JRPGs cover an incredibly broad spectrum of story types. We have classic “good vs. evil” stories that are popularized by the likes Dragon QuestWith small-scale stories that deal with self-reflection or personal trauma. However, some JRPGs tell epic or tragic war stories. In fact, some of the best works of the genre go this route.
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In the fantasy realms that JRPGs occupy, where story is paramount, great battles are often the driving force of their plot, where players must choose sides or fight bravely to stop an oppressive force. These JRPGs use large-scale battles to add high stakes and drama to their stories. Let's highlight some of the best war JRPGs of all time, across a spectrum of sub-genres.
Strategy JRPGs will be included, as they are responsible for the best war stories. That said, we'll also include some traditional JRPGs.
8
Strategy Ogre
A story of law and chaos, light and dark
Strategy Ogre Throwing players into an epic, continent-sized battle wastes no time. Before the tutorial battle begins, the players are told the stake: the villagers of a distant coastal town are freedom fighters, hoping to take down an influential Dark Knight serving the warring nation of Golgastan, which will not stop until it conquers the entire continent. The story takes many twists and turns from here, of course, but through it all, the trial of this war and how it changes the hero remains central to the story.
This strategic SRPG could be Square Enix's opus in the genre, with a dense, complex yet compelling story for players to sink their teeth into, and a simple gameplay loop that evolves as more units become available and more techniques are unlocked for players. Assembling a collection of enemies and tactically controlled units on the battlefield is like playing an incredibly satisfying game of fantasy chess, complete with dragons and elemental relationships.
7
DioField Chronicle
A unique battle style meets a grand war story
DioField Chronicle It boasts an incredible level of depth in how its battles function. The story takes place in an ever-expanding resource war with no true black or white sides, and the main cast is given time to go through their own arcs and grow as characters. Battling an empire that wants to collect the entire world's supply of jade, which is used to cast spells, the band of Blue Fox mercenaries continues to fight on behalf of more and more elites, slowly growing in acclaim as they try to make a name for themselves.
With a fascinating spin on real-time strategy combat and a compelling story that players will never be in the field to fight against a huge, ridiculously evil enemy, DioField Chronicle A must for anyone looking to engage in epic battles across the continent.
6
Misleading story
A great post-war JRPG
Many JRPGs are set in worlds ravaged by past wars, so we've generally avoided including many of these games. However, a representative is required, and Misleading story is one of the best examples of this type of story. Le Monde, the main city, has been completely destroyed by the conflicts of the past, creating the political instability and power vacuum that drives the current story. The protagonist, Ashley Riot, is not your traditional hero, but rather an operative who is trying to avoid the outbreak of another war, which is likely due to tensions between various aristocratic houses and religious factions.
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Instead of presenting the war as a historical backdrop, Misleading story Allowing them to cast a wide shadow over everything, and the threat of renewed battles lingering in everyone's mind. It explores how organizations fuel and fuel the cycle, while also shedding light on covert ops and intelligence warfare.
Final Fantasy Tactics As set in the universe Misleading story And also tells a great war story.
5
Unicorn Overlord
A campaign of war against an evil dictator
Unicorn Overlord Features large-scale battles with great attention to detail of player and enemy unit classes. Players must form bands of up to six units that are well-coordinated mechanically and narratively (some characters can reach friendly levels with each other) in order to fight against Galerius, the Dark Lord of the Genoiran Empire, the master dictator who conquered the entire continent.
Landing a group of skilled fighters on the battlefield, harnessing their unique powers, and mastering the iconic combat system are all milestones in this incredible journey. Unicorn Overlord Sets the player. Also, for the romantically inclined, the hero can select from a host of marriage candidates the one with whom he has the strongest connection.
4
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
A JRPG that pushed the Switch to its limits, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Not just a technical epic, but also an unforgettable war story that is grand in both scale and ambition. Although far from straightforward, the story largely revolves around the eternal conflict between Keves and Agnus, two nations that are forever at war and destined to remain enemies. War is such an inherent part of life, children are specifically raised to be soldiers, feeding a life cycle that sees them live only to die on the battlefield. Most cities are also designed for war.
Most war JRPGs revolve around ending a recent major conflict and have clear good/bad sides; but, XC3 People ask why they are engaging in a never-ending war that, even though it defines their existence, they don't understand why it started. The game also explores both sides, showing their differences and more importantly, their similarities. While action games typically lack the narrative scale found in turn-based and tactical JRPGs, XC3 Fits them without too much trouble.
3
Valkyria Chronicles 4
A unique setting with an incredible story
Rather than being a vast fantasy tale or science-fiction epic that colors many JRPGs (but not all of them!). Valkyria Chronicles 4 The action sets the world in the middle of the 20th century, framing the story around a fictional continent where WWII is happening again. Players will have to manage individual units in an incredibly intuitive skirmish-style combat system that will see the protagonist Cloud set himself and his friends in a fierce battle against the Imperial forces.
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Definitely a game for those who enjoy high stakes, high emotional stories, and unit customization. Commanding tanks, lobbing grenades, and hunkering down in machine gunner nests are new experiences for the average JRPG player, but this game showcases 20th century warfare with incredible polish.
2
The Triangulation Strategy
This game focuses on the renewal of war
The Triangulation Strategy A JRPG has one of the best stories players can encounter, in no small part due to the way the conflict is framed to create the story's groove. Three nations from each continent with the resources to command, fight or defend in a conflict built on growing ambition and self-interest. Through it all, Serenoa, the hero, must test his faith and change. Who will he be at the end of the war?
The Second Saltiron War is an incredible battle, with no true heroes or villains, only ambitious rulers and those wronged by them, and seeking revenge. An impressive game made in stunning HD-2D style, and a must for anyone looking to take part in and change the outcome of a continent-wide conflict.
1
Suicoden 2
A PS1 JRPG war epic
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 The games revolve almost entirely around combat, and the first entry provided a sense of scale that was back in the mid-90s. You spend most of these campaigns acquiring dozens of characters, building your own personal army that you can take on in small-scale skirmishes and epic battlefields. However all games in the series have something to offer, including Suicoden 4I recommend it to newcomers to start with Suicoden 2Or get the HD compilation containing the first two games.
Suicoden 2 Represents everything good about this franchise. The main battle system mixes traditional turn-based with strategy elements, and it's accompanied by large-scale battles that put you in charge of your army. War is the focus of the story and not just something happening in the background. The story deals directly with war-related themes such as civilian casualties, nationalism and survival, while having an old-school JRPG charm.
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