A JRPG with the best dialogue

Key things

  • JRPGs with excellent localization create unforgettable experiences for international audiences.
  • Games like Persona 5 Royal show how an elaborate scenario can improve player engagement.
  • Strong dialogue in games like Dragon Quest 11 contributes significantly to their appeal and success.



It's no secret that most JRPGs are as dialogue-heavy as they come, which is why localization is such an important topic when it comes to these games. Without a great script, players will be forced to listen to hours of boring conversations that don't have the impact they should.

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Conversely, JRPGs that invest heavily in localizing their script will help their story beats reach an international audience. With localization issues prevalent in the genre, it's easy to see why fans remember the few JRPGs with great dialogue and scripts that elevate the experience.


8 Persona 5 Royal

Fixed localization is further improved in this updated version

Released
March 31, 2020

Developers
Atlus, P-Studio

OpenCritic rating
Mighty

Persona 5 Royal is one of the greatest modern JRPGs of all time, arguably sparking the genre's modern revival. Players loved controlling a group of students who moonlighted as Phantom Thieves and used their mysterious powers to change the hearts of villains across Japan.


The script of the original game was great but had room for improvement which was explored in the Royal edition. Fans were treated to one of the best English-language scenarios in a JRPG, ensuring that players form a strong bond with their companions as they tackle numerous threats and challenges together.

7 Final Fantasy 12: The Zodiac Age

The voice acting oozes style

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age

Released
July 11, 2017

OpenCritic rating
Mighty

Final Fantasy 12 was a huge departure from traditional gaming, followed by other single-player titles in the genre. This game used a lot of what it learned from Final Fantasy 11 create a unique gameplay loop, but what fans will remember most about this title is the amazing story brought to life by the incredible voice acting.


The script feels authentic to the setting of a medieval fantasy game, with the voice actors adding plenty of personality to each dialogue to help their characters stand out. Regardless of what the fans feel personally Final Fantasy 12there's no denying that the script is in a class of its own and probably the best localization ever for Final Fantasy game.

6 Dragon Quest 11: Echoes Of An Elusive Age

A solid JRPG with excellent dialogue

Released
September 4, 2018

OpenCritic rating
Mighty

There are many reasons Dragon Quest 11 eventually breaking into the Western market after struggling to make an impression outside of Japan. Sure, the excellent gameplay and beautiful world aided the effort, but what sold the experience in the eyes of many was the magic of the game's script.

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Captured what Dragon Quest it was all about – a group of wild adventurers who slowly come to trust each other as they save the world from a malevolent presence. Gamers thinking about getting into a series with so much history will become instant fans after being captivated by the excellent script Dragon Quest 11.


5 The Legend Of Heroes: Trails In The Sky

The incredible localization lends the whole game a lot of personality

Systems

PlayStation-1 PC-1

Released
June 24, 2004

Developers
Nihon Falcom

Legend of Heroes is a series known for its amazing world building, with every single NPC receiving a lot of love and care as they react to the many events that happen in the world. It's a long way to make the events believable, but there's no denying that localization costs will skyrocket if they have to translate these dialogue-heavy JRPGs.

Despite the long wait for the translation, however The Legend of Heroes: Trails of the Sky blew fans' expectations out of the water with how detailed the localization was. The sheer amount of effort put into the dialogue for everyone from the main characters to the NPCs clearly shows why fans still consider this title to be the best game the series has to offer.


4 A tramp's story

A lot of work went into making the localization as believable as possible given the setting

Systems

PlayStation-1

Released
May 15, 2000

Developers
Square

A tramp's story is a unique JRPG where players control one character and target different parts of the enemy's body to deal tactical damage. Parasite Eve fans will be right at home with this combat system, and it helps that Vagrant Story boasts one of the best scenarios in a PS1 JRPG.

The localization did a great job of fleshing out the medieval fantasy setting and adding a lot of characters to this underrated title. Narration of A tramp's story is one of his strongest points and would not have hit so hard if not for the wonderful English translation.

3 Yakuza: Like A Dragon

Yakuza's hilarious and over-the-top dialogue fits the JRPG mold perfectly


Released
November 10, 2020

OpenCritic rating
Mighty

The Yakuza the series is known for its localization team, which gives the script some leeway to make the dialogue sound more natural. This makes every game in the series stand out, and the dialogue makes both dramatic and comedic moments stand out.

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It applies to Yakuza: Like a dragon also with this JRPG that boasts an amazing storyline that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. While the game is known for its long conversations, fans don't mind giving it as long as it leads to the game's many highlights.

2 Final Fantasy 10

The first Final Fantasy game with voice acting hits it out of the park

Systems

PlayStation-1

Released
December 17, 2001

OpenCritic rating
Strong

First Final Fantasy the voice acting did so with great confidence. The voice acting of this series coupled with an amazing script ensures that Final Fantasy 10The emotional highs resonate with players who will find it easier to bond with these characters.


The love story that blossoms between Tidus and Yuna is a joy to experience and the localization makes it feel all the more believable. Switching the dialogue so that Tidus says “I love you” instead of “Thank you” before heading to the Farplane is one of the many smart decisions made in the English translation to help Final Fantasy 10 stand out as one of the best games in the series.

1 Persona 4 Gold

The town of Inaba comes to life with an amazing scenario

Released
December 9, 2008

OpenCritic rating
Mighty

Personality 4 takes place in the small town of Inaba, where players must solve a serial killing after gaining the ability to fight shadows in the TV world. This intimate setting, coupled with the quality of the English translation, ensures that players will be invested in the story in no time.


Rescuing victims and exploring dungeons that focus on their deepest insecurities help develop the character of each new party member. These strong introductions make it clear why the main cast Personality 4 is considered by many to be the best of the series.

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