keep you on your toes. Tales of Vesperia is a classic JRPG and is easily recommendable.
Rune Factory 4: Special
Rune Factory 4: Special is yet another re-release. The original game was released in 2013 on the Nintendo 3DS. Rune Factory 4: Special is what you’d get if Harvest Moon had a baby with Final Fantasy. Throughout the game, you’ll be farming, questing, exploring dungeons, and even marrying somebody if you want. It’s very much a feel-good game, with a similar vibe to Animal Crossing. Some moments aren’t as relaxed as the Switch’s flagship feel-good game, but farming definitely has a relaxing vibe surrounding it. If you’re into these types of games, check out Rune Factory 4: Special.
Valkyria Chronicles 4
Valkyria Chronicles 4 is a strategy game where you partake in a unique battle system called “BLITZ.” You’ll control your troops with an overhead map but will then take control of them on the battlefield in Action Mode. The gameplay is easy to learn but hard to fully master. If you’re interested in looking at other games in the series, the definitive version of the original title is also available on the Switch. If you prefer a more intense JRPG experience, this one might be for you.
The World Ends With You Final Remix
Closing our list of 10 must-play Switch JRPGs, we have a fascinating adventure. The World Ends With You Final Remix was developed by the same team that created the Kingdom Hearts series. The character designer is none other than Tetsuya Nomura, the artist who designed other iconic Square Enix characters. He was also the director of Kingdom Hearts and the recently released Final Fantasy VII Remake.
The World Ends With You has a unique control scheme on Switch. It allows the use of touch controls in handheld mode and utilization one Joy-Con while playing docked. The Final Remix version also includes a new scenario, adding new content to an already great video game. The story is best to experience it for yourself, so I won’t get into all that. This title is a fan-favorite, so definitely give it a go if you’re interested.
Are you interested in any of these 10 must-play Switch JRPGs? Let us know down below!
