Summary
- Some JRPG franchises, like Legend of Legaia, Wild Arms, and Lufia, have been overshadowed despite their creativity.
- Legendary games like Legend of Legaia created innovative combat systems and captivating narratives while being commercially overshadowed.
- The forgotten JRPG franchises, like Breath of Fire, hold potential for reintroduction, drawing in new audiences and keeping the genre fresh.
Few genres have left as lasting a legacy as JRPGs, which shaped generations of players through rich worlds, strategic combat systems, and gripping stories. Series such as Final Fantasy, Persona, and Pokemon remain relevant today, yet many other franchises, despite their high quality, have been sidelined over time due to market shifts or creative decisions about how they should continue.
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Among these forgotten franchises, some stand out for introducing unique concepts and ideas that still feel innovative today. The best discontinued JRPGs are those that defined an era through creativity despite modest commercial success, so reviving these IPs with new games could both introduce them to a fresh audience and keep the genre supplied with ideas that remain fresh.
10 Legend Of Legaia
Command-Based Combat And An Unforgettable Mystical Journey
Legend of Legaia
- Released
- October 16, 1998
WHERE TO PLAY
A LEGENDARY TALE OF BETRAYAL AND SELF-DESTRUCTION
Abuse derived from the greediness of man. The powers of a magical creature betrayed. Will man realize his mistakes before irreparable damage is done?
Armed with a magical sword and the will to survive, lead Vahn and his
cohorts to the redemption of man. Pursue a quest to save the world
and discover a place where legends are born.
Discover the Legend of Legaia.
New combat system based on fight games,
Discover special combinations for more effective attacks,
Beautiful, realistic graphics with full polygons,
100s of 3D enemies that react with a full range of motion.
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
Set in a world where magical creatures called Seru have turned hostile, Legend of Legaia delivers a solid narrative, an immersive setting, and constant plot progression. The protagonists’ journey moves from remote villages to global threats, all wrapped in a distinctive visual style and an atmospheric score that heightens every scene, creating one of the most unique universes in the original PlayStation’s catalog.
Its highlight is the Tactical Arts combat system, which requires inputting command strings to unleash special attacks and encourages extensive experimentation in battle. Although Legend of Legaia did receive a sequel on the PlayStation 2, the follow-up lacked the charm of its predecessor, yet the franchise still deserves another chance to shine.
9 Wild Arms
Fantasy, Western Flavor, And Mechanics That Enrich Exploration
Wild Arms
- Released
- April 30, 1997
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience Wild Arms originally released on the PlayStation® console, enhanced with up-rendering, rewind, quick save, and custom video filters.
A warrior, a princess and a rogue cross the wastelands of Filgaia on a quest for ancient relics that may save this brave new world – a world where legends become reality.
Join Jack van Burace, Princess Cecilia and Rudy Roughnight as they heed the call of the mythic Guardians to defend the lands from the evil Metal Demons.
With a story that spans centuries, breathtaking combat arenas and fully customizable options, Wild Arms launched on PlayStation® in Japan in 1996, and now you can relive the original role-playing adventure that spawned a much-loved series.This title has been converted from the PlayStation® version to the PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®5 consoles and provides newly added features. Consequently, there may be times where the title plays differently from the PlayStation® version, or where some features may cause the title to not function properly. This version does not support the PlayStation® console’s peripherals, therefore some functionality may not be available.
- ESRB
- E For Everyone Due To Animated Violence
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Originally launched on the first PlayStation, the Wild Arms series distinguished itself by blending classic fantasy themes with an arid Western aesthetic. Set in the world of Filgaia, the franchise follows adventurers known as Dream Chasers as they confront destructive forces, exploring topics such as sacrifice, ecological decay, and resilience in the face of collapse.
Its greatest hallmarks include environmental puzzles and the use of Tools, character-specific items that interact with the scenery. With turn-based battles, tactical systems like HEX, and a memorable soundtrack, Wild Arms forged a unique identity among JRPGs and remains one of the most creative series that deserves a contemporary return.
