Many elements are shared amongJRPGs,such as turn-based combat or even similarities in their narratives. It’s not uncommon to see stories that begin with characters helping someone with a trivial task, only for things to escalate into an epic battle against the gods for the future of humanity.
Another popular element among JRPG creators is the fact that protagonists often find themselves imprisoned. Whether during the story or even before it begins, scenes set in jail are not uncommon in this genre. Many of them lead to epic escapes or, at the very least, memorable moments.
Created by what was considered the Dream Team of the time,Chrono Triggerisone of the best JRPGs ever made for the Super Nintendo. The story, built around the concept of time travel, takes players on an epic journey through different periods of humanity. However, that doesn’t stop the protagonists from getting imprisoned.
This theoretically happens twice during the game. The first time is when Marle, Crono, and Lucca return from the past, and the Chancellor accuses the protagonist of kidnapping the princess. The second time is when Dalton’s army takes the players to the Blackbird, a sort of floating prison. In both situations, the escapes are epic and lead to thrilling battles.
Whenever Atlus produces a new game in the Persona franchise, they choose key themes for the story and make them clear in various aspects of the game. WithPersona 5 Royal, the pursuit of freedom was a central theme, and imprisoning the protagonist was a way to demonstrate this. Joker begins the game after getting into trouble with Shido, one of the story’s main antagonists.
The Velvet Room also has the aesthetic of a prison, symbolizing Joker’s sense of imprisonment, both physically and mentally, as he faces the injustices of the real world. In this way, the location inPersona 5 Royalcan represent the barrier that the charactersmust overcome to free themselves from society’s shackles.
Yakuza: Like A Dragonrepresents a new beginning for the series,with RPG elements and a new protagonist. Still, the game’s story shares some similarities with its predecessors. Kasuga Ichiban, the game’s protagonist, goes to prison for a crime he didn’t commit, much like Kazuma Kiryu did before him.
While players don’t have access to gameplay within the prison, the game’s introduction shows Kasuga during his incarceration. This moment is crucial for building the character’s personality, establishing him as yet another JRPG protagonist who faces imprisonment. This adds layers of depth to his story and motivation.
The Nalbina Dungeon is the prison where Vaan, Balthier, and Fran are taken after their failed attempt to infiltrate the Royal Palace of Rabanastre, where the game’s protagonist was trying to steal something valuable from the castle to give back to the people of Dalmasca. This trip to Nalbina becomes a crucial point in the story ofFinal Fantasy 12.It is here that the characters meet Basch, who is important to the plot.
These events also shape the destiny of several characters and the entire group, connecting them to the Dalmascan resistance and the conflict with the Archadian Empire. As such, the escape from Nalbina prison marks the beginning of an epic journey. It redefines not only Vaan’s life, but also the future of Dalmasca and the entire world of Ivalice.
One of the more recent franchises produced by Square Enix,Octopath Travelerallows players to follow distinct journeys of different protagonists,each with their own origins and motivations. InOctopath Traveler 2, Osvald, the scholar, begins his story in the prison of Winterlands.
Osvald was imprisoned for five years on Frigit Isle, where he was subjected to inhumane treatment, after being found guilty of his family’s deaths. He is consumed by his desire for revenge against Harvey, the true culprit behind his tragedy. Osvald’s narrative explores this trauma, resilience, and relentless quest for justice, highlighting his cold and methodical intelligence as he plans his escape and seeks redemption.
Early inTales of Vesperia, Yuri Lowell, a former knight of the Empire, is imprisoned after trying to help the residents of the Lower Quarter solve a problem with the city’s aqueduct. This event sets the tone for his rebellious and altruistic personality, highlighting his willingness to defy authority to protect the weak.
The prison also serves as a catalyst for Yuri’s journey, as upon escaping, he encounters the events that lead him to form the game’s group of protagonists. This moment is crucial for the narrative’s development, revealing the flaws of the imperial system and motivating Yuri to seek justice and change.
InChapter 5 ofXenoblade Chronicles 3, players are taken to the Li Garte Prison Camp, where they must rescue Ghondor, a character crucial to the narrative. The prison itself is full of challenges and Agnian guards, requiring the characters to plan the invasion carefully. The emotional weight grows as the characters face the despair and injustices of the world they live in, making each step toward the rescue more intense.
The final moments of the mission are filled with tension, with Ghondor challenging the protagonists before finally joining them. This battle not only tests the players' skills, but also reinforces the characters' determination to fight against a cruel and oppressive fate, culminating in a powerful sense of relief and hope.
InDragon Quest 11, the protagonist, known as Luminary, is betrayed and imprisoned by the King of Heliodor, who sees him as a threat to the world. This imprisonment marks a crucial point in the story. The hero, deprived of his freedom, reflects on his true mission and the weight of his destiny.
The subsequent escape is a turning point, strengthening the Luminary’s resolve to save the world. This momentalso serves to introduce players to Erik, another prisoner in Heliodor who joins the Luminary on his journey. This marks the beginning of their friendship and the start of the epic story.
One of the best games released for the PlayStation 1,Xenogearstakes players on a complex and emotional journey where the protagonist,Fei Fong Wong, faces challenges that test his strength and determination. During the adventure, Fei is captured and imprisoned in the city of Nortune, in Block D, an area where the most dangerous prisoners are kept under strict surveillance.
In prison, survival depends on combat skills. Fei is forced to fight in Block C, an arena where prisoners face off in deadly battles for a chance at freedom. These brutal confrontations not only test his fighting abilities, but also serve as a crucial point in the plot, highlighting the injustices of Nortune’s system and shaping the future of the characters and the narrative ofXenogears.
InThe Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure, tensions rise as Erebonia and Calvard prepare to invade Crossbell. In an attempt to contain the invasion, President Croiss uses KeA’s powers to prevent the attack, which prompts Lloyd to try to stop this dangerous plan. Consequently, he is captured by the Crossbell army and taken toprison in one of the crucial moments of the JRPG.
Despite the dire circumstances, Lloyd refuses to give up. His imprisonment sets the stage for a daring escape, where he must outwit his captors and regain his freedom. This thrilling sequence pushes Lloyd to his limits as he fights to reclaim his mission and protect Crossbell from impending destruction.
