JRPGs have been around for a long time. When a genre survives for so long and is beloved by so many players worldwide despite being decades old, it's a clear sign that there's something special to it. Whether it's turn-based, strategic game mechanics, character upgrading options, or intricate mission design, there's always something fun to experience. It should be noted that, while games like Monster Hunter and Dark Souls have a few traits that could make them pass off as JRPGs, they're not generally considered so, as they lack a few other features to properly fall into that category.
One of the best features a JRPG, or any other game genre can offer, is the possibility to play with friends locally or online. There's just something special about working together with other people to achieve common goals while exploring a fictional world. Here are some of the best JRPGs for 4-player co-op, ranked.
4 White Knight Chronicles
A Tale of Two Kingdoms At War
White Knight Chronicles
- Released
- December 25, 2008
- Developer(s)
- Level 5, Japan Studio
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 3
- Story based on the long-standing conflict between two kingdoms
- Up to 4 players can take on different missions and play in Co-op
White Knight Chronicles is set in the middle of a long war between two kingdoms. When a celebration hosted by the king of Balandor is sabotaged by the Magi in an effort to steal an ancient weapon of great power known as the White Knight. In an attempt to save the princess of Balandor, Leonard, the game's main character, releases the power of the White Knight.
This game combines turn-based combat with what could be considered real-time combat. It also allows for character, combos, and skill customization, which is a classic feature in the JRPG genre. White Knight Chronicles allows up to 16 players to log into a lobby, where they can later form parties of 4 players to go on different missions.
3 Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles
A Welcome Addition To The Franchise With Refreshing Real-Time-Based Combat
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles
- Released
- February 9, 2004
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo GameCube
- Developer
- The Game Designers Studio
- Real-time-based combat mechanics
- Up to 4-player co-op where one person hosts and 3 others can join
Millions of players worldwide love the Final Fantasy franchise, as it has spawned multiple games across several platforms, many animated movies, and a ton of collectibles for die-hard fans. While not a part of the main series, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles is a great spin-off that marked the return of the franchise to a Nintendo console since Final Fantasy VI.
As it happens in many other Final Fantasy games, players can take on the role of various characters to explore the world the game is set in. One of the main elements of this game are the Myrrh trees, which are magical and must be found by players as they traverse through the wilderness. Unlike other games in the franchise, this title uses a real-time-based combat mechanic, which is quite refreshing.
2 Tales Of Symphonia Remastered
A New And Improved Version Of A Vintage Classic
Tales Of Symphonia Remastered
- Released
- February 17, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- The remastered version was released 20 years after the original game
- Simplistic, yet enjoyable combat system
Taking place in the fictional world of Sylvarant, the game follows the story of the main character, Lloyd Irving, as he sets out on a journey to save the world from an unknown threat. Consisting of three major areas and an overworld field map, Tales of Symphonia will have players explore dungeons, caves, and towns in Lloyd's quest to prevent the destruction of Tethe'alla and everyone he loves along with it.
13 Hardest Dragon Quest Games, Ranked
Not all Dragon Quest games offer an easy experience; here are the hardest and most challenging entries in the series.
When the game was first released, many critics said the game's combat system felt a little simplistic and clunky, but still enjoyable, as the game mechanics gave it some depth. In 2023, exactly 20 years after the original version was released, Bandai gave players the remastered version, which allows up to 4 players in local Co-op mode.
1 Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels Of The Starry Skies
A Collaborative Game With Character Customization Features
Dragon Quest 9
- Released
- July 11, 2010
- Developer(s)
- Level-5, Square Enix
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo DS
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
- Character customization and party member creation features
- Battle mode alternates between first and third-person views
Set in a world where a race of angels called Celestians are the guardians of the realm of mortals, Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels of the Starry Skies follows the story of the main character, simply known as "The Hero/Heroine". Faced with the opposition of the Gittish Empire, an evil organization thought to be long forgotten, The Hero/Heroine will set out on a journey to gather the last pieces of benevolence to grow Fyggs, a fruit necessary for Celestians to gain access to the Realm of the Almighty.
The game allows players to customize and create the characters in their party, a feature that wasn't present in previous installments of the franchise. While in battle, the game alternates between first and third-person views, allowing for a wider perspective during combat. Players can enjoy Co-op with up to 3 other people, which adds to the experience and makes everything more fun.