10 Short JRPGs That Are Worth Playing
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 มิ.ย. 2024
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10 Short JRPGs That Are Worth Playing
JRPGs are known for their length, and unfortunately as we get older we just don't have all that much time to spare. But there are some JRPGs out there that are both high quality, and less taxing in terms of time sacrificed. Here are 10 short JRPGs that are worth playing.
0:00 - Intro
0:07 - 1
1:05 - 2
2:26 - 3
3:39 - 4
4:53 - 5
6:17 - 6
7:45 - 7
9:14 - 8
10:11 - 9
11:55 - 10 - เกม
Time is our only enemy.
Edit - I realise I've made a faux pas on the Megaman commentary, my bad there, and only saw that this morning after a Saturday night bender. I meant to say the quality diminishes after the third game (only what I've read on forums and articles). But yes, I'm not saying the first one is the best.
I would also recomend
Heroines of Sword and Spells.
Around 20-25 hours for full game and around 4 hours for free dlc.
Short and really funny game about really balanced party of
priestess who cant heal
warrior who cant tank
rouge who cant steal
and Mage who dont know even one spell)
Megaman battlenetwork 4 is the only real bad one in the second half, 5 regularly makes it to third place on peoples lists and 6 is widely regarded as the best game alongside 3 with 6 winning more on gameplay and 3 winning more on story. 2 is considered ok and better than 1 but has some whack pacing issues. 1 exists and although people would say try it once, everyone admits not to force yourself to finish it and is widely regarded as worse than 4 but not like worse worse if that makes sense.
You also first typed Y's IV when talking about Y's VI. As the self-proclaimed typo king, it was Y'sy to spot.
You also said Live A Live is coming to the Switch, but I think you were meant to say PC.
@@pokelogikx Yup, that perfectly sums up my thoughts and observations as well. I have also played all of them, but 3, 5, & 6 are the only ones I have replayed multiple times.
The NDS version of the World Ends With You is just amazing. It offers a unique gameplay that utilizes both screens of the NDS. I also enjoyed the story and how fashion trends affect the stats. The soundtrack is addictive, the art style mesmerizing. Overall 10/10 for me. This game does not disappoint.
It really does not suit the Switch at all, the controls are just so clunky on it. I found the best way to play the Switch version is to play with a friend using the two player mode, if you have someone willing to play with you. Since the other person will control the party member, you only have to worry about controlling Neku (or vice versa) which makes the gameplay experience so much easier. We only really struggled whenever the party member got swapped out since the person I was playing with isn’t the most experienced gamer so they had trouble adjusting to the control scheme shifting around so often.
Fun Fact: Ara Fell was originally developed on RPG Maker 2003, it was developed over decade ago but in recent years Ported over to Unity for Enhanced version, the original game was called "Ara Fell - The Legend of Dirisetsu Hollow" if you're interesting in reading some of its history you can find some archives still dating back. I know about it because when trying to play some of this RPG's on my Miyoo Mini portable I stumbled across it
It's still weird to see Ara Fell as an officially-released game that's given tons of reviews on TH-cam. I remember back in 2005 when it was just a free, unfinished RPG Maker game (it was originally intended to be a six-part series but was cancelled after the first game) in the then-much more niche and underground RPG Maker scene.
I remember those days too! Gaming world ftw
@@TylerMire Oh damn, I'd completely forgotten the name. Now there's a sudden rush of nostalgia, Gaming World was so middle school and high school for me as the Class of 2006. Did you ever play The Way? That was my favorite RPG Maker game ever by a mile. Wish it hadn't been aborted due to the creator's depression at the time.
@@DrCasey the creator of The Way (Lun C) was the level designer and writer for Shadows of Adam (I was composer). The game was mentioned in the video and we all met in the rpgmaker days. I never got through every chapter of The Way tho!
Live A Live was so fun. It sort of reminds me of a compressed Octopath, which is a huge compliment.
Better than octopath imo
It's really good as a shorter experience. Packed full of content and the variety is a big plus.
See, I view Octopath as an over-bloated Live A Live.
I don't see a octopath traveler in there at all. Just because of the graphics? That's pretty much the only thing they have in common....
