While JRPGs can find themselves in abroad array of sub-genres, the high fantasy theme is usually the default for a host of major and indie JRPG developers. Even in titles where the aesthetic might not be fantasy, there are always hints of it, through particular enemies or even quest design, that subtly inform the player of this genre’s roots.
But whether in fantasy, sci-fi, orsome mix of the two, many JRPG games have showcased the almighty high fantasy icon: the dragon. Fire breathing, or at least some kind of element breathing, beasts famed for the destruction they can cause and the terror they inspire. These JRPGs in particular highlight either one particularly fearsome draconic beast, or have peppered the ranks of friend and foe alike with these legendary creatures.
Harvestellais Square Enix’s gambit in the farming simulator genre, specifically the sub-genre popularized by games likeHarvest MoonandStardew Valley. Players get access to an idyllic, serene farm they can manage as they see fit, while exploring the neighboring towns and meeting plenty of interesting and well-written characters along the way. The game does tend to be overlooked somewhat by both JRPG and cozy farm sim fans, but for those willing to give it a shot, there’s a great, aesthetic game in the works here.
The major Dragon boss inHarvestellais this haunting, beautiful, terrifying creature, made up of avian and synthetic parts. Unlike most Square Enix JRPGs, this isn’ta turn-based affair, and characters all act in real time - putting the pressure on to avoid the Dragon’s colossal breath attacks. All the features of a dragon are here but re-imagined with strange, wistful qualities, and this is definitely one of the more interesting takes on a draconic entity in JRPGs.
Alliance Aliveis a wonderfully atmospheric game that uses its environment and setting to create an incredibly unique story about a world where humans are subjugated by powerful Daemons. The demon design in this game is some of the best seen in any JRPG to date,with each demonhaving a unique design and incredible flare. The turn-based combat is unique and compelling with plenty of opportunities for customization and personalization - and the HD remake on the Switch solidifies this as an all-time classic among JRPGs.
For players who think they’ve mastered the combat in this game, a feat easier said than done, there is an incredibly challenging optional boss fight later in the game based around a creature known as the Dreadwyrm, who is incredibly deadly. Besting this foe will not be easy, as the Dreadwyrm has powerful AOE fire attacks (as you’d expect from a dragon) but the rewards for defeating this creature are well worth the battle.
Tactics Ogreis seen by many as the opus among Square Enix’s grid-based JRPGs. There’s really everything here players could ask for in a roleplaying title, includinga branching story, deep tactical combat, and a host of recruitable creatures. This game does show its age in some areas, including the graphics, which really should have received further polish in the more recent re-master of this game, but the dragon units, funnily enough, hold their own still as being some of the most charming and appealing in the game.
Dragon enemy units are incredibly powerful shock troopers, focused on jumping right into the heart of combat where the player has most of their units and dealing as much damage as possible. Their breath attacks change in element depending on what type of dragon is attacking, but one thing they all have in common is their incredibly high damage. Fortunately for players, while dragons are a dangerous threat to their party, they can also be recruited as units to use against enemies later on in this title’s expansive story.
Monster Hunter Storiesis a spin-off series to the quintessential monster hunting experience - aptly titledMonster Hunter.Many players will spend (in-game or real-life) hours tracking down some colossal beast inMonster Hunterand think “woah! That thing looks awesome” before promptly reducing it into so many portions of a delicious meal. For the players who feel pangs of regret not only because they can’t really get behind killing monsters that were just minding their own business, but also because they wanted to befriendswith said monster, bothMonster Hunter Storiestitles are exactly what they need.
Defeating - and raising - draconic entities in this JRPG is the pinnacle of the gameplay, as the fearsome dragon and dragon-adjacent enemies in this game are too strong for all but the most powerful tamers. This game bringsMonster Hunterflare to a lot of classic monster catching tropes in the best way possible.
17th Dragon 3: Code VFD
A Slick, Stylish Dragon Hunting Title
The7th Dragonseries hasunfortunately grown obscurein recent years, but for JRPG fans with a hunger for dragon hunting, it’s hard to beat this party builder revolving around colossal, evil, interdimensional dragons.
This title brings a cyberpunk-meets-urban-fantasy aesthetic to its setting, and hopping through various gorgeously built time periods to put an end to a voracious beast looking to claim all of humanity for its own (spoiler: it’s a dragon) is an incredibly satisfying story to watch play out.
