The best JRPGs that use non-linear storytelling

Key things

  • Many JRPGs now feature non-linear narratives, allowing players to choose their own path and enjoy a player-driven experience.
  • Octopath Traveler 2, Live A Live,
    and
    Final Fantasy 6
    demonstrate non-linear progression through player agency in the story.
  • Games like
    Profile of Valkyrie
    and
    Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
    they also provide non-linear stories that increase player immersion.



Many people assume that most JRPGs have a linear plot where players cannot deviate from the beaten path except for odd side quests. While this may be true in most cases, some JRPGs try to deviate from the tropes that the genre has been associated with in this department. This has resulted in players enjoying numerous titles that have done a great job of allowing them to enjoy a non-linear narrative that provides some role in the progression of the game's narrative.

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Players can either grind for hours or trigger story sequences in any way they see fit, allowing them to enjoy the fun parts of the story and some engaging side content at their leisure. Some may prefer a linear sense of progression instead, but there's no denying that the non-linear narrative is more player driven and adds to the novelty of these unique JRPGs.



5 Octopath Traveler 2

Players can choose their protagonist and chapters can be tackled in any order

Released
February 24, 2023

OpenCritic rating
Mighty

One of the greatest sequels ever, Octopath Traveler 2 they did a great job keeping players engaged with stellar gameplay, eight memorable protagonists, and a story that had its core strengths despite some recurring issues from the first game. Each party member's story takes place in a vacuum where other protagonists are sidelined whenever the narrative kicks into high gear. This may be a problem for some players, but the traveling banter that the group engages in is fairly frequent and helps the cast feel more cohesive than in the first game.


It helps that the game has a proper ending that ties everyone's stories together in a neat bow and ensures that players aren't left hanging after completing each of the eight stories. This grand finale is a treat for players who have completed each character's chapter, regardless of the order in which they completed them, and the end credits do a great job of showing off this non-linear progression by adding cutscenes from each boss fight in the order in which the player tackled them.

4 Live A Live

Players have free reign to tackle the chapters in any order

Live A Live (2022)

Released
April 27, 2023

Developer
History, Square Enix

OpenCritic rating
Strong

Despite an ambitious story for a SNES JRPG, it was a shame Live alive never made it to the West. Fortunately, Square Enix has decided to remake this title with its signature HD-2D style for the Switch, allowing players around the world to enjoy one of the most underrated JRPGs of all time, where they can progress through chapters in a non-linear fashion. slowly uncovers an interesting story.


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Each chapter focuses on a character standing against a great evil that includes the name Odio in one form or another. This all culminates in two chapters detailing this antagonist's descent into evil and the heroes coming together in the final chapter to destroy Odio's evil once and for all. It's a unique way to approach JRPG storytelling, and players can also choose the path of evil and take on the heroes if they wish, in an excellent non-linear narrative that pulls no punches.

3 Final Fantasy 6

Progression becomes non-linear once players reach the World Of Ruin


Final Fantasy 6

Released
October 11, 1994

Developers
Square Enix, Square

OpenCritic rating
Mighty

World of Balance is mostly linear, except for a segment where players can choose between three sides when the heroes split up. It's a nice way to integrate the non-linear section in the first half Final Fantasy 6 and serves as a taste of things to come. After Kefka disrupts the balance of the World of Ruin and lays waste to the world, players take control of Celes in the World of Ruin as she tries to reunite the gang and give them the motivation they need to take on Kefka again.

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Stopping this would-be god from causing rampant chaos and destruction is easier said than done, and players must explore the world and recruit heroes old and new to take on Kefka. It is here that a non-linear process occurs Final Fantasy 6 builds its brilliant head, with players exploring areas in any order and helping the narrative progress as they see fit until the final battle.

2 Profile of Valkyrie

Character stories and dungeons are unlocked in batches and can be tackled in any order


  • Platforms: PlayStation, PlayStation Portable, Mobile
  • Release date: December 22, 1999
  • Developer: three-ace

Profile of Valkyrie is a must-try game for more people, especially if they're fans of unique JRPGs that are ahead of their time. Players control Lenneth, a Valkyrie who collects the souls of fallen warriors to serve as her companions for Ragnarök. The game has multiple endings and difficulty modes that allow for a lot of replayability, and it helps that the story progresses in a non-linear fashion as well.

The game's chapters are unlocked in groups, allowing players to tackle events in any order they see fit. This adds to the novelty of the game with unique combat that further adds to the uniqueness of the game Profile of Valkyrie. Gamers looking to experience a JRPG unlike anything they've experienced before—and not just because of its non-linear narrative structure—will love what this game brings to the table.


1 Pokemon Scarlet and Purple

The Open-World structure ensures that players can play Gyms in any order

Systems

8-bit grayscale logo

Released
November 18, 2022

OpenCritic rating
Fair

Fans have been dying for Game Freak to take full advantage of the Switch's hardware, and Pokemon Scarlet & Violet seemed like a step in the right direction. The idea of ​​playing an open world Pokemon the game has excited many and the potential for a great adventure in this game has greatly increased Scarlet & Violet let the player fulfill this fantasy. While the game's technical issues and lack of level scaling have been pointed out by many, there's no denying that the latest Pokemon games have come a long way in the development of the series.


If players want to challenge themselves, they can play in tougher gyms with higher level Pokemon for a rewarding experience. On the contrary, they can beat even low level gyms to get a sense of satisfaction after putting in a lot of work to strengthen their party. This sandbox structure allows for seamless non-linear progression as players enjoy a unique, personal journey to becoming a Pokémon master.

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