Underrated JRPGs You Might Have Missed

8 September 2025

Let’s be real for a second — JRPGs are like treasure chests. They come packed with emotional stories, unforgettable soundtracks, and memorable characters that stick with you long after the credits roll. But not all of them get the spotlight they deserve. While the giants like Final Fantasy, Persona, and Dragon Quest often steal the show, there’s a whole hidden world of lesser-known gems quietly waiting to be discovered by brave adventurers like you.

So, if you're tired of playing the same headliners over and over, or just itching for something new (and surprisingly phenomenal), this one’s for you. Grab your controller, stock up on potions, and let’s dive into these underrated JRPGs you might have missed.

What Makes a JRPG Underrated?

Before we start naming names, let's set the scene. A JRPG (Japanese Role-Playing Game) typically has turn-based combat, rich narratives, and often, anime-inspired visuals. When we say "underrated," we’re talking about those titles that either flew under the radar, got overshadowed by bigger franchises, or were just plain misunderstood when they came out.

Maybe they didn’t have the biggest marketing budget. Maybe they dared to try something different. Or maybe timing just wasn’t on their side. Whatever the reason, these games didn’t get a fair shot—and that’s a shame, because many of them are straight-up masterpieces.

1. Radiant Historia (Nintendo DS, 3DS)

Ever wish you could go back in time and fix your mistakes? Radiant Historia takes that idea and builds an entire game around it. You play as Stocke, a soldier who gains the ability to travel between timelines to change the outcome of events. Sounds complex? It is — in the best way.

This game blends political tension, heartbreaking choices, and well-balanced turn-based combat. The time-travel mechanic isn’t just a gimmick; it’s the core of the game and executed beautifully. Yet, for some reason, this one just didn’t catch fire when it released. Maybe it was bad timing, or maybe people just weren’t ready for a time-jumping tactical thinker.

If you're a fan of games that make you think (and maybe even cry a little), Radiant Historia deserves a place on your list.

2. Lost Odyssey (Xbox 360)

Here’s a hot take: Lost Odyssey is one of the best JRPGs ever made that nobody talks about. Developed by Mistwalker and backed by the father of Final Fantasy himself, Hironobu Sakaguchi, it had all the right ingredients — deep characters, stunning visuals, and a hauntingly emotional story.

You play as Kaim, an immortal warrior dealing with centuries of memories, both beautiful and tragic. The "A Thousand Years of Dreams" short stories scattered throughout the game are gut punches in literary form — seriously, don’t play this one without tissues nearby.

It didn’t help that it was exclusive to the Xbox 360, a platform not known for JRPG fans. But trust me, if you’ve got access to it, Lost Odyssey is an emotional journey well worth taking.

3. The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky (PC, PSP, Vita)

If you're looking for worldbuilding that rivals Tolkien or Game of Thrones, look no further. Trails in the Sky kicks off the Trails series with one of the most carefully built worlds in JRPG history. Every NPC has their own life and story, the politics feel real, and the pacing is like a slow-burn novel — but oh, the payoff.

It’s not flashy or fast-paced like some modern JRPGs, which might be why it slipped under the radar. But it’s rich. It’s deep. And it respects your intelligence as a player. The combat system is tactical and satisfying, and the character writing is top-tier.

This is the kind of game you fall in love with because it feels alive.

4. Blue Reflection (PS4, PC)

Imagine a game where magical girls fight emotional trauma while balancing high school life — that’s Blue Reflection. Inspired by shows like Sailor Moon and the Persona series, this game mixes slice-of-life moments with surreal, dreamlike battles against inner demons (literally!).

It’s not perfect — the pacing can be uneven, and the mechanics are a bit on the simple side — but there's something uniquely heartfelt about it. The relationships between characters feel genuine, and the art direction is nothing short of breathtaking.

If you’re into emotional stories, dreamy visuals, and games that make you feel, this one might just charm the heck out of you.

