JRPGs have been around since almost the beginning of the game, and they'll (hopefully) be around long after the PS5 and Switch 2 are distant memories. Similar to any other genre, Japanese RPGs have undergone many developments over the decades, especially in terms of their image. As technology advances, developers begin to push the boundaries of what consoles and PCs can do. Although not really associated with advanced graphics, JRPGs are responsible for some of the most visually stunning games ever, some of which have aged so well that they have achieved timelessness.
8 JRPG Games Fans Can't Play Anymore (And It's So Unfair)
Shutting down servers, expired licenses, and disappearing platforms took these JRPGs with them.
With the possible exception of the rough 3D of the PS1 era, every generation has had a couple of JRPGs with eternally gorgeous graphics. The 2D sprites that defined the SNES era have stood the test of time absurdly well, but there are also plenty of more modern releases that still look amazing due to their choice of art style. Let's take a journey through JRPG history and highlight some games with truly timeless visuals.
9
Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch
Studio Ghibli Magic
This amazing monster-taming JRPG developed by Level-5 is a great example of how important art style and graphics can be to a video game. They merged with Studio Ghibli to create the visual identity of this title, and it worked exceptionally well.
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch looks like a lost Studio Ghibli movie. Its art style is truly stunning, thanks to its cel-shaded graphics and the studio's classic character designs. While the sequel and its remaster obviously look better, the 2010 original still holds up remarkably well, to the point where it's comfortably among the prettiest games on the PS3.
8
Pokemon black and white
The pinnacle of 2D Pokemon
Pokémon fans are currently unhappy with the 3D models of modern games. They don't look bad per se, but most of them feel like the classic sprite-based look was better. This is mainly due to the last generation which used 2D sprites, Pokemon black and white and their sequels, Black 2 and White 2.
Game Freak finally took full advantage of the Nintendo DS features and created impressive sprites for Pokemon; they are full of detail, and they actually move during battles. On the other hand, most of the world map was created with 3D graphics, so both styles came to blend impressively well. The Pokemon black and white Games look amazing to this day, and they are comparable to modern ones HD-2D RPGs like Octopath Traveler.
7
Personas 4
Best looking game on PS2
Nowadays titles like Persona 5 and Persona 3 Reload constantly praised for their outstanding graphics and colorful art styles. But there's an argument to be made that the series wouldn't be where it is now if it weren't for Personas 4.
10 Underrated JRPGs That Can Be Called Masterpieces
They may not have the influence of Final Fantasy 7, but these JRPGs are still commendable.
This game was released exclusively on the PlayStation 2 in 2008, two years after the PlayStation 3 was already out. This was a bold decision by Atlus, and it ended up being worth it because of it Personas 4 is probably the best-looking video game in the PS2's library, so they definitely knew how to use the console's technology to their advantage. The original version still looks so good that its improved version, Persona 4 Goldendidn't really change its graphics.
6
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Mario's best paper-based adventure
Every RPG i Mario series hold up to a certain extent, sort of Super Mario RPG or the one Mario and Luigi series. Among Mario fans but there is nothing better than Paper Mario series, of which the most beloved entry is the second, known as The Millennium Door.
Like its predecessor, this game uses a unique paper-based art style with 2D models in 3D environments that looks unlike anything else in the industry, to the point that many indie RPGs have tried to replicate it. Although the GameCube is not as powerful as its contemporaries, The Millennium Door still managed to look really impressive, so it's not surprising that it seems its upcoming remaster won't change the visuals.
5
Kingdom Hearts
That classic Disney Magic
When Square Enix teamed up with Disney to create a unique 3D video game with recognizable characters, they were smart enough to also incorporate the studio's classic animated magic. So that everything can be combined seamlessly, the original Kingdom Hearts features cel-shaded graphics that make both Square Enix and Disney characters look equally good. Not to mention all the colorful worlds that Sora, Donald & Goofy have to visit.
The franchise just switched to HD graphics as recently as 2019, with the release of Kingdom Hearts 3. Before that, every other game in the series used the same timeless cartoon graphics as the first title. It worked perfectly, as all these games look really remarkable for the console they were released on.
4
Breath Of Fire 4
Another perspective
The fourth entry in Capcom's now forgotten Breath of Fire franchise, Breath of Fire 4 may not be the best game in this series, but it's definitely the best looking overall. This is a perfect example of how the original PlayStation was more suited to 2D sprite-based games than 3D experiences.
Best Triple-A JRPGs ever
These JRPGs successfully deliver the high quality and standards often associated with major triple-A video games.
Capcom games usually look pretty, but the sprite works Breath of Fire 4 is truly outstanding. The characters and monsters look equally good; their sprites are extremely detailed but also manage to convey lots of emotion. The isometric viewpoint helps the player see everything better, which is definitely worth it.
3
The Sui Code 2
A beautiful cult classic
The Sui Code II
- Released
-
September 29, 1999
- ESRB
-
M for adults 17+ due to mild violence, suggestive themes
The Sui Code may not be the most popular JRPG series out there, but it managed to gain a cult following for many reasons, one of them being their beautiful sprite-based graphics that look amazing to this day, and The Sui Code 2 is the best example of their quality.
The Sui Code 2 originally didn't get much attention because it was released at a time when games like Final Fantasy 7 revolutionized the industry with its 3D graphics. Many years later, those 3D graphics aged horribly, while the detailed sprites wore off The Sui Code 2 still looks amazing. That's why there's hardly any difference between the original PS1 release and its latest HD remaster. This game just looks so good.
2
Chrono Trigger
Akira Toriyama's Magnum Opus
Squaresoft's outings on the Super Nintendo are said to be the best era for the JRPG genre. This was when Chrono Trigger was first released, which is often considered one of the best RPGs of all time, with its timeless sprite-based graphics being one of the many reasons for its success.
Chrono Trigger features a charming art style designed by Akira Toriyama from Dragon Ball fame that makes it look like no other game that came before. All of this is especially impressive because this game has a time-traveling story that takes place in different time periods, yet all the levels and characters manage to blend in seamlessly. It's no surprise that all subsequent re-releases of this game retained its original art style.
1
Final Fantasy 6
The most timeless Final Fantasy game
Final Fantasy 7 has always been in dire need of a remake due to how badly its 3D graphics aged, but most fans didn't feel the same way Final Fantasy 6. This was the last main entry in the franchise to use 2D sprites and as a result is one of the best looking Final Fantasy games of all time.
The spirit works in Final Fantasy 6 are truly some of Square's very best. Every single character, creature, and environment looks incredible. It even uses Mode 7 in clever ways, and it all culminates in the climactic battle against Kefka Palazzo, which somehow looks like a beautiful painting that was done on a Super Nintendo. This is why many fans prefer to play the original version instead of the subsequent re-releases, as that art style just looks that much more timeless.
7 Huge JRPG Sequels You Didn't Know Were Coming in 2026
Calling all JRPG fans: in case you missed it, here are some of the biggest and most exciting sequels coming out in 2026.