@@brotbrotsen1100 did you also forget live a live has 8 different protagonists and turn based combat? I’m pretty sure those would classify as similarities.
While I still love my big ol' chonky epics, there's something special about an RPG you can clear in few sittings.
One note, the Battle Network games, outside the Battle Network 4, are overall pretty solid and don't decline in quality at all! As a matter of fact, the first game is probably one of the weaker ones (though still worth playing)
Right - I was sitting here thinking BN 5 was one of my favorites for the new mechanics.
Everyone hates 4 but it's one of my favorites personally
Yeah, strange take. 6 is generally considered the best of the series followed by 5, 3 and 2, with 1 and 4 taking up the bottom tier.
Ys 6 is one of my favorite Ys games. The music is so good! Some people might find a character that looks like Arios from Trails haha. Ernst reminds me of him. Most all Ys games aren’t long so all worth of being on this list. The games just got longer with 8. Live a Live is great and doesn’t take long every with true ending. Pretty neat and imaginative & innovative for the time period it came out
It's actually surprising how well the concept held up for Live A Live even now. Some people felt it was overrated but I was all on board.
Thank you for this. I've been looking for a recent list like this for a long time :)
Keeping this list. Good idea for "pallet cleanser" games. After spending 70 or more hours on certain RPGs, it's nice to know to come back to something like this for a quick win/breather
The random encounters in mmbn was crazy i couldnt remember if it was that high since my gba cartridges are aleady gone still a fun and nostalgic game
Thank you sooo much for putting out this video! ❤
That's exactly what I needed: A list of short games playing inbetween some longer titles (yes, I am looking at you "Trails of Cold Steel").
I played Trails games back to back. It’s like watching One Piece lmao
@@statesminds
Definitely. But after having played over 90 hours on the ToCS1 ... I need a rest. :)
I really appreciate your content , thank you so much for your hard work
P.S : hope one day you make a list for "feel-good" jrpg games
Those are some nice picks!
There's even a couple I've never heard of in there, so I'll have to check them out!
I would also give an honorable mention to the first Dragon Quest. For both being the original JRPG and not taking most people longer than 10+ hours on their first run.
Very useful video!
Live A Live finally comes out for Steam this coming week, so hopefully I'll pick it up. Great video.
Subbed because you literally dove straight in without any setup /bs
I’ve been looking for turn based JRPGs for a while now, and have been having trouble finding them on steam. Went back to play Final Fantasy X yet again. This video was exactly what I need, and I hope I’ll be able to try some of these out.
I had to take a pause when you said the quality diminishes in 5 and 6. What!? Those are the best ones. It consistently gets better after the first to clear up confusions, with only 4 being a bit of let from compared to 3. Asides from that, very cool list!
Great list! Love the comfy focus. While it's a totally different flavor, Parasite Eve is excellent and clocks in under 10 hours.
Well, you got me interested in Noora and the time studio, gonna have to find it somewhere.
Also, I can vouch for Live a Live, it's a real gem, and any Ys game is worth playing. :)
I have not played Ara Fell or Rise of the Third Power but will do so when Limited Run sends me the physicals for them soon. I really need to get around to Cosmic Star Heroine because I have clearly missed out. Much like Rhapsody, I need to step into these wonderful games between the bigger games more often. Megaman Battle Network Legacy Collection will be a good way to do that shortly. Also, I'm thankful you showed off Noora since I knew nothing about that game and it looks like something I'd love. Thanks for the great video TKN!
Thanks for the video, Langrisser looks so cool. Getting it because of this video.
For Megaman Battle Network, the first 3 games each improve. 1 is serviceable, 2 improves the gameplay, 3 improves the story.
4 is generally considered the worst (though best selling due to 3's quality and 4's advertisement budget).
5 is very hit or miss with fans depending on whether you like adding a layer of turn based strategy tactics to the campaign.
6 is generally considered to have the best combat system due to the incremental improvements over the series duration.
Gonna pick up Noora right now, seemed pretty interesting
This is great! I tend to play a lot of long games anyway, but these seem to be great changes of pace to cleanse my palate in between.
