We already published the list of best PS2 games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best PS2 JRPGs of all time.
With amazing titles available, the PS2 definitely has a great library of JRPGs.
So, if you’re a fan of both the PS2 and JRPGs, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Steambot Chronicles
- Release Data: Irem, 2006
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Steambot Chronicles is a game with a lot of charm that sometimes gets hidden with control and performance issues.
If you’re looking to spend upward of 25 hours on a crazy experience and you don’t mind a few flaws, consider giving Steambot Chronicles a try.
#24. Jade Cocoon 2
- Release Data: Genki/Ubisoft, 2001
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
As a whole, Jade Cocoon 2 is much better than its predecessor, but it lacks that special something that makes it more than the sum of its parts.
However, it is a solid, engaging game, and if you’re a fan of the original, you should check it out, but ultimately, Jade Cocoon 2 ends up being good, not great.
#23. Magic Pengel: The Quest for Color
- Release Data: Taito Corporation, 2003
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
The appeal of a whimsical anime-inspired game where players design and then do battle with crude childlike drawings is probably pretty limited, and the fact that the activities within the game are rather limited doesn’t help matters.
Nevertheless, those intrigued by the concept or style should at least give Magic Pengel a try.
#22. Shadow Hearts
- Release Data: Sacnoth/Aruze Corp, 2001
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Shadow Hearts improves upon its predecessor both in terms of style and engaging gameplay, making for an experience that for many will be entertaining.
But despite its considerable depth, Shadow Hearts is easy to get into and yet maintains a satisfying level of challenge.
If you’re looking for an exciting approximately 40-hour diversion, then you should definitely try this one out.
#21. Wild Arms 3
- Release Data: Media Vision/Ubisoft, 2002
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
It’s a well-made game that defies a few aesthetic conventions but leaves most tried-and-true Japanese RPG gameplay elements well enough alone.
And since there’s a lot of it to keep you busy for a while, Wild Arms 3 is recommended to role-playing fans in general, and particularly to those intrigued by the theme of this game.
#20. Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana
- Release Data: Gust/NIS America, 2005
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana is a quintessential Japanese role-playing game and an amusing bit of nostalgia for those who started their RPG journey with games like Secret of Mana.
If you don’t mind 2D graphics and can ignore the frequent sound glitches, you’ll find a solid and often hilarious role-playing game in Atelier Iris.
#19. Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter
- Release Data: Capcom, 2003
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
The gameplay revolves around hacking through one dungeon level after another, meaning Dragon Quarter doesn’t have the same epic feel as some other RPGs, despite its good storyline.
Yet the game is still extremely well done for what it is and is easily recommended to all fans of role-playing games.
#18. Shadow Hearts: From the New World
- Release Data: Nautilus/Aruze Corp, 2006
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Shadow Hearts: From the New World doesn’t radically overhaul the series footprint, but that’s not a bad thing, considering that the battle system and inspired lunacy are what make these games entertaining and distinct.
The sheer wealth of ways to upgrade your characters for new powers is a little much for casual players, but veterans should be right at home.
#17. Grandia III
- Release Data: Game Arts/Square Enix, 2006
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
While not as stuffed with features and extra content as some of the other RPGs, Grandia III still delivers an interesting story, fun characters, and a versatile, strategy-based battle system that keeps the fighting fresh and challenging.
If you want a role-playing game with a different flavor, definitely give Grandia III a chance.
#16. Suikoden V
- Release Data: Konami, 2006
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
It does a great job of bringing many of the series’ best elements to the front, and provides an experience that fans in particular will appreciate.
The engaging storytelling fits perfectly into the recruitment of the 108 Stars of Destiny, and there’s still nothing quite like gathering up one of the largest playable character casts in the console RPG genre.
#15. Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga
- Release Data: Atlus/Ghostlight, 2005
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Digital Devil Saga‘s great demon combat and obscure world full of myth and mystery make it worthy of the Shin Megami Tensei name.
If you don’t mind cliff-hangers and lots of turn-based combat, definitely consider giving this role-playing game a try.
