Looking for an immersive JRPG

[ShinyCharizard]

Not since Persona 4 have I found a JRPG that has really hooked me. The kind of game that just captures you with a well written story, engaging characters, and smooth gameplay mechanics. Does anyone know of such a game? I have all the current consoles and a PC so platform isn't an issue.

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

Persona 4 is tough to beat. Some of my personal favorites include Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King, Tales of the Abyss and Disgaea: Hour of Darkness but of these three only Tales has any depth when it comes to story arc and character development, the rest are fun-fun gameplay.

 

[ShinyCharizard]

Persona 4 is tough to beat. Some of my personal favorites include Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King, Tales of the Abyss and Disgaea: Hour of Darkness but of these three only Tales has any depth when it comes to story arc and character development, the rest are fun-fun gameplay.

I did enjoy Tales of Vesperia so I'll see if I can track down a copy of Abyss, if not I'll just emulate it. Disgaea and Dragon Quest I played back in the day and they were both great. Disgaea in particular I found to be consistently hilarious.

 

[Eclipse Dragon]

snip

If you like Persona, your best bet would probably be another game in the Shin Megami Tensei series.
They aren't current gen (PS2), but I'd recommend
-SMT: Nocturn,
-Digital Devil Saga 1-2,
-Persona 3
-(I also liked) Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army and it's sequel King Abaddon

If you have a DS you can try SMT: Devil Survivor, or it's 3DS port SMT: Devil Survivor Overclocked.

Some non SMT games...
-The World Ends With You (DS)
-Xenoblade Chronicles (Wii)
-Final Fantasy IX (PS1, PSN)

Some Games I really enjoyed but may or may not fit your requirements...
-Lost Odyssey (360)
-Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance (Gamecube)
-Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King (PS2)
-Final Fantasy Tactics


Edit: Ni No Kuni, It's not out, so I honestly can't say if it's any good, but it certainly LOOKS like it's going to be good.

 

[Terramax]

Sadly, I can only recommend older JRPGs. Disgaea: Hours of Darkness has a surprisingly good story. If you can download, get Vagrant Story or Final Fantasy Tactics.

 

[alphamalet]

Valkyria Chronicles is excellent and worth your time.

 

[Fractral]

Another recommendation for Final Fantasy 9 here. Its a really great game with amazing characters, a beautiful world and lovely story. The gameplay is a little pants though, so you have been warned.

 

[Guffe]

Xenoblade Chronicles
Tales of Symphonia
The Last Story
I give you some Nintendo IPs

 

[nexus]

The JRPG lineup hasn't been spectacular the past few years. You've played them or heard of them most likely.

 

[RaikuFA]

Not since Persona 4 have I found a JRPG that has really hooked me. The kind of game that just captures you with a well written story, engaging characters, and smooth gameplay mechanics. Does anyone know of such a game? I have all the current consoles and a PC so platform isn't an issue.

That new game Ni No Kuni looks like that could scratch your itch.

I'd also reccomend Mother 3. I cried in that.

 

[saintdane05]

XENOBLADE!
I will say that like, fifty thousand times if if have to.

XENO
BLADE!

XENO
FUCKING
BLADE

 

[ShogunGino]

I am up there with others recommending Xenoblade Chronicles. I also sort of recommend The Last Story, though the beginning does kinda suck. It just takes a little time to get into it, but then it moves the plot forward at a good pace, so I find it quite fun and engrossing.

Of course, I would be amiss if I did not mention my all-time favorite game, Skies of Arcadia, particularly the Gamecube port, Skies of Arcadia: Legends, but I also hesitate to recommend them because both games can be rather pricey to find these days.

If you liked Dragon Quest 8, you may like 9 on the DS. It was made to be a particularly challenging game, so if that's your thing, check it out.

 

[Kaimax]

Since everyone is mentioning "newer games", I'll be mentioning older games
Suikoden 1
Suikoden 2
Tales of Eternia (Destiny 2 in the US)
XenoGears
Lunar 1 and 2
EarthBound
Chrono Trigger

 

[Hisshiss]

Not since Persona 4 have I found a JRPG that has really hooked me. The kind of game that just captures you with a well written story, engaging characters, and smooth gameplay mechanics. Does anyone know of such a game? I have all the current consoles and a PC so platform isn't an issue.

If your consoles really are completely current, you could always just play persona 4 again with the new version on Vita, everything you could ask for from the original but with awesome new graphics, additional content etc etc.

 

[Pipotchi]

Since everyone is mentioning "newer games", I'll be mentioning older games
Suikoden 1
Suikoden 2
Tales of Eternia (Destiny 2 in the US)
XenoGears
Lunar 1 and 2
EarthBound
Chrono Trigger

Aw yeah, much love for Suikoden 2, still my benchmark for JRPGs. great music, 108 characters, all the antagonists fleshed out.

I'll also stick in Suikoden 5 as well, three was never relaeased in the Uk and four was rubbish but five was a decent return to form I thought

 

[Palademon]

I was gunna say Xenoblade Chronicles simply because the world is so open it can't help but be immersive, but you wanted it in more of a narrative sense.
I wouldn't say it's characters are great but I like them.
Mechanics are refreshing and the plot's got good hooks. I like that you can continue it whenever you choose instead of waiting through a bunch of forced grinding.

 

[EHKOS]

snip

Argh, see that's my problem with JRPGs. They look amazing, and exploring is amazing, but as soon as I see a battle screen I loose all interest.

OT: I've been playing a bit of FF9, and it doesn't have a lot of combat, and it's already a very interesting game.
Tales of Symphonia was really good, and had some tear jerking moments. Not sure if it's a J-rpg but Rogue Galaxy was amazing, and it has Steve Blum in it <3 Although the A.I. tends to squander your supplies.

EDIT: Oh also, Wild Arms. 3 and 5 specifically.

 

[saintdane05]

snip

Argh, see that's my problem with JRPGs. They look amazing, and exploring is amazing, but as soon as I see a battle screen I loose all interest.

OT: I've been playing a bit of FF9, and it doesn't have a lot of combat, and it's already a very interesting game.
Tales of Symphonia was really good, and had some tear jerking moments. Not sure if it's a J-rpg but Rogue Galaxy was amazing, and it has Steve Blum in it <3 Although the A.I. tends to squander your supplies.

EDIT: Oh also, Wild Arms. 3 and 5 specifically.

That isn't a "Battle screen". That is the exploration field. THere is no difference or transition between them.
Besides, it is actually really simple.

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[HalfUlsterOtaku]

Xenoblade Chronicles. I'd also give Chrono Trigger a go as it's well made and has a good story.