What Makes a Game a JRPG?

What actually makes a game a JRPG? Some people simply say an RPG made in Japan, but I believe there's more nuance than this. In this video I dive into what makes a game a JRPG, from story to combat, visual style to structure.

What do YOU think makes a game a JRPG? Let me know in the comments!

🎙️ My Gear:

✅ Let's Connect!

Disclaimer: Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

[davidvinc]

I never really put too much thought into this question, because I just kind of know what a JRPG is whenever I see it. and when you start putting clear definitions on what a game is, or should or shouldn’t be, it really hamstrings creativity. On one hand, I like how Japanese developers are opening up to western ideas but on the other hand, I really do miss the older style of JRPGs, with a linear story, world maps, cute encounters, and not too much fluff.

[asthedaysgoneby]

Nailed it. I got so many "whoa moments" watching this video. You truly put these pieces together and define them so well at the same time.

[chickenfillets]

Weirdly this is how I've always recognised JRPGs so I agree with how this is all described! Great style of video dude!!!

[Lil_Bush]

I always go with art style and vibe. Looking forward to hearing you talking about more jrpg. Great video

[Official_RetroMania]

I agree with all 5 points. I don't think this will be a controversial video, all points you made definitely are important to distinguish an JRPG from a WRPG.

[MirandaLemons]

Great video! This is a criteria that I think you touch on:

JRPGs typically have a party. It's about you and your friends telling a story (which directly ties into the charm that you described).

WRPGs are stories more about the individual.

This is why I love JRPGs. Friendship is essential for me to fall in love with a title.

[akamadmaxx]

JRPG to me is defined by games like Arc the Lad, Suikoden, and the GOAT Chrono Trigger

[MissBubbles]

I absolutely love this video! From the editing to the break down of what is a JRPG? It was very entertaining to watch. I always wondered what makes a game a JRPG and these criteria make sense

[EdreesesPieces]

I think there are, say, 30 things that make something a jrpg, but a single game doesn't need any particular one of those 30 qualities. It just needs, say, 20-25 of them, and is free to experiment around that. Like 1 of those qualities is experience points. Not every jrpg has them, but they one quality of several combined with others that most have. So there are things that tend to define what a JRPG is, but because JRPG is an amalgam of different traits, there's no one thing you can point to as a requirement.

I think you did a good job of outlining some of the most major qualities (of the 30 I mentioned) in this video, and you acknowledge that a single
Jrpg never need absolutely require a single one of them. Well made video!

[p_ttown]

wow. super well made video here taylor. i’ve occasionally found myself trying to explain what a jrpg is for others. thanks!

[krinagargamer]

You hit the nail right on its JRPG head. Your explanation is perfect. And for those games that come close to the genre, we can say they are JRPG inspired IMO.

[Makoto]

Great video. Visuals and storytelling are the biggest indicators for me of a JRPG. Its why i mostly prefer them over WRPGs.
Though they tend to lack the character choice of western rpgs, they focus more on likeable characters and companions. The action also feels more fantastical than the more grounded western approach.
They also aren't as prudish with female designs as the west are.

[vagabundorkchaosmagick-use]

Been playing JRPGs for 30 years as well.

[Lichtverbunden]

The vibe of most JRPGs to me, is the values they present in different ways: innocence, purity, childlikeness, compassion, both masculine (often the hero archetype) and feminine (nurturing, wisdom, ...) strengths. In essence stories in JRPGs are about the most precious qualities of humanity. A reminder of what we truly are, even when we get hurt so badly, in a world that feels so unsafe and cold (especially in the west), that we close down, and learn to use sarcasm and cynisism to protect these precious parts of ourselves.

[xaltx]

granblue music made me remember how i wasted 4 years (literally thousands of hours) on that game
thanks!

[calendar]

I think you already nailed all the point.

When you are new and asked for a JRPG, a JRPG players will first give names such a Final Fantasy, Tales of, Chrono Trigger, Dragon Quest, Pokemon, Breath of Fire, Ys, Trails, etc. And maybe Nier, but seldom Zelda or Elden Ring/Dark Soul/Nioh, although quite sure Stranger of Paradise.

In wiki they describe JRPG as an RPG that involves turn based combat, linear gameplay, a pre determined story and characters, and an emphasis on narrative and storytelling.

I think this is kinda suffice but still lacks details, first it's an RPG (I don't want to debate this. If the game has stats up/new abilities after level up, equipments, some sort of "class/role/job" I will just call it an RPG). So it's clear it won't include something like the new God of War or Uncharted even though they checks other points.
Second turn based combat, yeah this is simply not true because Tales of and Ys exist, I dare say even FF's combat (especially 4-9, 11-15) is not what I will call turn based combat.
Third it's linear in gameplay not strictly "the world" as you said.
Fourth and Fifth are self explained. You playing an anime/manga (because of course the story will heavily Japanese influenced).

The direct consequence of fourth and fifth are the art style and the friends as you said, it simply doesn't feel JRPG without adventuring with friends.

Now, as for something like Fire Emblem, Triangle Strategy, FF Tactics, Stella Glow, Gungnir, etc. I will still call them TRPG first and foremost but yeah I will give it a pass as a JRPG because they do have the "RPG" I define and checks other points too.

And indeed all of this are to JRPG players can be curated as "you just know when you play one".

[astreakaito]

Gonna be honest, it feels to me like some people started making a distinction between japanese and western RPGs because they dislike the former.
So I no longer care. Persona and Mass Effect? Both are RPGs and both are worth playing!

[camilovelez]

Great video as always, thanks! And the series about going through some jrpgs to see it they meet these criteria sounds pretty interesting

[dclan]

I've always like JRPG more because most of them focused more on character driven stories moving in a larger plot scale. Also overall core party member dynamics in JRPG are more interesting than western ones, and I feel more connected with the cast most of the time. Although WRPG have more freedom of choice in the story.

[Anpeo]

"If your charm isn't high enough you cannot hang out with certain female characters." Yo why would you call me out like that 😂