Best Isometric JRPGs, Ranked

Isometric JRPGs are a fascinating blend of deep narrative and strategic gameplay. These games stand out due to their unique perspective, allowing detailed immersion into fictional worlds and a tactical view of battles. Through captivating characters and complex plots, players can have memorable experiences with each game.

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Despite the evolution of consoles and the popularization of other camera styles, such as third-person views, the isometric genre remains incredibly popular. Whether for nostalgia or the pursuit of new adventures, isometric JRPGs continue to be a favored choice among genre enthusiasts, resulting in numerous excellent games.

10 The Legend Of Heroes: Trails In The Sky

Metacritic Score: 79

The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky excels with its engaging narrative and strategic gameplay. Set in the kingdom of Liberl, the game follows Estelle and Joshua on a mission to find their missing father, Cassius Bright. The isometric graphics provide a unique and detailed perspective, with every NPC, location, and historical event meticulously crafted by the developers.

As part of a duology, the game is complemented by a third chapter that, while not covering the themes of the first two, adds depth to the series. The turn-based tactical battles and advanced customization are standout features, offering over 50 hours of gameplay. This title solidified the series as one of the most beloved in the genre, as well as one of the most beloved from the developer, Nihon Falcom.

9 The Legend Of Heroes: Trails From Zero

Metacritic Score: 80

Lloyd Bannings returns to Crossbell to follow in his brother's footsteps and joins the Special Support Section. With detailed isometric graphics, The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero provides a unique perspective, bringing the vibrant city of Crossbell to life. The engaging narrative and deep characters make this JRPG stand out.

In addition to the captivating graphics, the game shines with its strategic turn-based combat system, allowing detailed customization of characters' abilities and equipment. The rich story and charismatic characters ensure an immersive and rewarding experience, making Trails from Zero an excellent addition to the renowned The Legend of Heroes series.

8 Triangle Strategy

Metacritic Score: 83

In Triangle Strategy, the slow start unfolds into one of the most engaging tactical RPG experiences out there. Set in Norzelia, where politics and resources drive the plot, the narrative focuses on human dramas and political intrigue, avoiding the clichés of evil wizards.

The isometric graphics combine 2D pixel art with a flexible 3D world, allowing for zooms and perspective changes. This "HD2D" approach is a visual delight. Also, the strategic complexity in battles and the choice system, where each decision impacts the story, are complemented by high-quality music and fantastic narrative depth.

7 Super Mario RPG

Metacritic Score: 84

Super Mario RPG: The Legend of the Seven Stars broke paradigms by combining classic Mario characters with RPG mechanics in an isometric 3D graphic style. Released for Super Nintendo in 1996, the game offered turn-based combat and an engaging narrative, merging traditional Mario elements with RPG depth.

The Nintendo Switch remake (2023) preserves this essence, enhancing graphics and introducing new features like triple attacks and autosave. Both versions are excellent options for players, demonstrating that the unusual combination of Mario with RPG works surprisingly well, providing a fun and accessible experience.

6 Tactics Ogre: Reborn

Metacritic Score: 84

Much like Final Fantasy Tactics, Tactics Ogre: Reborn is a classic of the tactical genre, standing out with its isometric style. The game features enhanced graphics and a revamped AI, offering fierce battles in three-dimensional environments. Player choices affect the story's outcome and characters' fate, allowing for multiple paths and endings.

Numerous gameplay enhancements, such as auto-save and combat speed adjustments, make the experience even more engaging and accessible. The strategic depth of the combat system, combined with the intricate narrative, ensures that each playthrough offers a unique and rewarding experience.

5 Octopath Traveler 2

Metacritic Score: 85

The isometric graphics of Octopath Traveler 2 combine three-dimensional environments with high-quality pixel art, creating an impressive visual experience. This "HD2D" style offers depth and nostalgic beauty, reminiscent of classic 16-bit era JRPGs. Each environment is meticulously crafted, providing a unique immersive feel.

Octopath Traveler 2 features a fragmented narrative with eight interconnected stories, each with its own protagonists and abilities. The game excels with its "Path Actions" system and day/night cycle, enriching exploration and strategic combat, ensuring dynamic and engaging gameplay.

4 Sea Of Stars

Metacritic Score: 87

Although not produced in Japan, Sea of Stars is a love letter to the JRPG genre. Combining an isometric and top-down 2D aesthetic, Sabotage Studio's game modernizes the classic JRPG with engaging turn-based combat and a rich narrative. Each setting is meticulously detailed, providing an impressive visual experience.

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The studio's unique touch is evident in the integration of platforming, navigation, and environmental interactions. Battles use a strategic "lock" system, with no random encounters, keeping the gameplay fluid and modern. Sea of Stars captures JRPG nostalgia while offering innovations that respect and reinvent classic mechanics.

3 Final Fantasy Tactics

Metacritic Score: 88

Final Fantasy Tactics is a bonafide classic of isometric JRPGs, known for its detailed graphics that aid in visualizing battle tactics. Whether in the original PlayStation 1 version, the Play Store for mobile phones, or the War of the Lions port for PSP, the game remains impressive. Each unit moves on a grid battlefield, where the isometric perspective allows precise strategic planning and tactical immersion.

These versions maintain the essence that makes Final Fantasy Tactics special. The rich and complex storyline, combined with the innovative job system, provides an engaging and rewarding experience, captivating both JRPG fans and strategy enthusiasts.

2 Persona 3 Portable

Metacritic Score: 89

Persona 3 Reload might be the definitive version of the third game in the franchise, but Persona 3 Portable still has its charm, especially with its unique isometric graphics. This version maintains a distinct visual style, combining 3D models with 2D environments in a point-and-click format. Despite simplifying animations and settings, the game still conveys its dark atmosphere with a deft hand.

The visual choices highlight the engaging narrative and existential dilemmas of the characters, providing a memorable experience even without the most modern features. Persona 3 Portable preserves the essence of the original, offering players a unique view of the world and the supernatural challenges faced by the protagonists, reinforcing its special place in the series.

1 Vagrant Story

Metacritic Score: 92

Vagrant Story is a classic isometric JRPG that stands out for its unique combination of exploration and strategic combat. Players control Ashley Riot, an elite Riskbreaker agent, from a third-person perspective with an isometric projection, navigating the city of Lea Monde and its underground labyrinths, facing monsters and solving puzzles.

The engaging and complex narrative places Ashley in a brutal conflict between the Knights of the Crimson Blade and the Mullenkamp Cult. The game is known for its deep gameplay, allowing players to forge weapons and armor, as well as utilize special abilities and magic. With graphics that were remarkably beautiful for its time and high-quality sound design, Vagrant Story offers a cinematic and unforgettable experience.

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