Summary
A lot ofJRPGsboast lengthy runtimes because ofthe sheer amount of contentthat is present in these titles. It may seem unnecessary at times, but this isn’t a bad thing.
Players who are invested in a certain JRPG would jump at any excuse to spend more time with characters they’ve slowly grown to love. It helps ifthe content in these games is endearingenough for players to actively seek out additional content instead of shying away from it or rushing to the finish line.
Trails of Cold Steeltook a page fromthePersonaseries with a school settingwhere players could spend their free time interacting with characters to increase their bonds. If Rean played his cards right, he could then initiate a romance with one of the many potential female partners in the series.
Along with this, players can complete requests as they get to know the other students of Thors Military Academy. It may seem like busy work, but the writing in this game is intriguing enough for players to stick with these games for the long haul.
The mysterious island setting that the heroes are marooned onhelpsYs 8stand outas a unique game with excellent side content. Players are rewarded for everything they do, from exploring the map to catching a bunch of different fish.
The game turns collectible hunting into a desirable task too, since players can gift these objects to other party members to enhance their bonds and improve their abilities. It’s a small yet welcome addition that helps the optional content ofYs 8feel even better to play through.
Players who are intimidated by the prospect of playing SRPGs will have a great time blazing their way throughUnicorn Overlord.However, the game isn’t so easy that players should head to the final battle from the very moment it’s unlocked, since their low-level party will be wiped out in no time.
Instead, players are encouraged to clear the bulk of content available at that time, which may seem like unnecessary optional material but is more engaging than one would assume. It’s a clever way to let players familiarize themselves with Fevrith and the nations that they’re trying to save.
Out of all the games in the series, most people considerXenoblade Chronicles Xto be the best title for players who want to be dropped into a sandbox with little to no restrictions. Traversal itself feels so engaging that players won’t mind scouring the world to find more optional battles and quests to lose themselves in.
The question of what the bestXenoblade Chroniclesgame is may have different answers every single time, but most people will agree thatXenoblade Chronicles Xboasts the best open world in the series. The content present in this title is meaningful and keeps players entertained as they slowly make progress through the riveting story.
Dragon Quest 11is the first game in the series to make a huge splash on Western shores, becoming the most successful international release for the franchise. It helps that the massive world of this game is jam-packed with optional content that players will love to explore.
From monster hunting to gambling, there’s no shortage of optional content for players to get lost in. Players can safely ignore any activities they’re not huge fans of and focus on activities more in line with their interests, with this freedom elevatingDragon Quest 11as the most approachable game in the series.
If players lovethe flashy combat ofFinal Fantasy 15, then this game will be full of meaningful content for them to get lost in. There are the obvious hunts that players can assign themselves to, which are fun but a little frustrating since they can only complete one hunt at a time.
Along with this, players can stray from the beaten path to find everything from optional dungeons to well-hidden secrets. Encountering a tough foe and slicing it to bits with Noctis' impressive powers is a huge part of what makesFinal Fantasy 15so special in the eyes of many, despite its flaws in other regards.
TheConfidants inPersona 5 Royalare a blast to interact with, allowing Joker and his party members to enjoy valuable perks in battle. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the game’s optional content.
Mementos is technically optional (if one doesn’t take into account the final section of the game) as players take out tough monsters and complete requests here. Finally, Joker can enhance his skills by engaging in various activities in Tokyo, boosting his Social Stats to access more content.
Not only isYakuza: Like a Dragona bold and innovative way to completely change the core gameplay loop of theYakuzafranchise, but it combines its turn-based combat seamlessly with the series' patented side content that fans can’t get enough of. Playing darts, visiting cabaret clubs, and singing karaoke are just a few of the many ways players can make the most of the time they spend in Isezaki Ijincho.
Along with this, there’s alsoa wealth of captivating substoriesand major side activities Ichiban can access. Managing a business, beating other racers at Dragon Kart, and interacting with numerous eccentric characters are a huge part of what makesLike a Dragonsuch a special game.
