Six of the best short JRPGs
The JRPG genre lends itself to longer playtimes. With plots that are known for taking characters from humble beginnings to becoming all-powerful, god-dethroning heroes, many of the most popular games in the genre require dozens of hours to tell their story. However, there are some short JRPGs out there that can be played in under 40 hours without skipping out on the epic plots the genre is known for.
If you’re short on time, here are our picks for some short JRPGs that will still scratch that itch for you.
Six of the best short JRPGs
While “short” is a subjective term, particularly since there are plenty of games that can be played in a single evening, within the JRPG genre, “short” usually constitutes “under 40 hours”. All of the games on this list can be completed in under that amount of time, though some might allow for additional content that edge their total playtime up over 40 hours.
13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim
This short JRPG gained acclaim for its unique story structure, telling the tale of multiple protagonists as they unravel an increasingly complicated plot across time and space. You’d think that with such a winding story structure it would be on the longer side, but the main story of 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim can be completed in around 30 hours.
This is one of the longer games on this list, but each chapter feels so distinct from the other that it plays more like short mini-stories that are all tied together at the end. While it might not fit into many of the JRPG tropes we know and love, the story, aesthetic, and scope of the game are perfect for fans of the genre who want a taste of something different.
Chrono Trigger
We all know that I will never miss an opportunity to talk about this game, but it is also one of the best short JRPGs that won’t require a huge time commitment to complete. Which is good, because time is a valuable resource in this game. Because of time travel and all that.
Terrible jokes aside, you can complete the main story of Chrono Trigger, including any extras added to the DS version of the game, in under 30 hours. This is because the game requires almost no grinding to stay on par with the enemies you face. So long as you fight the majority of the monsters on the screen as you progress, you will be well-equipped to face Lavos’ multiple forms at the end of the game.
Paper Mario
Nintendo has sent their famous plumber on countless grand adventures over the years, but Paper Mario is one of the most well-rounded ones. This short JRPG clocks in at around 25 hours from start to finish, making it one of the shortest JRPGs on this list.
Paper Mario remains one of the best JRPG offerings on the Nintendo 64, partly because the console had surprisingly few of them compared to its predecessor but also because it was such a fun, charming little adventure. If you get the chance to play through it on the Switch, it is worth the effort just for the unique combat system.
Parasite Eve
The shortest game on this list is also one of the spookiest. Parasite Eve might take place on Christmas Eve, but it takes the JRPG formula in a decidedly horror direction, taking just 10 hours to complete the main story, but also featuring substantial postgame and New Game Plus modes if you want to explore further.
Head out onto the streets of New York, slaughtering monsters and confronting the increasing sense of unease that comes with seeing one of the busiest cities on the planet completely abandoned. There is a great atmosphere to this game that few other horror titles can match.
The Last Story
When The Last Story came out for Wii, it was held in high regard alongside its two perceived “peers” — the original Xenoblade Chronicles and the excellent, oft-forgotten Pandora’s Tower. While the plot was fairly straightforward, its interesting action-strategy RPG mechanics and excellent encounter design made it a delight to play. It also had the good sense not to overstay its welcome, offering a perfectly paced story that had almost no excess to cut out.
Simply completing the main story of The Last Story will only take around 21 hours, giving you plenty of time to jump into something else or to try to unlock all the secrets and side quests the game has to offer. Or just jump into a New Game Plus run and flatten all the enemies with your high-level party members.
The World Ends with You
If you’ve heard players screaming about The World Ends With You, it is because it is a great JRPG that everyone should play if they enjoy the genre. The soundtrack is a particular highlight, but the unique art style complements the dark plot and memorable characters perfectly.
This game will take you less than 17 hours to beat, a positively tiny amount of time compared to other Square Enix titles. There is no excess grinding or lulls in the story, making this one of the best-paced JRPGs of all time, acclaim that has gotten it a slightly longer sequel and a decent anime adaptation in the years since its release.
Join The Discussion
Rice Digital Discord
Rice Digital Twitter
Rice Digital Facebook
Or write us a letter for the Rice Digital Friday Letters Page by clicking here!
Disclosure: Some links in this article may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on them. This is at no additional cost to you and helps support Rice Digital!
- Six of the best Stands in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure - June 2, 2023
- 4 of the best JRock tracks from May - June 1, 2023
- Hump Day Husbandos: Guts (Berserk) - May 31, 2023
