The best JRPGs that use non-linear storytelling

Key conclusions

• Many JRPGs now offer a non-linear narrative, 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 development through player agency in the storyline.
• The games are similar
  Valkyrie profile
  and
  Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
  also provide non-linear narratives, enhancing player immersion.

Many people assume that most JRPGs have linear storylines where players can't stray off the beaten path except for the odd side quest or two. While this may be true in most cases, some JRPGs try to break away from the tropes that the genre has been associated with in this department. This has resulted in players enjoying many titles that have done a great job of allowing them to enjoy a non-linear narrative that gives them some power over the development of the game's narrative.

Players can spend hours mulling over or triggering story sequences in any way they see fit, allowing them to enjoy some fun story segments and interesting side content at their leisure. Some may prefer a linear understanding of progression, but this cannot be denied the non-linear narrative is more player-centric and adds to the novelty of this unique JRPG.

5 Octopath Traveler 2

Players can choose their main character, and chapters can be played in any order

One of the greatest sequels of all time, Octopath Traveler 2 did a great job of engaging players with stellar gameplay, eight memorable characters, and a story that had its highlights despite some intermittent issues from the first game. Each party member's story takes place in a vacuum where the other characters are sidelined whenever the narrative begins to heat up. This may be a problem for some players, but the jokes about the road trips the group goes on are fairly frequent and help 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 stuck in one place after completing each of the eight stories. This grand finale is a treat for players who have completed each character chapter, regardless of the order in which they completed them, and the credits do a great job of showing this non-linear progression by adding cutscenes from each boss fight in the order in which the player tackled them. them.

4 Live

Players have the freedom to navigate through the chapters in any order

Despite the ambitious narrative for a SNES JRPG, it was a shame Live live never made it to the West. Fortunately, Square Enix has decided to remake this title in 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 manner while slowly unfolding an intriguing narrative. .

Each chapter focuses on a character confronting a great evil that includes Odio's name in one form or another. It 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 destroy heroes if they choose, in a great non-linear story that pulls no punches.

3 Final Fantasy 6

Progression becomes non-linear once players reach the World of Ruins

The world of Balance is largely linear, except for a segment where players are allowed to choose between three parties when the heroes' paths diverge. This is a good 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 Ruin World and lays waste to the world, players take control of Celes in the Ruin World as she seeks to unite the gang and give them the motivation they need to fight Kefka again.

Stopping this would-be god from causing rampant mayhem and destruction is easier said than done, and players must explore the world and recruit new and old heroes to confront Kefta. This is where the non-linear progression takes place Final Fantasy 6 rears its shiny head, players explore the areas in any order and help the narrative progress as they see fit until the final battle.

2 Valkyrie profile

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

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

Valkyrie profile this is a game that more people should check out, especially if they are fans of unique JRPGs that were ahead of their time. Players control Lenet, a Valkyrie who collects the souls of fallen warriors to become her companions for Ragnarok. The game has multiple endings and difficulty modes that allow for a lot of replayability, and it helps that the story unfolds in a non-linear fashion.

Chapters of the game unfold in groups, allowing players to tackle events in any order they see fit. This adds to the novelty of the game, and the unique combat further enhances the outstanding character Valkyrie profile. Players looking to check out a JRPG that's unlike anything they've seen before, and not just because of its non-linear narrative structure, will love what this game brings to the table.

1 Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

The open world structure ensures that players can train in gyms in any order

Fans have been waiting for Game Freak to take full advantage of the Switch's hardware, and Pokemon Scarlet and purple seemed like a step in the right direction. The idea of ​​an open world game Pokemon The game excited many, and the potential for grand adventures in this game was greatly increased when Scarlet and purple let the players fulfill this fantasy. While many have pointed out the game's technical issues and lack of level scaling, it cannot be denied that the latest Pokemon games have come a long way in the development of the series.

If players want to challenge themselves, they can take on tougher gyms with higher level Pokemon to gain rewarding experience. Conversely, they can also smash low-level gyms to get a sense of satisfaction after putting in a lot of work to strengthen their group. This sandbox structure allows for seamless non-linear progression as players enjoy a unique personal journey to becoming a Pokemon Master.