The indie scene is packed with JRPG-inspired games that aim to recapture the childlike wonder we felt while playing JRPGs during the SNES and PS1 eras. Many games succeed and rise to stardom, while several others also succeed but remain largely unknown.

Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence nowadays. So many games are being released that it is impossible to highlight or even play them all. Still, whenever possible, I will try to shine a spotlight on some well-deserved titles.

In this list, I will not only highlight some amazing, obscure JRPGs that deserve far more love than they’ve received, but also budget-friendly games perfect for anyone trying to save some money.

8

Sword of the Vagrant

Originally Named The Vagrant

Sword of the Vagrant was developed by a Chinese studio. Still, as you can see, it is clearly inspired, especially in its art direction, by Vanillaware titles like Odin Sphere and Unicorn Overlord.

Since Sword of the Vagrant is an action RPG, its exploration includes some light Metroidvania elements, encouraging players to revisit previously explored areas to find new items.

Combat-wise, there is nothing that truly sets Sword of the Vagrant apart from other action RPGs, but that does not mean it is bad. The game offers combos, dodging, and items, all used in unison to enhance combat and overcome challenges. There is also experience and money to be collected to empower the protagonist, Vivian.

The story is simple, following Vivian as she travels across the island of Mythrilla in search of her father. Sword of the Vagrant has two endings and a runtime of roughly 10 hours, but considering you can find it for around $4 on Steam under its original name, The Vagrant, it is well worth the price.

7

Jack Move

Cyberpunk and Hackers

Jack Move features a cyberpunk setting inspired by Neuromancer, Blade Runner, and Akira, according to Edd, the game’s creator. In terms of combat, Jack Move uses a Limit Break system similar to the one seen in Final Fantasy, while its battles feature hints of Grandia and Golden Sun. Honestly, it is a perfect formula for JRPG fans.

When it comes to atmosphere, the game portrays characters living in ruins and slums, fighting a megacorporation that effectively serves as a government, ruling everything with an iron fist. In addition to its cyberpunk tone, Jack Move heavily leans into hacker culture, using digital-world terminology for attacks and skills.

The story follows Noa, an up-and-coming hacker searching for her father, who was kidnapped by the Monomind organization. Being a JRPG, it goes without saying that what starts as a personal mission quickly turns into a quest to save all of humanity. Jack Move is one of the more expensive games on this list, but it still costs under $20.

6

Cosmic Star Heroine

Flawless Battle System

Cosmic Star Heroine is another indie title inspired by some of the best JRPGs ever made, such as Chrono Trigger, Phantasy Star, Bravely Default, and even Diablo and Mass Effect. Despite sounding like a mishmash of ideas, the game actually borrows particular elements that shape its own identity.

Its battle system is ingenious. Each character can only bring eight abilities into combat, and once an ability is used, it becomes unavailable until you press the Recharge button, which also doubles as the defend command. On top of that, there is a timeline that dictates turn order, with some turns receiving the Hyper Mode buff that empowers both allies and enemies, forcing players to think several steps ahead.

Cosmic Star Heroine also features a home base inspired by Mass Effect, where you can recruit new characters and use it as a hub to accept missions and side quests. As for the plot, it begins after protagonist Alyssa L’Salle uncovers a conspiracy within the Agency of Peace & Intelligence, which pushes her to rebel to save the galaxy.

5

Ara Fell

The Coziness We Need

Ara Fell is not exactly groundbreaking. Despite being a story-heavy JRPG, its central plot is quite simple. The narrative is very character-driven and fully commits to that approach, as every character is genuinely charming, especially the sarcastic protagonist, Lita. The turn-based combat, while easy for veterans and streamlined for newcomers, is satisfying because it does exactly what it sets out to do.

More often than not, that is all we want, right? We do not need constant innovation, earth-shattering plots, morally complex dilemmas, or battle systems that require a PhD to understand. Sometimes, all we want is a cozy, refreshing JRPG that taps straight into nostalgia.

