There was a time in gaming history, roughly during the 7th and 8th console generations, when publishers decided thatJRPGsneeded a modern makeover.
Turn-based combat gave way to real-time action, and the classic “four guys in a row” setup started to vanish.That was just the tip of the iceberg. While some great games came out of this shift, many fans lamented the departure from a beloved, time-tested formula.
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Fortunately, the industry started listening. In the years that followed, we saw a resurgence of JRPGs that brought back traditional mechanics; this time with a modern twist. These games looked back fondly at the genre’s legendary roots and gave longtime fans something they’d been craving.
In this list, we’ll explore 8 of the best modern JRPGs inspired by the great classics.
8Octopath Traveler
Back to Basics
Octopath Traveler
We can only start this list with the game that proved once and for all that the public still craves classic JRPGs:Octopath Traveler.
It brought back everything fans missed:turn-based battles, gorgeous pixel art, and a richly detailed world, made even more striking thanks to its stunning HD-2D presentation. Sure, the structure’s a little different, following eight individual character stories instead of one big epic, butit still scratches that old-school itch.
Octopath Traveler showed that you can innovate an old genre without messing with the core mechanics, as proved by the break/boost combat system that rewards strategy and creativity over mindless button-mashing.
It’s the kind of game we remember SNES classics feeling like, only this one actually looks that good without the nostalgia glasses.
7Bravely Default
Return of Jobs
Bravely Default
While Octopath Traveler proved that players still wanted classic-style JRPGs,Bravely Defaulthad already made that case a few years earlier. It’s not just inspired by old-school Final Fantasy—it feels like a lost entry from the SNES or PS1 era, updated with some smart new ideas.
You’ve got all the classics: a crystal-driven story, a job system with tons of flexibility, turn-based combat, and a world full of danger and charm. Butwhat really sets it apart is the Brave and Default system, which lets you store or spend turnsfor a risk-reward strategy that keeps battles fresh and engaging.
The visuals have a fairytale vibe, the music is top-tier, and the game never shies away from leaning into traditional JRPG tropes in the best way. It doesn’t try to flip the genre on its headIt’s more likepolishing up what always workedin the first place. For many, this was the modern Final Fantasy V they’d been waiting for.
6I Am Setsuna
I Am Intrigued
I Am Setsuna
I Am Setsunawears its heart on its sleeve. It’s a quiet, snowy little RPG that feels like it fellstraight out of the SNES era, and that’s exactly the point.
Made by Tokyo RPG Factory, its goal was simple: bring back the feeling of classic JRPGs, especiallyChrono Trigger. And it shows. The combat uses a familiar Active Time Battle system, complete with combo techs and status effects, and enemies are visible on the map, avoiding random encounters.
Beyond the mechanics, Setsuna stands out for its tone.The story is all about sacrifice and sorrow, told in a slow, reflective way that’s more about the journey than the destination.
The piano-only soundtrack adds to the emotional weight, and the minimalist visuals give it a haunting charm. It’s not flashy or fast-paced, but if you’re in the mood for something that captures the quiet heart of old-school JRPGs, this one absolutely hits the mark.
5Sea of Stars
It Just Gets It
Sea of Stars
From the moment you startSea of Stars, it’s obvious this game was made by people who grew up loving 16-bit JRPGs.
The inspiration from Chrono Trigger is front and center; turn-based combat with timed hits, combo moves, a charming world full of secrets, and even a few tracks composed by Chrono legend Yasunori Mitsuda.
The pixel art is absolutely stunning, easily among the best in recent years, and the story strikes a nice balance between lighthearted adventure and surprisingly emotional moments.
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But Sea of Stars isn’t just a nostalgia trip. It smartly avoids outdated mechanics like random encounters or endless grinding, opting instead for smooth pacing and thoughtful design. It respects the classics without being shackled by them.
It’s not trying to rewrite the genre—it just shows how great the old formula can still be when done with care. If you grew up on SNES-era RPGs, this one feels like coming home.
4Triangle Strategy
Old School Tactics
Triangle Strategy
If you ever wishedFinal Fantasy Tacticswould make a comeback,Triangle Strategyis the closest thing we’ve gotten in years.
It’s a slow burn, packed with political drama, branching choices, and tough moral decisionsthat shape the story. The grid-based combat isdeep and tactical, with height, positioning, and terrain all playing a role, so every battle feels like a chess match with fireballs.
Like many other entries on this list, the presentation presents a modernized version of classic pixel art, with HD-2D art and beautiful backdrops framing the tactical action. It’s not a casual play, but if you’re into thoughtful, choice-driven strategy with old-school flavor (which you should be if you’re a fan of Final Fantasy Tactics), this one’s an easy recommendation.
3Undertale
Like Nothing Before, but Still Nostalgic
Undertalemight not look like any JRPG that came before it, but you can’t flip a genre on its head without knowing it inside and out and wearing your inspirations proudly.
The game gives players the choice to talk their way out of confrontationsor go for an old-fashioned fight instead. Depending on your approach (and a bunch of other subtle factors), the experience can be completely different.
Every decision matters, from how you treat enemies to the words you choose in dialogue, andthe game remembers everything. The humor, the weirdness, and the emotional gut-punches all echoEarthBound, but Undertale still feels unique.
The unforgettable soundtrack plays a big part in Undertale’s charm. It’s quirky and heartfelt, to the point that it’s on many gamers' best OST lists.
2Persona 5
A Real Show-Off
IncludingPersona 5on this list might feel like cheating. It’s a direct sequel, not a throwback or indie tribute. But it absolutely earns its spot. In a period where most major JRPG franchises were pivoting to real-time action, Persona stuck to its turn-based roots, and it paid off big time.
Battles are snappy, strategic, and stylish, with a weakness-exploiting system that keeps the pace fast and engaging. True to the series, it also features dungeon crawling, demon collecting, fusion mechanics, and the signature life-sim side, from going on dates to picking up part-time jobs.
It’s the classic Persona formula, just cooler and sharper. In a way, Persona 5 is a tribute to the whole genre and the coronation of the series. It proved that classic JRPGs aren’t outdated if you do them right. And this one nailed it.
1Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
More Than a Spiritual Successor
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
TheSuikodensaga is one of the most beloved franchises in JRPG history, despite not receiving a new mainline title since 2006. Each entry captured fans' hearts with its gripping stories, unique combat system, massive roster of memorable characters, and a ton of rewarding side content.
The fanbase never stopped hoping for a comeback, so it’s no surprise they were thrilled when the original creators announced a new project.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroesfeels likea spiritual successor in all the best ways. It brings back the huge recruitable cast (over 100 characters), turn-based battles with six-person parties, and that addictive blend of war, politics, and personal stories, all wrapped in stylish HD-2D visuals that feel nostalgic but fresh.
One of my favorite features in Suikoden was building up your own home base over time. That’s back too, and it looks and feels just as great. Maybe it’s a cliché at this point, but Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes really does feel like a love letter to Suikoden.
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