Best JRPGs Where You Play As A Rebel

JRPGs have been around for almost as long as gaming consoles have. This genre helped establish many of the franchises gamers are familiar with today and laid the foundations for many modern-day JRPG and RPG titles.

Related

5 Best JRPGs With Dragon Slaying

These games showcase the majesty and danger that comes with fearsome dragons.

While JRPGs can tackle different topics and still be interesting. It’s typically those set in the midst of a political conflict or times of war that are the most appealing to players. When games allow players to take on the role of a rebel, that’s the recipe for success and a very enjoyable experience. Here are some JRPGs where players can take on the role of a rebel.

5 Final Fantasy 6

A Solid Addition To The Final Fantasy Franchise

• Set in a steampunk-influenced world
• Most of the playable characters belong to The Returners

Final Fantasy 6 is set in the midst of political turmoil in a world with heavy steampunk influences. While that might sound a bit strange considering that many of the franchise’s titles normally occur in medieval settings, the concept works very well and delivers an overall enjoyable experience for players.

Final Fantasy 6 has 14 playable characters, each with their own backstory, personality and unique traits and skills. Most of the characters and protagonists in Final Fantasy 6 are part of a rebellious group known as The Returners, whose main objective is to oppose the cruel rule of the Gestahlian Empire. This means that, regardless of which character they choose, players will have ample opportunity to take on the role of a rebel.

4 Tales Of Berseria

A Story Full Of Pirates And Creatures Of The Night

• The third-person perspective adds to the narrative
• Story full of pirates and other outlaws

Tales of Berseria has a very complex story that involves pirates, multiple conflicts and a good number of interesting characters. Players will take on the role of Violet, a young woman who was once very kind and noble, but is now full of hatred due to traumatic experiences stemming from events that took place a few years before this title’s story begins.

Related

5 JRPGs That Feature Vampires

Vampires aren’t common fare in JRPGs, but they can be found lurking in some shadowy corners of the genre, including these games.

The game is played through a third-person perspective, which allows players to interact with the various NPCs across the world and to have different conversations with them, which can range from humorous to serious in nature. It’s undeniable that, historically, pirates are among the most renowned criminal groups, holding themselves to no law, and pillaging wherever they go. Can there be a more authentic JRPG rebellious experience?

3 Persona 5

Students With A Mysterious Power Act As Vigilantes

• Joker and his fellow students come across a mysterious power
• The game has a day-night cycle and a good weather system

Persona 5 starts as what would appear to be the typical high school student-turned-criminal story. After a young man by the name of Joker is accused of a crime, he is put on probation and transferred to a different high school. Everything seems to be normal until Joker and a few of his classmates come across a dormant power that grants them incredible abilities that they’ll put to good use.

With their newly acquired powers, Joker and his fellow students create the vigilante group known as the Phantom Thieves of Hearts. Their mission is simple but very challenging- to explore the Metaverse, a realm born of the malicious desires of humanity and cleanse the hearts of people to help them change.

Persona 5 has very powerful narrative elements, which are beautifully complemented by the game’s day-night cycle and a weather system that provides a much more moralistic experience, very similar to that of a social simulation game. While Joker and his fellow students are not rebels in every sense of the word, they are vigilantes, which, in one way or another, still fall into that category.

2 Suikoden

The Son Of An Empire’s Hero Becomes A Part Of The Rebellion Against It

• The main character turns down military nobility to become a rebel hero
• Various NPCs to discover and tasks to complete

Suikoden is an inspiring story set in the midst of a political conflict, where the main character, Tir McDohl, rejects his birthright and instead, chooses to pursue the path of liberation. As the son of one of the most famous heroes of the Scarlet Moon Empire, Tir was meant to follow in his father’s footsteps; however, after a series of complex events, he ended up deciding against this and becoming the leader of the Liberation Army instead.

Related

Best JRPGs For Fun Mindless Action

If you’re looking to turn off your brain with some fun combat, check out these great JRPGs.

Similar to other JRPGs, Suikoden will allow players to explore the world and interact with various NPCs, take on different tasks and complete many missions throughout the story. All from the perspective of the Scarlet Moon Empire’s favorite son’s offspring. An inspiring tale of bravery, loss, and valiant leadership that will have players on the edge of their seats for hours.

1 Tales Of Arise

A Fight For Freedom, And The End Of A Dictatorship

• Two worlds in different periods
• The game features a power struggle between the oppressors and the oppressed

It’s not often that players get to experience a JRPG in two different periods. And while Tales of Arise doesn’t have an actual time jump, it often feels like it does. The game takes place in the medieval world of Dahna and the technologically advanced Rena.

As would be expected when one civilization is more advanced than another, the Renans have had a strong 300-year hold on the Dahnans, which, naturally, has sparked all sorts of conflict and social unrest. Tales of Arise features fast-paced, adrenaline-rushing combat that is not only entertaining, but also visually appealing. Players will have to survive the various challenges they’ll encounter along the way to ultimately free Dahna of the cruel hold Rena has over it.

More

5 Best JRPGs With Demons

These JRPGs fill player’s parties with some not-so-holy friends — or force them to fight demonic foes.