Do you plan on getting the FF Pixel Remasters now that they’re coming to consoles and will likely be patched for PC games as well? I’d love to see you review those games.
I will definitely be playing the Pixel Remasters!
Nice list, I been thinking about Rhapsody.
I'll have to disagree with the "quality diminishes after the third game" in regards to MMBN,
5 often rivals 2 for 3rd place in a person's top 3, while 6 often rivals 3 for 1st place. (though 6 is known as the best for PVP battles.)
My personal top 3 are 6, 5, & 3. (Not really sure what order... I have a lot of nostalgia for 3, but it does have some grindy elements if you're going for 100%.)
I can’t wait til i get my Ara Fell and Rise of the Third Power physical copy for Switch. Glad Langrisser/War Song on this list. I wish i could use the old classic game sprites though since can change the art of characters. I would also recommend the Mercenaries games
Chrono Trigger and Mario RPG will always be the best short RPG games to play
Came here for the indies and ypu didnt dissapoint with 2 bangers straight up! The indie rpg scene is VERY accessible right now
For Mega Man Battle Network, I want to point out that games 3 & 6 are considered to be the best in the series, though 4 & 5 also have a special place in my heart. I really enjoyed them, and definitely reccomend.
3 and 6 are my favorite because those ones got me right in the feels
@@ELFudgeOreos 6 def goes right in the feels. Especially the ending 😭 and the twist with Iris
How long is 6?
@@blues2807 If you just stick to the main game and don't skip the cutscenes, may 8h? Maybe more? With post game it's definitely pretty long
Cool list. Definitely some stuff worth checking out on here.
Some other great short Jrpgs are Suikoden, Crisis Core, Chrono Trigger, and Child of Light (super underrated game)
Was luckily to experience The World Ends With You on the Nintendo DS and man did it feel like an underrated game back then.
I also wholeheartedly recommend The World Ends With You for the story- I played it back on the Nintendo DS so I don't know what it plays like on the Switch, but I loved it back then so I'd recommend it to people anyway they can get it!
Blue Reflection for me. Took me around 13 hours, and that's when I took my time for grinding. Great game.
How?? Blue Reflection took me 30 hours and I missed a bunch of content
That's on my backlog for this year, so who knows could be on a future one of these!
Nice and useful video for finding short RPGs, though there are a few errors here and there. You already addressed your Battle Network comments about how the later half is considered to be weaker and how the first game is also not considered to be the best. Really though, it was more of a saturation issue than anything else. (Also, I personally don't consider Battle Network to be RPGs, like with Zelda, but eh, it's close enough to scratch that itch for many people.) You also had Ark Of Napishtim labeled as Ys 4 instead of 6, called "HD 2D" "2.5D", which is a different thing, and you said Live A Live was coming to the Switch at the end instead of PC. XD Small issues, but worth noting. Thanks for the game recommendations!
What's the name of the first song playing in the background? 😭
Sounds like from an Atelier game
Could you recommend some great jrpgs that work well on the steamdeck?
TWEWY was always one of those games I could never talk about to people, but I'm glad it's at least recognizable now 🥳
I will admit that I bought Cosmic Star Heroine based on your last mention of it.
BUT YES!! I'm an adult! I've got a house to run! A job to work! It's why I'm still working through Zero when I already own Azure. It's pain I'll tell you...
currently reliving my childhood days playing through the MMBN legacy collection on MmBN2 right now
I love how TH-cam is suggesting me smaller-time youtuber these days. I'm finally finding new creators!
Hey, this is my first time commenting, but I've been watching your videos for a couple of years. Great video as always. I didn't know where else to post this question and I know that it maybe stay unanswered due to its nature, but can anyone tell me where can I find Noora and the Time Studio?
Unfortunately I can't really link it here as YT isn't too big on that stuff. What you will need though is a DS emulator (like Melon DS) and then I found the translation on GBATemp - just search Noora and the time studio translation on google and it should be one of the links that pops up.
@@TheKisekiNut thank you very much for your help. I'm already using melon DS , but I couldn't find the ROM, I'll check it out.
