The best indie games inspired by classic JRPGs

Key things

  • Indie games offer unique experiences inspired by classics such as
    Sea of ​​stars, Omori,
    and
    Undertale
    .
  • Chained Echoes
    and
    Cassette beasts
    brings new perspectives on traditional JRPG mechanics and themes.
  • Titles like
    Cris Tales, CrossCode,
    and
    Lisa: Painful
    they provide engaging stories and gameplay.



Independent gaming is a great way for players to enjoy titles that aren't afraid to take risks, avoiding the cookie-cutter experience issues that most AAA titles suffer from. The wide range of new and unique experiences for fans to enjoy is limitless, especially for gaming fans JRPG genre.

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Numerous amazing indie games do a great job of channeling the spirit of classic JRPGs, featuring everything from cute pixel art to exciting turn-based combat that will keep fans entertained until the very end of these magical adventures. These indie games wear their JRPG inspirations on their sleeves and help improve the genre by bringing their own innovations.


8 Sea of ​​Stars

Inspired by Chrono Trigger, Illusion Of Gaia


Sea of ​​stars

Released
August 29, 2023

Developers
Sabotage

OpenCritic rating
Mighty

One of the most beautiful indie RPGs that players can get their hands on, Chrono Trigger inspirations are clear from the moment players begin their journey Sea of ​​stars. The colorful pixel art looks amazing and the awesome lore of the game took a lot of notes from how Illusion of Gaia dealt with his world-building.

Combat uses timed button presses and other similar mini-games in the same vein as Super Mario RPG. It all helps together Sea of ​​stars stand out as a polished experience, even if the game itself can feel a bit clichéd at times.

7 Omori

Inspired by EarthBound

Released
December 25, 2020

Developer
Dip

OpenCritic rating
Mighty

Fans EarthBound who loves the unique nature of JRPGs and wants to witness a darker take on the concept should give it a go Omori shot. This psychological horror RPG lulls the player into a false sense of security before revealing the darkness that plagues Sunny's mind.


Headspace is a beautiful realm to explore, providing enough mystery to keep fans guessing as they live as Sunny for a few days before she's due to move out. The game's story is arguably the best part of the experience, as its plot twist comes as a gut punch that adds to the game's emotional ending.

6 Undertale

Inspired by Mother, Brandish, Shin Megami Tensei

Undertale

Released
September 15, 2015

Developers
Toby Fox

OpenCritic rating
Mighty

An independent darling who needs no introduction, that's for sure Undertale is inspired EarthBound in more ways than one. After all, Toby Fox worked on it EarthBound ROM hacks before trying to develop its own game, and it shows.


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Adding to the game's charm is a unique combat system that allows players to converse with monsters to talk them down, a mechanic that fans Shin Megami Tensei they will know the games. The cute nature of the game rewards players for saving creatures from the underground, while sadistic players who kill everything in their path can unlock an alternate ending that changes. Undertale into one of the toughest indie RPGs players can get their hands on.

5 Chained Echoes

Inspired by Xenogears, Terranigma, Secret Of Mana, Suikoden 2, Breath Of Fire, The Legend Of Dragoon, Final Fantasy 6, Chrono Trigger

Released
December 8, 2022

Developers
Matthias Linda

OpenCritic rating
Mighty

From the very moment Chained Echoes was released, its similarity to most classic JRPGs was clear as day. Matthias Linda, the developer, was a fan of many beloved games in the genre and had experience working on RPG Maker before going full-on into development. Chained Echoes.

The epic story and brilliant combat pay homage to some amazing titles in the genre without leaning too heavily on those inspirations. By paying homage to the genre while doing something original, Chained Echoes stands out as one of the best indie RPGs that many fans consider a must-play.


4 Cassette beasts

Inspired by Pokemon, Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest

Released
April 26, 2023

Developers
Bytten Studio

OpenCritic rating
Mighty

Gamers who want to enjoy a new perspective Pokemon in the field of indie gaming will find Cassette beasts be right up their alley. The game allows players to transform into certain monsters using a cassette player and serves as a fresh take on the iconic GameFreak template.

Along with that present combat systems Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest led the developers to focus on status effects that help battles feel as dynamic as possible. Gamers looking to try a quirky indie JRPG with familiar gameplay mechanics will have a blast Cassette beasts.

3 Cris stories

Inspired by the Final Fantasy series, Chrono Trigger


Released
July 20, 2021

Developers
Dreams Unincorporated, SYCK

OpenCritic rating
Fair

A beautiful indie RPG that pays homage to the greats of the genre, Cris stories it may have quite a few issues, but it still stands out as an amazing game that fans will adore if they give it a chance. The unique time manipulation mechanic adds another interesting layer to the experience.

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It's a shame that the game's combat is too monotonous for its own good, but players who are willing to give these older systems a go will have a great time. Cris stories. The art style and visual design alone are enough to convince players to give this title a try.

2 CrossCode

Inspired by Chrono Trigger, Terranigma

Released
May 15, 2015

Developers
Radical fish games

OpenCritic rating
Mighty

CrossCode is a unique indie RPG where players find themselves trapped inside an MMO with an amnesiac character unable to form words. One look at this game will make it clear how its visuals were inspired by similar games Chrono Trigger and Terranigma.


If players don't mind optional content that deliberately copies the challenging quest structure of most MMORPGs, CrossCode is a beautiful game to play. The JRPG genre is not the only inspiration for this game, with classic 2D Zelda games, Yoshi's Islandand Xenoblade series that also drives the structure of this title.

1 LISA: Painful

Inspired by EarthBound

LISA: Painful

Released
December 15, 2014

Developer
Dingaling

Although set in a dark and depressing post-apocalyptic world, LISA: Painful helps make the experience more bearable with hilarious writing that lends plenty of character to the many unique personalities Brad encounters on his journey to save his adopted daughter.


Gamers who want to try a realistic RPG like it EarthBound with a harsh atmosphere will love co LISA: Painful has to offer. A huge cast of playable characters, along with a deceptively engaging storyline, explains why Dingaling's game was praised to the moon and back upon its release.

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