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Sixteen years have passed since the series departed from PlayStation consoles, but it’s poised to make a grand return on September 29 on the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 and PC with Valkyrie Elysium. Taking the series in a more action-oriented direction, the JRPG sees Odin create a new Valkyrie to protect the realms from destruction by Ragnarök.


With the triumphant return of the series, there are other JRPGs worth exploring for those who may be enjoying Square Enix’s latest title. From past installments in the over twenty-year-old series or other titles that use similar mechanics, they might just answer the prayers of anyone looking for an exciting gaming experience.

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10 Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth

Released on the PlayStation One in 1999, Valkyrie Profile was the second series developed by Tri-Ace after their efforts with the Stars Ocean games, which were eventually updated for the PSP in 2006. Starring a Valkyrie named Lenneth, she must team up with deceased heroes to stop the destruction of all of Ragnarök’s life.

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With some improvements to the visual and sound quality, the game is a must-play for anyone who might be new to the series with its 16-bit inspired visuals and a deep, dramatic story that people can take in on the go. The series may have strayed from the turn-based battles it started out with, but the companions and fresh take on Norse mythology definitely made it stand out at the time.

9 Genshin impact

Despite containing gacha mechanics, that didn’t stop Genshin impact to become a resounding success for both PlayStation consoles and PC. Players can expect a lot of familiar tropes from JRPGs, while also feeling familiar to those who enjoyed them The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

But what makes miHoYo’s game a must for anyone who uses the . has played? Valkyrie games is the beautiful fantastic world to explore that is filled with beautiful landscapes. The characters that can join the player’s party can have unique interactions with each other that make them feel more connected than they should and if people want them all, they will have to complete one of the longest JRPGs of all time to do so.

8 Chrono trigger

Often regarded as one of the best games on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Chrono trigger is unlike anything people have played before. Of Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi and dragon quest creator Yuji Horii on board, the game was a unique and successful entry in the genre.

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Despite this being a JRPG with turn-based combat, the brilliant writing style and chemistry between the characters in different time periods makes everyone feel more connected in their quest to save the world. Their chemistry is even reflected in the combat, as their magical abilities can be combined to create new attacks that can overwhelm even the strongest foes.

7 Kidney Replicant (2021 remake)

With the success of Kidney: vending machinesfans were treated to a remake of its predecessor Kidney: Replicant which included additional content and enhanced qualities to enhance the experience. The young male protagonist is looking to save his ailing sister and soon finds himself looking for a cure with two other travelers.

What makes the game one of the best remakes of a classic title is how polished the combat is, making trying out magic and different weapon combinations more accessible and fluid than ever before. Those who enjoyed the gameplay in the coming Valkyrie Elysium could enjoy this game and made it resonate with gamers.

6 Scarlet Nexus

2021 was a great year for fans of RPG games with Monster Hunter Rise, Brave Standard 2and Legendary Mass Effect Edition simply one of the biggest releases of that year. But it was also one filled with new titles and Scarlet Nexus was one of the more ambitious releases last year.

RELATED: 10 Best Sci-Fi RPG Video Games to PlayDespite being set in a futuristic world filled with humans using supernatural abilities, it shares several similarities with the latest Valkyrie game with action-heavy combat against giant creatures and the focus on the supporting cast. While expected players will have to wait and see how much the game’s story and combat will focus on the characters, Scarlet Nexus effectively treats both which made it stand out last summer.

5 Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age

Originally released for the PlayStation 2 in 2006, many can now buy one of the best Final Fantasy games on current consoles with the remastered version. Located in Ivalice, Final Fantasy XII follows a princess and a young adventurer who form a resistance group to free their kingdom from the conflict between two realms.

The game introduced many firsts to the series, including a movable camera, an open world, and a new combat system. This entry will appeal to those seeking a unique experience in the Final Fantasyseries that has moved on to the action-oriented gameplay of modern titles.

4 Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana

Developed by Nihon Falcom, Yes is one of their longest running JRPG series next to The legend of heroes, although they may not be the biggest names in the genre. After Adol Christin’s life of adventure, he finds himself shipwrecked on a cursed island full of danger, mystery and a ton of side missions to complete.

With other survivors joining Adol’s party, the story and chemistry between them allows for more variation in the gameplay and story. There are also many creatures and animals to defeat that keep players on their toes and switch to the right person for the task, allowing the player to manage and choose the right character for the task.

3 Stories of origin

Developed by Bandai Namco Entertainment, Stories of origin is the last entry in the long-running stories games that stood out as one of the best entries in the critically acclaimed series last year. Ex-slaves tell a deep and dramatic story of slavery and war, working together to save kingdoms from cruel and ruthless rulers and tyrants.

While the action of the JRPG gameplay will please many, what makes it such a standout title is the chemistry between the characters that make up the tour group. It will strike a chord with everyone as they share their backstories and go through their own arcs that made it a meaningful story.

2 Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition

For fans of Xenoblade Chronicles 3, this improved version of the first game is a great example of how to improve and improve a game for a new generation. Shulk and his companions embark on a quest to stop a war over the bodies of two perished titans that will take gamers on a journey filled with many improvements over their previous versions.

While newcomers may enjoy the other entries in the series as well, this is an excellent introduction to the world and a great story, propelled by some colorful and enjoyable companions that will make even fans of Valkyrie Elysium will fall for. And while not many JRPGs have British accents for the English dubbing, the actors did a great job of bringing these characters to life.

1 Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria

The second entry in the series and the last to be released on a PlayStation console, Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria expanded the lore of the first game. A prequel to the original title, two heroes sharing one body must try to prevent a war between the gods and the humans.

While it was still focused on turn-based combat, the game expanded it with some free movement to travel from one opponent to another so that the team of heroes can defeat the many monsters scattered everywhere. It’s this continued evolution throughout the series that has made it what it is today. Whether you’re a fan or a newcomer, this is a great way to see more of the world Tri-Ace and Square Enix have created over the years.

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