The best JRPGs that use non-linear storytelling

Important points

• Many JRPGs today offer non-linear storytelling. This allows players to choose their own path and enjoy a player-driven experience.
• Octopath Traveler 2, live,
  and
  Final Fantasy 6
  Shows non-linear progression through player agency in the story.
• Games like
  Valkyrie Profile
  and
  Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
  It also presents a non-linear story. This increases the player's immersion.

Many people think that most JRPGs have a linear story where the player cannot stray from the beaten path. Except for the odd side mission or two. While this may be true in most cases, some JRPGs try to stray away from the genres associated with this division. This allows players to enjoy various games. So much for letting them enjoy the non-linear storytelling. This gives the agency permission to tell the game's narrative.

Players can choose to play continuously for hours or progress through the story in order as they see fit. Let them enjoy the fun storyline and interesting additional content at their leisure. Some people may prefer a linear feel of progression instead. But I can't deny it. The non-linear narrative feels more player-driven and adds a new twist to these unique JRPGs.

5 Octopath Traveler 2

Players can choose their own protagonist and tackle different chapters. in any order

One of the greatest sequels of all time. Octopath Traveler 2 It does a great job of keeping players engaged with the stellar gameplay. 8 memorable protagonists and highlight narratives Although the problems are repeated from the first game. Each party member's story takes place in a vacuum. where the other protagonists It gets sidelined every time the narrative kicks into high gear. This may be a problem for some players. But teasing the journey the party takes part in is quite common. And it helps that the cast feels more cohesive than in the first game.

It helps that the game has a proper ending that ties everyone's stories together in an orderly way. And it ensures that players won't be left stranded after completing each of the eight stories. This grand finale is a treat for players who have completed every character's chapter. Regardless of the order in which they were completed. And the end credits do a good job of showing the non-linear progression by adding scenes from each boss fight in the player's order. deal with them

4 Live broadcast

Players have the freedom to control different chapters. in any order

Despite the ambitious storytelling for a SNES JRPG, it's a shame. Live broadcast It never made it west, so luckily Square Enix decided to remake the title with its unique HD-2D format for the Switch. It allows players around the world to enjoy one of the most underrated JRPGs of all time. where they can progress through the chapters in a non-linear manner while gradually discovering interesting stories.

Each chapter focuses on a character who faces a great evil that embodies the name Odio in one form or another. It all culminates in two chapters detailing the enemy's descent into evil, and the heroes come together in the final chapter to destroy Odio's evil once and for all. It's a unique way to approach JRPG storytelling, and players can choose the path of evil as well. And you can take out heroes if you want. In a wonderful non-linear narrative that doesn't pull any punches.

3 Final Fantasy 6

Progression becomes non-linear as players reach the world of destruction.

The world of balance is mostly linear. Except for the part where the player is allowed to choose between three factions when the heroes split up. It's a good way to combine the non-linear parts in the first half of Final Fantasy 6 and serves as a taste of what will happen after Kefka destroys the balance of the World of Ruin and leaves the world desolate. Players then take control of Celes in World of Ruin as she attempts to reunite the gang. and provides the motivation needed to fight Kefka once again.

Stopping this would-be god from causing unbridled chaos and destruction is easier said than done. Players will have to explore the world and recruit new and old heroes to face Kefka. This is where Kefka's non-linear progression takes place. Final Fantasy 6 It allows players to explore areas in any order and allows the narrative to progress as they see fit leading up to the final battle.

2 Valkyrie Profile

Character stories and dungeons are unlocked in batches and can be completed in any order.

• Platform: PlayStation, PlayStation Portable, mobile
• Release date: December 22, 1999
• Developer: Triace

Valkyrie Profile It's a game that more people need to keep an eye on. Especially if they're fans of unique, cutting-edge JRPGs. Players control Lenneth, a Valkyrie who is collecting the souls of fallen warriors to serve as her companions in Ragnarök. The game has multiple endings and difficulty modes that allow for a lot of replayability. And it helps the story progress in a non-linear manner.

Game chapters are unlocked in groups. To allow players to deal with various events in the order they see fit This adds a new twist to the game. With unique battles that enhance the distinctive characteristics of Valkyrie Profile– Players who want to try playing a JRPG that's unlike anything they've ever experienced before. Not only because of the non-linear narrative structure. will love what this game has to offer.

1 Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

The open world structure allows players to attack Gyms in any order.

Fans are clamoring for Game Freak to take full advantage of the Switch's hardware and pokemon Scarlet & Violet It looks like a step in the right direction. The concept of open world play pokemon When was the game so much exciting and the potential for epic adventures in this game greatly improved? Scarlet & Violet Let the players fulfill this fantasy. While the game's technical issues and level scaling have not gone unnoticed by many, there is no denying that recent issues pokemon The game has developed the series a lot.

If players want to challenge themselves They can enter more difficult Gyms with higher-level Pokémon for a more rewarding experience. On the other hand, they can also raid lower-level Gyms to create a feeling of satisfaction after working hard to strengthen them. with their party This sandbox structure allows for smooth non-linear progression. As players enjoy their unique personal journey to becoming a Pokémon Grandmaster.