3 JRPG Re-Releases on Nintendo Switch Classic Gamers Shouldn’t Miss

Thanks to the Nintendo Switch, the Japanese Role-Playing Game genre has seen a resurgence over the past years. Many classic titles are getting ports, remasters, and re-releases on this beloved console. This also includes some of the best-known JRPG games that made lasting changes to the genre.

Today, we’re looking at JRPG classics that you shouldn’t skip if you’re a fan of the genre. While gameplay mechanics might not appeal to all players, it’s a great way to see how JRPG grew over the years.

JRPG Classics Genre Fans Should Grab

Dragon Quest 1-3

Final Fantasy 7-12

Sega Ages: Phantasy Star

Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

Dragon Quest 1-3

You can now experience one of the early movers in the JRPG genre, the first three titles in the Dragon Quest series in their remade versions on the Nintendo Switch. Released in 2019, these entries let players experience retro-style JRPG mechanics, like turn-based combat and easy-to-follow stories, while adding modern conveniences like updated visuals and an auto-save feature. Along with classic combat and exploration, these titles also feature some luck-based mini-games that you can use as practice before taking on the best online casino at allbonuscodes.

Initially known in the west as Dragon Warrior, these three main games are loosely connected into what is called the “Erdrick Trilogy.” The first game sees a lone warrior who follows the footsteps of the hero Erdrick, rescues the captured princess, and defeats the evil Dracolord to restore peace on the land. Dragon Quest 2 starts 100 years after the first game, where the player controls three descendants of the first game’s hero as they purge the land of evil.

Dragon Quest 3 is set way before the first game, making it a prequel. Players control up to four characters, a hero, and three other companions they can recruit from various classes. Story-wise, the team’s goal is to defeat Baramos and later Zoma to protect the land. The end part of the game reveals that the hero gets the title “Erdrick,” setting this as the beginning of the trilogy.

If you want to taste early JRPGs, these titles are perfect for you.

Final Fantasy 7-12

There’s no denying it: Final Fantasy brought the JRPG genre not only to the west but on the global market. And while we’re waiting for Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster to release on the Switch, we can enjoy their later titles with updated graphics and several quality-of-life improvements.

Join Cloud in Final Fantasy 7 as he and the rest of the gang save the planet from Sephiroth and Meteor. Take a driver’s seat into the budding romance between the gunblade-wielding Squall and the charming Rinoa in Final Fantasy 8. See how Final Fantasy 9 brought back classic tropes and storytelling through Zidane and the party. Go back to Tidus’ and Yuna’s meme-worthy laugh scene in Final Fantasy 10. Be part of Vaan and the squad’s journey into Ivalice as they take to the skies in Final Fantasy 12.

Each game has its take on the battle system, with FF7 to FF9 having a more traditional approach to turn-based combat, while FF12 takes more of an innovative gambit system similar to American Football. Some titles, like FF8 and 9, have exciting card games that can take hours of your time to complete.

Relive the experience of genre-defining titles like Final Fantasy 7, 8, 9, 10, and 12 on the Switch and see how these games defined a new era in JRPGs. Whether you’re an avid JRPG fan or someone who wants to see some classics, these titles are some that you shouldn’t miss.

Sega Ages: Phantasy Star

During the console wars of the late ’80s to the early ’90s, Sega always had something to match their rival Nintendo’s games. Sonic was for Mario, Mortal Kombat for Street Fighter, and Phantasy Star was their answer to Final Fantasy.

Phantasy Star made its mark on the genre by placing its setting on various worlds and adding science fiction elements into its characters, story, and gameplay. The first title of the series featured Alis, whose brother was killed by the Tyrant Lassic’s forces. This sees the heroine travel through the three planets of the Algol star system and recruits formidable allies as they bring peace to the star system.

The game had a top-down overworld map for gameplay, which transitions into a first-person perspective when in dungeons or battles. Combat combines the use of classic magic spells, physical attacks, and high-tech equipment.

The original title’s success brought forth several more titles, including three sequels and the Phantasy Star Online subseries. See what made this game a JRPG classic through its remastered version for the Switch.

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JRPGs have gone a long way, from the simple turn-based combat and “defeat the evil” stories of the classic games to the fast-paced and universe-expanding storylines of todays’ titles. However, it’s always a charm to experience good old games to see how they molded through time. Check out the titles mentioned above and bring the old tales into the modern day.