JRPGs with the best dialogue

Key insights

  • JRPGs with excellent localization create unforgettable experiences for international audiences.
  • Games like Persona 5 Royal show how a refined script can increase player engagement.
  • Strong dialogue in games like Dragon Quest 11 contributes significantly to their attractiveness and success.



It's no secret that most JRPGs are so dialogue-heavy, which is why localization is such an important issue in these games. Without a great script, players will be forced to listen to hours of boring conversations that don't have the impact they should have.

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Conversely, JRPGs that invest heavily in localizing their script help ensure their story beats appeal to an international audience. Considering how prevalent localization issues are in this genre, it's easy to understand why fans remember the few JRPGs with great dialogue and scripts that take the experience to a higher level.


8 Persona 5 Royal

Solid localization is further improved in this updated version

Released
March 31, 2020

developer
Atlus, P Studio

OpenCritic review
Powerful

Persona 5 Royal is one of the greatest modern JRPGs of all time, arguably sparking the modern revival of the genre. Players enjoyed controlling a group of students who moonlighted as Phantom Thieves, using their mysterious powers to change the hearts of evil men across Japan.


The original game's script was great, but had room for improvement, which was explored in the game Royal Output. Fans were treated to one of the best English-language scripts ever seen in a JRPG. It ensures that players form a strong bond with their companions as they face numerous threats and challenges together.

7 Final Fantasy 12: The Zodiac Age

The vocal performances are bursting with style

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age

Released
July 11, 2017

OpenCritic review
Powerful

Final Fantasy 12 was a major departure from the traditional gameplay of the other single-player titles in the genre. This game used a lot of what it learned Final Fantasy 11 creating a unique gameplay loop, but what fans remember most from this title is an amazing story brought to life by incredible voice acting.


The script feels authentic to the game's medieval fantasy setting, with the voice actors adding a ton of personality to each dialogue that helps their characters stand out from the crowd. Regardless of what fans personally think Final Fantasy 12There's no denying that the script is in a class of its own and arguably the best localization ever for one Final Fantasy Game.

6 Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age

A solid JRPG with excellent dialogue

Released
September 4, 2018

OpenCritic review
Powerful

There are many reasons for this Dragon Quest 11 After struggling to make an impression outside of Japan, the company eventually broke into the Western market. Sure, the excellent gameplay and beautiful world helped these efforts, but what won the experience over in the eyes of many was the charm of this game's script.

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It captured something Dragon Quest was all about that – a group of ragtag adventurers slowly coming to trust each other as they save the world from a malevolent presence. Players who reconsider jumping into a series with so much history will become fans in no time after being amazed by the excellent script Dragon Quest 11.


5 The Legend of Heroes: Traces in the Sky

The incredible localization adds a ton of personality to the entire game

systems

PlayStation 1 PC-1

Released
June 24, 2004

developer
Nihon Falcom

The legend of the heroes is a series known for its amazing world-building, with each and every NPC given a ton of love and care as they react to the many events taking place in the world. It goes a long way toward making events believable, but there's no denying that localization costs will reach enormous heights when these dialogue-heavy JRPGs need to be translated.

Despite a long wait for a translation The Legend of Heroes: Traces of Heaven The detailed localization exceeded fans' expectations. The sheer effort put into the dialogue for everyone from the main characters to the NPCs makes it clear why fans still consider this title to be the best game the series has to offer.


4 Tramp story

A lot of work was put into making the localization as authentic to the environment as possible

systems

PlayStation 1

Released
May 15, 2000

developer
square

Tramp story is a unique JRPG where players control a single character and target different parts of an enemy's body to deal tactical damage. Fans of Parasite Eve will be right at home with this combat system, and it helps that Vagrant Story features one of the best scripts in a PS1 JRPG.

The localization did an excellent job with the medieval fantasy setting and added a lot of character to this underrated title. The story of Tramp story is one of its strongest aspects, and it wouldn't have hit so hard if it hadn't been for an amazing English translation.

3 Yakuza: Like a dragon

Yakuza's hilarious and over-the-top dialogue fits the JRPG mold perfectly


Released
November 10, 2020

OpenCritic review
Powerful

The Yakuza The series is known for its localization team, which allows some flexibility in the script to make dialogue sound more natural. This makes every game in the series stand out, with dialogue highlighting both dramatic and comedic moments.

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This extends to Yakuza: Like a dragon This JRPG also has an amazing script that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. Although the game is known for its long conversations, fans don't mind giving it a try as long as it hits the game's many highlights.

2 Final Fantasy 10

The first Final Fantasy game with voice acting is awesome

systems

PlayStation 1

Released
December 17, 2001

OpenCritic review
Strong

The first Final Fantasy The game with voice acting did this with great aplomb. This is ensured by the voice acting in this series paired with a great script Final Fantasy 10The emotional highs are well received by players, who find it easier to bond with these characters.


The love story that develops between Tidus and Yuna is a joy to experience and is made all the more believable by the localization. Changing the dialogue so that Tidus says “I love you” instead of “Thank you” before heading to the Farplane is one of the many smart decisions made in the English translation to help Final Fantasy 10 stand out as one of the best games in the series.

1 Persona 4 Golden

The small town of Inaba comes to life with the amazing script

Released
December 9, 2008

OpenCritic review
Powerful

Persona 4 takes place in the small town of Inaba, where players must solve a serial murder after gaining the ability to fight shadows in the TV world. This intimate atmosphere coupled with the quality of the English translation ensures that players will be immersed in the story in no time.


Rescuing victims and exploring dungeons that target their deepest insecurities support the character development of each new party member. These strong introductions make it clear why the main cast of Persona 4 is considered by many to be the best of the series.

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