The best JRPGs with martial artist protagonists, ranked

Key takeaways

• JRPGs feature a good range of martial artists, although they are not always the main protagonists.
• The story of Xillia, the story of Legaia, and the Trials of Mana put martial artists in the spotlight.
• Brave heroes in these JRPGs stand out as characters who excel in hand-to-hand combat.

Martial arts have appeared frequently in many JRPGs, allowing players to control hand-to-hand combat experts who can use complex combos to smash enemies to bits. However, many of these martial artists play supporting roles in their respective sports instead of taking the lead role.

It's rare for players to get their hands on JRPGs that put these hand-to-hand combat experts in the role of protagonist. So, players can't help but treasure some games in the genre that dive into it and let players control some powerful martial artists as they perform heroic deeds.

The ranking will be based on the overall quality of the games.

8 Tales of Xillia

The protagonist is a medical student trained in hand-to-hand combat

Tales of Xillia It's one of the most compelling games in the series, boasting an impressive story where players must stop weapons of mass destruction from laying waste to the world. Focusing on two protagonists helps the game's ambitious story hit home for many players.

One of the protagonists, Jude Mathis, is a medical student with an affinity for martial arts. Using this character to beat up monsters and bosses with powerful attacks never ceases to engage, cementing himself as one of the most underrated JRPG heroes in the eyes of many.

7 The legend of Legaia

Almost every character, including the protagonist, excels in hand-to-hand combat

The legend of LegaiaThe combat system lets players execute combos in battle to unleash powerful attacks. Most playable characters in the game prefer to unleash powerful moves with their fists, using weapons for some added oomph.

The main character, Van, prefers to let his fists do the talking for him. Players can unleash a wealth of powerful combos with this well-rounded martial artist, turning him into a hero players will love to have in their party as they boss their enemies around.

6 A test of the mind

One of the selectable heroes, Kevin, is a werewolf who uses martial arts

A test of the mind is an underrated action RPG, and fans were happy to see the game get the remake it deserved. A new generation of players can check out the game's action combat and discover why so many people love the Mana series and its real-time action.

The game lets players choose a character to serve as the protagonist, with Kevin being an option for players who want to use hand-to-hand combat in the series. This character can transform into a werewolf, making him a dynamic party member who is no slouch in battle.

5 Shadow hearts

Yuri Hyuga was taught the ways of martial arts by his father

Shadow hearts A gothic JRPG with a unique setting that lets players explore the world moments before the outbreak of the First World War. Players control Yuri Hyuga, a smart-mouthed martial artist who was taught hand-to-hand combat by his father.

Along with his brawling skills, Yuri can transform into a monster and expend sanity to use powerful attacks in battle. He's a unique hero who's a joy to control as players uncover a deep and compelling story in one of PS2's best JRPGs.

4 final fantasy

The hero may be a monk, who eventually becomes a hand-to-hand master

First final fantasy The game is one of the most important titles ever released, helping Square become one of the biggest video game companies of all time. Players choose jobs for the four Warriors of Light as they embark on a journey to save the world.

One of the roles players can take on is that of a monk, allowing characters to use their bare fists in battle. Their damage output is incredible and makes up for the relatively lackluster defense, and players can transform this job into a Master to help this particular Warrior of Light become a powerful martial artist against the many enemies that stand in his way.

3 Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redemption

Mathieu Vandam, the protagonist, excels at classic fist-fighting

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 A return to form for the series after the previous game felt like a let down in the eyes of many fans. An incredible story coupled with impressive combat ensures that players will have a great time from start to finish, and this extends to the DLC as well.

The future is connected is an excellent expansion that lets players control a new protagonist in the original storyline set in the series. Matthew excels in fistfights, making him a fresh change of pace from the sword-wielding heroes who usually serve as leads. Xenoblade the game

2 Like the Dragon: Eternal Wealth

One of the main characters, Kiryu Kazuma, uses an unorthodox move that combines martial arts

Not only endless wealth A natural evolution of the combat system introduced in Like a dragonBut it also lets players experience Kiryuu's final journey Yakuza series before he finally bids farewell. This fighter has a heart of gold and uses various forms of martial arts in combat to heat up against his opponents.

Players remember the struggles involved in learning Komaki martial arts, eventually letting Kiryu unleash Tiger Drop to deal massive damage. For final appearance, endless wealth Ichiban instead lets Kiryu go out with a bang as he takes on the role of hero.

1 Xenogears

Fei Fon Wong is a martial arts expert

This is a shame Xenogears The game ran out of budget before achieving its promise as it was on track to become one of the best PS1 JRPGs ever made. As things stand, the first disc is a wild ride with the second half of the game resorting to elaborate slideshows to convey the story with walls of text.

The protagonist, Fei Fon Wong, appears to be a run-of-the-mill martial artist who embarks on an adventure to fight against an evil empire, only to have several revelations about the scope of the plot come to light. Fei hammers his expertise as a martial artist as he executes combos to unleash powerful attacks.