The best PS2 JRPGs

Key takeaways

  • Grandia 2 offers an excellent lead character and battle system.
  • Tales of the Abyss excels in character development and visuals.
  • Final Fantasy 12 stands as one of the most ambitious entries in the series.



The PlayStation 2 hosts an array of the most acclaimed and influential JRPGs ever created. Many of these JRPGs adhere to traditional elements featuring fantasy settings and turn-based combat, while others are known for their space opera stories and unique battle systems.

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The genre offers a diverse selection of games that cater to all preferences, including titles that set standards in a variety of ways. With such a large list of games on the PS2, there is no shortage of fantastic JRPGs on the system that would make the top list of best games. This list includes some of the best games in the JRPG genre and the best games on the PlayStation 2.


8 Grandia 2

A great lead character and a great battle system


Grandia 2

issued
December 6, 2000

developer
Game Art, Rocket Studio

Grandia 2 Originally a Sega Dreamcast game ported to the PS2. It was remastered for modern consoles, and the original game was included in the Remastered Collection. Both games are fantastic, though Grandia This is the best game in the series. Apart from the themes and its excellent battle system, Grandia 2 It is a standalone entry with no storyline connection to its predecessor.

Players take on the role of a mercenary called Ryudo who is caught up in a war between the God of Light and the followers of the God of Light. Its themes are more mature than other titles like the first game and game arts the moon series. It has a likable supporting cast of characters, a memorable main protagonist, and great villains to face off against.

7 Incredible stories

Amazing character development


Incredible stories

systems

Super grayscale 8 bit logo Playstation-1

issued
October 10, 2006

developer(s)
Naam's Tales Studio

on the side Tales of Symphonia, Incredible stories Considered the best game in the series during the PS2 and GameCube era. Symphonia Good story, though the abyss The combat system has been improved and featured excellent character development with its hero Luke. As a spoiled rich boy, he is insufferable for a few hours but becomes a more selfless warrior and leader after facing a major identity crisis.

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Incredible stories Beautifully rendered cities, towns and well-designed characters have impressive visuals. The game often uses complex vocabulary and exposition, but fans who appreciate world-building are immersed in the universe. Incredible stories And grow to love its characters, especially Luke.

6 Digital Devil Saga 1 and 2

A dark and visually stunning two-part JRPG


Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 2

systems

Playstation-1

Few JRPGs deviate from traditional fantasy and science fiction themes, yet Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga Stands out as one of the darkest and most acclaimed titles on the PS2. It is a two-part series that must be played together to understand the story, the characters and their emerging humanity and emotions.

The games are set in a post-apocalyptic world where tribes fight each other to the death. During the battle, the hero Serf, and his tribe called Fetus, are interrupted by a pod that spreads across the battlefield and transforms everyone into monstrous and cannibalistic monsters. A mysterious young woman named Sera emerged from a pod, and all the tribes were instructed to eliminate each other until only one remained, who would bring her to Nirvana. There's a lot to the story, and the way it unfolds across the two games is fantastic.


5 Final Fantasy 12

One of the most ambitious entries in the Final Fantasy series

issued
October 31, 2006

Final Fantasy 12 It was often overlooked compared to other titles in the series, but the game should be praised for its ambition. The visuals, character models, multiple explorable worlds, and customizable combat system make this one of the most accessible and polished entries. final fantasy series.

The voice acting is excellent with great heroes like Balthier, Fran, Ashelia, and Bash. The main Van and his sister Penello are typical anime-esque characters that are hit or miss. The final fantasy The series has often paid homage Star Wars Movies with similar stories, characters, and easter eggs, but Final Fantasy 12 Most likely Star Wars –Like the game in the series. Balthier and Fran mirror Han Solo and Chewbacca, while the rebel princess is contrasted with Gabranth, a villain reminiscent of Darth Vader.


4 The Xenosaga Trilogy

An epic and ambitious Sci-Fi trilogy

Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht

systems

Playstation-1

issued
February 25, 2003

the whole The Xenosaga The trilogy is a continuous one story so it is added to an entry for this list. Developed by Monolith Soft, it serves as the spiritual successor to the science fiction RPG series Xenogears. The Xenosaga As ambitious and complex as it is, players need to experience the games to appreciate them.

All three games have very long cutscenes and dialogues to follow along with the story and understand its themes. There is another thing similar to this Xenogears Focuses on religion, philosophy, identity and psychology. Although the quality of the three games varies, the first and third games are considered the best. Xenosaga 2 There are some memorable and epic moments, so it's still worth playing.


3 Dragon Quest 8

A fun JRPG that takes players on a great adventure

Dragon Quest 8: Journey of the Cursed King

systems

Phone transparent Playstation-1

issued
November 15, 2005

developer(s)
Level-5

OpenCritic rating
the mighty

Dragon Quest 8: Journey of the Cursed King Stands out as one of the most visually appealing games on the PlayStation 2, thanks to its beautiful cel-shaded characters and cities, detailed maps, and open areas to explore. As with its predecessors, it doesn't tell an overly complex story, but there's a sense of adventure that few series can match, and Dragon Quest 8 Easily one of the most timeless games on the system.

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It's a classic JRPG fantasy adventure that's as traditional as the genre, but it's executed so well that Dragon Quest 8 Such a memorable and enjoyable experience. Players seek to defeat the evil sorcerer and jester, Dhaulmagus. The hero and party join forces to restore peace and heal King Trod, who has turned into a goblin-like creature, and the princess, who has turned into a horse.


2 Suicoden 5

One of the best stories in the genre

Suicoden 5

JRPG

fighting

Adventure

Strategy

systems

Playstation-1

issued
February 23, 2006

developer(s)
Konami, Hudson Soft

The Suicoden The series has always focused on creating a world with believable characters. It still works within a fantasy setting but emphasizes how war and destruction affects regular people and their heroes. Suicoden 2 Rightfully seen as the best in the series, but Suicoden 5 comes very close. As with its predecessors, players are tasked with recruiting 108 Stars of Destiny and their contribution to building the base.


Suicoden 5 It has a slow opening when it comes to setting up its characters, their motivations, and world-building, though it ultimately stands out for one of the most compelling stories on the PS2. While the pan-out view doesn't always do it justice Suicoden 5 It showcases some of the best visuals on the PS2, with some of the most detailed environments and character models on the system, including reflective surfaces, detailed characters, and vast cities and towns to explore.

1 Personality 4

Holds up as one of the best JRPGs on any system

Personality 4 A timeless PS2 classic, thankfully, available on modern systems thanks to an enhanced port. Persona 4 Golden. This JRPG is unique for its setting in a contemporary rural Japanese town, focusing on a new transfer student who becomes involved in a supernatural murder mystery. Without revealing too much of the plot, the students are tricked into watching their TV sets in the middle of the night to catch a glimpse of their future love. Instead, they are drawn into an alternate dream-like realm.


It tells an engaging story and script with well-written scenarios and relatable characters, whether the players themselves are students or adults and reminisce about their school life. Between battles and rescuing students from the TV dimension, players must also attend school to socialize and build friendships. Thanks to the excellent presentation and storytelling, the turn-based battles feel fresh, and the social aspect of the game is always entertaining.

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