The best JRPGs where you play as a rebel

Key takeaways

• Many JRPGs set during times of political upheaval or war allow players to play the role of a rebel for an engaging experience.
• Games like Final Fantasy 6, Tales of Berseria, and Persona 5 feature rebel heroes in complex storylines.
• Titles like Suikoden and Tales of Arise feature rebel heroes fighting oppressive empires for liberation and freedom.

JRPGs Gaming has been around as long as consoles. The genre helped establish many franchises that players are familiar with today and laid the foundation for many modern JRPG and RPG titles.

While JRPGs can tackle different topics and still be interesting. It is generally considered most attractive to players set during political conflict or war. When games allow players to take on the role of a rebel, that's a recipe for success and a much more enjoyable experience. Here are some JRPGs where players can take on the role of a rebel.

5 Final Fantasy 6

A solid addition to the Final Fantasy franchise

• Set in a steampunk-influenced world
• Most of the playable characters are from The Returners

Final Fantasy 6 Set amidst political upheaval in a world with heavy steampunk influences. Although it may seem a little strange that many of the franchise's titles usually appear in medieval settings, the concept works very well and provides an overall enjoyable experience for players.

Final Fantasy 6 There are 14 playable characters, each with their own backstory, personality and unique traits and skills. Most of the characters and heroes in Final Fantasy 6 Part of a rebel group known as The Returners, whose main objective is to oppose the brutal rule of the Gestalian Empire. This means that, regardless of which character they choose, players will have ample opportunity to take on the role of a rebel.

4 Tales of Berseria

A story full of pirates and creatures of the night

• The third-person perspective adds to the story
• A story full of pirates and other hijackers

Tales of Berseria There is a very complex story that involves pirates, many conflicts and a good number of interesting characters. Players will take on the role of Violet, a young woman who was once very kind and noble, but is now filled with hatred due to traumatic experiences stemming from events that took place a few years prior to the start of the titular story.

The game is played through a third-person perspective, which allows players to interact with various NPCs around the world and have different conversations with them, which can range from humorous to serious in nature. It is undeniable that, historically, pirates are among the most prominent criminal groups, do not obey the law, and rob wherever they go. Could there be a more authentic JRPG Rebels experience?

3 Personality 5

Students with mystical powers act as vigilantes

• Joker and his fellow students encounter a mysterious force
• The game has a day-night cycle and a nice weather system

Personality 5 What starts out as a typical high school student-turned-criminal story. After a young man named Joker is accused of a crime, he is placed on probation and transferred to another high school. Everything seems normal until the Joker and some of his classmates come across a dormant power that grants them incredible abilities that they put to good use.

With his newly acquired powers, Joker and his fellow students create a vigilante group known as the Phantom Thieves of Hearts. Their mission is simple but very challenging – to explore the Metaverse, a realm born of humanity's malicious desires and cleanse the hearts of people to help change them.

Personality 5 There are many powerful story elements, which are beautifully complemented by the game's day-night cycle and weather system that provides a very moral experience like a social simulation game. While the Joker and his fellow students are not rebels in every sense of the word, they are vigilantes, which, somehow, still fall into that category.

2 Suicoden

The empire's hero's son becomes part of a rebellion against it

• The main character rejects military nobility to become a rebel hero
• Find various NPCs and complete tasks

Suicoden An inspiring story set in the midst of political conflict, where the main character, Tir McDohl, rejects his birthright and instead, chooses to follow the path of salvation. As the son of one of the Scarlet Moon Empire's most famous heroes, Tir was meant to follow in his father's footsteps; However, after a series of complicated events, he decided against it and became the leader of the Liberation Army instead.

Like other JRPGs, Suicoden It will allow players to explore the world and interact with various NPCs, take on different tasks and complete multiple missions throughout the story. All from the perspective of the offspring of the Scarlet Moon Empire's favorite son. An inspiring story of bravery, loss, and brave leadership that will have players on the edge of their seats for hours.

1 Stories that rise

The fight for freedom, and the end of dictatorship

• Two worlds in different periods
• The play depicts the power struggle between the oppressors and the oppressed

It's not often that players get to experience a JRPG in two different eras. And while Stories that rise There is no real time jump, it often feels like it. The game takes place in the medieval world of Dahna and technologically advanced Rena.

As is to be expected when one civilization is more advanced than another, the Renaissance held a strong 300-year hold over Dahana, which naturally gave rise to all manner of conflict and social unrest. Rising stories Features fast-paced, adrenaline-rushing battles that are not only entertaining, but also visually appealing. Players must survive various challenges on the way to finally free Dahna from Rena's cruel grip.