Summary
Cyberpunkis a genre that has witnessed a lot of representation in modern times, with many games trying to slot themselves into this genre in some way or another. The idea of technology developing in such a stylistic manner is certainly an alluring prospect in fictional media. While the dystopian implications of the same should also be addressed, there’s no denying that fans of this unique genre will love immersing themselves in the many games that dabble in this genre.
One such combination that fans will adore is cyberpunk JRPGs. The idea of combiningall the hallmarks of a JRPGand setting it in a cyberpunk world sounds like a great time, and it’s easy to see why so many people would relish the idea of playing such games. Thankfully, there are more than enough candidates in this regard that will satiate most fans.
Fans of theShin Megami Tenseiseries would love any excuse to try out a new spin-off that builds up on this world, andSoul Hackers 2is a great recommendation.The fifth game in theDevil Summonerseriesis pretty engaging, with the storyline and characters being two of its biggest strengths.
However, the combat and level design is nothing to write home about, which leads to some people finding the game to be a bit uninspired in this department. Still, the cyberpunk setting is certainly quite unique, and fans will love whatSoul Hackers 2has to offer once they manage to look past its weaker elements.
Players looking for a JRPG with over-the-top gun duels set in a drab cyberpunk landscape will findResonance of Fateto be right up their alley. Unlike the explosion of colors that most people associate with this genre,Resonance of Fateis aggressively gray in the majority of its landscapes, which is meant to hammer in the colorless life that most residents in this world live.
While this art style is the reason why so many people didn’t really enjoy this masterpiece, it contributes to the world ofResonance of Fatein its own way. Players need to be really careful in each and every combat encounter in this game since a single misstep can lead to the characters becoming useless in no time at all, as they become cannon fodder for their enemies.
No one expectedLive a Liveto be the game that received the HD-2D treatment, but fans were more than glad to see it happen. This game hadn’t been released on Western shores before the remake, which allowed players to experience one of the more experimental and interesting JRPGs that fans could sink their teeth into.
The game takes a look at seven distinct scenarios that take place in varying time periods. One such setting that this game dabbles in is a cyberpunk world that is pretty intriguing in its own right. This scenario is definitely one of the better ones that players will have a ton of fun with and shows whyLive a Liveis such a unique gemthat any JRPG fan worth their salt should check out.
ThelegendaryFinal Fantasy 7is an RPGthat everyone has heard of at this point. The franchise was decently popular in Japan, but it absolutely exploded in the West after the incredible story, memorable mechanics, amazing visuals (for the time), and engaging gameplay turnedFinal Fantasy 7into one of the most played and beloved JRPGs on the PS1.
The cyberpunk influences inFinal Fantasy 7are quite prevalent during the early stint of the game when players spend the majority of their time in Midgar. This dystopian industrial city makes for a solid opening to the game before Cloud and his companions leave to explore the open world.
Xenogearsisone of the greatest video gamesif people only look at its first half. If the game had enjoyed the budget it deserved, then this title could’ve easily become the best title anyone could get their hands on for the PS1. The sheer scope of the narrative, coupled with the many complicated plot threads in the game, makes it one of the most thought-provoking JRPGs fans can enjoy.
The second half of the game turns into an elaborate wall of text with a few dungeons scattered in the mix, which does end up taking away from the enjoyment of the title. Fans can only hope that Square Enix decides to remake this title and do justice to the original scope of the series, although this is nothing more than a pipe dream at this point. ThoughXenogearsis not without flaws, fans of the cyberpunk genre are sure to enjoy the game’s futuristic aspects.
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