8 Lufia
A Puzzle-Driven Series That Left Its Mark On The SNES
Lufia
- Released
- February 24, 1995
- ESRB
- e
- Developer(s)
- Natsume Atari, Neverland Co., Taito, Square Enix, Natsume
The Sinsitrals, four masters of Doom, arrived in this land on their floating island 100 years ago. You will begin your quest by travelling through time to join in a temendous battle against them--and you will determine the outcome. When you return to present time, you and Lufia, your companion, must join forces with two others to prevent the Sinistrals from regaining control of your world. It will be a long and difficult task--This land is larger than that of most RPG games. And in the end, the balance of fate will be overturned in a contest of love and betrayal that could destroy you all.
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Introduced on the Super Nintendo, the Lufia series stood out with Rise of the Sinistrals, which served as both prequel and creative apex. Featuring an engaging story and charming visuals, the game cemented the saga’s importance by focusing on Maxim and his battle against the Sinistrals. The legacy also includes titles on the Game Boy Color and Nintendo DS, even though the action-RPG remake divided opinions.
Key differentiators include intricate dungeon puzzles and the legendary Ancient Cave, a 99-floor procedural challenge of high difficulty. The series also offered unique systems such as Capsule Monsters and spell effects triggered by equipment, making it one of the most endearing franchises that would at least merit remakes of its classic games.
7 Parasite Eve
A Biological JRPG That Blended Horror And Strategy
Parasite Eve
- Released
- September 9, 1998
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Animated Violence, Mature Sexual Themes
- Genre(s)
- Horror, Action RPG
Blending elements of JRPG and survival horror, Parasite Eve was Square’s bold experiment on the original PlayStation. Following police officer Aya Brea as she faces biological mutations, the game stood out for its dark atmosphere and mature narrative. The sequel adopted mechanics closer to Resident Evil, while the third title, The 3rd Birthday, broke with the series’ style and received mixed reviews.
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The original’s combat combined real-time movement with an ATB gauge, detailed weapon customization, and the use of Parasite Energy. Despite entering hiatus relatively early, the franchise concept remains one of the genre’s most promising, and Aya ranks among the best protagonists of the 1990s, deserving new chapters in her story.
6 The Legend Of Dragoon
One Of The Playstation 1's Most Ambitious JRPGs
The Legend of Dragoon
- Released
- June 14, 2000
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Animated Blood, Violence
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Although PlayStation JRPGs were dominated mainly by Final Fantasy, the console also hosted other notable games in the genre, such as The Legend of Dragoon, which exploited the hardware to impressive effect. Beyond its era-defining graphics, the game featured a well-crafted narrative, especially regarding the companions who join the protagonist.
Even though the JRPG achieved solid commercial success and was considered one of Final Fantasy’s strongest competitors, The Legend of Dragoon never received a sequel and no plans emerged to expand its universe. The title still holds strong potential, especially through its world-building and combat mechanics, making it one of the genre’s games most deserving of a second chance.
5 Shadow Hearts
Series Had A Good Mix Of Humor And Horror
Shadow Hearts
- Released
- December 12, 2001
WHERE TO PLAY
THE TIME FOR JUDGEMENT HAS COME
A hero with a mysterious past. A young girl holding the key to world domination. A villain who will stop at nothing to unlock the path to unlimited power. Prepare to experience an RPG unlike any other. Welcome to the world of Shadow Hearts. - Engage in action-packed turn-based combat using the 'Judgment Ring'* to determine the outcome of your actions.
• Meet unique characters, who will join you on your quest, each with their own characteristics, personalities and abilities.
• Discover more than 200 special items including weapons, armor and other magical enhancements.
• Battle more than 100 different monsters using magical weapons and spells that produce spectacular effects.
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Violence
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
The atmosphere in the Shadow Hearts games, especially the first two, always stood out as one of the franchise’s most compelling features, because, inspired by early twentieth-century settings and cosmic horror elements, it created a gloomy environment. Those elements, together with well-researched narratives and characters that, although bizarre, remained engaging, produced one of the unique JRPGs on the PlayStation 2.
