JRPG

JRPG stands for Japanese role-playing game, a genre of role-playing video games developed in Japan or designed with Japanese design conventions. The term is often used to distinguish games from Western RPGs (WRPGs), though boundaries are fluid as developers worldwide adopt similar mechanisms.

JRPGs originated in the 1980s with early console releases such as Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy. They popularized a template featuring a predefined party exploring a fictional world, a strong emphasis on story and character development, and combat that is typically turn-based or menu-driven. Progression is often achieved through leveling, equipment upgrades, and skill acquisition.

Gameplay design frequently centers on a guided narrative and character interactions, with cutscenes and scripted events driving the plot. Combat is usually conducted through menus, though some subgenres use real-time or hybrid systems. Traditional JRPGs emphasize linear or stage-based progression and clear party roles. Subgenres include tactical JRPGs, which use grid-based battles, and action JRPGs, which blend real-time action with role-playing elements.

Notable examples include the Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest series, which helped define the genre, as well as Persona, Xenogears, Xenoblade Chronicles, Tales of... and Kingdom Hearts, and many others. The genre has influenced many Western RPGs and remains a staple of Japanese game development, evolving with improvements in design, voice acting, and cinematic presentation.

Criticisms of JRPGs often focus on perceived linearity, trope-heavy plots, and repetitive combat systems. In response, many modern JRPGs blend open-world exploration, action combat, or more player-driven narratives to appeal to broader audiences while maintaining traditional elements.