Summary
Growing up, many gamers have fond memories of playing handhelds dangerously close to their faces or sprawling out in front of home consoles. These are some of our most cherished memories — especially during rainy days or when they could convince their parents they were too sick to go to school. For many,JRPGs were the perfect escape. Bright visuals and hours of content made them the ultimate time-sink for kids without responsibilities — or back pain from sitting too long.
It’s no wonder that many parents now want to pass on those cherished experiences to their own children, at least beforeFortniteandCall of Dutyinevitably take over. Here are some of the best JRPGs for younger children — or for anyone looking for an entry-level experience to ease them into this new world.
For gamers who want to introduce their kids to one of the greatest JRPGs ever but with a more accessible lick of paint, theSecret of Manaremaster is the perfect answer. Originally released in 1993,theManafranchise’s most cherished entrygets a vibrant chibi 3D makeover.
Beyond the visual refresh, the remaster includes player-friendly updates like an area map, more frequent save points, and voice acting that brings the story to life. While some nostalgic adults might not love the redesigns, newcomers won’t know any different — lucky them!
Hardcore JRPG fans will recognize Koichi Ishii as the mastermind behind theManaseries and the creator of the iconic Chocobo and Moogle fromFinal Fantasy. Later in his career, Ishii directed another kid-friendly classic:Ever Oasis.
Thischarming 3DS titleblends JRPG elements with a sprinkle ofAnimal Crossing. Players control a Seedling with magical powers that lets them create an oasis on a desolate desert planet. Thanks to a helpful tutorial, simple combat mechanics, and a straightforward UI,Ever Oasisis an accessible adventure for young players that still offers plenty of charm for older ones.
If there’s one takeaway from this list, it’s that Level-5 is a go-to developer for kid-friendly JRPGs.Yo-kai Watch 3is one of their finest offerings. Despite the number in the title, newcomers can jump right into this standalone title without worrying about previous games — there’s no complex world-building to untangle.
Players control dual protagonists who wield the Yo-kai Watch, granting them the ability to see, befriend, and summonPokémonYo-kai. It has everything a kid would love from a 3DS game, from exploration and simple puzzle-solving to engaging turn-based combat. Sadly, it was thelast entry released internationally.
For parents eager to transport their kids back to theearly ’90s,Final Fantasy Mystic Questserves as the perfect time machine. Widely regarded as the most accessible entry-levelFinal Fantasygame, it’s well-suited for little gamers.
Upon release, the game was criticized for being too easy and having simplistic graphics and a basic plot — exactly the right combination for kids still getting the hang of the genre! However, there’s one big kicker: nostalgic parents will need to dig out an old SNES or get creative to enjoy this charming classic.
Super Mario RPGis a perfect fit for kids who love Mario but struggle with tougher platformers. It’s essentially aFinal Fantasygame with a Mario twist, bringing the iconic plumber into the JRPG genre for the first time. And thanks to the 2023 remake, younger players now have a great way to experience it.
Boasting full 3D graphics, this newer version lets players control Mario, Bowser, Princess Peach (formally known as Princess Toadstool), andnewcomers Mallow and Geno. It’s a simple RPG that won’t overwhelm young minds, but it offers plenty of fun and joy along the way.
Every kid should experience the magic of a Studio Ghibli production. While some films may be a bit too heavy (for Totoro’s sake, don’t show themGrave of the Fireflies), the kid-friendly ones can be life-changing. Lucky for gamers, Level-5 partnered with the legendary studio to createNi no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch.
This Pokémon-inspired JRPG delivers stunning hand-drawn cutscenes and one of the best stories in the medium. It’s packed with delightful gameplay, oodles of whimsy, and alovable Welsh fairy sidekickwho guides players on their journey. What more could anyone ask for?
WhenPaper Mario: The Thousand-Year Doororiginally released in 2004 for the GameCube, it was hailed as one of the best Mario games ever made and one of the greatest games of all time. What made it so special was its ability to beautifully blend whimsical storytelling andtraditional JRPG mechanics, managing to captivate both younger and older fans alike.
So, when Nintendo announced a remake, the world stopped, held its breath, and crossed its fingers, hoping they wouldn’t screw it up. Fortunately, it was a hit! The remake not only stayed true to the original but also made it more accessible for newcomers with improved visuals and quality-of-life enhancements.
Unfortunately for impatient parents who are fans of the franchise,Dragon Ball Zis geared more towards the older end of a PG audience. However, there are other methods of introducing their kids to the mesmerizing works of Akira Toriyama — and that is the vibrant world ofDragon Quest, another of Toriyama’s creations.
Dragon Questis an absolute phenomenon in Japan, and for good reason. It combines the character design wizardry of the aforementionedDragon Ballcreator with the JRPG gameplay fans know and love. While there areplenty of entriesto choose from, players can’t go wrong with the latest one:Dragon Quest XI. It features incredibly charming characters, an easy-to-follow plot, and one of the best localizations the series has seen.
Kids love Disney, and any parent who’s heard “Let it Go” a thousand times can attest to that. So, what better way to introduce them to JRPGs thanKingdom Hearts? This sprawling series brings together a ton of beloved Disney IPs — likeAladdin,The Lion King, andFrozen —and blends them up with loads of Final Fantasy goodness.
The games are beautifully designed with fast-paced combat that’s easy for kids to grasp. Plus, theheartfelt storyabout friendship and loyalty makes it a perfect choice for young ones as they navigate the world. It’s an adventure packed with magic, wonder, and unique and surprising interactions between Disney andFinal Fantasycharacters.
Who didn’t play aPokémongame growing up? It’s practically a rite of passage for anyone not living under a rock. The franchise shows no signs of slowing down, and fans canpick just about any entrywith their eyes closed and still have a blast.
With its fantastic game loops, addictive collecting mechanics, and fun gameplay, it’s no wonder the series is considered catnip for kids. But parents, don’t be too upset when your kids can recall more Pokémon names than they can elements from the periodic table!
