Top 12 JRPG Games You Must Play in 2023 – Hey guys!. In this post, I’ll be discussing a list of Top 12 JRPG Games You Must Play in 2023. No matter how many years pass, we all seem to have that backlog of games that we’re determined to get through, those jrpg games that we feel we have to play during the year otherwise we’re just not cool anymore.
And I’m no different on that front, here’s my JRPG backlog for 2023, the JRPGs that I’m going to make an effort to play through during this year. Only rule is that these jrpgs must have already released. Well, let’s go to the list.
1. Astral Chain
First up is Astral Chain. It’s made by Platinum, that alone is enough to draw me in. That stamp is pretty much the tell-tale sign that this game will have it’s combat down at the very least. Gameplay I’ve seen gives me the impression that it’s flashy, visceral and fun to engage in not to mention it appears to give the player a lot of options to work with which is always a plus as you progress further in to the game.
What also drew me in was the presentation, it looks really good as far as Switch exclusives go though one point of contention I’ve heard is that the Switch itself can’t exactly present it as optimally as one might like. And for that reason, I’m considering emulating the game instead, might as well use my more beefy hardware to get the best experience possible.
The final big hit for me was the soundtrack, I’ve heard a couple of songs from the collection and I already know I’m gonna be a fan of what it has to offer, I hope to play this one very early in 2023.
2. Odin Sphere Leifthrasir
Another title I’m massively looking forward to is Odin Sphere Leifthrasier from Vanillaware. Ever since Aegis Rim I’ve found myself enamoured with the works of this development team, they’ve got this unique flare that just cannot be replicated, which is why I’m also looking forward to the release of GrimGrimoire later this year, but that’s a story for another time.
As for Odin Sphere, well it’s pretty obvious that one reason I was drawn in was it’s fluid and quite frankly beautiful visuals. I’ll never get tired of looking at it and I’m sure there will be a bunch of neat details throughout that will keep me hooked in to the adventure.
I haven’t heard too much about what the story has to offer and frankly I’d prefer it to stay that way, for if it’s anywhere near as good as the narrative of Aegis Rim, I know that I’ll be remembering it long after I’ve finished.
3. Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin
Moving on, for the record, I’ve never played a Monster Hunter game, and I don’t think I’ll be diving in to the main series any time soon – nothing against it but it doesn’t seem to be my cup of tea. However, as I was scouring the shelves of my local game store, I saw the tell tale sign of a JRPG on sale, a perk of living in the UK might I add.
In this case, I stumbled upon Monster Hunter Stories 2, I had never heard of this game till I picked it up, but I scoured the back and saw that it had turn based combat. So I thought, why not. I read a little bit more in to it after coming back home, and I noted the integration of a so-called egg system, where rather than taming beasties you’re hatching them instead, and you find them while exploring the world.
Then on top of that you’ve got the addition of genes which determine their skillsets but it also gave me the impression that it allows flexibility and freedom to the player in how it works. I’m not sure what to think about this one, but I felt it had the potential of being a hidden gem.
4. Arland Atelier Trilogy
Now to something I am more familiar with. Me and Atelier, we get on pretty well. However last year I wanted to play the Dusk trilogy, but never got round to doing it. And I think that was a good mishap in hindsight, because I was also inclined to eventually play the 4 Arland games as well.
But since the majority of those games came out before the Dusk trilogy, I figured I might aswell play these first and then I’m working upwards in quality, at least aesthetically speaking. The only thing I’m really worried about in the Arland games is that time limit.
I’m not sure if I’m gonna be able to overcome that constant reminder over my head that I’m under pressure to get things done, that’s not how I like my Atelier experiences to go. But I’ll never know if I don’t at least try, so it’s happening this year.
5. Chained Echoes
Seems like everyone and their mother has played this next one. I don’t think I need to introduce Chained Echoes nor do I need to explain why I want to play it. This indie title was one of the stand out games of the year for many, and I want a piece of it, that’s all I need to say.
6. Relayer Advanced
Right next up is this space based SRPG called Relayer, and I’ve got all the more reason to play it now as an enhanced version is now on PC. I was intrigued by this game as soon as I saw the first trailers and I’m aware it hasn’t exactly set the world alight but I still want to give it a whirl.
From what I’ve heard it’s got a solid story with plenty of twists and turns and the presentation looks great even in this visual novel format.
