The Japanese role-playing game - Final Fantasy 10 once exploded an impressive push, forming a strong impetus for a famous game franchise of the cult company of cherry – Square Enix. Final Fantasy 10 easily spreads recognition by containing a great descriptive story, possessing an attractive and excellent cast of game characters, a spectacular design context that makes it difficult for gamers to stop halfway if participating. Therefore, with such a unique Japanese RPG standard, players want to find a role-playing game version with a vibe like Final Fantasy 10 to satisfy their taste before this series. Empathizing with that mentality, topshare would like to immediately introduce the article top best Japanese RPGs similar to Final Fantasy 10 below. Topshare hopes gamers will save some Japanese role-playing games.
1 Chrono Trigger
Chrono Trigger, the best Japanese RPG similar to Final Fantasy 10 that you should play. Source: fatasyanime.com
Video gameplay of Japanese role-playing game, Chrono Trigger
Original release date: 11/3/1995
Modes: single-player, multiplayer
Genre: role-playing
Publishers: Square, Square Enix, Eidos Interactive, Square Electronic Arts
Developer: Square, Square Enix, Tose
Platforms: Super NES, PlayStation, Nintendo DS, i-mode, iOS, Android, Microsoft Windows, Apple TV
Only one thing is for sure that a game featuring talented Hironobu Sakaguchi (creator of Final Fantasy), Akira Toriyama (creator of Dragon Ball Z) and Yuji Horii (creator of Dragon Quest) will be something truly special, all of which will be realized by a Japanese role-playing game or similar to Final Fantasy 10, Chrono Trigger (Time Pendulum).
Even the most casual gamers can attest that they've heard of Chrono Trigger and the massive hype surrounding it, which is for sure as it's considered one of the best games of all time.
2 Parasite Eve
Parasite Eve, the best Japanese RPG similar to Final Fantasy 10 that you should play. Source: gametiengviet.com
Japanese RPG plot, Parasite Eve
- Original release date: 3/29/1998
Mode: single player
Genre: role-playing, action, horror
Publishers: Square, Square Enix, Square Electronic Arts
Developer: Square
Platforms: PlayStation, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita
Parasite Eve is easily one of the best Japanese RPGs ever released by Square, serving as another highlight on PS1. Gamers will take on the role of Aya Brea and fight a series of mutant enemies – which is extremely interesting, the main attraction that the Japanese RPG similar to Final Fantasy 10, Parasite Eve has comes from the unique combat system featured in the game that is sure to take things to the next level.
3 Persona 5 Royal
Persona 5 Royal, the best Japanese RPG similar to Final Fantasy 10 that you should play. Source: gamespot.com
Review of the Japanese RPG, Persona 5 Royal
Original release date: 10/31/2019
Mode: single player
Genre: RPG, Adventure
Publishers: Atlus, SEGA of America, Sega
Developer: Atlus, P Studio
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, xCloud, Microsoft Windows
It would be impossible to talk about Japanese RPGs worth playing without mentioning the Persona series. Of all the games in the series, Persona 5 Royal is the most accessible, featuring some engaging mechanics combined with a compelling story similar to Final Fantasy 10 to provide an enchanting experience.
There's no denying the fact that Persona 5 Royal is easily one of the best games of all time, it proves to be a memorable experience for most players.
4 Xenogears
Xenogears, the best Japanese RPG similar to Final Fantasy 10 that you should play. Source: nichegamer.com
Review of the Japanese RPG, Xenogears
Original release date: 11/2/1998
Modes: single-player, multiplayer
Genre: role-playing
Publishers: Square, Square Enix, Square Electronic Arts
Developer: Square Product Development Division 3
Platforms: PlayStation
Xenogears is one of the best Japanese RPGs of all time, it's just as great as Final Fantasy 10, and it's a shame that the studio didn't have time to focus more on the second half of the game.
Even after that glitch, though, the first half of the game was excellent enough to warrant a Xenogears rating — it's an absolute must-play for anyone who's even remotely invested in the genre.
5 Earthbound
Earthbound, the best Japanese RPG similar to Final Fantasy 10 that you should play. Source: kmuw.org
1 Japanese RPG gaming video, Earthbound
Original release date: 8/27/1994
Mode: single player
Genre: role-playing
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Ape, HAL Laboratory
Platforms: Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Nintendo Switch, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, new Nintendo 3DS
Even someone who actively stays away from Japanese RPGs will have heard of the legendary game Earthbound — it's as great as Final Fantasy 10. Also known as Mother 2, Earthbound is easily one of the most unique games on the list, it tells a surreal story that is very grounded in reality... however, it's weirder than most of the rest of the Japanese RPGs.
Earthbound serves as the main inspiration for Undertale, which is more than enough to illustrate how iconic the title really is.
6 The Legend Of Dragoon
The Legend Of Dragoon, the best Japanese RPG similar to Final Fantasy 10 that you should play. Source: youtube
Review of Japanese role-playing game, The Legend Of Dragoon
Original release date: 2/9/1999
Mode: single player
Genre: role-playing
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developer: Japan Studio
Platforms: PlayStation, PlayStation Portable
The Legend of Dragoon is one of the best Japanese RPGs similar to Final Fantasy 10 supported on the original PlayStation but gradually faded over time, which is a shame.
