JRPGs
Turn-based fantasy quests
JRPGs—Japanese role-playing games—are video games characterized by turn-based combat, elaborate storylines, and anime-influenced art styles.
The genre emerged from titles like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, emphasizing narrative depth and character progression over player-driven choices.
Western RPGs prioritize open-world exploration and moral flexibility; JRPGs typically follow a more linear, story-focused path: I spent the weekend grinding levels in old JRPGs.
East Asian archipelago nation
- NintendoJapanese video game company
- CapcomJapanese gaming studio
- KonamiJapanese video game publisher
- Final FantasyJapanese role-playing game series
Dragon Quest · EarthBound · Fire Emblem · Kingdom Hearts · Pokémon
Players alternate actions
Main explorable surface area
- dungeonsUnderground prison chambers
- townsMid-sized populated places
- airshipsSteerable lighter-than-atmosphere craft
- sidequestsOptional objectives in games
backtracking · puzzles · NPCs · shops · inns · warp · secrets · collectibles
Making flat or equal
- grindingMolar action sometimes
- statsNumerical information, abbreviated
- classesInstructional sessions or groupings
- jobsPositions of employment
equipment · loot · crafting · alchemy · materia · upgrades · unlockables · endgame
Account of events
- charactersPersons in a narrative
- protagonistStory's central figure
- antagonistOne who opposes another
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
cutscenes · lore · backstory · emotional · friendship · sacrifice · destiny · villains
Japan
East Asian archipelago nation
Final Fantasy · Dragon Quest · EarthBound · Fire Emblem · Kingdom Hearts · Pokémon
turn-based
Players alternate actions
magic · skills · mana · buffs · debuffs · formations · guard · flee
overworld
Main explorable surface area
- dungeonsUnderground prison chambers
- townsMid-sized populated places
- airshipsSteerable lighter-than-atmosphere craft
sidequests · backtracking · puzzles · NPCs · shops · inns · warp · secrets · collectibles · landmarks
leveling
Making flat or equal
- grindingMolar action sometimes
- statsNumerical information, abbreviated
- classesInstructional sessions or groupings
jobs · equipment · loot · crafting · alchemy · materia · upgrades · unlockables · endgame · builds
story
Account of events
- charactersPersons in a narrative
- protagonistStory's central figure
- antagonistOne who opposes another
dialogue · cutscenes · lore · backstory · emotional · friendship · sacrifice · destiny · villains · redemption
anime
Japanese cartoon art form
- spritesTiny supernatural beings
- chibiExaggerated small-bodied drawing style
- vibrantFull of life, intensity
orchestral · soundtrack · fantasy · steampunk · sci-fi · crystals · kingdoms · mascots
- Japanese GamesFinal Fantasy, Pokemon, Mario, Zelda, Metal Gear
- Japanese pop cultureanime, manga, otaku, cosplay, kawaii
JRPGsCRPGs
Computer role-playing games
Baldur's Gate · The Elder Scrolls · Fallout · Mass Effect · Dragon Age
JRPGsARPGs
Combat-focused role-playing games
Dark Souls · Elden Ring · Diablo · Kingdom Hearts · Monster Hunter