You've got the wrong Roman numeral for Ys 6 in its title card. Should be VI rather than IV. It's fixed during the time when the title is in the bottom corner, but when it's front and center, it is incorrect.
Love your work, thanks for all the great vids!
Yep, it's been noted by a few people. Sometimes a typo like that will get through, it's a one man crew over here and with limited time to boot.
@@TheKisekiNut Absolutely. Just wanted to let you know, as I would appreciate the same courtesy from others if the roles were swapped. Thanks again for your hard work!
Are there also 3D-JRPGs in this category? Could this maybe be another list?
Hey Kiseki Dude.
I've played Ys Origins-IV
My question to you
Should I play in numbered order and play VI next (because of course 6 comes after 4)
Or should I play in chronological order and play VIII Lacrimosa of Dana next?
My favorites are ranked in the order that I played them so far, by coincidence or maybe not, if that has any impact on your answer.
I also just like talking about Ys (And trails) I think Ys is such an interesting series, especially because of it's long history.
I was thinking of Live a Live when I saw the pixel art of the first game in the list and.. what do you know? it is on number 10. Live a Live is actually a remake/remaster of the SNES title of the same game. The story is very powerful and I like how each scenario connects nicely to the main narrative. The newly added voice acting and enhanced battle effects is what this game was worth.
If you like cyberpunk themed media, the indie JRPG Jack Move took me about 10 hours to beat. It has great music and it was very satisfying. It's on Switch and Steam
Great list! I'd definitely add Chained Echoes, as it's basically Xenogears but 25 hours instead of 80 👍
Chained echoes is great, but I'm way over 25 hours and have not finished it yet XD (granted I do tend to take my time XD)
@@Zaizeku same… don’t think I’m near the end and I’m around 20 hours.. I am taking my sweet time though. Glad it’s not just me
@@SquishyPasta yeah, I'm not done with it yet and i am nearing 50 hours XD
If you can, play The World Ends With You on a DS or 3DS (but get a screen protector lol). That’s really the best way to enjoy the game, but playing it on a tablet is a close second. Never tried the Switch version, but the sequel is incredibly good.
Have you played Luminous Plume
Feel like the common opinion on battle network is 1 was a weak game that got improved on, 4 was a misstep, and everything else is pretty good.
If you like advance wars, Wargroove is a nice little SRPG that nets you around 20 Hours for the main campaign!
Check out Jack Move! It’s a cyberpunk Jrpg, 10-15 hours! Very fun, great detail and theme
Picked ara fell last month and I really like it so far
It goes without saying for anyone here, but if you still don't know Chrono Trigger... Play it!
It's short-ish, all killer no filler, and it's one of the best games ever made.
Regarding Mega Man Battle Network, my *dream* for a future game in that franchise is a *3D Mega Man.EXE game* with a gameplay similar to *Kingdom Hearts* (i.e. using the side menu to equip battle chips on the fly during combat) and a story that follows the "Mega Man NT Warrior" TV show!
Super Lesbian Animal RPG is an extraordinarily beautiful masterpiece and is only 20 hours at most if you're doing all the side quests. If you just wanna do the main story, it's only 15 at most. It's a life changing experience and a dream come true, one that filled me with warm, fuzzy bliss. If a single word in the title appeals to you, you should absolutely play it.
The Ys one reminded me of RO. I might get that one, or perhaps The World Ends with You. Anyways, I appreciate the list.
Falcom back then ported Arcturus: The Curse and Loss of Divinity alongside Ragnarok Online to japanese markets, which is how and where they got the inspiration from I say for the Napisthim Engine and Trails in the Sky to Trails of Azure. Kinda wish they had kept that style forevermore for those series :/
I have been meaning to pick up the Langrisser remakes, but I just haven't been able to find the right time for it. It does look like something right up my alley though. And oh man Ark of Napishtim. I really love that game. For just so many reasons. I don't think it's my favorite of the Ys games, but it's one that lives in a place where I could pretty much be down to pick it up any time and play through a little. Just... The characters are super lovable, the story is solid even if the villain is a bit lackluster, the ties to the broader lore are excellent, I actually kind of prefer its take on the Napishtim engine to the next to just because it feels a little bit more like Ys 2 in the simplicity of its combat and the way you can have a healing item equipped, the progression in levelling is super satisfying, the music has a brilliant kind of nostalgia to it that can take me back to my childhood just through style alone, the exploration is outstanding... I mean, it's just a great game.
