The Best JRPGs With Romance

JRPG titles are known for dipping into the romance genre. Sometimes this can mean multiple routes for the player to choose from as they get to know the different characters in the game. Other times, you don’t get a choice as to who you end up with, but the narrative is well crafted and gives the canon couple all the attention they need to feel real.

Romance in JRPGs has so much variation to it that, at times, it almost feels like you’re having an impact on how a group dynamic changes throughout the narrative. So, whether you want to go on dating missions or find out whether the two main protagonists will finally end up together, here are some of the best JRPGs with romance.

10

Yakuza: Like A Dragon

Comedic Romantic Subplots

Yakuza: Like A Dragon doesn’t have the deepest romantic gameplay mechanics. However, it gets away with it by making each subplot comedic. Some will require you to make a business successful, while others require you to pass exams.

With a bit of hard work, dedication, and the occasional gifts, you can eventually unlock the romance at the end of each quest line. Even if none of the optional romances are considered canon, it’s still fun to see the different little interactions and cutscenes that Ichiban Kasuga can get himself into.

9

Final Fantasy 10

An Amazing Romance Story

Final Fantasy has some pretty outstanding romances throughout the series. However, Final Fantasy 10 is often considered the best the series has to offer. Tidus and Yuna are destined to be torn apart, which makes their love enticing to keep track of throughout the story.

With Yuna set to sacrifice herself to bring peace to the world and Tidus protecting her until she can fulfill her duty, things do not go as planned when the two fall in love. This romance is a major part of the story, with both characters being well-written and likable.

8

Persona 5: Royale

Multiple Choice Romance Options

Persona 5: Royale has multiple romanceable characters, each with their distinct personalities. From gamer girl to fashion model, each one requires you to lock-in to their respective paths. Though it is possible to romance more than one character.

Such a romance might come at a cost when Valentine’s Day rolls around. However, it might be tempting just to get all the additional dialogue that each character has. Romance doesn’t have any major impact on the plot, so it’s all fun and games unless you decide to be a jerk.

7

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Thinking Strategically About Romance

Romance gets a bit more strategic in Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Ideally, you want to go on as many missions with your desired partner in this tactical JRPG, but you also want to interact with them as much as possible with their tutoring, lost items, tea times, and dialogue options.

Unlike other Fire Emblem games, you won’t see the completion of your romantic pursuits until the end of the game. You’ll be able to choose who you ultimately end up with once the war is over, and you’ve obtained a ring.

6

Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth

Expanding The Romantic Triangle

While Final Fantasy 10 has the best romantic plot tied to the story, the choice between Aerith and Tifa in Final Fantasy 7 has always sparked debate. Sure, there’s only one way things can go down, but Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth shakes things up a bit with additional scenes and dialogue.

You can go on a date with either Tifa or Aerith. The choice, however, is still very difficult. Tifa is the one who has been with Cloud through most of their most traumatic moments. Meanwhile, Aerith can bring out the light in him, but often sees a reflection of her old lover within him.

5

13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim

Stories And Hearts Intertwine

13 Sentinels has mechs, time travel, and a gorgeous 2D art style. Now add in some romance for that extra bit of spice. With 13 characters to keep track of, it’s easy to get invested in each pairing’s romantic progress as the story unravels.

Romance is often the driving force behind a character’s motivation to keep fighting or to commit to sacrifices for those they care about. While these aren’t the traditional romantic routes often found in JRPG, the stories keep you hoping for the best.

4

Rune Factory 5

Romance, Farming, And Family

Rune Factory 5 is a JRPG with farming sim elements and, of course, many romanceable options to choose from. What makes this entry so special is that you can start a family, customize your kids, and even take them on adventures.

Romancing takes some time. So don’t expect to speedrun a relationship just to get married. You need to be suave, learn skills that your favorite character enjoys, and get that affection meter up. Of course, you can also get rejected if your affection stats aren’t high enough.

3

Unicorn Overlord

Romance For All

It’s always nice when romance does more than just open new dialogue trees or events. Sometimes, finding the right partner also means getting a decent stat boost on the field since you work so well together. That’s where Unicorn Overlord comes in.

This real-time strategy game has you picking out who you want to romance, and watching that chemistry explode through casual events and in combat. This game is also LGBT-friendly, as you can choose anyone to be your partner as long as you keep raising your affection levels.

2

Star Ocean: The Second Story R

Locking Characters In A Party And Seeing What Happens

Relationship progress is an important aspect of Star Ocean: The Second Story R. How well or how badly you do throughout the game determines the kind of relationship you and the other characters end up in.

Some endings have everyone going solo, while others will see romance spark between members of your party. Who you choose to be in your party also plays a big role in determining which of the 99 endings you’ll get when the adventure is over. So, making sure certain characters are in your party at the same time increases their chances of ending up together.

1

Tales of Arise

A Focus On One Partner

While having multiple romantic options can lead to more routes, focusing on one canon pairing can allow those characters to be more fleshed out. Alphen has missing memories and can’t feel pain. Meanwhile, Shionne is cursed to hurt everyone she touches.

These two characters feel made for each other, but their journey puts them through many trials before they can achieve their happy ending. While the narrative mostly focuses on Alphen and Shionne, you still get a few extra moments between other characters that have good chemistry.