Summary
Despite following a pattern that players are accustomed to, narratives in JRPGs are unique and significantly different from Western games. Elements that escalate enormously, causing characters to start by facing trivial problems and end up fighting gods for the fate of humanity, are common.
JRPG heroes are also highly distinctive, often featuring altruistic personalities and well-crafted designs. Names likeCloud Strife, Ichiban Kasuga, and Crono are always remembered. However, there are many characters – especially from franchises not as popular today – who are forgotten by players but still deserve recognition for their quality.
Chaz Ashley,the protagonist ofPhantasy Star 4, begins the journey as a young and inexperienced bounty hunter. Under the tutelage of Alys Brangwin, skills in combating threats and protecting the innocent in the Algo star system are developed. Throughout the adventure, an evolution from an impulsive apprentice to a fearless hero ready to face the evil threatening the world occurs.
As the story unfolds, Chaz and the group face unimaginable dangers, from ancient evils awakened to galactic conspiracies. The complex and well-crafted narrative ofPhantasy Star 4for the 90s is complemented by the depth of its characters and the rich world-building. Although often forgotten among JRPG heroes, Chaz exemplifies growth, becoming an admirable leader and resolute warrior.
Before the 2000s, Nintendo and Sega competed in various ways, and it was possible to draw parallels and similarities between the games of the two companies. While one hadFire Emblemas its flagship in the market,Sega tried to launchShining Force, which, despite being a fun game and having some prominence, did not achieve the same popularity as its rival.
Max, the protagonist of the first game, is often forgotten by players, but led a group of warriors in strategic battles to save the kingdom of Runefaust. Despite the importance at the time,Shining Forcegradually faded from the market, leaving Max and his story behind.
Whilemany franchises established themselves on the PlayStation 1and still exist today, others, likeLegend of Legaia, failed to capitalize on the console’s popularity. The game, led by Vahn, introduced new concepts for a JRPG, with a strange but enjoyable combat system.
Living in a remote village in a nearly post-apocalyptic setting years after a great calamity, the protagonist’s blue-haired journey begins after the place is attacked, aiming to restore sacred trees and bring peace back to the world. Despite being a silent protagonist, the character was cool, but perhaps due to the franchise’s unique combat system, it did not become very popular, and Vahn became a forgotten hero.
Just as Link is the face ofThe Legend of Zeldafranchise, Ryu was the protagonist and reference ofBreath of Fire, a franchise created by Capcom in the early 90s. All the main game’s protagonists were reincarnations of him, always sharing characteristics like blue hair and being one of the last surviving members of the Dragon Clan.
This lineage gave the character the ability to transform into dragons, even though in some games, this power was sealed during the early parts of the gameplay. Despite its popularity, the franchise gradually faded, being replaced by others more popular in the market, much like what happened with Ryu.
When it comes to Nintendo RPGs, franchises likeFire EmblemorXenobladecome to mind; however, among hardcore fans of the developer,Golden Sunholds a special place. Originally released for the Game Boy Advance, the first game of the trilogy was led by Isaac.
Like many JRPG protagonists, Isaac is the famous silent protagonist. So, there is not much to be said about his personality, but his face and appearance are present throughout the gameplay, wielding weapons like swords and psynergy related to the Earth element. Furthermore, despite not being the protagonist of a game for years, Nintendo included him as an Assist Trophy inSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Final Fantasyhas many memorable characters, and players can spend hours debating which is the best. Among so many, some tend to be more forgotten, like Bartz Klauser,the protagonist of Final Fantasy 5. Despite the game being excellent, it was released between the fourth and sixth games of the franchise. These have even more memorable protagonists, like Cecil and Terra, respectively.
After these games, players were introduced to Cloud Strife, who remains the face of the series. So, despite being part of a famous franchise, Bartz Klauser is somewhat less popular compared to other iconic characters, making him also deserve more recognition from players.
Yuri Hyuga,the protagonist ofShadow Hearts, is a complex hero marked by a tragic past. Born to a Japanese soldier and a Russian woman, Yuri had a happy childhood until his mother was killed by monsters sent by an evil sorcerer. This traumatic event awakened his Harmonixer powers, allowing him to transform into various creatures.
Throughout the journey, Yuri faces internal and external battles, finding allies like Alice Elliot and confronting powerful enemies. The game, known for its dark elements, takes Yuri on a journey of exploring identity and confronting deepest fears. Despite being one of the most unique and captivating heroes in JRPGs, Yuri Hyuga is often forgotten, as the franchise hasn’t seen new games for years, and other protagonists have emerged.
Thanks to the success ofPersona 3for PlayStation 2, the franchise gained prominence in the gaming market. However, older titles, likePersona 2: Innocent SinandPersona 2: Eternal Punishment, still shine, especially because oftheir protagonists Tatsuya Suou and Maya Amano, as well as their darker story compared to the following versions.
Tatsuya is introspective and reserved, while Maya is an optimistic and determined journalist. Together, they face supernatural conspiracies in a world filled with mythology and mystery, dealing with themes such as death, sacrifice, and regret. Despite the profound impact of these characters, many players are unaware of them due to the popularity of the more recent protagonists, but they are just as well-written as Makoto Yuki, Yu, and Joker.
Among the many quality RPGs by Level-5, such asDragon Quest 8andNi No Kuni, it’s normal for some franchises and their protagonists to be forgotten, like Jeanne d’Arc, the heroine of the game of the same name. As the name suggests, the narrative here is a reimagining of the journey of the historical figure in real life.
However, the game takes many poetic liberties and does not try to stay true to the real Jeanne d’Arc’s story. Instead, it incorporates numerous fantasy elements, including mystical creatures like goblins and elves. Despite being an engaging and well-developed protagonist, Jeanne has become a forgotten figure among JRPGs, overshadowed by other more popular titles from the developer.
Fei Fong Wong, the protagonist ofXenogears, begins the journey living a quiet life in the village of Lahan. Life changes drastically when mysterious forces attack the homeland, leading to the destruction and death of closest friends. This tragedy triggers a series of events that lead Fei on an epic and spiritual journey.
ThroughoutXenogears, Fei faces internal and external battles, meeting characters like Elly Van Houten and confronting forces greater than imaginable. The game, known for its heavy religious inspirations and philosophical elements, takes the protagonist on a journey of exploring identity and confronting a dark past. Despite being one of the deepest and most complex heroes in JRPGs, Fei Fong Wong is often forgotten, overshadowed by more popular characters in the genre.
