Best Original Xbox JRPGs, Ranked

The original Xbox was Microsoft’s first attempt at a home console. While the Xbox didn’t set the world on fire immediately, it still had some phenomenal games worth checking out. Though the Xbox didn’t have too many JRPGs, the best original Xbox JRPGs are great titles worth checking out based on their visuals, gameplay, and how well they hold up now.

1. Phantasy Star Online Episode 1 & 2

The king of action JRPGs on the original Xbox and the progenitor of console MMOs is a must-play for retro Xbox JRPG fans. This is by far the best JRPG experience you’ll find on this particular platform. The action-based combat is pretty good and holds up well enough today. The sheer number of customization options and the ability to play with others also helps.

My personal favorite about this game is the sheer amount of content. You won’t find another JRPG on the original Xbox with this much quality content worth playing.

2. Shin Megami Tensei Nine

This is by far one of the lesser-known entries in the Shin Megami Tensei series, and for some understandable reasons. The UI and combat is a bit too confusing and convoluted, but if you look past that, there are great series staples like collecting demons and the like. I also think this initial switch to 3D, while not as timeless as Nocturne, still looks pretty solid even today.

3. Digimon World 4

This action RPG dungeon-crawler-like game in the Digimon series is far from the best of the franchise but it is still worth a look. There are four different Digimon players pick between to hack and slash their way through numerous enemies. The usual gimmicks like Digivolution are present, and the up-to-four-player multiplayer is where the most enjoyment lies.

4. Rent a Hero No. 1

This remake of the original Mega Drive classic was sadly canceled for an official English release. That said, it is still possible to play the Xbox remake and it is the definitive way to check out this action JRPG. The world is fun to explore, the story is a bit ridiculous, and the third-person brawler-style combat works surprisingly well.

5. Shenmue 2

Shenmue 2 is far from the typical JRPG experience but it was one of the most influential games in terms of exploration, open-world, and role-playing as a character in a story. This slower RPG lets players explore a highly detailed version of Hong Kong with so much to see and do. There are arcade games, minigames, fighting game-like brawls, and a solid enough storyline. Just know that the gameplay doesn’t hold up as well as some of the other JRPGs on this list.

Let us know what your favorite JRPGs on the Xbox were below!