And thanks for the video! Always enjoy watching.
If you like SRPGs you'll enjoy it. It's a LOT of gameplay too.
Can easily recommend the mobile port of The World Ends With You. It's a closer HD port of the NDS style and works much better than the Switch port.
Ys VI! Yes excellent!
Dang, I wish Noora was more accessible, it looks very up my alley.
Now this is the type of game list for me. Maybe Panzer Dragoon Saga would be good for this list. I haven’t beat it but I got to the second disc in like 2 hours so maybe it isn’t too long. I wish they would port it, but the emulation on pc is great
I always feel like I need 10 lifetimes to play only the most popular jrpgs. Let alone all of them... Thank you for this
@10:11 What music is that please?
month late but its Suburban Town of Trista from Trails of Cold Steel
@@originaltsundere Thank you very much! :D
I'd add Grandia 2 to the list. It isn't exactly short short, being 30-hours long, but the pacing is extremely satisfying, and it has barely any exploration and town shenanigans. Besides, the battle system is astonishing good.
Warsong was so cool back in the day
One contradiction here, is whilst the MMBN games do lose quality in the 4th and 5th entry, the 6th one is considered one of the high points of the series.
Realistically common sentiment puts them in this order (best to worst)
MMBN3
MMBN6
MMBN2
MMBN5
MMBN
MMBN4
All are great though.
I liked Ara Fell a lot. I'm currently playing their other game Rise of the Third Power
Nora is a game I keep picking up to play, letting life get in the way, come back and restart because I forgot what's happening.
I’m so glad Live Alive is moving away from its switch exclusivity so I can finally play it on the switch. It’s about time
I’ll add THE LONGEST 5 MINUTES super fun RPG reminiscent of Earthbound & at around 8-10 hours
Comic star heroine kinder reminds me of old phantasy star
Bro did you wrote Ys IV (4) but said 6... Which Ys are you reffering too 4 or 6 ?
Search Ark of Napishtim and you'll find out.
I haven’t gotten an alert form you in ages. Just got this. Dam Susan.
It happens bud, YT's a bit weird like that.
I loved Shadows of Adam! For some odd reason however, the final boss (or some fight near there) got such a huge difficulty spike, even though there are no random encounters and it seems that you will always be on the right level.
Regarding Ys VI: I've tried playing Ys VIII but was extremely bored by the exploration and graphics/style. VI seems to try less hard to look pseudo realistic, would it be a better game to start with than VIII?
TWEWY is great (on DS, don't like the Switch version controls), loved the sequel on Switch though!
Shadows of Adam is a very neat game and I cannot urge people to chekc their next game, The Quartet.
I'll also recommend another extremely overlook RPG on the DS buuuuut it's not a short one, Sands of Destruction
Sword of Mana for the GBA actually took me 22hrs to beat.
bro how is this possible? i just finished the entire trails series up to cs4 the day before and thought to myself time to take a break and tackle some lighter games today... I was wondering what are some short and good games to try and than this video came up in my news feed????
@mushy thank you i'll probably check out the metroid games!
When the apprentice is ready, the master will appear... or something like that.
This video reminds me that I still haven't touched Langrisser yet. And I think Fire Emblem 13 can also be played through in a very short time if you don't grind like I always do. The day I bought Awakening was a Friday. I finished it in 2 days. Although I was too hype too sleep, so I guess around 30 hours maybe. I also played Revenant Saga and finally finished it last year. I have over 40 hours playtime due to not turning off my switch that one time. If I had, it would have barely scratched 20 hours. Most Ace Attorney games also take around 30 hours to beat. Just remember to save scum your way out of everything. The bad thing about these games is that Apollo Justice and the 3DS titles are pretty hard to play these days without emulation. I have the OG DS cartridge for my version of Apollo Justice and the other games except Professor Layton on my 3DS. But some people are not that lucky. Rhapsody was indeed very short and I just remember loving the cat enemies, because they were so cute. But yeah, Ace Attorney. Play it. I know a lawyer game sounds silly, but the music is lit and finding those contradictions is oh so satisfying. I love my silly Lawyer game.
