5 incredible JRPGs to consider playing if you enjoyed Metaphor ReFantazio 

Metaphor ReFantazio is the latest Atlus publication that is winning over the hearts of JRPG fans. Its critical and commercial acclaim can be attributed to its developer, Studio Zero's ability to provide a unique rendition of the established Atlus formula. The game provides a memorable experience through its unique medieval setting, real-time turn-based combat, and social simulation elements.

However, players might be left wanting more after completing it. As such, this article will be listing a few games that offer a similar delectable experience to the new Studio Zero hit.

Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinions.

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Five phenomenal JRPGs to play if you liked Metaphor ReFantazio

1) Persona 5 Royal

Persona 5 Royal is the latest mainline entry in the popular franchise. (Image via Atlus)

The Persona series has been a JRPG darling for a long time. Atlus, Metaphor ReFantazio's publisher, is also in charge of developing these entries. Thus, the two games share many similarities that involve time-sensitive events, stylish user interfaces, and more.

As such, if you want to play a slice-of-life-esque JRPG set in modern-day Tokyo, then the series' fifth mainline entry, Persona 5 Royal, should be your buy.

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2) Shin Megami Tensei V

Shin Megami Tensei V is considered by many to be the most accessible entry in the Tensei Franchise. (Image via Atlus)

The Shin Megami Tensei series can be deemed the godfather of the Persona franchise, considering the latter is the spin-off of the former. The Tensei series separates itself from other games through its challenging difficulty, post-apocalyptic setting, and a few thematic undertones of nihilism.

If you want a serious and dark narrative that deals with monsters and demons, the Tensei series' latest mainline entry — Shin Megami Tensei V — can be a good entry point into the series.

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3) Yakuza 7: Like a Dragon

Yakuza 7 Like A Dragon combines traditional JRPG gameplay with the series' weird and wacky undertones. (Image via Sega)

While this entry might raise some concerns regarding previous mentions in the list, the unique identity of Yakuza 7 is what makes it so interesting. While it is the seventh mainline installment in the Yakuza Franchise, the title follows an entirely new plot, that is mostly independent of the previous entries in the franchise.

As such, if you want to experience a more over-the-top and self-aware narrative, mixed in with a more old-school turn-based combat, you can go ahead with Yakuza 7.

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4) Chrono Trigger

Chrono Trigger is one of the many hits developed by Final Fantasy fame Squaresoft. (Image via Square Enix)

It wouldn't be a list of great JRPGs without mentioning Chrono Trigger. The 1995 offering by Squaresoft still holds up incredibly well. It made great advancements for the industry, including coining the term New Game+.

The title was also one of the earliest examples of video game narratives that dealt with time travel. Chrono Trigger is a must-play for someone who wants a campaign that alternates between a medieval setting and a post-apocalyptic future.

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5) Final Fantasy 7

Final Fantasy 7 (1997) is still an incredible game that adds to the pedigree of its developer Squaresoft. (image via Square Enix)

Final Fantasy is a name that has been closely associated with JRPGs, but Final Fantasy 7 propelled the series to new heights. The seventh mainline title in the franchise offers an excellent narrative rife with compelling characters, riveting twists and turns, and a formidable antagonist.

Along with featuring a complex battle system that builds upon its predecessors, the game also shares similarities with Metaphor ReFantazio, in that demons and monsters also inhabit their worlds. As such, it is an incredible title to play through to experience the history of Japanese role-playing games.

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Honourable mentions:

Super Mario RPG combines the JRPG expertise of Square Enix with the world of Mario Games. (Image via Nintendo)

1) Super Mario RPG blends the Mario experience with traditional JRPG combat systems. You can play it to experience a campaign that portrays Mario-adjacent characters as traditional demon-esque enemies.

Dragon Quest is considered one of the earliest JRPG titles that cemented the genre's mainstay tropes. (Image via Square Enix)

2) Dragon Quest 11 uses Akira Toriyama's character designing prowess to aid its incredible narrative and gameplay. Players wanting to get a modernized offering of one of the earliest entries in the genre can play this game.