featured image

Some of the best JRPGs of all time are also perfectly thrilling fighting games that have been challenging and entertaining players around the world for decades. Players can experience epic adventures in Japan and other futuristic countries, as well as visit fictional and historical countries.


RELATED: JRPGs That Define the Genre (And Aren’t Final Fantasy Games)

These action games are more than just beat ’em up games, as the most iconic JRPGs that define the genre feature stunning visuals, interesting stories and well-crafted characters that ensure players are completely immersed in these unique worlds. JRPG fighting games are also excellent choices for anime fans as these games are often inspired by Japanese animation and are even part of some of the most iconic anime franchises.

GAMERANT VIDEO OF THE DAY

8 Lot/EXTELLA

Lot/EXTELLA is one of the most fun and vibrant JRPG fighting games for an adult audience. Despite the game’s fairly modern and charming atmosphere, it’s actually quite a complex game in which fans can go on an epic adventure. Players will have to help Nero defend her throne and defeat powerful enemies in epic battles.

This story-rich action game can be played in single-player or multiplayer mode. Players will not only have to defeat enemies, but also discover the truth behind an ancient dark secret. In addition to hacking and chopping, players will have the chance to get to know the game’s fun characters, build relationships, and even date while trying to protect their kingdom.

7 Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne

Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne is one of the most iconic and infamous JRPG fighting games in which players will have to perform at their best if they want to survive the ethereal apocalypse. This dark and atmospheric game takes players to an alternate version of Tokyo, Japan, where people get caught up in the battle between gods and demons.

RELATED: JRPGs and Other Games to Play If You Love Persona

Players must connect with their inner demons and use their best strategic and gaming fighting skills to ensure they bring the war-torn planet to life and not death. It’s also one of the hardest JRPGs to beat, so it will likely be tough for beginners or casual gamers as they begin their journey.

6 SCARLET NEXUS

SCARLET NEXUS has one of the most celebrated combat systems in RPGs and the beautiful visuals are combined with equally impressive characters and an exciting storyline. Players can explore a beautifully detailed and futuristic open world where a mysterious poison gave people special abilities.

Players can become one of these warriors with extrasensory abilities who must fight against the terrifying mutants that want to eat human brains. Gamers will have to uncover dark mysteries as they explore the game’s cyberpunk and anime-inspired world and fight powerful enemies.

5 FINAL FANTASY 14 Online

FINAL FANTASY 14 Online is a breathtakingly beautiful JRPG fighting game that is also one of the best MMOs for beginners. This iconic game allows players to get lost in a magical and adventurous open world with millions of other players from all over the world.

RELATED: JRPGs With The Shortest Playtime (& 7 With The Longest)

Players will have to interact with each other and the environment of this atmospheric land as they explore the world, engage in battles and improve their characters. It is also one of the best JRPG fighting games for players who love character customization since in FINAL FANTASY 14 Online they can even customize their character’s facial features.

4 DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT

DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT is probably the most famous JRPG fighting game that even non-gamers have heard of and even played with. Thanks to this beautiful and exciting game DBZ and JRPG fans finally got a chance to get lost in this beloved anime world in a fully immersive way.

Fans can experience the beautifully detailed and vibrant world of DBZ as you battle some of Goku’s most iconic foes such as Cell and Frieza. Players will have the chance to battle on stunning battlefields while also encountering other favorite characters and his iconic dragon. While it’s a highly entertaining game, it’s also one of the most difficult JRPGs, so it’s a good idea for casual and novice gamers to check out some of the most useful tips for leveling up quickly.

3 Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is one of the best Nintendo Wii games ever and is an exciting and visually beautiful JRPG fighting game. Players will embark on a journey of nearly 300 hours exploring the fantasy and sci-fi inspired world of this iconic fighting game.

RELATED: Most Iconic Female Nemuidere Characters in JRPGs

Players will have to guide the living Blades, also known as Rex and Pyra, through dangerous lands to find paradise. This atmospheric game is also a great choice for fans who love action anime and well-crafted stories. Gamers can also explore some of the most unique gaming civilizations found on the backs of the game’s gigantic Titans.

2 Grandia II

Grandia II is the perfect JRPG fighting game for players who love retro games and fantasy anime stories. This beautiful classic will take its players on an epic adventure where they will fight against evil forces with magical powers.

Players take on the role of a mercenary and explore a land fraught with peril in which they must save the world while being completely immersed in the game’s well-crafted story. This fighting game also has a captivating combat system and is also well suited for casual and more experienced gamers thanks to the wide variety of difficulty levels.

1 Ys 9: Monster Nox

Ys 9: Monster Nox is one of the most acclaimed JRPG fighting games that has taken the world by storm. Players will become powerful Monstrums with unique abilities tasked with saving their city from the enemies emerging from a shadowy dimension called the Grimwald Nox.

Players will have the chance to explore a stunning and detailed anime-inspired open world while being immersed in the game’s well-crafted story. Gamers will have to get lost in Balduq and all the dark alleys and rooftops of the old city, and even fly high above the buildings so they can find and defeat their supernatural enemies, uncover mysteries and help townspeople.

MORE: The Best Contemporary JRPGs (according to Metacritic)