author: Sebastian Kasparek
10 Best Games to Introduce You to the jRPG Genre in 2022
Want to start an adventure with jRPGs, but you're not familiar with the genre? Here is our list of 10 Japanese RPGs that are perfect to play as your first games in this adventure.
NieR: Machines
- Key features: Simple combat system and a very lively, smooth exploration of relatively small game world
- Release year: 2017
- Creators: PlatinumGames
Here comes my personal favorite, NieR: Automata – this is the perfect introduction to the world of jRPG mainly due to the fact that we are not dealing with a typical representative of this genre, which could entail static gameplay or archaic mechanics. Automata is a game that's the result of evolution of this segment of the Japanese school. The rudimentary elements of the RPG are present here, but systemically it's more of a simple, yet insanely flashy action game that should not cause any major problems. A keen eye will also notice that NieR is something more than a freak, and due to some similarities, it's particularly likely to be enjoyed by anyone who loved Planescape: Torment all those years ago.
The strength of this game is, in turn, the way in which the scenario and the relationship between the protagonists, the setting, and the player is crafted – in this respect, it is a pure diamond. For many, this may be a bottomless pit in which they will be completely lost.
Automata is probably the most philosophical game (next to Disco Elysium ) of modern mainstream. You can count on Yoko Taro's signature efforts like crazy narrative shticks and the unique approach to the very medium of games as interactive storytelling devices. Is there any other game with machines that feel sex drive and suffer because they are unable to find solace in its satisfaction?
The plot itself is an unforgettable nihilistic school story, full of existential problems about the nature of society and things that actually make us human – though this is only a fraction of the issues touched upon in this production. It's a must for fans of complex science fiction scenarios. Fans of a kind of "yokoverse", which includes the NieR and Drakengard series, don't need to think twice about it. Everyone else should definitely at least give this game a chance. A truly out-of-this-world adventure awaits. There's great artistic value, scenes that will be remembered for years, and a soundtrack that's one of the industry's finest.
Sebastian Kasparek | Gamepressure.com
