For many players worldwide, the PlayStation 2 was the pinnacle of gaming. With a sleek console design, a now famous loading screen, and a wide variety of new games and continuations of PS1 franchises, it had it all.
Aside from all that, one of the things that made this console great was how many JRPGs it offered, and how deeply it dived into them. While several titles were either a hit or a miss, many others captivated players from the day they were released. Many are still played religiously today by those who have an emulator or are lucky enough to still own a working PS2. To remember some of them, here are the best PS2 turn-based JRPGs.
The Best Modern-Day JRPGs, Ranked
Modern JRPG titles still definitely live up to older classics. Here's a look at the best of the genre from the last few years.
6 Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne
Metascore: 82
- Platform: PlayStation 2
- Released: February 20, 2003
- Developer(s): Atlus
- Genre: JRPG
- Interesting story involving post-apocalyptic Tokyo
- Wide variety of items and attacks
Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne follows the story of a high school student in a version of Tokyo that has been destroyed beyond recognition by a major global event known as "Conception," as part of a cult's plans. Now a world filled with demons, Earth is inhospitable and dangerous.
The game doesn't innovate much in terms of combat mechanics, and it's very similar to other games in its category. However, the story is very interesting and does a great job of keeping players entertained throughout the campaign.
5 Disgaea: Hour of Darkness
Metascore: 84
Disgaea: Hour of Darkness
- The franchise has survived over time, with new releases coming out frequently.
- Characters have an appealing cartoonish art style.
Focused on the main character Laharl, prince of the Netherworld, Disgaea: Hour of Darkness is one of the best JRPGs on the PS2. The game has players fight their way through the Netherworld so that Laharl can take his place on the throne after the demise of his father, King Krichevskoy.
15 Turn-Based JRPGs With The Best Stories
Turn-based JRPGs are often known for their stories, and these fantastic games really shine in the storytelling department.
Disgaea: Hour of Darkness doesn't take many liberties when it comes to reinventing the genre, nor does it risk breaking the mold. However, it has great level design that makes each stage feel different and refreshing. The characters look a bit more cartoonish than others in similar games, but luckily, it doesn't take anything away from an overall enjoyable gaming experience.
4 Shadow Hearts: Covenant
Metascore: 85
Shadow Hearts: Covenant
- Released
- September 27, 2004
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 2
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
- World War I elements
- Great creature design
Set in 1915, six months after the franchise's predecessor, the world is at the height of World War I. The game's main character, Karin Koenig, becomes involved in a conflict between a secret society and the main character from the previous game. As with many other JRPGs, this game explores different locations while fighting a wide variety of enemies to ultimately achieve victory.
What makes Shadow Hearts: Covenant so great is that, while it follows the JRPG formula to a tee, it innovates in its concept. It features historical elements combined with touches of horror that, unsurprisingly, merge very well to deliver an enjoyable playing experience. In fact, many of the summonable creatures in the game feel like they came straight out of the minds of the creators of the arcade game House of the Dead, or Yu-Gi-Oh!
3 Suikoden III
Metascore: 86
Suikoden III
- First installment of the franchise with character dialogue.
- Triple Hero system,
While it wasn't the first, Suikoden III doubled down on the so-called, "Trinity Sight System," which means the game focuses on three different characters, each with their own arcs and story. Other franchises later built on this concept, such as Fire Emblem, and with good reason. It works very well for the genre.
What made Suikoden III special was that, as opposed to previous installments of the franchise, it was the first to feature a non-silent protagonist. The Flame Champion and other characters all have their own dialogues, and their personalities feel much more developed and complex. Gameplay-wise, there's not much to say about any differentiation from other JRPGs, but as they say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
2 Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
Metascore: 89
Dragon Quest VIII
- Released
- November 27, 2004
- Platform(s)
- PS2, Android, iOS, Nintendo 3DS
- Developer
- armor project, square enix
- Genre(s)
- JRPG, Adventure, Strategy
- Beautiful world design
- Anonymous hero with a noble goal
Focusing on the anonymous main character, solely referred to as, "The Hero," Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King is, without a doubt, one of the best turn-based JRPGs for the PS2. The Hero, along with his large party of allies, must set out on an arduous journey to defeat Dhoulmagus, the main antagonist, who cursed the beautiful Kingdom of Trodain and all its inhabitants.
Dragon Quest: The Strongest Heroes, Ranked
Each Dragon Quest has a strong Hero to play as while you save the realm, but they are not all equal. These are the strongest Heroes in Dragon Quest.
The game doesn't differentiate itself much from other JRPG titles in terms of combat, but the world and level design are outstanding. The developers understood how to take advantage of the PS2's graphical capabilities, and pushed them to their limits to create green landscapes, high castles, and ample prairies. All in all, Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King is a great example of how it's not always necessary to break the mold to give players an amazing game.
1 Final Fantasy X
Metascore: 92
Final Fantasy 10
- Released
- December 17, 2001
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Platform(s)
- PS2
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
- Bosses feel challenging, yet fair
- Weapon/armor customization
The Final Fantasy franchise is almost as old as gaming itself, as the first title was released way back in 1987. Since then, every new release has innovated greatly, and the franchise has grown beyond the confines of what people thought possible. Final Fantasy X is one of the strongest points in the long-standing franchise's history. Not only did it keep building on the great aspects of its predecessors, but also added new elements for players to enjoy.
The story is told by Tidus, a sports star from a futuristic city. When he is accidentally transported to another world, he joins the party of a powerful summoner in their fight against the main antagonist, known simply as "Sin." With great boss designs, fast-paced combat, and weapon/armor customization, Final Fantasy X offers everything JRPG lovers could want from a game of its era.
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Isometric JRPGs hold a special place in many gamers' hearts, delivering classic, turn-based epics just dripping with nostalgia.