There is always plenty of debate on the topic, is a Japanese role playing game a specific style of game or,it is it any role playing game made by a Japanese company? Let’s take a look at both sides of this for a moment.
One side thinks that since it is called a JRPG (Japanese Role Playing Game) that any RPG game made by a Japanese company would qualify. This means that games made by From Software, such as Bloodborne or Elden Ring would be JRPGs. Now this definition doesn’t exclude games like Final Fantasy of course as they also fit the definition because of who makes them.
From here we move on to the other side of the argument, that who makes the game doesn’t matter so much as the style of it. Typically speaking these had an in depth story to them and a leveling system for the characters. The early ones had a turn based system or an active time battle system. Over time they moved to a full real time action system but the idea pretty much stayed the same of a strong story and leveling system. This still wouldn’t necessarily keep games like Bloodborne out as it does contain all of that.
The issue with this debate becomes when you try to argue they HAVE to be made in Japan or by a Japanese company. You end up with amazing games like the recent Claire Obscure. A great turned based RPG, that is made by a French company. It has every single criteria to be a JRPG. A fantastic story, great turn based combat combined with a counter system.
To me,Pizza is an Italian food. It doesn’t matter if it is made by the two Mexican guys at my local mall in Pennsylvania. Nobody argues that when my Hamburger is made by Puerto Rican ex-wife it is now Spanish food. So why do we continue to debate that a JRPG is anything other than a style of game that can be made by anyone?
This is of course just one man’s opinion. Best wishes,and may the gaming gods bring you glory.
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