While The Legend of Dragoon isn't truly groundbreaking, the mechanics, gameplay, and story are more than good enough to warrant gamers spending time on it, making for an absolutely enjoyable experience throughout.
7 The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Of Cold Steel
The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Of Cold Steel, the best Japanese RPG similar to Final Fantasy 10 that you should play. Source: gog.com
Review of Japanese role-playing game, The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Of Cold Steel
Original release date: 9/26/2013
Mode: single player
Genre: role-playing
Publisher: XSEED Games, Marvelous USA, Inc.
Developer: Nihon Falcom
Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Windows, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
When one person talks about the underrated Japanese RPG, without hesitation it is The Legend of Heroes series.
Of the three storylines present in the series, The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Of Cold Steel is arguably the most modern and accessible of them all, similar to Final Fantasy 10. The fact that the series spans four games also means that gamers who are hooked to it will find loads of content on their request.
8 Eternal Sonata
Eternal Sonata, the best Japanese RPG similar to Final Fantasy 10 that you should play. Source: youtube
Review of the Japanese RPG, Eternal Sonata
Original release date: June 14, 2007 (on Xbox 360)
Modes: single-player, co-player
Genre: role-playing
Publisher: Bandai Namco Games (Japan) Namco Bandai Games (North America, Europe and Australia)
Developer: tri-Crescendo
Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
The idea of exploring the mind of a dying legendary musician is a feverish dream that only video games can fulfill. This is exactly the case in the Japanese RPG similar to Final Fantasy 10, Eternal Sonata, where players are tasked with exploring the mind of Frederic Chopin.
The Eternal Sonata is engaging and creative with great music. Eternal Sonata may not be the most famous Japanese RPG, but a PC port can definitely overcome that notion!
9 Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch
Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, the best Japanese RPG similar to Final Fantasy 10 that you should play. Source: en.bandainamcoent.eu
Review of the Japanese role-playing game, Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
Original release date: November 17, 2011 (on PlayStation 3)
Mode: single player
Genre: role-playing
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games, Level-5
Developer: Level-5
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo DS, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows
Fans of Studio Ghibli films will be a big hit with Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch. This Japanese RPG similar to Final Fantasy 10 is cute and adorable, it has great gameplay and an interesting story worth following.
The first game may be a bit problematic but it is a good title and should not be ignored in favor of its sequel. Revenant Kingdom offers a host of improvements and is technically better, but the appeal of Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is hard to replicate.
10 Tales Of Berseria
Tales Of Berseria, the best Japanese RPG similar to Final Fantasy 10 that you should play. Source: daominhha.net
Reasons to play Japanese RPG, Tales Of Berseria
Original release date: August 18, 2016 (on PlayStation 3)
Modes: single-player, multiplayer
Genre: role-playing, action
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Developer: Bandai Namco Studios
Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows
The Tales series has seen a sizable portion of great titles feature real-time action combat. As such, Japanese RPGs similar to Final Fantasy 10, Tales of Berseria are no exception to this rule, although this game is significantly darker than its predecessors.
Battles are more refined than ever and can offer endless fun and entertainment. Tales of Berseria is pretty amazing and deserves a lot of praise for being a modern game that fits perfectly into the series.
11 Shadow Hearts: Covenant
Shadow Hearts: Covenant, the best Japanese RPG similar to Final Fantasy 10 that you should play. Source: fanpop.com
Review of the Japanese RPG, Shadow Hearts: Covenant
Original release date: 02/19/2004
Mode: single player
Genre: role-playing
Publisher: Universal Entertainment, Midway Games
Developer: Nautilus
Platforms: PlayStation 2
The idea of a Japanese Lovecraftian RPG (after 1 American writer) sounds pretty exciting, so it's a shame that not many people talk about the Shadow Hearts RPG series. This game focuses on a dark gothic-style fantasy setting, a strange thing that is not common in most Japanese RPGs.
Out of all the games in the series, Shadow Hearts: Covenant is easily the best of them all, it's similar to Final Fantasy 10. Shadow Hearts: Covenant has a lot of improvements over its predecessor along with a great story that is worth the player's time.
12 Golden Sun
Golden Sun, the best Japanese RPG similar to Final Fantasy 10 that you should play. Source: ign
Video gameplay of Japanese role-playing game, Golden Sun
Original release date: 1/8/2001
Mode: single player, 2 players via Game Link Cable
Genre: role-playing
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Camelot Software Planning
Platforms: Game Boy Advance, Wii U
The Game Boy Advance is equipped with loads of excellent games that are fun to play until now. One such title is the Japanese RPG similar to Final Fantasy 10, Golden Sun – it's still underrated, but fans will absolutely love it for its appeal and gameplay.
Golden Sun has added the majority of mixed puzzles, making this Japanese RPG more complex and challenging. Golden Sun also marks a great start for a series that has been dormant for a long time.
