Much like beauty, mediocrity is in the eye of the beholder, and, when it comes to Japanese RPGs, fans can often be a forgiving bunch. This is because when it comes to the games, the story and characters will usually take priority over gameplay mechanics and pacing issues that can arise from a lengthy experience.
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Many of the JRPGs on this list were considered mediocre by fans and critics for a variety of reasons. While some of these may be legitimate criticisms, these JRPGs are saved by excellent final chapters and endings that turned it around in the final moments. Many of the games had some major flaws, but they’re also underrated because a lot of players didn’t reach their endings or final acts.
7Final Fantasy 15
As a game that started development as a spin-off from theFinal Fantasy 13series,Final Fantasy 15had a troubled development cycle that ultimately affected the game’s story and its world. Many critics felt that a lot of the elements that made up its open world and story were a little undercooked.
It’s true that the world felt a little empty and would have benefitted from a tighter experience likeFinal Fantasy 10. However, for those willing to scratch beneath surface, there’s a great game with great character interaction and an amazing villain. The final act ofFinal Fantasy 15is incredible from the final battle with Ardyn to the emotional gut-punch of an ending,FF15is a worthy title forFinal Fantasyfans that stick with it.
6Suikoden 4
Often considered by fans as being the weakest entry in theSuikodenseries,Suikoden 4does have its issues when it comes to pacing and excessive random battles. Yet, a weak entry in theSuikodenseries still manages to be a better game than most other JRPGs.
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There are loose ends whenSuikoden 4is played on its own. However, when played together withSuikoden Tactics, the game’s story, characters, and ending all have more meaning. There are betrayals, plot twists, and more, and so, despite its flaws, the fourth entry is still a worthwhile experience.
5Star Ocean: The Last Hope
The fourth entry in theStar Oceanseries had the unenviable job of following what is widely considered the worst plot twist in the history of gaming withStar Ocean: Till End of Time.The Last Hopedoes have quite a few issues when it comes to its plot, but the characters are good enough to carry its players through a somewhat dry narrative.
What makesStar Ocean 4’s finale so good is that it has multiple endings related to each character. Obtaining the endings requires specific actions and quests to be completed. However, this is a case where some of the mediocre elements of the game are saved by the ending mechanics.
4Infinite Undiscovery
As one of the JRPGs that were released exclusively on the Xbox 360,Infinite Undiscoveryis a criminally underrated title from the team behind theStar Oceanseries. It was considered mediocre by some critics because of its linearity and short campaign when compared to the studio’s other works.
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For a JRPG, it is very short, butInfinite Undiscoveryfeatures a tight story, with good pacing and the acclaimed Tri-Ace combat system. This is backed up by a great ending that ties everything together with a satisfying conclusion that emphasizes the protagonist Capell’s maturity and growth as a character.
3Tales Of Zestiria
Released in 2015,Tales of Zesteriatakes a lot of flack for being one more the weaker mainline titles in theTalesseries. This mostly stemmed from one of the game’s characters not getting enough character development. This was, however, rectified with free DLC at a later date. Despite being flashy and impressive to watch, some of the intricacies of the combat system were a little confusing.
However,Zesteriagets better as its narrative progresses. More importantly, the game’s events and its ending have notable and worthwhile connections toTales of Berseria.Berseriais largely considered to be one of the best in the franchise and both games complement each other nicely. Played together,Zesteria’s ending is far more satisfying, providing far more context to both games.
2Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13
Many considered the wholeFinal Fantasy 13trilogy to be a flawed experience. The third and final game in the trifecta,Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13, was developed to give fans a satisfying conclusion to what many considered an impenetrable narrative.
Lightning Returnsdoes suffer from annoying time-limiting mechanics, but the combat system and the outstanding ending wrap up the complex narrative cohesively and satisfyingly. That’s a big deal for what is arguably one ofFinal Fantasy’s biggest story arcs in the franchise’s long history.
1Tales Of Legendia
Released between the iconicTales of SymphoniaandTales of the Abyssin the West,Tales ofLegendiawas considered somewhat mediocre by comparison. The combat system returned to the 2D side-scrolling system of the games that precededSymphoniaand the game was a bit of a grind.
However, those that are willing to look past its flaws will discover an underrated JRPG with amazing character stories. The ending is one of the best in the series and does a great job of tying together a long and deep narrative. Furthermore, the post-game content is the best in the series and provides each character with a story arc and ending of their own.
