Summary
In most games, players want to explore a world as quickly as possible to reach the end of a dungeon or find a critical NPC in a town.JRPGs are no exception here, especially since players would jump at any excuse to slash their runtime in these lengthy titles considerably.
However, some JRPGs reward players for taking their time to explore the world. This can be in the form of meaningful character interactions, valuable secrets, or hidden content that is more fleshed out than most people would assume.
Games will be ranked based on the quality of the content players can enjoy if they take their time to explore the game world.
The Legend of Heroesseries is full of games that progress at a very slow pace. This may frustrate players who just want to blaze through the world at their own pace, but games likeTrails of Cold Steelreward players for taking their time to explore Thors Military Academy and the many cities they visit during their missions.
Most NPCs have personal stories and struggles that can be tracked if players talk to them regularly. Along with this, there are several secrets and optional side quests that players can complete if they take the time to explore, especially in Thors Military Academy where Rean can help numerous students with their problems.
Given thatDragon Quest 11is one of the most accessible games in the series, it’s easy to see why some players relish the idea of moving quickly from one place to another if they want to make quick progress in the story. However, the Luminary can also move through areas meticulously to uncover unique content, fun combat encounters, side activities, and everything in between.
The game does have some difficulty spikes from time to time, and players who put in the effort to level up the Luminary will be rewarded with better gear and higher levels to deal with these tougher threats. This is especially important for players who are interested in the post-game content, which is quite meaty.
Giventhe success ofYakuza: Like a Dragon, it’s easy to see why RGG Studio stuck with their turn-based combat for another entry in the series.Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealthlets players explore Hawaii, further both Kiryu and Ichiban’s stories as they deal with their issues.
With a greater understanding of the combat system coupled with its fair share of interesting jobs, it’s easy to see why uncovering every bit of side content isn’t critical to deal with the many threats in Infinite Wealth. However, players who put in the work to complete substories, battle Sujimon, and deck out Dondoko Island will acquire a ton of meaningful rewards to make their trek through the game easier than ever before.
The first chapter ofTrails in the Skyis a cozy game where Estelle and Joshua embark on a grand adventure. As one would expect from a title inThe Legend of Heroesseries,Trails in the Skyfeatures a ton of neat touches that make slow-paced exploration quite rewarding.
Players can find some tantalizing rewards that make their journey through the game easier in the form of valuable equipment or Orbments. Given how challenging this title can get at times, it’s easy to see why players will appreciate the bonuses they enjoy if they are meticulous about their exploration.
Yakuza: Like a Dragonis one of the greatest gamesin the series, introducing a brand new protagonist in a story that can be surprisingly emotional. It can also be deceptively hard, with one particularly hard fight in the game giving players nightmares to this day.
This is why slowly exploring the world to find items, substories, and side content is so important. Farming money with the business side activity, exploring the game’s optional dungeons, and leveling up the best jobs can all be achieved by just taking the time to explore the world and uncovering the wealth of content in Isezaki Ijincho.
One of the most beautiful and ambitiousFinal Fantasygames ever made, a lot of people loved the twelfth mainline entry despite the wealth of changes it brought to the table. The focus on side quests and hunts is more prevalent than ever before, compelling players to explore the deepest reaches of the world to take out tough enemies and find valuable treasure.
Given how challenging this title can get, it’s easy to see why exploring the world and uncovering everything there is to find is so important to enhance a player’s experience.Final Fantasy 12is a gem of a titlethat rewards curiosity and is a deeply rewarding game for players who like exploring wide spaces and fighting as many enemies as possible along the way.
Golden Sunis one of the most unique JRPGs players can get their hands on. Instead ofa regular job system, players can mix and match different Djinn to unlock various jobs. While some of these magical creatures can be found on the beaten path, others require some searching for players to reap their benefits.
The open world itself houses some of these Djinn that can be hard to find, compelling players to take their time and explore every inch of the world to find these creatures. Exploration inGolden Sunalso uncovers secrets and lets players find some optional dungeons, which enhances the experience of playing this game in the eyes of many.
Persona 5 Royalis one of the best gamesin the series, personalizing the game’s dungeons to ensure that players don’t have to deal with procedural environments anymore barring Mementos. This means that exploring both Tokyo and every Mind Palace is more rewarding than ever before.
Persona 5 Royaltakes things a step further by adding more activities in the real world while expanding the Mind Palaces. Uncovering secrets and locating Will Seeds in each dungeon is quite rewarding and makes it easier for players to complete a dungeon with the additional SP boost.