5. Resonance of Fate (PS3, Xbox 360, PC)

This game was... different. And that might be why it got overlooked. Resonance of Fate throws you into a post-apocalyptic world governed by clockwork and probability. The battle system? It's a stylish, bullet ballet that feels like playing a JRPG version of a John Woo movie.

Sounds awesome, right? Well, it is — once you get the hang of it. The learning curve is steep, and the game doesn’t hold your hand. But once you get into it, the combat becomes addictive and the world, strangely compelling.

It’s quirky, it's brave, and it’s definitely unlike anything else you’ve played. It may not have mass appeal, but for the right kind of player, it’s a hidden gem.

6. Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean (GameCube)

Remember the GameCube? Nintendo’s purple underdog had a lot of underrated titles, and Baten Kaitos is one of them. Developed by Monolith Soft (yep, the same folks behind Xenoblade), this game features a card-based combat system that sounds odd but actually works really well.

The art style is dreamy, almost like a watercolor painting come to life, and the story? It starts off simple but turns into something completely bonkers — in a good way.

Sadly, it suffered from limited exposure and a confusing marketing campaign. But if you’re looking for an old-school JRPG with a unique twist and some truly jaw-dropping plot revelations, this one delivers.

7. Suikoden V (PS2)

The Suikoden series has always had a cult following, but Suikoden V might just be the most criminally overlooked entry. It goes back to what made the series special: political intrigue, large-scale battles, and a cast of 108 characters (yep, you read that right).

It takes a bit to get going — think of it like reading a long epic novel — but once it kicks off, it doesn’t let go. The kingdom of Falena is full of twists and betrayals, and the characters feel like real people with complicated motivations.

If you’ve ever wanted to build a castle, recruit an army, and take down a corrupt regime, Suikoden V should be at the top of your to-play list.

8. Tokyo Xanadu eX+ (PS4, PC)

Take a bit of Persona, throw in some Ys-style action combat, and sprinkle in a little urban fantasy, and what do you get? Tokyo Xanadu eX+. It’s stylish, fast-paced, and surprisingly deep.

You play as Kou, a high school student who gets involved in a mysterious shadow dimension infecting the city. While the game doesn’t break any molds, it nails what it tries to do. The character development is solid, the combat is snappy, and the dungeon designs are satisfying.

It didn’t make a huge splash when it dropped, but it’s got all the ingredients JRPG fans love — and then some.

9. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers (Wii)

Yes, it says Final Fantasy on the box. And yes, it’s not your typical Final Fantasy game. But this oddball Wii exclusive deserves a second look.

The Crystal Bearers dropped the series' traditional combat system in favor of something closer to action-adventure. You play as Layle, a cheeky protagonist with gravity powers, and the game encourages exploration, experimentation, and just plain goofing around.

It got a lot of flak for being too different from the norm, but honestly, that’s what makes it so fun. It’s lighthearted, weird, and full of charm — kind of like if Final Fantasy and The Legend of Zelda had a quirky little cousin.

10. Shadow Hearts: Covenant (PS2)

This one’s part horror story, part historical fantasy — and all awesome. Shadow Hearts: Covenant takes place during World War I, but throws in demons, magic, and a twisted version of European history.

What makes it stand out? The Judgement Ring battle system, which turns every attack into a timing-based mini-game. It’s addictive, strategic, and keeps you on your toes. The characters are memorable (shoutout to Joachim, the wrestling vampire!), the humor is dark but hilarious, and the plot is surprisingly deep.

Sadly, it came out around the same time as more mainstream titles, and kind of got lost in the noise. But if you want a JRPG that’s equal parts creepy and clever, this one’s a no-brainer.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about finding a game that most people overlooked and falling in love with it. Like finding a hidden room in a dungeon filled with treasure no one else knew existed.

So, next time you're scrolling through your game catalog or looking for your next big RPG adventure, skip the obvious blockbusters. Try one of these underrated JRPGs instead. You might just find your next favorite.

And hey, if you have a hidden gem of your own that more people need to play, drop it in the comments. Sharing is caring in the JRPG community.