Story

Persona 5 follows the story of a high school student known by the codename Joker, who, after being falsely accused of assault, transfers to a new school in Tokyo. As Joker, players become the leader of a group of vigilante teenagers known as the Phantom Thieves of Hearts. The group uses their supernatural powers to explore a parallel dimension known as the Metaverse, stealing the ill intentions from the hearts of corrupt adults to reform them.

Gameplay

Persona 5 is a turn-based RPG that combines traditional role-playing elements with life simulation. Players navigate daily life in Tokyo, managing time between social activities and dungeon crawling in the Metaverse. The combat system revolves around exploiting enemy weaknesses and executing special abilities called Personas.

Why it’s on this list

Persona 5 stands out for its contemporary setting, blending the mundane aspects of modern-day Tokyo with a fantastical narrative. Its exploration of societal issues and personal growth resonates with the modern era, making it a quintessential modern RPG.

Graphics and Sound

The game features stylish, anime-inspired visuals that bring Tokyo to life with vibrant colors and detailed environments. The soundtrack, composed by Shoji Meguro, is a fusion of jazz, rock, and pop, perfectly complementing the game’s dynamic atmosphere.

Legacy and Reception

Persona 5 received critical acclaim for its story, characters, and combat system. It has been hailed as one of the best RPGs of its generation, earning numerous awards and spawning an enhanced version, Persona 5 Royal, which added new content and improvements.

Story

The World Ends with You takes place in Shibuya, Tokyo, and follows the protagonist Neku Sakuraba, who finds himself participating in the Reapers’ Game—a mysterious contest that determines the fate of deceased souls. Alongside various partners, Neku must complete tasks over seven days to survive and uncover the truth behind the game.

Gameplay

The game utilizes a unique real-time battle system that combines touchscreen inputs with motion controls. Players equip pins that grant special abilities, which can be activated during combat. Additionally, players navigate Shibuya, engaging with NPCs and solving puzzles to progress the story.

Why it’s on this list

The World Ends with You is praised for its modern urban setting and innovative gameplay mechanics. Its storyline addresses themes of identity and social interaction, making it a relevant reflection of contemporary life.

Graphics and Sound

The game features distinctive, graffiti-inspired art that captures the essence of Shibuya’s bustling streets. Its eclectic soundtrack, featuring a mix of hip-hop, rock, and electronica, enhances the game’s energetic atmosphere.

Legacy and Reception

The World Ends with You has garnered a cult following for its originality and depth. The Final Remix version introduced enhanced graphics and new content, expanding the game’s reach to a wider audience and setting the stage for its sequel, Neo: The World Ends with You.

Story

Life Is Strange centers around Max Caulfield, a photography student who discovers she can rewind time. Set in the fictional town of Arcadia Bay, Oregon, the game explores themes of friendship, choice, and consequence as Max navigates her relationships and uncovers dark secrets about the town.

Gameplay

The game is a narrative-driven adventure that emphasizes player choice. Players make decisions that influence the storyline and character relationships. The time-rewind mechanic allows players to explore different outcomes by altering past events.

Why it’s on this list

Life Is Strange is celebrated for its modern-day setting and relatable characters. Its exploration of everyday issues, such as bullying and mental health, offers a poignant reflection of contemporary society.

Graphics and Sound

Life Is Strange features a unique, hand-painted art style that complements its emotional narrative. The soundtrack, consisting of indie and folk music, sets the tone for the game’s introspective atmosphere.

Legacy and Reception

The game received critical acclaim for its storytelling and character development. It has spawned multiple sequels and spin-offs, establishing itself as a beloved series with a dedicated fanbase.

Story

Set in modern-day Los Angeles, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines follows a newly-turned vampire as they navigate the complex politics of the vampire society. Players choose from various vampire clans, each with unique abilities and philosophies, and engage in a narrative filled with intrigue and betrayal.