Aren't most of the Pheonix Wright titles easily available on mobile?
@@grodon909 I have them on my switch and my DS and my 3DS. But I heard from some people that the mobile versions can't be played any more after a certain update. Which sucks, because that was one of the only ways to legit play Apollo Justice after the eshop closed down. I hope it gets fixed somehow.
@@grodon909 Hello my friend from the past and have you seen the announcement for the second trilogy? Problem solved, I guess. Now all the games are on modern platforms. Except Investigations and the layton crossover, but who cares? Am I right? I wonder if that will be the next trilogy or something? I never played the Edgeworth games. Maybe we will get those games next or something. No idea though.
@@Nikita_Akashya Here's to another couple dozen hours!
"Just because we have responsibilities doesn't mean we can't have fun." Tell em TKN, in a time where we are always told to "grow up".. (me in my 30s)😅
Panzer Dragoon Saga is a great short RPG... if you can ever afford it.
I'm currently playing Live A Live and am at the Near Future era
"The shortest JRPG is the one that you never play it." -Miyamoto
Neat.
the 6th game in the battle network series is usually considered the second best 3 the best the first game is considered one of the worst along with 4 and 5 is considered the third best or third worst depending on your preferences with 2 being somewhere in the middle
@@TheKisekiNut that makes no sense grammatically or as an arguement but you have fixed the mistake and also it wasn't intentional so I shouldn't of called you a liar I am sorry I have now taken that part out of the original cormorant
@@ryancraig110 ah, that reply wasn't meant for you. The creator studio sometimes bugs out and looks like it went to you. This reply was intended for someone who said they wouldn't play Ara Fell because of the graphics.
@@TheKisekiNut oh ok
i would add the Legacy of Goku Series
Great shout out for Langrisser! I enjoyed these more than I did the more recent Fire Emblem games for their absolutely insane branching story pathways.
Noora looks really adorable
Unfortunately for me, i like my jrpgs longg, but great video!
My favorite JRPG "Fuga Melodies of Steel" is only 20 houers long. Not quite as short as most on this liest but still pretty short fore a JRPG.
That's interesting! It's on my backlog but I was under the impression it was at least 30 hours.
@@TheKisekiNut Nope its defiently not 30 houers.
Its 20 houers and that is pretty accurate.
I'd suggest Super Mario RPG and Parasite Eve (both around 10-12 hours) - two experimental titles from Squaresoft's heyday
As a finnish person the kinda janky use of finnish words in Noora gave me a grin and few giggles. xD I actually had to google some screenshots for more. Looks like a decent game too, may have to give it a try :D
JRPGs were originally written with the idea of playing about half an hour of them each night before you go to bed... It's just that people really don't play them in small chunks...
I really want to play live a live, liked the demo, but I just have so many jrpgs to play and a lot of them have over 100 hours of content
Time will forever be the issue, sometimes I'm half tempted to lower my hours at work and then I realise... I actually like having money.
People really need to respect shorter games more so I'm glad this video exists.
100% agree. Some of the shorter ones focus more on telling a good story with refined gameplay. Filler content in some of the bigger games can turn it into a chore sometimes
Ys VI is far from a soft reboot, it is a finale of an entire story arc, it is much better to recommend Ys: The Oath in Felghana to newcomers in my opinion, simply due to it being a more polished release that also drives itself on a storyline that is incredibly beginner friendly with the voice acting also helping everything from the feel that much stronger.
Battle Network was such an effin good game.
Live A Live is on my radar. Very intrigued by the many lives you get to play. My only gripe with most JRPGs is that they can be so hard for beginners to get into.
I think you'll dig Live A Live! It's got a decent amount of variety.
Nice to see you here, Miss Bubbles 😊
I agree, JRPGs can be very hard. I tend to grind a lot, so that everything gets easier for me 😅