Ara Fell delivers exactly that while still bringing a few modern features to the table, such as crafting and skill upgrades. For anyone who grew up with SNES-era JRPGs in the 90s, Ara Fell is a safe bet.

4

CrossCode

Dungeon Puzzles Done Right

CrossCode is already a darling in the indie JRPG scene, but it still deserves more recognition. This action RPG, set inside a fictional MMORPG world, follows Lea as she takes on countless quests while searching for traces of her past.

While the action gameplay alone justifies a playthrough, CrossCode truly shines in its exploration and puzzle design. Lea can shoot orbs that ricochet off surfaces, and this mechanic becomes the backbone of most puzzles, making every dungeon feel distinct.

Lea also gains experience, unlocking new skills through a grid-based system. Depending on the elemental abilities you unlock, new environmental puzzles become solvable. In other words, fire attacks are not only useful for burning enemies, but also for melting ice pillars.

If you enjoy games like Ys and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, do not waste any time. CrossCode will definitely click with you, especially at a price point of just $19.99.

3

Quartet

Pixelated Glory

When Quartet launched earlier this year, I was convinced it would be one of those hidden gems that wouldn’t stay hidden for long, given how many creators covered and praised it. Unfortunately, that still wasn’t enough to pull it out of obscurity, so I will try to shed a bit more light on it here.

Quartet begins with four separate characters whose conflicts gradually intertwine until they band together to defeat a villainous empire. Expect plenty of turn-based battles filled with all the classic gimmicks we love, such as timelines dictating turn order, elemental weaknesses, debuffs, and more.

The core mechanic is that each ability consumes a percentage of AP, which regenerates during battle. To avoid leaving party members APless, you can swap the four active fighters with the four in the back row, regenerating AP at a higher rate, ensuring that every character and their skills get their moment to shine.

Pair all of that with gorgeous pixel art, and you have everything you need to hook gamers with back pain and a mortgage. And do not worry about the mortgage, because Quartet can be yours for just $19.99.

2

Crystal Project

Utmost Adventure Freedom

Crystal Project is a gameplay-focused JRPG with minimal story and a heavy emphasis on exploration. From the very beginning, you are free to roam, fight enemies, and discover new classes by finding crystals. Your goal is simple: get stronger and keep adventuring.

It might sound strange, but I would honestly describe Crystal Project as an open-world JRPG. From the start, you are not boxed in. New paths open up either by completing quests or by taking advantage of the map’s verticality and jumping your way into new regions.

The turn-based combat builds upon classic systems while introducing creative twists. For instance, basic commands found in most RPGs are locked behind classes, increasing the difficulty. If you want to flee from battle or even use items, you will need to unlock those abilities first.

There are also mechanics like enemy threat that directly affect combat. If a Rogue is being targeted, their high-damage abilities will miss, while a Warrior deals less damage if not being targeted. Crystal Project expands organically as you explore and unlock new classes. Best of all, you can grab Crystal Project for just $13.99, often even cheaper thanks to regional pricing.

1

Chained Echoes

A Heartfelt Love Letter

Chained Echoes is one of the least obscure JRPGs on this list, yet it is still far more niche than it deserves to be. Developed almost entirely by a single person, Matthias Linda, Chained Echoes is the definition of a heartfelt love letter to classic JRPGs, and it shows at every turn.

In the role of Glenn, we travel across Valandis while a war unfolds on the main stage. Both the story and gameplay are packed with clear inspirations from 90s JRPGs, such as a fully realized overworld map, sky armors reminiscent of giant mechs, and a central narrative element akin to Final Fantasy VII’s Lifestream or the cycle of life and death seen in Final Fantasy IX.

The turn-based combat in Chained Echoes introduces the Overdrive gauge, which limits and guides the actions party members should take during battle. You can ignore the Overdrive and use any ability you want, but doing so leaves you vulnerable to enemy attacks. Overall, it is an outstanding indie JRPG that deserves to be cherished by both old-school fans and newcomers alike.

Unfortunately, it is the most expensive title on this list, but it is still nowhere near full price by today’s standards. You can find Chained Echoes for $24.99, and it frequently goes on sale for under $10.