Summary
JRPGs are renowned for their engaging narratives andrichly detailed worlds, often presented through linear stories. This linear format directs players along pre-defined paths, prioritizing the advancement of the main plot. While effective for telling complex stories, this approach can limit the sense of freedom in exploring the vast landscapes carefully crafted by the genre.
Although many titles in the genre follow such a structure, there are the best JRPGs with non-linear exploration. These games offer more freedom for players to roam the map, complete side quests, discover secrets, or pursue objectives independent of the main story. This approach promotes a richer and more immersive experience, valuing player autonomy and creativity.
Departing slightly from the series' norm,Shin Megami Tensei 5 Vengeanceprovides players with greater freedom in exploring maps, not focusing the entire gameplay solely on dungeon crawling. Thus, despite the main story being told in a linear and minimalist manner, this does not mean that other elements present in the game are.
Consequently,Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeancestands out due to its non-linear exploration, being a JRPG where each new region discovered offers a large area that players can explore in search of new missions and optional bosses. The game’sprimary focus is on combat, offering challenging mechanics that work well for players who enjoy a good challenge.
It takes some time for the exploration inYakuza: Like a Dragonto truly become non-linear, as the first hours of this JRPG are focused on introducing new characters and setting up the scene. After long cutscenes and dialogue sequences, players finally have the opportunity toexplore the Kamurocho region.
The neighborhood, although small compared to other open-world game maps, has a high density of optional content that can be done, ranging from side missions to many minigames. In fact, it is through these secondary activities that players can grind money to gain access to the best equipment for Ichiban Kasuga and other party companions.
Both in the original versions and in the remakes,Final Fantasy 7offers players a highly linear first part, allowing characters to explore only small parts of Midgar while trying to thwart Shinra’s plans. This situation changes after the group leave the city, gaining the freedom to explore other map regions with a bit more liberty than before.
Therefore,Final Fantasy 7 Rebirthis a JRPG that is less linear than its predecessor, as the game offers various map sections to be freely explored, all with secrets, battles, and even side quests to be discovered. Additionally, the game alsofeatures many minigamesto keep the gameplay loop fresh.
Dragon’s Dogma 2is a natural evolution from the first game, offering an even more vast world full of possibilities. Unlike traditional JRPGs, here players have the freedom to explore varied areas,face challenging enemies, and discover hidden secrets. The main quest still exists, but it does not limit the places players can go during their journey.
Thus, one of the main pillars ofDragon’s Dogma 2is the exploration that the JRPG offers, and like its predecessor, it allows each player to shape the characters' story uniquely. Whether through side missions or secret map areas, the franchise is known for encouraging players' curiosity about the map.
In addition to the incredible HD-2D graphics,Octopath Traveler 2also delivers an excellent open exploration in a JRPG experience for players. Each of the eight available characters has a unique identity, allowing their stories to be explored independently, without the need to advance in other narratives. This way, players have the freedom to choose their favorite protagonists and follow the journey at their desired pace.
As the adventure progresses, the game intertwines the characters' stories, revealing how the events of their lives are connected. This culminates in a moment where they unite to face a greater evil. Thus,Octopath Traveler 2offers a unique experience among modern JRPGs, rewarding players who explore all available paths with a rich and engaging narrative.
Although the early games in thePokemonfranchise were less linear than subsequent titles, it was only inScarlet & Violetthat the franchise fully embraced this formula in the mainline games. Here, players have access to an open world and various main quests that can be completed in any order preferred, while stillexploring the entire Paldea map.
Moreover, even the order of the gyms is not mandatory to follow, as was the case in other titles in the series, although inScarlet & Violet, the leaders' Pokemon do not scale, so there is an optimized route for characters to follow. However, despite some technical issues, the game remains one of the first JRPGs with open exploration in the series and presents good ideas that can be better utilized in the future.
Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remakebrings back one of the most iconic JRPGs in history, revitalizing it with beautiful HD-2D graphics. This faithful remakemaintains the essence of the original game, offering players a vast world to explore with a linear narrative structure. With the freedom to customize the party and choose how to face challenges, the game remains true to its roots while still appealing to new audiences.
The epic hero’s journey, ways to build the party, and exploration of an interconnected world are elements that ensure the relevance ofDragon Quest 3as a milestone in JRPGs that value exploration, allowing players to explore the map in various different ways. Thus, for those who love classics, this remake captures exactly the feeling of playing the original version, but enhanced.
Live A Livehas one of the most interesting premises among JRPGs, as it is not a game designed for linear progression, allowing the player tochoose which character to play with. Each of these choices leads the narrative to different historical periods, where each gameplay is unique and feels like a completely different game.
Some characters, like the Ninja, have a less linear story compared to other JRPGs, while other heroes end up having a narrative with less exploration freedom. However, in the end, it is revealed that all these storylines are interconnected in some way, leading the different characters to unite against a common enemy.
As one of the most ambitious games released for the Wii U,Xenoblade Chronicles Xis an example of how to build a good non-linear JRPG. The world of Mira is a vast place with many different locations to explore, with each region of the planet offering distinct landscapes, different challenges, and, above all, many places to discover, encouraging gameplay freedom in various ways.
Additionally, one of the greatest highlights that makeXenoblade Chroniclessuch an incredible game is the exploration mechanic with the Skells,which are customizable mechsthat allow easy travel from one area to another. The story, despite being more linear, still offers plenty of side quests that allow players to choose how they will progress, making the game a perfect example of how a JRPG with open exploration needs to work.
Legend of Mana, a classic JRPG, stands out not only for its stunning art and enchanting soundtrack but also for its innovative Land Maker system. This feature allows players to build the game’s world by placing artifacts on the map, which transform into cities, dungeons, or exploration areas. This unique mechanic provides a new approach to the genre, where players can customize their adventure.
In this way, Land Maker not only encourages creative exploration but also gives players control over the pace and order of adventures, creating a non-linear and extremely immersive experience. With some variations in endings and paths depending on player choices,Legend of Manais a milestone for fans of JRPGs, offering an incredible journey for players.
