When you think "JRPG," you tend to think of vast, lengthy adventures that can take up weeks or even months of your time. The in-depth and rich nature of many of these epics can have you endlessly captivated, spending countless hours grinding away and slaying monsters, seeking treasures, and tackling various side quests in the process.
Still, there are a number of these role-playing experiences, or at least games that hold some JRPG qualities, which prove surprisingly short. These tend to be more experimental projects, which are designed to draw gamers outside the typical JRPG fanbases, or otherwise share qualities with another genre. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of games that can be conquered in just two or three sittings. Here are 10 such examples of some of the slimmest JRPG campaigns you can find.
10 Legend Of Mana
While its predecessor, an enchanting action-RPG called Secret of Mana, was brimming with content and exciting combat, it's more off-kilter Playstation sequel/spinoff was a fair bit shorter.
This game takes quite a unique approach in a number of areas. Not only does Legend of Mana run with a delightful hand-drawn art style, but its level of customization is impressive as well. This isn't just the case in terms of your character progression, but the game even possesses an innovative mechanic that allows you to place locations on the world map via artifacts. Those who know what they're doing and plow through the rather smooth, fluid combat can knock this out in around 18 hours.
9 Super Mario RPG
Mario's first foray into RPG land is an admirable one, which isn't surprising given its collaboration between gaming giants Nintendo and Square Enix. Still, regardless of Super Mario RPG's charming, captivating gameplay, it does tend to lean on the easy side of things, feeling a bit like an "entry-level" RPG at times. This is especially the case when nailing the timing of your attacks and planning ahead by lacing your squad up with the right equipment.
Assuming players stick to the business at hand, equip themselves with solid gear like the Lazy Shell, and avoid dealing with the ultra-tough optional bosses like Culex and Jinx, this journey can be coasted through in under 17 hours.
8 Quest 64
Quest 64 was groundbreaking for many Nintendo fans, as it was essentially the first time they were experiencing a full-fledged 3D RPG on their platform. Still, while this JRPG certainly had an epic aura, its actual campaign could be completed pretty quickly.
This game cleverly utilizes the unique C buttons on the N64 controller by having them correspond to spells that could be mixed and matched to defeat enemies, which you engage in turn-based fashion within an enclosed ring. While the overall experience feels a bit archaic and can be a mixed bag, the combat system is actually pretty fun and dynamic.
Gamers who master this unique mechanic and can navigate these blocky areas (despite the lack of a map) can power through this quest in just 10 hours.
7 Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers
One of the shortest games in the Final Fantasy series since the very first entries on the NES is also one of the most flawed. This sequel to the initial GameCube spinoff proves to be even weaker and simpler in terms of its content. The cinematic elements and aesthetics are particularly crude, which is problematic given this series' emphasis on engaging narrative and cinematic glitz.
Still, there's some fairly enjoyable action-RPG gameplay and a decent level of customization to sink your teeth into. Even with the minigame gimmicks (like Chocobo races) and drawn-out cutscenes, you can fight your way through this campaign in roughly a dozen hours.
6 Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen And The Tower Of Mirrors
Turning from a stripped-down FF spinoff on Wii to the Dragon Quest version of this, we have DQ Swords, a game that at least manages to feel more intuitive and enjoyable off the bat, even if its gameplay can feel rather shallow.
Unlike most on our list, you have little control as to how fast you can burn through this one, given that the entire campaign experience is on-rails. While it can be quite satisfying using the Wiimote to hack and slash your way through hordes of colorful foes, you'll likely find your brief quest has ended just as you start really enjoying yourself. The main story is essentially over in under 10 hours.
5 Ys Origin
Those who favor a side of thrilling action with their RPG experience similar to Secret of Mana should get a kick out of this epic Ys origin story, which, as you might expect, stands as a prequel to the entire series. In fact, this tale takes place 700 years before the events of Ys I.
Unlike most of the games in this long-running franchise, however, Origins provides a surprisingly slim campaign, especially given the quickness of the hack 'n' slash combat. Since this entire game essentially takes place inside a single tower (albeit a large one), you'll be able to get from start to finish in less than a dozen hours.
4 Tales Of The Tempest
Considering this majestic franchise is home to some of the more robust and lengthy JRPGs ever, such as Tales of Graces F, it's bizarre that it also contains one of the shortest, the game in question being Tales of the Tempest on DS. It also shouldn't come as much of a surprise that this is arguably the weakest in this otherwise rich, enchanting series.
The game does offer some entertaining bouts, thanks in part to the intuitive control scheme offered by the touch screen, which is used for fun special attacks and the odd ability to turn into a werewolf. Disregarding the extras and side quests, this game can be beaten in around 12 hours.
3 The Longest 5 Minutes
As the game's odd title might tip you off, we're dealing with a distinctly short, capsule experience here. To its credit, The Longest 5 Minutes takes an extremely unique, innovative narrative and structural approach throughout. It basically plays like a collection of virtual flashbacks as you find yourself starting the game at the end boss, the Demon King. You'll then be delving into the memories of our protagonist, as the actions you take in your past will affect the sequence of events and moves that transpire when flashing back to this boss.
The other major kicker to this one is that your adventure is somewhat "fast-forwarded" for you. You'll find you and your party constantly jumping from one isolated scenario to the next while your items and stats have taken a leap forward. Give that this is a bite-sized retro JRPG experience, it shouldn't be surprising to find this can be beaten in under 9 hours.
2 Dragon Warrior
It's odd to think that one of the most grandiose, massive JRPGs ever, Dragon Quest XI belongs to the same series as this charmingly short and simplistic originator. You basically know you're in for a pretty slim campaign once you've begun your journey and can already see the endgame in minutes, that being a castle that rests in the center of the world map, beckoning you towards it.
Don't get us wrong, the original Dragon Warrior does manage to be both gripping and in-depth in its own way. Yet, the scope and gameplay can be immensely simple to those who are resourceful enough. Effective fighting and grinding can have you reach the Dragonlord in a matter of 10 hours.
1 Parasite Eve
While the original Playstation is home to some of the grandest, most in-depth JRPGs ever, it also contains a rare gem, which, while captivating in its own right, can be finished in hours that number in the single digits.
Enter Parasite Eve, a horror-tinged RPG with a uniquely twisted premise, centering around a woman in an opera house who gains the power to cause all in her vicinity to ignite. As this game is essentially a survival-horror just as much as an RPG, it contains some fast-paced action in a select few environments, meaning it can be tackled relatively quickly.