#14. Xenosaga Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra
- Release Data: Monolith Soft/Namco, 2006
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
The game’s combat system is straightforward and easy to understand and offers a few unique additions to the traditional JRPG with its “Break gauge” and “Boost gauge” which add a risk versus reward style to encounters.
If you are a fan of the series, you’d be crazy not to see how it all ends.
#13. Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 2
- Release Data: Atlus/Ghostlight, 2005
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
The combat system is the same as the original, taking advantage of the enemies’ weaknesses or scoring critical hits will net you an extra turn, while your opponents themselves can take advantage of the same system.
This game is a must for any Persona and Shin Megami Tensei fans.
#12. Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne
- Release Data: Atlus, 2004
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne is not only one of the most beautiful games on the PS2, but it’s also one of the most challenging RPGs made.
With multiple endings, a ton of monsters to recruit and a deep narrative to explore the game has become a cult hit with hardcore JRPG fans.
#11. Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht
- Release Data: Monolith Soft/Namco, 2003
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
The story and setting are rich and complex, and the characters are likable and interesting.
Some characters also have a boost gauge that can be filled up during combat that also allows you to take an additional turn while simultaneously removing the enemies from the turn order.
#10. Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria
- Release Data: Tri-Ace/Square Enix, 2006
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
The game is separated between 2D exploring and puzzle solving, while the combat takes place in a real-time 3D battle arena.
With an engaging and well thought out story, in addition to the tightly designed combat, Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria is a unique and enjoyable gaming experience.
#9. Suikoden III
- Release Data: KCET/Konami, 2002
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Suikoden III offers a plot full of twists, turns, and political intrigue.
The combat has a good variety to it, using a more traditional turn-based 6 party member setup and occasionally dips into a turn-based strategy game when large armies clash.
#8. Shadow Hearts: Covenant
- Release Data: Nautilus/Aruze Corp, 2004
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
In this game, there is something called Judgement Ring that not only effects attacking, skill use and item use, but also things outside of combat as well.
If you like occult elements and turn-based combat that requires your full attention, Shadow Hearts: Covenant is the game for you.
#7. Final Fantasy X-2
- Release Data: SquareSoft/Electronic Arts, 2003
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
The story for the sequel to Final Fantasy X is considerably more lighthearted, and was designed to reflect Japanese pop culture.
With a robust new set of systems and the continuation of Yuna’s story, Final Fantasy X-2 is a must for any fan of the franchise.
#6. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3
- Release Data: Atlus, 2007
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 is an excellent game worthy of being an entry in the Persona series.
It’s the first game in the franchise to introduce the Social Link system, where you gain bonuses in-game and flesh out the story of your schoolmates.
#5. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 FES
- Release Data: Atlus, 2008
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 FES is the epilogue of the original story.
The gameplay remains the same and is just as satisfying as it always has been, while the characters you know and love from the main game get a satisfying payoff to their stories.
#4. Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
- Release Data: Level 5/Square Enix, 2005
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King is another entry in the storied franchise and features a beautiful world and characters designed by the master manga artist Akira Toriyama.
It’s truly a classic representation of why people love JRPGs.
#3. Final Fantasy XII
- Release Data: Square Enix, 2006
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Final Fantasy XII is the first big departure from the normal Final Fantasy formula.
This is also the first Final Fantasy that foregoes the random battles and lets you see your enemy before you decide to engage them.
With all this gameplay and story-driven content, this is one of the biggest Final Fantasy games on the PS2.
#2. Final Fantasy X
- Release Data: SquareSoft, 2001
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
This is the first Final Fantasy that took advantage of voice actors, and the production values and performances really make the narrative shine.
There’s just enough old and new mixed together that makes this Final Fantasy accessible, yet still innovative.
#1. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4
- Release Data: Atlus, 2008
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
The story and characters draw you into the mystery of the strange occurrences in Inaba, and the bonds you form with your classmates are some of the best-realized characterizations in the franchise.
This game keeps new players interested, and long-time fans hooked. It may be the best Persona game ever made.
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See also: Best PS1 Games & Best PSP Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which PS2 JRPG is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
