It would be impossible to talk about some of the greatest modern JRPGs of all time without mentioning the masterpiece that is Persona 5. Atlus truly went above and beyond when it came to offering up one of the most stylish and enjoyable games in the modern era, coupled with an excellent story, satisfying combat, and a cast that features some of the most memorable characters in JRPG history.
The game was brilliant enough as is, and Persona 5 Royal decided to improve upon this game even further by offering extra features, an extended third semester, and a bunch of quality-of-life improvements that made the game even more enjoyable, somehow. Persona 5 is truly a one-of-a-kind title, and people who finish this title will undoubtedly want to play more games that feel like this masterpiece. So, to scratch the itch left behind by Persona 5, here are some JRPGs that are worth giving a shot.
Updated May 24, 2022, by Ritwik Mitra: Persona 5 is considered by many to be one of the greatest modern JRPGs ever made. The lovable characters, immense style, and brilliant story of this game are simply unmatched. There's a reason why so many people find other offerings in this genre to be hollow after playing Persona 5, but the fact is, there are quite a few other JRPGs that fans of Persona 5 will have a great time with. The best recommendations of the bunch are mentioned below.
15 Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age
Dragon Quest 11 is one of the best entries in the genre by a country mile. It's easily the most accessible title in a series that has spanned multiple generations and is one of the most legendary JRPG franchises of all time.
Everything from the characters to the game of Dragon Quest11 is in a class of its own. Players interested in this game should ideally check out Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age, an enhanced version of the game that serves as the definitive way to experience this masterpiece.
14 Shin Megami Tensei 5
Shin Megami Tensei 5 is the latest game in the main series that Persona spun off of. These games are known for their incredible gameplay and challenging difficulty, with the Persona series being more of an accessible franchise for many to experience the magic of Shin Megami Tensei.
However, players who want a more challenging experience with their JRPGs will find Shin Megami Tensei 5 to be right up their alley. The beautiful graphics, great story, and engaging gameplay all combine to form a delectable treat.
13 Yakuza: Like A Dragon
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The Yakuza series was known for being composed of real-time action games for the longest time. However, after an April Fools joke was taken too seriously, the main franchise shifted to turn-based gameplay instead.
Most people wondered just how Yakuza: Like a Dragon would fare with this change, but, thankfully, the game has been nothing short of a resounding success. Ichiban Kasuga is an entertaining protagonist who takes over the role of Kiryu without a hitch, with the familiar formula of the Yakuza games translating surprisingly well into the bounds of a JRPG.
12 Octopath Traveler
Octopath Traveler serves as a great ode to the JRPGs of yesteryear. The classic stories, nostalgic art style, and simple-yet-fun combat present in this beautifully-presented game make it a must-play for fans of the JRPG genre.
The boss fights and music of Octopath Traveler are truly in a class of their own and the major highlights of this experience. This, coupled with the inclusion of a fantastic job system, serves as the cherry on top of a bountiful cake that can be eaten for hundreds of hours!
11 Final Fantasy 10
The Final Fantasy series is an easy recommendation for fans of Persona 5. After all, these games are legendary in their own right and feature amazing production values that aren't really seen in any other JRPG.
Final Fantasy 10 is easily the best modern JRPG that fans can get their hands on. The story of Tidus, Yuna, and the rest of the crew as they try to fight back against fate itself is a captivating tale with several plot twists that are a joy to uncover.
10 Tokyo Xanadu
If players really want to get into another JRPG that features the same social sim mechanics as Persona 5, then look no further than Tokyo Xanadu.
The fact that the setting for this game is also the modern version of Tokyo is definitely a plus, and players of Atlus' masterpiece will feel right at home with Tokyo Xanadu. The only major difference would be the combat, which is more real-time and action-heavy as opposed to its turn-based counterpart.
9 The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Of Cold Steel
Another title that will definitely remind people of the rich goodness present in Persona 5 is The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Of Cold Steel. A game featuring a high school with social sim events would obviously fit right in with the style of the Persona series, after all.
However, Trails Of Cold Steel is so much more than just a knockoff Persona title... in fact, it's anything but that. The Legend Of Heroes series boasts some excellent titles under its belt, and Trails Of Cold Steel is definitely a must-play for anyone who's even remotely into great JRPGs.
8 Tales Of Berseria
The Tales series isn't as well-respected in the West as something like Final Fantasy, but that isn't the case at all in Japan, where it's one of the most beloved IPs around.
Tales of Berseria is one of the best starting points for anyone who wishes to get into this illustrious series. The game features an engrossing story and excellent real-time combat that will keep gamers on the edge of their seats for the entirety of the game's run.
7 Ys VIII: Lacrimosa Of Dana
The Ys series is a legendary action-RPG series that has seen a multitude of titles released over the span of the last three decades. The latest entry in the series — well, the latest one to be localized, at least — is Ys VIII: Lacrimosa Of Dana.
The story and combat in the series have never been better, making Ys VIII the perfect entry point for gamers who wish to get into this historied JRPG franchise sooner rather than later.
6 Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness And The Secret Hideout
Speaking of historied JRPG franchises that have numerous titles and have a history that is decades-long, it would be impossible to not mention the Atelier series.
Out of all the games in the series, Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness and the Secret Hideout is the latest entry that also features all the modern nuances one might expect in a JRPG that was released just last year. The alchemy mechanic featured in this game is truly engrossing, making for a title that will keep fans captivated until the very end.
5 I Am Setsuna
Games like Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy X are considered by many to be some of the greatest JRPGs of all time, and people who wish to enjoy a modern spin on the story and gameplay featured in these games should look no further than I Am Setsuna.
This short JRPG is the perfect title to drop a few hours into for anyone who wishes to remember a simpler time when classic turn-based combat and heart-wrenching stories were the norms in this genre.
4 NieR: Automata
However, if people wish to enjoy a more action-heavy title that still features all the goodness one might expect from a JRPG, then look no further than NieR: Automata. For the longest time, people thought that the genius of Yoko Taro and the brilliance of the Drakengard series were overblown for the longest time... but that was before NieR: Automata hit store shelves.
Playing through this magical title is nothing short of an absolute blast, with Platinum Games truly bringing their A-game to this title and offering up a form of combat that is viscerally satisfying every step of the way. Of course, it certainly helps that the tales of 2-B and her friends are heartwarming as well, making for a sublime experience indeed.
3 Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne
Of course, if the goodness of the Shin Megami Tensei series is all that fans want, then look no further than Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne. With a remaster for this game coming out soon, there's no better way to get into the Shin Megami Tensei series than this title.
There's no denying the fact that Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne is probably the most challenging game on this list, but people who manage to learn the game's mechanics and use them to their advantage will find themselves playing through what is easily one of the most rewarding JRPG experiences in recent memory.
2 Final Fantasy VII Remake
Of course, it would be impossible to recommend modern JRPGs without mentioning the game that was widely anticipated from the very moment it was announced all the way back in E3 2015 — Final Fantasy VII Remake.
Whether one is a fan of the original title or has never played a single Final Fantasy game before — Final Fantasy VII Remake caters to all demographics and offers up one of the most visually spectacular experiences of 2020.
1 Persona 4 Golden
It might be easy to recommend another Persona title as a game that fans of Persona 5 will like, but one can't deny that Persona 4 Golden is perhaps the most fitting recommendation as well.
This is especially true given the fact that the game was finally released on Steam, allowing new fans who never owned a PlayStation Vita to finally experience the rich goodness of Persona 4 Golden one more time.
Persona 5 is available now on PS3 and PS4.