Gameplay

The game is an action RPG with first-person and third-person perspectives. Players engage in combat, dialogue, and exploration, with choices affecting the storyline and character development. The game emphasizes role-playing elements, allowing players to customize their abilities and approach to challenges.

Why it’s on this list

Bloodlines is renowned for its immersive depiction of a supernatural world hidden within a modern city. Its narrative depth and complex character interactions offer a compelling experience that mirrors real-world social dynamics.

Graphics and Sound

Despite its age, Bloodlines’ atmospheric graphics effectively convey the dark, gothic ambiance of its setting. The soundtrack, featuring industrial and gothic rock, enhances the game’s moody tone.

Legacy and Reception

Though initially plagued by technical issues, Bloodlines has achieved cult status due to its rich storytelling and replayability. It has influenced subsequent RPGs and maintains a dedicated fan community that continues to support and mod the game.

Story

Watch Dogs: Legion is set in a dystopian near-future London, where players control members of the hacker group DedSec to fight against authoritarian regimes. The game features a unique “play as anyone” mechanic, allowing players to recruit and control any NPC in the city to build their resistance.

Gameplay

The game combines open-world exploration with hacking mechanics. Players complete missions, engage in combat, and use hacking tools to manipulate the environment and gather information. The ability to recruit and play as any character adds strategic depth and variety to gameplay.

Why it’s on this list

Watch Dogs: Legion’s depiction of a technologically advanced urban environment highlights the potential consequences of surveillance and loss of privacy, making it a relevant exploration of modern themes.

Graphics and Sound

The game boasts stunning visuals that bring a futuristic version of London to life, with detailed environments and realistic character models. The soundtrack features a mix of electronic and orchestral music that complements the game’s high-tech setting.

Legacy and Reception

Watch Dogs: Legion received praise for its ambitious gameplay mechanics and open-world design. It has contributed to discussions about the ethical implications of technology, reinforcing its significance in the modern RPG landscape.

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Story

Tokyo Xanadu eX+ follows high school student Kou Tokisaka as he becomes embroiled in an otherworldly conflict involving the mysterious Eclipse. Set in a fictional version of Tokyo, the game explores the intersection between the real world and a supernatural realm, with Kou and his friends battling creatures known as Greeds.

Gameplay

The game is an action RPG that combines fast-paced combat with exploration and social simulation. Players navigate dungeons, engage in real-time battles, and interact with NPCs to build relationships and progress the story.

Why it’s on this list

Tokyo Xanadu eX+ offers a unique blend of modern urban life and fantastical elements, with a narrative that reflects the challenges and aspirations of contemporary youth.

Graphics and Sound

The game features anime-style graphics with detailed character models and vibrant environments. The soundtrack, composed by Falcom Sound Team jdk, includes energetic tracks that enhance the game’s action-packed sequences.

Legacy and Reception

Tokyo Xanadu eX+ has been well-received for its engaging gameplay and character development. It has gained a dedicated following and is regarded as a solid entry in the action RPG genre.

Story

Set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo, Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse follows a young hunter named Nanashi, who is resurrected by the demon Dagda after being killed. As Nanashi, players navigate a world torn between angels and demons, making choices that influence the fate of humanity.

Gameplay

The game is a turn-based RPG that emphasizes demon negotiation and fusion. Players recruit demons to fight alongside them, combining and evolving them to create more powerful allies. The game features strategic combat and exploration of a vast, interconnected world.

Why it’s on this list

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse blends a contemporary setting with mythological elements, exploring themes of faith, power, and survival in a modern context.

Graphics and Sound

The game features detailed character designs and atmospheric environments that capture the desolation of post-apocalyptic Tokyo. The soundtrack, composed by Ryota Kozuka, includes haunting melodies and intense battle themes.

Legacy and Reception

Apocalypse was praised for its challenging gameplay and intricate narrative. It has been recognized as a standout entry in the Shin Megami Tensei series, contributing to its legacy as a thought-provoking RPG franchise.