5 best JRPGs of 2024

The JRPG landscape of 2024 has undergone a phase like no other. This year marked a turning point for the genre, as renowned game developers such as Square Enix, Atlus, and Sega made significant strides to promote storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and visual innovation. From fresh takes on old classics to freshly baked new worlds, the JRPG landscape redefined and revealed countless unforgettable experiences that would be written in memories for years to come.

This article will provide a look at the five best JRPGs of 2024, highlighting their distinct features, character paths, and overall reception.

Note: This list is subjective and solely reflects the opinions of the writer.

Metaphor: ReFantazio along with four best JRPGs of 2024

1) Metaphor: ReFantazio

Will (The Protagonist) in Metaphor:ReFantazio (Image via Atlus)

Release date: October 11, 2024
Platform: PS4, PS5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S

With numerous sequels and remakes this year, Metaphor: ReFantazio takes a win with its depth and creativity. This frontrunner for Game of the Year 2024 lets you play as Will — an orphaned boy and childhood friend of a cursed prince. The narrative revolves around Will's participation in a royal tournament to lift the prince's curse and face one of the toughest antagonists, Louis Guiabern.

This game's unique art style and emotional storytelling— players find it refreshingly different from the general JRPGs— make it an easy winner.

Also read: Metaphor ReFantazio review: A journey of words and wonder

2) Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Release date: January 25, 2024
Platform: PS4, PS5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S and Steam

This installment of Like a Yakuza: Like a Dragon was released this January. The game acts as a direct sequel to Yakuza: Like a Dragon, and you can continue to take the role of Ichiban Kasuga, a former yakuza member, or Kazuma Kiryu, who faces one final battle as he enters his twilight years. It's up to the players to choose various paths, like the freelancer job where you can switch to Hero or Sujimancer.

All in all, this Excellence Award JGA 2024 winner game offers a blend of traditional JRPG mechanics with modern storytelling (including depth to the side quests) making it one of the standout games.

3) Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (Image via Square Enix)

Release date: February 29, 2024
Platform: PS5

As a sequel to the critically acclaimed Final Fantasy VII Remake, FF VII Rebirth picks up immediately after the events of its predecessor, expanding the story beyond Midgar and exploring plotlines and character developments. Players once again control Cloud Strife and his allies from the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE as they navigate a beautifully crafted world and battle Shinra Corporation and let you beat once and for all "Sepiroth," the antagonist.

This February release offers you one of the best open-world explorations and over 36 side quests (like Flowers From the Hill, Stuck in a Rut, etc.) throughout the game.

4) Persona 3 Reload

Release date: February 2, 2024
Platform: PS4, PS5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S and Steam

P3 Reload by Atlus brings the visuals and game mechanics of the Persona 3 game into the modern era. You take the role of Makoto Yuki, a student entangled in the supernatural Dark Hour, where he discovers he can summon Personas. Unlike most JRPGs that focus on lighthearted adventures or epic quests, the game evolves into themes like free will and mortality. The use of the Evoker (a device that mimics suicide to summon Personas) is a striking example of Persona's mature approach.

This JRPG title is heavily character-focused, with each member of S.E.E.S.(Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad) having their struggles and development. However, by sticking with the old dungeon design, it lacks the thematic variety found in Persona 5.

5) Visions of Mana

The lead "Val" in Visions of Mana (Image via Square Enix)

Release date: August 29, 2024
Platform: PS4, PS5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S and Steam

The 2024 release from Ouka Studios and Square Enix marks the fifth entry for the long-running Mana JRPG franchise. You take the role of young hero Val as he quests to restore the world’s fading elemental magic forces. Blending action combat with exploration, you can utilize spells for both monster battles and puzzles. Post-defeat foes like Eoren drop ability seeds for deep character customization in stats and powers.

While this title may offer groundbreaking storytelling, its strengths lie in gameplay and exploration, appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.