JRPGs have been around since the dawn of gaming, and they'll (hopefully) be around long after the PS5 and Switch 2 become distant memories. Like any other genre, Japanese role-playing games have gone through many evolutions over the decades, especially in their visuals. As technology advances, developers begin to push the boundaries of what consoles and PCs can do. If they're not really associated with high-end graphics, JRPGs are responsible for the most visually stunning games, some of which have aged so well that they've achieved timelessness.
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Except for maybe the raw 3D visuals of the PS1 era, every generation has had JRPGs with endlessly gorgeous graphics. The 2D sprites that defined the SNES era have stood the test of time stupidly well, but there are also many modern releases that still look amazing due to their choice of art style. Let's take a trip through JRPG history and highlight some games with truly timeless visuals.
9
Ni No Kun: Wrath of the White Witch
That Studio Ghibli magic
This awesome monster-taming JRPG developed by Level-5 is a great example of how important art style and graphics can be to a video game. joined forces with them Studio Ghibli to create a visual identity for this title, and it worked exceptionally well.
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Looks like a lost Studio Ghibli movie. Its art style is truly fantastic, thanks to its cel-shaded graphics and the studio's classic character designs. While its sequel and its remaster obviously look better, the 2010 original still holds up remarkably well, to the point that it's comfortably one of the prettiest games on the PS3.
8
Pokemon black and white
The pinnacle of 2D Pokemon
Pokemon Fans are currently dissatisfied with the 3D models of modern games. They don't look bad, but most of them feel like the classic sprite-based look was better. This is mainly due to the last generation using 2D sprites, Pokemon black and white and their sequels, Black 2 and White 2.
Game freak Finally took full advantage of the Nintendo DS Create impressive sprites for abilities and Pokemon; They are full of detail, and they actually move during combat. On the other hand, most world maps were created with 3D graphics, so both styles ended up blending impressively well. The Pokemon black and white The games look amazing for today, and they can be compared to modern ones HD-2D Loves RPGs Octopath Traveler.
7
Personality 4
Best looking game on PS2
Nowadays, titles like Personality 5 and Reload Personality 3 They are constantly praised for their great visuals and colorful art styles. But there's an argument that the series wouldn't be where it is now if it hadn't Personality 4.
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The game was released exclusively on the PlayStation 2 in 2008, 2 years after the PlayStation 3 was already out. It was a bold decision from Atlus, and it wound up being worth it Personality 4 Probably the best looking video game in the PS2's library, so they definitely knew how to use the console's technology to their advantage. The original release still looks as good as its enhanced version, Persona 4 GoldenIt didn't really change its graphics.
6
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door
Mario's best paper-based adventure
In every role-playing game was killed The series holds to an extent, viz Super Mario RPG or Mario and Luigi series. in between was killed Fans however, there is nothing better The paper was killed The series, of which the most beloved entry is the second, is called The Thousand Year Door.
Like its predecessor, the game uses a unique paper-based art style with 2D models in a 3D environment that looks like nothing else in the industry, with many indie RPGs trying to imitate it. Although the GameCube wasn't as powerful as its contemporaries, The Thousand Year Door Still managed to look really impressive, so it's not surprising that its upcoming remaster doesn't seem to change the visuals much.
5
Kingdom Hearts
That classic Disney magic
when While Square Enix joined forces with Disney to create a unique 3D video game with recognizable characters, they were also clever enough to bring the studio's classic animated magic. To combine everything seamlessly, original Kingdom Hearts Features cel-shaded graphics that make both Square Enix and Disney characters look equally good. Not to mention all the colorful worlds that Sora, Donald and Goofy have to visit.
The franchise recently switched to HD graphics as of 2019, Kingdom Hearts 3. Before that, every other game in the series used the same timeless cartoon graphics as the first title. It worked perfectly, all these games look really remarkable for the console they were released on.
4
Breath of Fire 4
A different perspective
Capcom's fourth entry is now forgotten breath of fire suffrage, Breath of Fire 4 It might not be the best game in the series, but overall it sure looks great. This is a perfect example of how the original PlayStation was better suited for 2D sprite-based games than for 3D experiences.
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Capcom games usually look pretty, but sprites work Breath of Fire 4 Really great. The characters and monsters alike look great; Their sprites are very detailed but also manage to convey a lot of emotion. The isometric view helps the player to see everything better, which is definitely worth it.
3
Suicoden 2
A beautiful cult classic
Suicoden II
- issued
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September 29, 1999
- ESRB
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M For mature 17+ due to mild violence, suggestive themes
Suicoden may not be the most popular JRPG series out there, but it managed to gain a cult following for several reasons, one of which is their beautiful sprite-based graphics that still look great to this day, and Suicoden 2 They are an excellent example of quality.
Suicoden 2 Basically Didn't gain much attention because it was released at a time when games were popular Final Fantasy 7 He was revolutionizing the industry with his 3D graphics. After many years, those 3D graphics have aged terribly, while the detailed sprites Suicoden 2 Still looks amazing. That's the only difference between the original PS1 release and its current HD remaster. This game just looks good.
2
Chrono Trigger
Akira Toriyama's magnum opus
Squaresoft's outing on the Super Nintendo has been called the best era for the JRPG genre. when it was Chrono Trigger First released, often considered one of the best role-playing games of all time, its timeless sprite-based graphics are one of the many reasons for its success.
Chrono Trigger It has an attractive art style designed by Akira Toriyama Dragon Ball Fame that makes it look like no other game that has come before. All of this is especially impressive since the game features a time-travel story set in different time periods, yet all the levels and characters manage to mesh seamlessly. It's no surprise that all subsequent re-releases of this game kept its original art style.
1
Final Fantasy 6
The most timeless Final Fantasy game
Final Fantasy 7 It has always been in dire need of a remake due to its outdated 3D graphics, but most fans didn't think so. Final Fantasy 6. It was the last mainline entry in the franchise to use 2D sprites and, as a result, is one of the best looking. final fantasy game of all time.
Works on sprites Final Fantasy 6 Really something of the square is very good. Every character, creature and environment looks incredible. It also makes good use of Mode 7 in a clever way, and it all culminates in a climactic battle against Kefka Palazzo, which looks like a beautiful painting on a Super Nintendo. That's why many fans prefer to play the original version instead of the later re-releases, because that art style seems so timeless.
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