By definition, JRPGs are usually from Japan. Japanese Role-Playing Games are immensely popular and bring to mind game series like Dragon Quest. However, quite a few indie JRPGs aren't actually from Japanese studios at all, but still honor the legacy of earlier titles.
The definitions of a JRPG arguably go beyond just a game's country of origin, however. Games typically have a certain anime-like aesthetic, high fantasy elements, and common plot threads like an orphaned hero or a villain who wants to be a god. Still, a majority of the genre's most iconic games come from Japan, which is why some role-playing games that come from other countries can still get grouped into the JRPG genre.
Semantics aside, the following indie games definitely have JRPG aesthetics that harken back to genre-defining series and studios. So, for anyone in the mood for a great indie JRPG, here are some of the best - even though they aren't technically from Japanese studios.
Best Indie JRPG Not Actually From Japan - Ara Fell
Ara Fell from Stegosoft Studios is actually a JRPG from the United States. This game is a callback to the 16-bit era of JPRGs, and fans of Square's Mana and SaGa series should especially love this one. Ara Fell is more than just a nostalgia trip, however, so even genre fans who didn't grow up playing games like Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy Adventure should love its turn-based combat, abilities system, and interesting world.
Best Indie JRPG Not Actually From Japan - Cosmic Star Heroine
While Ara Fell leans into the high fantasy elements of Squaresoft's early days, Cosmic Star Heroine adheres closer to the sci-fi elements that defined late '90s JRPGs like Final Fantasy VII and Xenogears. Zeboyd Games, another U.S. studio, combines classic JRPG elements like turn-based combat with more modern features like being able to save the game at any time and no separate battle screen.
Best Indie JRPG Not Actually From Japan - Shiness: The Lightning Kingdom
It's not just the 16-bit era of JRPGs that's gotten love from studios outside of Japan. Shiness: The Lightning Kingdom is from French studio Enigami. For JRPG fans who love more action-oriented combat and some platformer elements, Shiness is pretty great. Fans of Level-5 games like Ni No Kuni and Dark Cloud should love the cel-shaded graphics as well.
Although these three games were made by studios outside of Japan, they do an excellent job of representing the mechanics and feel of classic JRPG series. Fans of the genre should definitely consider checking out some of these great indie titles.
