Sixteen years have passed since the series departed from PlayStation consoles, but it's set to make a grand return on the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 as well as PC on September 29th with Valkyrie Elysium. Taking the series in a more action-driven direction, the JRPG will see Odin create a new Valkyrie to help protect the realms from being destroyed by Ragnarök.
With the series' triumphant return, there are other JRPGs worth discovering for those who might enjoy Square Enix's latest title. From previous installments in the over twenty-year-old series or other titles that use similar mechanics, they might just answer the prayers for anyone looking for an exciting gaming experience.
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 Star Ocean games, which was 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 life from Ragnarök.
With some enhancements to the visuals and sound quality, the game is a must-play for anyone who may be new to the series with its 16-bit-inspired visuals and a deep, dramatic story that people could take on the go. The series may have departed from the turn-based combat it started with, but the companions and its fresh take on Norse mythology certainly made it stand out at the time.
Genshin Impact
Despite featuring gacha mechanics, that didn't stop Genshin Impact from becoming a runaway success for PlayStation consoles as well as PC. Players can expect to find many familiar tropes from JRPGs while also feeling familiar for those who enjoyed The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
But what makes miHoYo's game a must for anyone who's played the Valkyrie games is the gorgeous, fantastical world to explore that is filled with delightful landscapes. The characters that can join the player's party can have unique interactions with one another that makes them feel more connected than they should and if people want to get them all, they will have to complete one of the longest JRPGs of all time to do so.
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. With Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi and Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii onboard, the game was a unique and successful entry in the genre.
Despite this being a JRPG featuring turn-based combat, its brilliant writing and chemistry between the characters through different time periods make everyone feel more connected on their quest to save the world. Their chemistry is even reflected in the combat too as their magical abilities can be combined to create new attacks that can overwhelm even the strongest of enemies.
Nier Replicant (2021 Remake)
With the success of Nier: Automata, fans were treated to a remake of its predecessor Nier: Replicant which contained additional content and improved qualities to enhance the experience. Set on a quest to save his ill sister, the young male protagonist soon finds himself teaming up with two other travelers as he searches for a cure.
What makes the game one of the best remakes of a classic title is how polished the combat is, which makes testing out magic and different weapon combinations more accessible and fluid than ever before. Those who enjoyed the gameplay in the upcoming Valkyrie Elysium might enjoy this game and what made it resonate with gamers.
Scarlet Nexus
2021 was a great year for fans of RPG games with Monster Hunter Rise, Bravely Default 2, and Mass Effect Legendary Edition just being some of the biggest releases that year. But it was also one filled with new titles too and Scarlet Nexus was one of the more ambitious releases last year.
Despite being set in a futuristic world filled with humans who use supernatural abilities, it shares several similarities with the latest Valkyrie game with action-heavy fights against giant creatures as well as its focus on the supporting cast. While anticipated players will have to wait and see how much the game's story and combat will focus on the characters, Scarlet Nexus effectively handles both that made it stand out last summer.
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age
Originally released for the PlayStation 2 back in 2006, many can now pick up one of the best Final Fantasy games on current consoles with its remastered version. Set in Ivalice, Final Fantasy XII follows a princess and a young adventurer who create a resistance group to free their kingdom from the conflict between two empires.
The game introduced many firsts for the series, including a moveable camera, an open world, and a new combat system. This entry will appeal to those looking for a unique experience in the Final Fantasy series that moved to the action-focussed gameplay found in modern titles.
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa Of Dana
Developed by Nihon Falcom, Ys is one of their longest-running JRPG series alongside The Legend of Heroes, although they're perhaps not the biggest names in the genre. Following the adventurous life of Adol Christin, he finds himself shipwrecked on a cursed island filled with danger, mystery, and a bunch of side quests to complete.
With other survivors joining Adol's party, the story and chemistry between them open up more variety in the gameplay and the story. There are also many creatures and animals to defeat that will keep players on their toes and switch to the right person for the job, making the player manage and choose the right character for the job.
Tales Of Arise
Developed by Bandai Namco Entertainment, Tales of Arise is the latest entry in the long-running Tales games that stood out last year as one of the best entries in the acclaimed series. Telling a deep and dramatic story of slavery and war, former slaves band together to try and rescue kingdoms from cruel and ruthless rulers and tyrants.
While the action of the JRPG's gameplay will please many, what makes it such a stand-out title is the chemistry between the characters who make up the traveling party. It will strike a chord with anyone as they share their backstories and go through their own arcs that made it a meaningful story.
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
For fans of Xenoblade Chronicles 3, this enhanced version of the first game is a great example of how to enhance and improve a game for a new generation. Introducing Shulk and his companions, they set off on a quest to stop a war across the bodies of two perished titans that will take gamers on a journey filled with many improvements from their previous versions.
While the other entries in the series can also be enjoyed by newcomers, this is an excellent introduction to the world and a great story driven by some colorful and enjoyable companions that even fans of Valkyrie Elysium will fall for. And while not many JRPGs feature British accents for the English dubbing, the actors did a great job at bringing these characters to life.
Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria
The second entry in the series and the last one to be released on a PlayStation console, Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria expanded the lore from the first game. A prequel to the original title, two heroes sharing one body must try to stop a war from happening between the gods and the humans.
While it did still focus on turn-based combat, the game did expand on it with some free movement to travel from one opponent to the other so that the party of heroes can slay the many monsters scattered throughout. It's this continued evolution throughout the series that has seen it become what it is today. Whether a fan or a newcomer, this will be a great way to see more of the world that Tri-Ace and Square Enix have made over the years.