Although many JRPGs are associated with fantastical worlds and distant eras, some titles explore contemporary settings, offering new environments to delve into fresh scenarios and stories. In these modern settings, players face challenges in locations that may seem familiar, featuring modern cities, advanced technologies, and societies that reflect the current world.
The typical mechanics of the genre, such as turn-based combat and character progression, remain present. However, they gain a unique touch when inserted into modern contexts — be it cities or other scenarios. Thus, these games provide a more direct connection with reality, balancing the fantastical with elements of everyday life.
10 Tokyo Xanadu eX+
A Fictional City Brings A Modern JRPG To Life
Among the JRPGs available on the market, Tokyo Xanadu eX+ perhaps best conveys the vibe of playing as if it were an anime, even though it contradicts its own name by not taking place in Japan’s capital. Here, players control Kou Tokisaka through the fictional region of Morimiya.
The location is heavily inspired by the city of Tachikawa, which is still located in the Tokyo prefecture, so the developers took the liberty of filling the settings with references to various real locations in Japan. Thus, while players explore and fight against the dangers of the Eclipse Realm, they can have an authentic experience of exploring a fictional Japanese city in a modern JRPG setting.
9 Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE
Fire Emblem Meets Shin Megami Tensei
The idea behind this game was interesting, uniting characters from Fire Emblem with game mechanics reminiscent of Shin Megami Tensei or Persona. Unfortunately, Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯FE didn’t manage to become very popular. However, the modern setting and ambiance of this JRPG deserve some spotlight, as the locations have beautiful visuals.
The game takes place in a stylized version of Tokyo, filled with iconic places inspired by real regions. Tokyo Mirage Sessions captures the vibrant essence of locations like Shibuya, with its famous busy streets and neon signs. Meanwhile, Harajuku brings elements of otaku culture, with cosplay shops and anime themes, enhancing the urban immersion in this modern JRPG.
8 Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth: Complete Edition
Integrating The Real World With The Digital
Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth: Complete Edition transports players to a modern setting where the real world intertwines with the digital universe. Set in contemporary cities filled with advanced technology, the game creates a familiar environment that facilitates immersion, combining everyday elements with the digital fantasy characteristic of the Digimon franchise.
In addition to this modern setting, the game offers a robust JRPG experience, with strategic combat mechanics and many Digimon to form a team. The narrative is also engaging, using this contemporary setting to explore real and digital information while players try to unravel the game’s mysteries, providing excellent gameplay in a modern JRPG context.
7 Final Fantasy 15
Mixing Modern Settings With Medieval Fantasy
Final Fantasy 15 stands out within the franchise by combining elements of fantasy with modern settings. Unlike previous titles that focused on high medieval fantasy or futuristic environments, FF15 introduces contemporary locations, providing an innovative and diversified experience.
The cities of Insomnia and Gralea reflect inspirations from real-life modern locations. While Lestallum and Altissia have a medieval aesthetic, they too are based on contemporary references. This blend creates a unique contrast, enriching the narrative and immersion in the universe of Final Fantasy 15.
6 Shin Megami Tensei 5 Vengeance
A Major Plot Twist In A Modern Setting
Atlus boasts some of the most respected franchises in the world of JRPGs. Many of them combine the genre with modern settings, and Shin Megami Tensei 5 Vengeance is a prime example. Players can explore a large portion of the Tokyo region while getting involved in a great war between angels and demons.
Despite most of the exploration taking place in the city’s ruins, the game reveals within the first few hours one of the story’s major plot twists: the destroyed setting is considered the real Tokyo, while the intact city is an alternative version. Thus, although the JRPG possesses a contemporary setting, the developers used this scenario to create a unique version, full of demons and other dangerous creatures.
5 Parasite Eve
Exploring New York With Elements Of Dark Fantasy
Parasite Eve distinguishes itself as a JRPG that moves away from Eastern traditions by being set in various regions of New York City. This choice of modern urban setting allows for detailed exploration of the metropolis, differentiating itself from games that are exclusively inspired by Japanese culture and expanding the franchise’s international appeal.
In addition to the contemporary setting, Parasite Eveincorporates elements of dark fantasy, creating a somber and engaging atmosphere. The fusion of a realistic setting with fantastic themes enriches the narrative, providing players with a unique and deeply immersive experience as a JRPG genre set in modern times.
4 NEO: The World Ends With You
Style And Chaos Unite
For players seeking JRPGs in modern settings but who also want to escape traditional mechanics like turn-based combat, NEO: The World Ends with You is a unique game that presents a colorful Shibuya. The artistic direction is one of the game’s most praiseworthy aspects, presenting stylish graphics.
Regarding the setting, the game manages to portray the magic of one of Tokyo’s most iconic districts. The streets are filled with neon lights, making the location a good representation of Shibuya. Players must explore over seven days, trying to survive the Reaper’s Game. This modern JRPG offers an innovative experience in a contemporary setting.
3 Mother Franchise
Modern And Scenic Environments
Motherpresents a modern setting for a JRPG, even without basing itself on real cities. The game skillfully balances urban elements with rural areas. It offers diverse scenarios that enrich the narrative and visual experience for players, maintaining the captivating essence of the series.
The developers of the Mother franchise dedicated meticulous attention to creating beautiful and well-crafted environments. Each location, from vibrant metropolises to tranquil villages, plays a crucial role in the story, ensuring deep immersion and an emotional connection with the impactful narrative.
2 Yakuza: Like A Dragon
An Excellent JRPG With The Best Modern Settings
The decision to shift the style of the Yakuza franchise to a JRPG, as well as changing the saga’s protagonist, was a risky move. Fortunately, it was well-executed by the developers. In this new journey, players accompany Kasuga Ichiban in a contemporary JRPG, exploring cities based on real places in Japan.
The modern setting of Yakuza: Like A Dragon does an incredible job of creating content for the city, presenting dynamic districts replete with content that represents the Japanese lifestyle. Authentic urban elements, such as shops, restaurants, and landmarks, enrich the experience, allowing for detailed and immersive exploration of the modern setting.
1 Persona 5 Royal
Shibuya Shines In This Modern Setting
Perhaps one of the most popular JRPGs to take place in a modern setting, Persona 5 Royal places players in the role of a teenager who must manage their own time between typical daily tasks and saving the world from monsters. This game stands out not only for its setting, but also for its impactful story and memorable protagonists.
Completely changing the setting from its predecessor, Persona 4, which had a rural town as its backdrop, Atlus moved the game to the bustling region of Shibuya, adding a cosmopolitan layer to the experience. The city brings the game to life, with busy streets and neon lights creating a contrast between the two worlds that the game explores.