The SRPG mechanics themselves seem to be solid and the big plus is it’s all in space with gundam style warships. It might be the case that this game is simply a by the numbers title which just barely makes the grade but it seems to have the makings of a decent enough experience and I’m willing to give it a chance.
7. Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom
Up next is another game I bought on sale from my local game store, it’s Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom. And there were a lot of copies for this, I’m talking like over 5 in the store on that day alone. Now hopefully that’s not an indication that the game blows but after the first one which I thought was fairly decent in of itself, I think I owe the sequel a look in at the very least.
What really stood out to me though was the multitude of different game types that are in this title at least from what I’ve perused in the past. It seems to have the standard RPG approach, but also dabbles in the waters of kingdom simulation and real time strategy.
I’ve also been told that the story on offer here is actually pretty good, some have stated that it eclipses the first game in many respects so that’s always a good sign. I’m not sure when I’ll get to this one, but I will certainly get to it this year at the very least.
8. Samurai Maiden
Alright yes, this next one is pretty weird as a choice but hey it looks like straight up brainless fun and sometimes that’s what I need after playing more intense or cognitively demanding titles. Samurai Maiden never stood out to me as a game that was going to break the sphere and become a classic for the ages, but it was pretty clear that it was never intending to do that in the first place.
It seemed like a game that was self aware of how strange it was in premise alone, and the trailers that promoted it in the lead up to release reinforced that stance even more.
And if the game knows what it’s trying to be, that’s a good sign that it’ll go full throttle on the premise it’s trying to execute, which is a positive factor in how the game actually turns out. It might be absolutely terrible sure, and part of me is expecting that, but it’s got my attention.
9. The DioField Chronicle
And this is another one I’m on the fence about, and to be honest it was between this and Harvestella. But I’ve played my fair share of farm sim games lately, so I figured I’d let Diofield Chronicle take the stage this year instead. Now while it seems to have a solid tactical engine and some neat mechanics, there’s something that doesn’t feel right with it, as if it looks like it becomes repetitive very early on.
I’m a bit worried that the mechanics won’t develop or shift as the story progresses resulting in a bland result for what should be a fairly decent gameplay approach. From what I’ve seen as well, the mission designs seem uninspired which might work in tandem with the repetitive gameplay.
As a result, this is another one that I’ll be holding on to in curiosity rather than biting at the ankle to play immediately, and there’s a chance I might not get to it at all.
10. Blue Reflection
And we’re not done with the curve balls, this is another odd one but hear me out. I really liked Blue Reflection: Second Light, I thought it was a hugely underappreciated game and did so many things right in terms of the themes it covered and how cosy it felt overall with the whole hanging around in a school stranded in an alternate dimension. I know it doesn’t sound relaxing but it was!
And I’ve always wanted to go back and play the original Blue Reflection which I’m aware is the weaker game in many peoples eyes. It has flaws in its combat system, its noted as too easy, there’s no leveling up and though it appears to have good ideas it doesn’t exactly form a whole that is the sum of its parts.
But I feel like I can look past that especially after playing the sequel and at the very least it might even allow me to appreciate that game even more than I already do. So, it’s on the list for 2023.
11. AI: The Somnium Files
Hybrid visual novel up next, and since Nirvana Initiative released and there’s been hints of a third game being developed in the future, I feel like now is the best time to jump in to AI: The Somnium Files.
I hear so many good things about this game, it’s sci-fi setting forms an interesting premise for a plot, it’s got a notably strong cast of characters apparently and it’s got a lot of intrigue in terms of the themes it explores. This is yet another title that I’ve not read too much in to, on purpose.
I feel it’s something that needs to be experienced as blind as possible in order to fully appreciate, and I’m looking forward to seeing what it has to offer.
12. CrossCode
Finally up to the pedestal for 2023 is a game that so many people have asked me to play, and it’s another indie title. This one is an ARPG called CrossCode. It’s got that retro feel, it blends exploration and fast paced combat and it just appears to be a very enjoyable game. It might not be the deepest experience ever, but it must be doing something right if everyone and their grandmother gives it praise.
I’m interested to see what it has to offer, though I am apprehensive about the puzzle solving aspect which apparently is a focus of the game. That element isn’t my cup of tea in any game I play, so the jury’s out for now. Either way, it will be played this year.
That is it from today’s post on Top 12 JRPG Games You Must Play in 2023. If you do not agree with the points in the post and have some of your own opinions, share them with us in the comments section down below. Keep visiting Animesoulking for more information about Anime and Manga.
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