Summary

  • Sega wowed players with hardware development and delved into epic JRPGs.
  • Phantasy Star 2 and Panzer Dragoon Saga are gems in Sega's lineup.
  • Yakuza: Like A Dragon offers a story-driven experience with engaging gameplay.

Sega is one of the most popular video game companies in the world. Its track record is impressive, with the company delving into the realm of hardware development and giving tough competition to Nintendo at one point.

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While this business endeavor was shuttered, Sega didn't stop developing and publishing some amazing video games that players can't get enough of. From epic JRPGs to fun story-driven action titles and everything in between, players who want to check out titles with amazing narratives will find a wealth of Sega games to be right up their alley.

8 Phantasy Star 2

A Sci-fi JRPG That More Fans Of The Genre Need To Check Out

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Phantasy Star II
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Released
March 21, 1989
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DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
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ESRB
m
Genre(s)
RPG
Phantasy Star II In Game Screenshot 2

Phantasy Star 2 is one of the best video games in this illustrious JRPG series that more people need to get their hands on. The first title was pretty riveting in its own right, but its sequel blew everyone out of the water with how impressive it felt to play.

The sci-fi plot is full of intrigue as Rolf and his companions embark on a grand adventure for the ages. The plot revelations are riveting and add a ton of weight to the many boss fights that players must deal with.

7 Yakuza: Like A Dragon

Ichiban's Debut Is A Riveting Story-Driven Experience

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Yakuza: Like A Dragon
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Released
November 10, 2020
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WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
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ESRB
M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol
Genre(s)
JRPG

Fans were worried whether Yakuza: Like a Dragon would live up to the series' lofty standards, especially with the shift to turn-based combat. However, not only was this gameplay switch a massive success, but Ichiban's endearing attitude and fearless loyalty turned him into one of the best Yakuza protagonists in no time.

Fans couldn't help but get invested in his story as he comes back after a lengthy spell in prison, only to be seemingly forsaken by a man he saw as his father. The plot takes some wild turns and features a ton of engaging moments as Ichiban uncovers the controversy that is eating him up inside.

6 Panzer Dragoon Saga

A Fun JRPG Full Of Dragons And A Riveting Story

  • Platform: Sega Saturn
  • Release Date: January 29, 1998
  • Developer: Team Andromeda
  • Genre: JRPG

In a bid to compete with other modern consoles, Sega made the bold decision to transform a popular shoot-'em-up series into a JRPG. The result was Panzer Dragoon Saga, one of the best classic JRPGs players can get their hands on.

The inclusion of dragons is bound to enhance the quality of any fantasy title, and Panzer Dragoon Saga is no exception here. While the cutscenes may have aged poorly, it's a testament to the game's amazing writing that the story still has a resounding impact despite these limitations.

5 Judgment

The Murder-Mystery At The Heat Of This Yakuza Spinoff Is Amazing

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Judgment
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Released
June 25, 2019
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
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ESRB
M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol
Genre(s)
Action RPG
Judgment's Takayuki ready for combat

There's no denying that Yagami is a fairly boring protagonist when held to the high standards players have for the Yakuza series. Thankfully, the case he strives to solve is interesting enough to keep fans engaged till the very end.

Figuring out the serial murders and their relation to AD-9 makes for a great plot as players unravel a conspiracy that goes up to the very top. Judgment's slew of amazing boss fights and incredible real-time combat further enhance the impact of an amazing story-driven action game fans can't get enough of.

4 Phantasy Star 4: The End Of The Millennium

The Best Story In The Phantasy Star Series

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Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium
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Released
December 17, 1993
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e
Genre(s)
RPG
Phantasy Star 4 In Game Screenshot 1

Players who are tentative about getting into the Phantasy Star series should give the fourth mainline entry a shot. Chances are that the quality oozing out of this title will transform many JRPG veterans into Phantasy Star fans in no time.

It helps that the setting of Phantasy Star 4 is so unique that it has a resounding impact on players. Witnessing the dying planet of Motavia wasting away as players check out a gripping plot is a huge part of what makes Phantasy Star 4: The End of the Millennium click with many fans.

3 Metaphor: ReFantazio

A New Atlus IP With An Incredible High Fantasy Setting And Engaging Story

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Metaphor: ReFantazio
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10 /10
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Released
October 11, 2024
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WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
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ESRB
T For Teen // Blood, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence
Genre(s)
RPG, JRPG, Action, Adventure
Fighting a battle in the Regalith Grand Cathedral dungeon in Metaphor ReFantazio

Atlus have established themselves as the modern kings of the JRPG genre, and the runaway success of Metaphor: ReFantazio proves this. Fans love this amazing turn-based title that's set in a high fantasy setting and makes the most of the engine that helped Persona 5 become a runaway success.

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The cinematic combat is accompanied by a riveting story where players must explore the rich and diverse kingdom of Euchronia, where they must win over the locals in a Royal Tournament that's pretty much a glorified popularity contest. The amazing writing and compelling setting of Metaphor: ReFantazio ensures that fans will find this experience to be simply unputdownable.

2 Persona 4 Golden

Most People Agree That This Game Boasts The Best Story Out Of Any Persona Game

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Persona 4 Golden
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Released
December 9, 2008
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WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
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ESRB
M For Mature 17+ due to Alcohol Reference, Animated Blood, Language, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Violence
Genre(s)
JRPG

Out of all the mainline Persona games, many fans consider the fourth mainline entry to feature the best story in the series. This is understandable, given the high-stakes murder-mystery plot that takes place in the small and intimate town of Inaba.

Players will enjoy a weird sense of comfort in this small-town setting as they try to hunt down the serial killer making life hell for others. As players explore the TV World and rescue potential victims, certain plot revelations will blow players' minds as they uncover the culprit.

1 Yakuza 0

The Prequel Fleshes Out Majima And Kiryu's Highly Engrossing Backstories

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Yakuza 0
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Released
January 24, 2017
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
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ESRB
M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol
Genre(s)
Action, Adventure, Beat 'Em Up
Yakuza 0 Press Image 7

Yakuza 0 is the perfect entry point in a series that can seem daunting for fans. The game focuses on Kiryu and Majima, two of the most beloved characters in the series as fans witness the events that led to them becoming the Dragon of Dojima and the Mad Dog of Shimano respectively.

Fans will love the game's incredible story that is juxtaposed brilliantly with the goofy side content fans can access. This combination just works and lets players take a breather after experiencing some intense story moments where the stakes are always high and the violence is just as intense.

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