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There are more anime-styled JRPGs than not: it comes with the territory.
Both mediums share much of the sameethos, humour and tropes, and their fanbase overlaps almost entirely.
It’s very likely that someone who plays JRPGs is a fan of anime, and vice versa.
These games highlight that.
Even when video games moved to 3D, JRPGs retained a look clearly inspired by 2D Japanese animation.
However, JRPGs aren’t exclusively anime territory.
Some boast an aesthetic more inspired by medieval fantasy, while others go for a cartoony look.
Here are the best JRPGs that ditch the anime art style for a different aesthetic.
It borrows liberally from hack-and-slashers and shoot ‘em ups to create an experience that’s enthralling.
However, it does give way to anime-esque humour every now and then to lighten up its deep storyline.
On a visual level, however, Nier is more of a semi-realisticsci-fi fantasytitle.
The world is realistically rendered, and a majority of the cast are mechanical designs rather than anime ones.
Nier: Automata isn’t an anime game, but it did receive an anime adaptation.
Whether he’s kart-racing orrole-playing, Nintendo’s greatest champion always brings with him an adventure worth your time.
Mario RPG is the best Mario.
Bowser’s Inside Story has the trademark Mario art style, though the two versions differ greatly.
Once it gets its hooks into you, however, it’s an absolute delight.
There are three words to describe Resonance of Fate: strategic, stylish and steampunk.
The steampunk world gives this game an extra bit of flavour: this is Valkyria Chronicles with mechs.
Yes, we know Valkyria Revolution is also Valkyria Chronicles with mechs, but we wish we didn’t.
The tone also changed in favour of a more grim and political story reminiscent of Game of Thrones.
This is the darkest FF entry.
The basic definition still applies: it’s a role-playing game developed by a Japanese studio.
It’s clear that most of the debate originates from the series’ lack of anime influence.
Some things, like lightning being OP, can’t last forever.
But iconic quotes from Solaire and other characters will always stay with us.
Instead, Dark Souls opts for a dark fantasy vibe with oppressive environments and grotesque bosses.
The style is closer to Western medieval designs that embrace the macabre.
Most of the world is painted in drab browns and gloomy greys, built out of mortar and steel.
The characters are illustrated rather than drawn, with their in-game designs instantly lending them distinct personalities.
The world is a fairly realistic, if zany, portrayal of suburban America.
The game contains horror elements and some experimental mechanics characteristic of PS1 Square JRPGs.
The art style is as realistic as the hardware allowed, recreating New York City in a straightforward fashion.
The third game, which isunfairly maligned, was a straight-up action shooter.
Instead, it had a gothic vibe that set it apart from other JRPGs on the PS2.
Bosses were Eldritch monstrosities, while the main characters had designs ranging from gothic lolita to downright vampiric.
Anime or not, this game is an experience that no JRPG enthusiast should miss.
Sink hundreds of hours into an adventure you never heard of.