The series’ second game, Shadow Hearts: Covenant, ranks among the console’s best titles in the genre, mainly because of combat mechanics built around the Judgment Ring, which determined the success of almost every action during battles. However, even though players received the games well, Shadow Hearts remains a forgotten classic that deserved a follow-up yet gradually faded from attention over time.
4 Golden Sun
One Of The Best JRPGs Franchises On Nintendo Consoles
Golden Sun
- Released
- November 12, 2001
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
During the Game Boy Advance era, Golden Sun stood as one of the brightest JRPGs series on Nintendo’s handheld, receiving two major entries that delivered a connected narrative, engaging puzzles, and a strong soundtrack. Both titles also displayed impressive graphics, using the GBA’s limited hardware to present colorful and surprisingly detailed environments that pushed the system’s capabilities for the period.
However, the third entry, Golden Sun: Dark Dawn, released on the Nintendo DS, failed to reach the heights of its two predecessors, and the franchise entered hiatus afterward. Even so, the games hold a unique charm, and seeing this discontinued series return, either through faithful remakes of the originals or entirely new entries that preserve the engaging puzzle-driven structure and rich lore, would be compelling for longtime fans.
3 Vagrant Story
One Of Square’s Series That Never Received Sequels
Vagrant Story
- Released
- May 15, 2000
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Animated Violence
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Square Enix now owns some of the largest JRPGs franchises ever made, yet while flagship games like Final Fantasy keep receiving new installments, many titles in the publisher’s broad portfolio have slipped into neglect. Vagrant Story illustrates this issue because, although many consider it part of the wider Ivalice universe, those connections appear only subtly within the game’s narrative framework.
Even so, Vagrant Story delivered remarkable quality for its release period, casting players as Ashley Riot, a special agent investigating ties between a cult leader and a parliament member, which plunged the narrative into themes of corruption and intrigue. Add its exploration-oriented gameplay and an elegant crafting system, and this distinctive, though niche, title clearly deserved a second chance within the market.
2 Xenogears
JRPG Features One Of The Genre’s Best Stories
Xenogears
- Released
- October 20, 1998
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Released by Square Enix in 1998, Xenogears blended a combo-based turn system with one of the most complex stories ever seen in the genre; despite strong reviews, the series never received a sequel or modern remake. This outcome partly occurred because, shortly after launch, some original team members established their own studio and produced several ambitious spiritual successors to the concept.
Even so, Xenosaga and Xenoblade Chronicles, while sharing thematic elements and similarly grand narrative ambitions, cannot exhaust the immense potential still residing in the landmark JRPGs entry Xenogears. The developers have outlined several additional episodes, and the universe they built ranks among the genre’s most fascinating; therefore, despite its brief lifespan, this discontinued title remains one of those most deserving a continuation.
1 Breath Of Fire
One Of The Most Beloved JRPGs Franchises
Breath of Fire
- Released
- April 3, 1993
WHERE TO PLAY
Long ago, the war between the dragon clans almost destroyed the world. Now, centuries after the Light and Dark Dragons settled their scores, evil is rising again! Join Ryu, a descendant of the Light Dragons, who has the ability to transform into a powerful beast, in a quest to rescue his sister and stop the Dark Dragons’ plans. He is joined by a band of seven companions, each with unique animal powers. Developed by Capcom, Breath of Fire also features cleverly-hidden character cameos – if you know where to look!
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Unfortunately, even some of the genre’s most popular 1990s franchises failed to stay in the market as time passed, and Breath of Fire exemplifies this decline. One of the most enjoyable JRPGs series produced by Capcom, it followed Ryu across the Super Nintendo, PlayStation, and PlayStation 2 as he sought to understand his past and the origin of his powers.
The protagonist’s ability to transform into a dragon always served as a hallmark of Breath of Fire, operating both as a narrative device and as a decisive combat mechanic. However, the release of Dragon Quarter on PlayStation 2, despite being a solid game, departed sharply from the original formula, and the later comeback attempt with Breath of Fire 6 left the franchise on a prolonged hiatus.
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