10 Other Magnificent JRPGs To Play!
Chrono Trigger is regarded as one of the best JRPGs of all time. Many people cherish this game for its well-written cast, beautiful character animations, and fantastical world. The gameplay is addictive and the music that coincides with its epic battles and dialogue-driven scenarios aids in players’ engagement with the game. It set the stage for many JRPGs to follow and helped usher in a craze for more memorable quests like it.
If you’ve finished playing Chrono Trigger and are looking for alternatives – fret not! We’ve combed through the archives and saved you the hassle with our top 10 picks.
Of course, for all the games we’ve reviewed, we’ve also added a handy link, so you can check out our full thoughts on that and see if it’s something you want to invest your time in.
So without further ado, we present 10 games to check out if you’re looking for a game like Chrono Trigger.
Final Fantasy (Franchise)
Final Fantasy is a staple franchise under Square Enix’s belt. It contains well-written plots, memorable characters, and gripping gameplay fans can’t get enough of. Future installments would steer away from the franchise’s turn-based roots, but the “fantasy” aspect of the series is intact. Each game carries an enchanting atmosphere on par with what you’d find in Chrono Trigger.
This franchise carries well-designed levels that are fun to explore. Each area features countless NPCs that are fun to interact with and share great insight that’ll help you on your journey or will make you ponder for a moment. Unlike Chrono Trigger, future Final Fantasy titles carry strong voice acting that’ll help players immerse themselves in each game’s plot.
That’s not to disparage Chrono Trigger’s incredible tale, though. However, it’s worth noting since many people like titles that offer stellar voice acting. If you’re looking for another incredible JRPG that will immerse you in its lore and world, check out the Final Fantasy franchise.
Dragon Quest (Franchise)
Dragon Quest is the grandfather of JRPGs. Like Chrono Trigger, this game features character designs from well-known Dragon Ball author, Akira Toriyama. Alongside splendid character designs, Dragon Quest offers Chrono Trigger fans several narratives worth exploring. Each Dragon Quest game follows a different protagonist and has them prevent a villainous plot from occurring.
The game’s turn-based battle system remains the same but each game receives slightly better graphics over time. Future Dragon Quest games also contain stellar voice acting, allowing players to engage with the specific game’s narrative, cast, and world. Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age introduces a neat gameplay feature that allows players to play the game in 2D, though.
This minor feature will bode well for those who miss the classic 16-bit JRPG era. Nonetheless, expect epic battles with well-orchestrated soundtracks that’ll get your heart racing. Check out the Dragon Quest franchise if you adored Chrono Trigger’s engaging narrative, likable characters, and superb battles.
Grandia HD Remaster
Another classic JRPG series worth your time is Grandia. These games have incredible stories and have received stellar remasters in the same vein as Chrono Trigger’s later releases. In it, players follow Justin and his companions as they embark on a mission to uncover the secrets of an ancient civilization. Their journey won’t be dull since they’ll be trailed by the evil Garlyle Forces.
The remastered version enhances the game’s UI, sprites, and textures. The cinematics incorporated into the original game receives equal treatment. The game’s OST is amazing. Whether you’re traversing a noteworthy location or an old-fashioned restaurant, you’ll find yourself humming to Grandia’s unforgettable tunes.
The game’s combat can be hit or miss. Some will enjoy it, while others who don’t like grinding will find it appalling. The characters’ attack animations look astonishing but can get repetitive after long play sessions. The game’s storyline doesn’t contain many plot twists, but fans will adore the game’s charming cast and the various circumstances they’ll get roped into.
Earthbound
Earthbound set itself apart from other JRPGs at the time. Instead of opting for a fantasy tale with kingdoms and dragons, this game opted to bring players something refreshing and familiar. With its quirky characters, gorgeous locations, and fun gameplay, you’ll enjoy Earthbound a lot. In it, players control a child named Ness.
He embarks on a quest to prevent an evil alien named Giygas from engulfing his world into complete darkness. He teams up with a girl named Paula and two boys named Jeff and Poo to collect eight melodies that will thwart Giygas’s dastardly plans. Each character plays a great role in the story and has unique abilities that help them stand out.
The game’s coming-of-age narrative will hit home with many folks. Despite being a Nintendo title, fans will be surprised by Earthbound’s dark content. Ness and his friends will be battling all sorts of bad guys from neighborhood bullies to terrifying cultists. The game’s lighthearted jokes will keep people afloat, though. Chrono Trigger fans who are looking for a more grounded adventure JRPG with great humor should check Earthbound out.
Cosmic Star Heroine
Cosmic Star Heroine is a newer title compared to the ones we’ve discussed so far. It features a riveting sci-fi world filled with gorgeous futuristic sights, civilians, and AI. With the game’s intuitive battle system, gorgeous visuals, and likable cast, Chrono Trigger fans are in for a satisfying time with Cosmic Star Heroine.
