The best art direction in JRPGs

There is a big difference between the art style of a game, its graphics and its artistic directionThe choice of color effects used, the way cutscenes are presented, and the overall “look” of a game are all factors that can captivate players through visual aspects alone, and all of this can be attributed to art direction.

Related

Best HD 2D JRPGs, Ranked

HD 2D JRPGs bring the nostalgia of classic JRPGs into the modern age, and these games are the best of their kind.

When it comes to the art direction of a game, developers could be outrageous over-stylized effects that catch the player’s eye. Others freeze the whole game with a sepia filter and then start turnPages like a fairy tale book how a narrator speaks. These can be applied to any game, regardless of its art style or graphics, and those that get it right leave a far greater impression in the hearts of their players.

5 Valkyria Chronicles

Turning a World War II film into an anime

Valkyria Chronicles is a JRPG with tactical combat that captures the atmosphere of World War II in an anime style while incorporating medieval aesthetics such as knights and lances. In addition to an appealing Eastern animation art style, the game features a narrative that is similar to watching an old movie recounting the events of World War II.

Players flip through a book detailing the game’s story and choose which part of the book they want to play. The edges of the screen resemble paper and the gameplay itself looks like it’s made up of moving illustrations in color. This is a franchise that any tactics fan looking for a good story will enjoy.

4 Legend of Mana

Distorted perspective with beautiful backgrounds

Legend of Mana was released on the original PlayStation in 1999, but the 2021 remastered edition is available on Switch, PS4, Windows PC, and even mobile devices. The gameplay allows for constant movement and actively tracking attacks – meaning this is something action JRPG fans can get excited about. Players can control a pixel-art character that interacts with other pixel-art characters and objects.

Related

The 10 best sci-fi JRPGs, ranked

These fantastic JRPGs deliver the perfect dose of sci-fi action and excitement thanks to their settings and characters.

The backgrounds are stunning hand-drawn backdrops, many with lighting and particle effects that add another layer to the artistic design. When characters stand on the map of a new area, it looks like an illustration from an old book, along with the name of the region on a banner that pops right out of the screen. The player’s journey is constantly rewarded with new opportunities to enjoy the great visuals of this game.

3 Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of a Deceitful Age

With persistent polishing, so much can be achieved

Dragon Quest is a long-running franchise that is deeply rooted in the hearts of countless fans. Its art style comes from Akira Toriyama, who has lent his style to many projects, most famously Dragon Ball. Dragon Quest 11 Not only does it have amazing graphics, the world it depicts is nothing less than an artistic masterpiece.

Related

The 8 best tactical JRPGs on the Nintendo DS, ranked

The DS may have lacked graphics for its role-playing games, but it still has a huge range of tactical experiences that couldn’t be inferior to those.

It carefully blends both Western and Eastern styles and adds a style of its own, creating a fantasy journey and story that is among the best the genre has to offer. The sheer number of different environments, architectures and character designs will keep players engaged and enthralled from start to finish of the very lengthy storyline.

2 Ni No Kuni: Curse of the White Witch Remastered

An interactive film by Studio Ghibli

Any Studio Ghibli fan will fall in love with the set Ni No Kuni: The Curse of the White Witch, and its remastered version take everything this famous studio is known for and bring it into an interactive experience. Sound design may be a whole other department, but when coupled with the art design of this game, it’s nothing short of transcendent. The game alternates between 2D anime cutscenes and cutscenes featuring 3D game models – both of which are truly great. The focus of the game is collecting familiars, with some being far better than others.

The game begins in a 1960s-style time period, but moves into an absurd fantasy world that comes from the mind of Lewis Carroll – the author of Alice in Wonderland. The game gives a feeling of security and relaxation, but at the same time it also makes you want to explore further. JRPG fans looking for a fantasy world they’ve never seen before should definitely give it a try.

1 Persona 5 Royal

Hyper-stylization at its finest

vocation Persona 5 Royal “hyper-stylized” would be an understatement. Through its visual contrasts, it manages to capture vibrant colors and a very dark tone. The color black and other dark colors are overused, but lighting and particle effects come in every color imaginable to create a nonstop rush of visual delight. There are many palaces in the game that give a new sense of awe and wonder as the story progresses.

Dialogue options are not just words in a clean and tidy grid, but branch out expressively from a source like a speech bubble. When it comes time to give commands, the button prompts are scattered around the character, which can be a bit overwhelming for newbies. The game has plenty of 2D effects and illustrations that catch players’ eyes, while keeping the game in an anime-style 3D environment. These uninterrupted contrasts lift Persona 5 Royal into something truly special.

More

The 5 best handheld action JRPGs, ranked

Many action RPGs have been designed to be played on handheld devices. Here are some of the best for gamers to try out.