The best space exploration JRPGs

Key conclusions

  • Infinite space
    offers a combination
    Star Trek
    handheld games and sci-fi anime in a massive space exploration adventure.
  • Space star heroine
    is a traditional JRPG with turn-based combat, a linear narrative, and interplanetary travel.
  • Fantastic star 4
    uses space exploration as a narrative tool to travel across planets, creating a sense of wanderlust.



When people talk about JRPGit is clear that most people's minds turn to the world of fantasy. However, there are plenty of JRPGs that have delved into different aesthetic genres. From hyper-stylized modern aesthetics to traveling through the stars in an epic space adventure.

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There are also plenty of sci-fi JRPGs that, while looking at a planet from a perspective, don't have any form of actual space exploration – e.g. Xenogearsor iconic Xenoblade Chronicles games. It's also worth noting that JRPG fans looking for an epic space adventure should check out the Western action-RPG franchise, Mass effect. However, these JRPGs manage both, offering expansive stories and plenty of space exploration.


8 Infinite space

Space exploration on the go

Title Infinite Space (2)


  • Developers: Nude Maker, PlatinumGames
  • Platform: Nintendo DS
  • Liberation: June 11, 2009

Infinite space feels like a union Star Trekclassic handheld games and sci-fi anime. There are many different crew members to recruit and ships to build, each with their own special stats and abilities to keep in mind. Battles take place both between troops on the ground and ships in the depths of space.

The main character sails through the stars, and players can make different narrative choices as the game's story progresses. Players looking for a game about exploring different galaxies full of astral bodies will find plenty in Infinite space.

7 Space star heroine

A tribute to classic JRPGs

  • Developers: Zeboyd Games
  • Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia
  • Liberation: April 11, 2017


Players are looking for a JRPG that feels more like a traditional one Final Fantasy the case should be given some of your attention Space star heroine. This game uses turn order, which players can use to plan their tactics ahead of time, as well as decide which skills their group will use in the desired order. Battles begin with enemies and allies splitting into two sides and exiting them step by step combat

The story is a story of intrigue and betrayal with a fairly simple plot. The game doesn't give players the wide freedom of modern JRPGS, nor does it give them many side activities outside of the main story path, making it rather linear. Players will still travel to different planets and space stations throughout the game, giving them a ton of space flight excitement.

6 Phantasy Star 4: End of the Millennium

The capstone of the Phantasy Star storyline


Fantastic star 4

Released
December 17, 1993

There are many different ones Fantastic star games in the series, but out of all of them, Fantastic star 4 considered one of the best of its JRPG counterparts before the series focused more on its online games. It may not give players the grandeur of piloting a ship first hand, but it uses space exploration as a narrative tool to allow players to travel to the many planets throughout the galaxy it is set in.

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Traveling to a new planet is exciting and gives you a sense of excitement to see what new elements it contains. Players will experience a familiar sense of wanderlust associated with other JRPGs, as the aesthetic is eerily similar to that of a fantasy world, yet alien to them. Each entry in the series is linked, and players will get the most out of this game by knowing past login events.

5 Xenosaga Episode 1: Der Wille Zur Macht

For players who are looking for a lot of knowledge


Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht

systems

PlayStation-1

Released
February 25, 2003

Xenosaga it's a challenge packed with lore and history, something that can scare many players away with how much attention the game puts on it over other features. JRPG players by type The legend of the dragoon and Chronicles of a white knight can be enchanted by the game's use of mecha summoning to aid them in space battles.

Players will be able to control these mechs in battles using a resource called Ether Points, or EP for short. This mechanic can add some strategic depth to combat, but should be used sparingly.

4 Xenosaga Episode 2: Jenseits Von Gut Und Böse

Answers to questions from the first game

  • Developers: Monolith Soft
  • Platform: PlayStation 2
  • Released: February 15, 2005


Players who were excited about the world Xenosaga episode 1 will be happy to know that the game is part of a trilogy. If the game had stopped at the end of the first game, many fans would have been excited to find out what happened next, including delving into the story and lore—such as the nature of the Zoar.

The German text of this title translates to “Beyond Good and Evil”, which ironically is a title shared with another iconic sci-fi game that also involves interstellar travel. Players will need to complete the first game before this one; otherwise they will be hopelessly lost.

3 Star Ocean: The Last Hope

Building a new frontier

The infamous Tapestry of Ages from Ultima IX: Ascension.

Star Ocean: The Last Hope

Released
February 23, 2009

Developer(s)
Three-Ace

Star Ocean: The Last Hope is not one of the highest rated Star Ocean games there. in fact, Star Ocean: Till the End of Time seen as the best game in comparison. However, this prequel to the franchise focuses on the aftermath of a global war and humanity looking to the stars as a means to a better future.


The game has many different locations and environments, each of which feels unique and creates a sense of excitement for players. It captures the very spirit of exploration and makes this game exactly what players want.

2 Rogue Galaxy

A vast galaxy to explore

Rogue Galaxy

systems

PlayStation-1

Released
January 30, 2007

Developer(s)
Level-5

Rogue Galaxy is one of the best action JRPGs players can hope to find on the PlayStation Store. The game has a lot of space exploration with many alien worlds that are very different from each other. Each one offers a new part of the story, reasons to return later, and new allies to recruit. Players can freely move between planets and even face giant monsters in the process.


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Rogue Galaxy it's a masterful execution of gameplay, storytelling, and visuals all wrapped up in an action-packed JRPG that few games come close to. One of the main selling points for JRPG fans is how deep a story they'll get from this game, as completionists need to spend over 100 hours to complete – every moment feels worth it.

1 Star Ocean: The Second Story of R

Start with the second story

Released
November 2, 2023

Developer(s)
Gemdrops, Inc.

OpenCritic rating
Powerful

Star Ocean: The Second Story of R is a reworked version of the second Star Ocean game that is one of the best in the entire franchise. Throughout the game, players will need to travel between many different — and visually stunning — planets. The backgrounds in the game are gorgeous, the sprites have depth, and the gameplay is fun and engaging. Despite its name, the game features an all-new cast set in the same universe, making it the perfect launch pad for new players.


The planets offer plenty of quests, puzzles, and enemies to give players the full JRPG package, but there's more than just planets to explore. Players also travel to different space stations. Any player looking for a JRPG space flight experience should give it a try The second story of R.

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