The JRPG genre is renowned for its intricate storytelling, captivating worlds, and often challenging gameplay. However, not every player is looking for the same level of difficulty. Fortunately, many JRPGs have recognized this and now offer adjustable difficulty settings. This feature caters to both newcomers who want to enjoy the narrative without too much challenge and veterans seeking a formidable test of skill. Here’s a look at 12 JRPGs that let you tailor the challenge to your preference.
Persona 5 Royal
Platform | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One |
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Publisher | Atlus |
Genre | JRPG |
Release Date | 03/31/2020 |
Persona 5 Royal, an enhanced version of the critically acclaimed Persona 5, not only expands on the story and characters but also introduces more flexible difficulty options. Players can choose from several difficulty levels, ranging from Safe, which allows a more relaxed experience, to Merciless, for those who crave a tougher challenge. The ability to change difficulty mid-game ensures that players can adjust the experience as they see fit, making it accessible for all skill levels.
The game has been praised for its engaging story and complex character development. The additional content in Royal, combined with its refined combat mechanics, has been lauded by both fans and critics alike. Persona 5 Royal’s option to adjust difficulty allows players to focus on its deep narrative and stylish presentation, or to dive into its strategic combat at a higher difficulty.
Tales of Arise
Platform | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC |
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Publisher | Bandai Namco Entertainment |
Genre | Action RPG |
Release Date | 09/10/2021 |
Tales of Arise, the latest entry in the long-running Tales series, offers a fresh take on the franchise with a beautiful art style and dynamic combat system. Players can select from multiple difficulty settings, impacting enemy strength and player damage. This flexibility ensures the game is accessible to newcomers while still presenting a robust challenge for series veterans.
With its gripping story and well-developed characters, Tales of Arise has received high praise for revamping the series while maintaining its core appeal. The ability to adjust difficulty as you progress allows players to enjoy the story at their own pace, enhancing the overall experience.
Final Fantasy VII Remake
Platform | PlayStation 4 |
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Publisher | Square Enix |
Genre | Action RPG |
Release Date | 04/10/2020 |
Final Fantasy VII Remake reimagines the classic JRPG with modern graphics and a revamped combat system. It offers several difficulty settings, including Classic Mode for those who prefer a more traditional turn-based experience. Players can switch between difficulty levels, allowing them to find the perfect balance between challenge and enjoyment.
The remake has been widely acclaimed for its stunning visuals, compelling narrative, and innovative combat. Offering adjustable difficulty ensures that players can focus on the story or test their strategic prowess, making it a versatile entry in the Final Fantasy series.
Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age
Platform | PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC |
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Publisher | Square Enix |
Genre | JRPG |
Release Date | 07/29/2017 |
Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age is a love letter to classic JRPGs, filled with charming characters and an expansive world. The game includes a Draconian Quest system, which allows players to customize the difficulty by adding various constraints to their playthrough, such as stronger enemies or reduced experience points.
This flexibility has been praised for adding replayability and catering to both newcomers and hardcore fans. The game’s engaging story and traditional turn-based combat, combined with the ability to adjust difficulty, make it a standout entry in the Dragon Quest series.
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
Platform | Nintendo Switch |
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Publisher | Nintendo |
Genre | Action RPG |
Release Date | 05/29/2020 |
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition brings the beloved Wii classic to the Nintendo Switch with enhanced graphics and new content. It offers multiple difficulty options, including a Casual Mode for those who want to focus on the story and exploration. Players can adjust the difficulty at any time, providing a tailored experience.
The game is celebrated for its vast open world, deep lore, and strategic combat. The adjustable difficulty makes it accessible to a wider audience, allowing players to immerse themselves in its epic narrative or tackle its challenging battles at their own pace.
Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom
Platform | PlayStation 4, PC |
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Publisher | Bandai Namco |
Genre | RPG |
Release Date | 03/23/2018 |
Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom blends charming animation with engaging gameplay. It offers several difficulty levels, catering to different playstyles. Whether you’re seeking a relaxed journey or a challenging adventure, the game allows you to adjust the difficulty to suit your needs.
