Much like beauty, mediocrity is in the eye of the beholder, and, when it comes to Japanese RPGs, fans can often be a forgiving bunch. This is because when it comes to the games, the story and characters will usually take priority over gameplay mechanics and pacing issues that can arise from a lengthy experience.
Many of the JRPGs on this list were considered mediocre by fans and critics for a variety of reasons. While some of these may be legitimate criticisms, these JRPGs are saved by excellent final chapters and endings that turned it around in the final moments. Many of the games had some major flaws, but they're also underrated because a lot of players didn't reach their endings or final acts.
7 Final Fantasy 15
- Released: 2016
- Developer: Square Enix
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One
As a game that started development as a spin-off from the Final Fantasy 13 series, Final Fantasy 15 had a troubled development cycle that ultimately affected the game's story and its world. Many critics felt that a lot of the elements that made up its open world and story were a little undercooked.
It's true that the world felt a little empty and would have benefitted from a tighter experience like Final Fantasy 10. However, for those willing to scratch beneath surface, there's a great game with great character interaction and an amazing villain. The final act of Final Fantasy 15 is incredible from the final battle with Ardyn to the emotional gut-punch of an ending, FF15 is a worthy title for Final Fantasy fans that stick with it.
6 Suikoden 4
- Released: 2005
- Developer: Konami
- Platform: PS2
Often considered by fans as being the weakest entry in the Suikoden series, Suikoden 4 does have its issues when it comes to pacing and excessive random battles. Yet, a weak entry in the Suikoden series still manages to be a better game than most other JRPGs.
There are loose ends when Suikoden 4 is played on its own. However, when played together with Suikoden Tactics, the game's story, characters, and ending all have more meaning. There are betrayals, plot twists, and more, and so, despite its flaws, the fourth entry is still a worthwhile experience.
5 Star Ocean: The Last Hope
- Released: 2009
- Developer: Tri-Ace
- Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, and Xbox 360
The fourth entry in the Star Ocean series had the unenviable job of following what is widely considered the worst plot twist in the history of gaming with Star Ocean: Till End of Time. The Last Hope does have quite a few issues when it comes to its plot, but the characters are good enough to carry its players through a somewhat dry narrative.
What makes Star Ocean 4's finale so good is that it has multiple endings related to each character. Obtaining the endings requires specific actions and quests to be completed. However, this is a case where some of the mediocre elements of the game are saved by the ending mechanics.
4 Infinite Undiscovery
- Released: 2008
- Developer: Tri-Ace
- Platform: Xbox 360
As one of the JRPGs that were released exclusively on the Xbox 360, Infinite Undiscovery is a criminally underrated title from the team behind the Star Ocean series. It was considered mediocre by some critics because of its linearity and short campaign when compared to the studio's other works.
For a JRPG, it is very short, but Infinite Undiscovery features a tight story, with good pacing and the acclaimed Tri-Ace combat system. This is backed up by a great ending that ties everything together with a satisfying conclusion that emphasizes the protagonist Capell's maturity and growth as a character.
3 Tales Of Zestiria
- Released: 2015
- Developer: Bandai Namco Studios
- Platforms: PC, PS3, and PS4
Released in 2015, Tales of Zesteria takes a lot of flack for being one more the weaker mainline titles in the Tales series. This mostly stemmed from one of the game's characters not getting enough character development. This was, however, rectified with free DLC at a later date. Despite being flashy and impressive to watch, some of the intricacies of the combat system were a little confusing.
However, Zesteria gets better as its narrative progresses. More importantly, the game's events and its ending have notable and worthwhile connections to Tales of Berseria. Berseria is largely considered to be one of the best in the franchise and both games complement each other nicely. Played together, Zesteria's ending is far more satisfying, providing far more context to both games.
2 Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13
- Released: 2014
- Developer: Square Enix and Tri-Ace
- Platforms: Android, iOS, PS3, and Xbox 360
Many considered the whole Final Fantasy 13 trilogy to be a flawed experience. The third and final game in the trifecta, Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13, was developed to give fans a satisfying conclusion to what many considered an impenetrable narrative.
Lightning Returns does suffer from annoying time-limiting mechanics, but the combat system and the outstanding ending wrap up the complex narrative cohesively and satisfyingly. That's a big deal for what is arguably one of Final Fantasy's biggest story arcs in the franchise's long history.
1 Tales Of Legendia
- Released: 2006
- Developer: Namco Project MelFes
- Platform: PS2
Released between the iconic Tales of Symphonia and Tales of the Abyss in the West, Tales of Legendia was considered somewhat mediocre by comparison. The combat system returned to the 2D side-scrolling system of the games that preceded Symphonia and the game was a bit of a grind.
However, those that are willing to look past its flaws will discover an underrated JRPG with amazing character stories. The ending is one of the best in the series and does a great job of tying together a long and deep narrative. Furthermore, the post-game content is the best in the series and provides each character with a story arc and ending of their own.