In it, players control a secret agent named Alyssa who works for the Agency of Peace & Intelligence. One day, she discovers a heinous plot that’s slowly brewing and goes rogue to save the galaxy. With a large target on her back, Alyssa’s determined to do whatever it takes to save the day. The game’s story is cliché and isn’t as grand as Chrono Trigger’s.
However, players will enjoy this one for its battle system and characters. The game includes short and sweet cinematics that will leave you immersed and craving more. The game respects players’ time and won’t take you weeks to complete. Therefore, Cosmic Star Heroine is worth purchasing if you’re looking for a fun sci-fi universe to explore alongside wacky companions.
Octopath Traveler
Octopath Traveler is an HD-2D-styled JRPG with numerous protagonists and a great overarching narrative. In it, players experience eight diverse narratives centering around eight diverse protagonists. These characters have different goals, personalities, and backgrounds that will strike a core with players.
Despite being different, the storylines do interconnect to some extent. The game’s jaw-dropping visuals will impress any gamer, regardless if JRPGs are their cup of tea or not. You’ll find yourself fully engrossed with the game’s backdrops, lighting, and well-detailed animations inside and outside of battle.
The game’s soundtrack will add to your immersion in its world. Therefore, if you’re looking for a game with a superb battle system, gorgeous animations, and an amazing soundtrack, Octopath Traveler’s worth your time.
Radiant Historia
Chrono Trigger fans who adored the game’s time-traveling aspects will find similar value in Radiant Historia’s storytelling. This game offers superb turn-based combat, excellent characters, and a gripping storyline. The game’s story is filled with wonder and satisfying twists that will keep you interested in discovering more.
The game offers alternative endings. You’ll receive specific endings based on the choices you make in Radiant Historia. This persuades players to revisit the game’s world numerous times in hopes of seeing everything it offers. Furthermore, the OST is handled by the talented Yoko Shimomura. She’s composed for many games like Kingdom Hearts, Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope, and more.
The characters all have wonderful personalities and detailed designs. You’ll enjoy following them on their quest and seeing them overcome the hurdles Radiant Historia throws at them. If you’re looking for another remarkable JRPG with time-traveling elements, give this game a shot.
Live A Live
Live A Live is an HD-2D JRPG fans adored in 2022. This is a remake of a Japanese-exclusive JRPG by the same name and delivers enhanced visuals. Fans who adore classic RPGs from the 80s and 90s era will fall in love with what this title carries. On that note, the game’s storylines are well-written and diverse.
Each narrative contains well-rounded characters and diverse worlds to immerse yourself in. Players don’t have to play these in a specific order, allowing them to forge different experiences with Live A Live. You’ll only discover what connects each story together by playing every set piece, though. Many hold influences from classic films like Alien and 2001: A Space Odyssey, too.
The environments are as gorgeous as the locales you’d encounter in Chrono Trigger. Characters look great when traversing through the game’s bountiful worlds and conversing with each other. If you’re looking for a mesmerizing turn-based JRPG to play with phenomenal pixelated graphics, check this one out.
Deltarune
Deltarune’s starting to become another smash hit for Undertale creator, Toby Fox. This game contains great humor, wonderful turn-based gameplay, and memorable characters fan will admire. In it, players control Kris, a boy who uncovers a secret area inside his school’s closet with his classmate Susie.
Susie and Kris hop into the world and meet a goat boy named Ralsei. Ralsei tells them they’ve arrived in the Dark World and are destined to save the world from evil. Like Undertale, Deltarune adopts the “heart in a box” gameplay formula and has players move the heart around to dodge enemy attacks. However, the game also features a multi-character battle system for fans to delve into.
You can choose to pacify or slay the monsters you meet on your journey. This will result in branching storylines, giving players reasons to revisit the game for a different experience. If you enjoyed Chrono Trigger for its amusing sprite animations, fun characters, and gameplay, you’ll love Deltarune.
Xenoblade Chronicles (Series)
Xenoblade Chronicles delivers four incredible adventures for fans to get interested in. Each game features colorful characters, gripping narratives, and some intruiging game mechanics that improve over time. The battle system can feel daunting for newcomers. The game offers many tutorials about it, though.
You’ll have to read through many descriptions and engage in several battles to grow accustomed to it. However, once you get the hang of it, there’s much fun to be had with each game. They all contain countless side quests, powerful monsters, and various RPG-like activities for you to tackle. Players will find themselves putting hundreds of hours into the game to complete all its activities.
By doing so, you’ll grow attached to each game’s protagonist and the party of characters who travel with them. If you’re looking for a JRPG with glorious settings, epic battles, and emotional stories, check out the Xenoblade Chronicles games.
So there we have it, our 10 video game picks to keep you busy after playing Chrono Trigger.
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!