The game has been praised for its beautiful visuals and heartwarming story. The flexibility in difficulty settings enhances the experience, making it suitable for players looking to enjoy the whimsical world or engage in its strategic combat.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Platform | Nintendo Switch |
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Publisher | Nintendo |
Genre | Strategy RPG |
Release Date | 07/26/2019 |
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a tactical RPG that combines strategic battles with life simulation elements. The game offers multiple difficulty settings, as well as a Casual Mode where units are not permanently lost if defeated in battle. This feature allows players to tailor the game’s challenge to their preference.
The game is highly regarded for its intricate plot, character development, and strategic depth. The adjustable difficulty settings provide an accessible entry point for newcomers while still offering a formidable challenge for series veterans.
Bravely Default II
Platform | Nintendo Switch, PC |
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Publisher | Square Enix |
Genre | RPG |
Release Date | 02/26/2021 |
Bravely Default II continues the series’ tradition of classic turn-based combat with a modern twist. The game offers various difficulty levels, allowing players to adjust the challenge to their liking. This flexibility ensures that both newcomers and seasoned RPG enthusiasts can enjoy the game.
Critics have praised Bravely Default II for its strategic gameplay and nostalgic charm. The ability to modify the difficulty enhances the experience, allowing players to focus on the game’s intricate mechanics or its engaging story.
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox
Platform | PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC |
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Publisher | NIS America |
Genre | Action RPG |
Release Date | 09/26/2019 |
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox offers fast-paced action and a rich narrative set in a sprawling city. The game includes several difficulty options, ranging from easy to nightmare, catering to all types of players. This allows for a customizable experience, whether you’re new to the series or a long-time fan seeking a challenge.
Ys IX is celebrated for its dynamic combat and engaging story. The adjustable difficulty settings ensure that players can tailor their adventure, focusing on exploration, combat, or narrative as they prefer.
Octopath Traveler
Platform | Nintendo Switch, PC, Stadia |
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Publisher | Square Enix |
Genre | JRPG |
Release Date | 07/13/2018 |
Octopath Traveler combines a retro aesthetic with modern RPG mechanics. The game allows players to adjust the difficulty through its systems, offering a strategic yet accessible experience. This flexibility makes it appealing to both newcomers and veterans of the genre.
The game has been praised for its unique storytelling approach and strategic depth. The ability to influence the difficulty through in-game choices enhances the experience, providing a customizable journey through its enchanting world.
Shin Megami Tensei V
Platform | Nintendo Switch |
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Publisher | Atlus |
Genre | Turn-Based RPG |
Release Date | 11/11/2021 |
Shin Megami Tensei V, the latest installment in the acclaimed series, offers a challenging experience with the option to adjust difficulty levels. This feature allows players to tailor the game’s formidable battles to their liking, ensuring an experience that suits their skill level.
The game has been well-received for its dark narrative and complex combat system. The adjustable difficulty settings make it accessible to a broader audience, allowing players to engage with its strategic depth or focus on the story.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel IV
Platform | PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC |
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Publisher | NIS America |
Genre | Turn-Based RPG |
Release Date | 09/27/2018 |
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel IV concludes the epic saga with an intricate story and strategic combat. The game offers multiple difficulty settings, allowing players to adjust the challenge as they progress through the narrative.
The series is known for its deep world-building and character development, and Trails of Cold Steel IV is no exception. The ability to modify difficulty ensures that players can tailor their experience, making it a fitting conclusion to the beloved series.
In conclusion, these 12 JRPGs demonstrate how adjustable difficulty settings can enhance the gaming experience. By catering to a wide range of skill levels, these games ensure that all players can enjoy their rich narratives, complex characters, and strategic gameplay. Whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned veteran, these titles offer something for everyone.