The 5 best JRPGs you can play on iOS and Android

Out of all the different game genres, I doubt any gives me as much pleasure as the JRPG, and out of all my gadgets, my favorite is my iPad. Thankfully, these days good JRPGs don’t only live on Japanese consoles, and I can combine my love of my Apple gadget with my passion for games with good stories. If you’re looking for a JRPG for iOS, then here are the best ones out there:

1. Chrono Trigger- Square Enix- $9.99 for iOS and Android

Chrono Trigger is widely regarded as the greatest JRPGs ever. This classic from 1995 set the RPG world on fire with its branching paths, multiple endings, and top quality storytelling. During your time with Chrono Trigger you will travel through time fixing swords, saving the world, and fighting eternal enemies. Chrono Trigger has one of the most rich and complicated plots of any video game ever, so even if you played it in the past, you can get more out of repeat playthroughs.

The iOS version is a port of the 2008 re-release for the Nintendo DS. Unfortunately it hasn’t been improved for the iOS, and the controls are a little fiddly. Despite these complaints Chrono Trigger is still one of the greatest games ever made. If you haven’t played it, then now’s your chance to experience Square Enix’s time-travelling JRPG.

You download Chrono Trigger for iOS here and Android here.

2. Final Fantasy IV- Square Enix- $15.99 for iOS and Android

If you haven’t played Final Fantasy IV (FFIV) then stop reading and go get it. Now. Seriously.

If you’re still here I’m going to assume that you’re familiar with the dark knight Cecil and his quest for redemption and justice. Without a doubt FFIV has one of the strongest plots of any Final Fantasy game.

(See: Games in Asia’s favorite JRPGs)

Unlike the Chrono Trigger port, FFIV for iOS is an amazing port that turned the 2D classic into an up-to-date 3D marvel. The story is the same, the characters are the same, and most of the scripting is the same. But the visuals and the world are greatly enhanced by the addition of 3D.

Unfortunately, this level of quality comes at a high price. For a whopping $15.99, anything less than top quality would be unforgivable.

Thankfully FFIV is top quality and is a must for any Final Fantasy, or JRPG fan.

You download Final Fantasy IV for iOS here and Android here.

3. Chaos Rings- Square Enix- $7.99 for iOS and Android

Chaos Rings is the first in the Chaos Rings series, an iOS-exclusive JRPG series by Square Enix. Chaos Rings puts you in the shoes in one of two possible protagonists, who have been abducted and forced to battle for the magical rings of unknown power. Chaos Rings is a JRPG Battle Royale, and almost every NPC you meet in the game you will be forced to fight and defeat. As you can imagine, there’s a lot of drama and an ending that may or may not be the beginning or the end. You’ll have to complete it and let me know; I’m still confused.

(See: Four things to understand before playing JRPGs)

Chaos Rings is not the longest game, but it has a great story with a host of interesting characters. You’ll only get to have two of them in your party, which might sound low for a JRPG, but it works well because it allows you to focus more fully on them. It’s a different approach, but Square pulls it off really well.

For graphics junkies, it’s also one of the best looking 3D JRPGs available on iOS. If you’re a fan of big shiny action sequences, Chaos Rings is definitely worth a try.

You download Chaos Rings for iOS here and Android here.

4. Adventure Bar Story- Rideonjapan, Inc.- $2.99 for iOS and $3.43 for Android

Adventure Bar Story (ABS) has two things going for it: firstly it’s awesome, secondly it’s cheap. It’s the perfect combination! ABS follows the story of two young girls trying to keep their traditional-fantasy tavern from being bought by an evil tycoon.

In order to do this they have to make their restaurant the best in the city. You do this by venturing into monster-filled dungeons to collect ingredients and recipes. You then cook in your tavern and sell to your loyal patrons. Cooking is the only way to gain experience so it’s essential, not an optional extra, and you’ll spend as much time cooking as you will battling.

ABS is excellent for those of you who are tired of saving the world, but still want some classic JRPG action. And did I mention that it is cheap?

You download Adventure Bar Story for iOS here and Android here.

5. Symphony of Origin- Kemco- $8.99 (on sale at time of writing: $0.99) for iOS and $7.99 (on sale at time of writing $2.99)

Kemco is a company that has aggressively pursued the JRPG niche. It has a wide variety of JRPGs available for both iOS and Android. My personal favorite of the ones I’ve played is Symphony of the Origin (SOTO).

SOTO is a good quality old-school JRPG. It has all the basic ingredients; humble young man, greatness thrust upon him, a world filled with elves, dwarves, and an over-arching evil. The plot isn’t going to change your life or affect you the same way as FFIV’s will, but it will keep you playing.

(See: Chronus Arc review: a lesson in mediocrity)

The combat makes up for any of the plot’s failures. In SOTO you can attack your enemies’ weak points and that will have consequences. A heavily armored knight can have his armor destroyed, and then he will take more damage, but he will also move faster. It’s a really nice system that makes the game more memorable than it at first appears.

You download Symphony of the Origin for iOS here and Android here.

At the time of writing, SOTO is on sale. Kemco does regular sales on its JRPGs, so check them regularly to get the best deals.

So there you have it, the best of the best of iOS JRPGs, Did we miss any you think deserve to be on the list? Or do you just think I’m wrong? Let me know in the comments below, until then, sit back relax and enjoy some awesome iOS JRPGs.

UPDATE 7-1-14: Article was updated to include information about Android versions.

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