The 7 Best Classic JRPGs Anyone Can Now Play On Mobile.
If you love role playing games (RPGs), especially digital ones, then now is the best time for fans. In particular, mobile players can choose from a huge variety of role-playing games. Who would have thought that one day you could download Baldur’s Gate or Knights of the Old Republic on your smartphone?
Not only classic Western RPGs are widely represented. Classic RPGs from Japan (JRPGs) now have a second life on mobile devices. A lot of western players missed out on some of these gems when they were released on their original platforms, which is a real shame. Now, anyone with an iOS or Android device can experience what many JRPG fans have loved for years.
So, keep your battles step by step and keep your hair sharp. Unscheat those giant swords, summon your fantastic creatures, and check out the eight best classic JRPGs that anyone can play on their mobile devices.
Chrono operator (SNES, 1995)
Is Chrono Trigger the best Japanese RPG of all time? It’s okay if you don’t think so, but you’ll hit a lot of enemies on the net if you are too dismissive of this classic SNES game. A game with characters created by Akira Toriyama, famous for both Dragon Ball and Dragon Quest, has a unique and timeless look.
You play as Krono, a brave protagonist who is in trouble for a girl. The problem is that the girl in question is a princess involved in the world’s stunning temporary shenanigans. The adventure will take you to different periods of time, where you will meet an interesting lineup of group members.
With tons of endings, plenty of content, and a fantastic active-time combat system, even modern gamers have something to love here. The mobile version has recently undergone a major overhaul and works like a dream even on touch screens. It should be preinstalled on every phone and tablet, which is good.
Download it on Android and iOS
Lunar Silver Star Story Touch (Sega Saturn, PS1, 1996 & 1998)
Lunar Silver Star Story is a remake of the 1992 Sega CD game. The original title is decent in itself, but Silver Star Story is the definitive version of the game. Silver Star Story Touch is a near-perfect port of the Saturn and PS1 remaster. Despite the release of a third significant remaster, exclusive to the PSP, this version caused a lot of controversy among fans.
In this game, you take on the role of Alex, a young man who is hungry for adventure. Together with his fat friend Ramus, the adorable singer Luna and his flying cat / dragon, Alex finds himself on an epic adventure.
The world of Lunar is beautiful and still unique in its visuals. The action takes place mostly in cold climates, the characters wear interesting costumes, and the English localization is funny and poignantly written. There are good arguments that the Lunar 2 sequel Eternal Blue is the best game, but you need to play both games to understand the whole story.
Unfortunately, the second game is not available on mobile devices, and there is no indication that it will ever be released. So we should just be glad that this great game is just a few steps from the app store.
Download for iOS
Final Fantasy VII (et al.) (PS1, 1997)
Let’s not kid ourselves, the alien lizards hiding on the moon have heard of the Final Fantasy series. Among this collection of games spanning several decades, number seven is perhaps the most beloved. Currently, you can get all FF games up to number nine as mobile apps, with the sad exception of number eight.
FF7 is getting a modern remake that comes in episodic format, but that doesn’t detract from the historical importance and sheer charm of the original. There are virtually no platforms you can’t run this game on, but it works great on modern touchscreen devices and looks super-sharp despite the low-poly character models.
Download it on Android and iOS
Dragon Quest V (and others) (SNES, 1992)
Mention Final Fantasy and don’t forget to mention Dragon Quest, another major progenitor of the JRPG genre. The favorite of the series is probably number eight, which is also available on mobile devices. However, this port is lackluster and you’d better play the improved version of 3DS.
However, the Dragon Quest V mobile port is excellent. There is nothing better with crisp pixel art, a spinning world and a fresh multi-generational adventure.
Valkyrie’s Profile: Lenneth (PS1, 1999)
A true hidden gem of JRPG, Valkyrie Profile was originally a PS1 game. With great voice acting, gripping storyline and timeless art style, it’s no wonder fans love this game so much.
You play as Lenneth Valkyrie, tasked with choosing the souls of great warriors who will fight alongside the gods in Ragnarok. However, is this all there is in this story? What truths are hidden behind your Valkyrie mission? It’s worth taking this journey to find answers.
The Secret of Mana (SNES, 1993)
Secret of Mana is the original for the SNES, which is actually a sequel to the game called Final Fantasy Adventure in North America. Confused yet? Well, all you really need to know about Secret of Mana is that she is absolutely beloved in the JRPG world.
This is not a turn-based game like most Japanese RPGs of the time. Instead, it’s a role-playing game that will satisfy all of these hacking addictions. You can directly control anyone in your group, and the computer will control other characters when you are busy controlling yours.
Unfortunately, you can’t take advantage of the unique multiplayer feature Secret of Mana that comes with mobile versions, but it’s still an important and worthy game worth trying out on your own.
Ys Chronicles I (TurboGrafx-CD, 1989)
Nihon Falcom’s Ys games are also not your traditional turn-based RPG. And this is not a nagging buttons. No, the Ys games have their own completely unique combat mechanic with “hit”. Basically, you and your opponent dance with each other and bump into each other like bumper cars. Whoever loses all HP first loses the battle.
The result is a pretty dynamic JRPG with great boss battles and great dungeons. Ys is still strong, but Ys I + II games will let you know where it all started. These games are actually ports of the TurboGrafx-CD remakes, but they are aged much better than the originals and this amazing soundtrack is simply the best.
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