JRPG Pursuit Ranking the BEST Action JRPGs of All Time
Oct 7, 2026
More than 50 action JRPGs face off in a sprawling tier-list showdown. The discussion spans NieR, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Kingdom Hearts, Ys, Tales, Mana, Star Ocean, and overlooked gems like Terranigma and Scarlet Nexus. Expect fierce debates over combat, storytelling, exploration, presentation, nostalgia, and whether modern blockbusters truly earn S-tier status.
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Episode notes
Terranigma Still Feels Modern
- Terranigma remains remarkably fluid and ambitious despite its 16-bit origins, especially through movement, dashes, and responsive dungeon combat.
- Its influence is visible in modern indie games that deliberately recreate the 16-bit action RPG style.
A Review Deadline Made Ni No Kuni II Miserable
- Branden reviewed Ni no Kuni II under a three-day deadline and rushed through the entire game.
- The forced town-building requirement blocked him just before the finale, creating lasting frustration despite the game’s attractive presentation.
Harvestella Shows Why Favorites Are Not Always Best
- Harvestella’s story, characters, art, and music made it a personal favorite, but weak action combat prevents an objective top-tier ranking.
- The discussion separates emotional attachment from evaluating a game within its genre.
