JRPGs can live or die by their narratives and characters, full stop. While gameplay, mechanics, world design, and progression are very important, if you are wrapped up in each character's nuances and how they are woven into the fabric of the story, none of the other elements will really feel all that worthwhile. There are plenty of standout main characters in JRPGs such as Sora from Kingdom Hearts or Maximilian from Dark Cloud 2, however, what about the lesser-known characters?
Another good way to think about side characters is which characters are a part of your party. Most JRPGs work on a party system level where you and your team of misfits must work together to overcome the odds and defeat whatever evil baddie lies in your way. This is certainly a generality when it comes to the genre, it's a point that bears to be mentioned. It's time to shine some light on the often overlooked and underrated side character party members in JRPGs.
7 Goofy – Kingdom Hearts
While Goofy isn't an overlooked character in Kingdom Hearts, he is most certainly an underrated party member, despite being with you for the majority of every battle in each Kingdom Heart game. Goofy is underrated because he choose to eschew traditional weaponry to instead focus on more defensive capabilities, although his shield bash can still deal some good damage.
Goofy is the comical relief party member but his love for his friends and his heart for Sora's mission to stop Organization 13 is valiant and noble. Often his quiet nobility is disregarded and overlooked by Donald's brashness or Sora's sheer optimism to succeed, no matter the costs. Goofy deserves much more time in the limelight in Kingdom Hearts.
6 Mina (Mena) – Dark Cloud 2
Mina, sometimes referred to as Mena, from Dark Cloud 2 (Dark Chronicle) is the epitome of an underrated character. Dark Cloud 2 is an interesting JRPG in terms of party members because you really only control Maximillian and Monica with side characters helping to flesh out the areas of the world you regentrify.
Enter Mina, a humble character who seeks harmony and healing and is always there to fully heal Maximillian and Monica after their adventures. Mina can traditionally be found in Palm Brinks town hall and quickly befriends our heroes. Her healing arts and special clothing options for Monica always ensure the duo is ready for battle.
5 Gepetto – Shadow Hearts: Covenant
Shadow Hearts: Covenant as well as its prequel and sequel have some of the quirkiest characters in all of JRPG history. These games, specifically Covenant blend real-world and historical events with fantastical elements with great success. While Yuri, Karen, and Blanca are fondly remembered in this game, it's Gepetto that deserves more attention.
Gepetto is an odd chap and finely toes the line between cringe and charm. As you might imagine from his name, Gepetto was once an acclaimed puppeteer and master showman, however, his age has caught up with him and he now resigns to work alongside Yuri and Karen to put a stop to Rasputin. His attacks might be on the weaker side but his heart and wisdom always shine through.
4 Viola – Eternal Sonata
Eternal Sonata is an Xbox 360 and PS3 JRPG that is never quite discussed enough in the genre's discourse. This musical-themed JRPG is centered around the dying dreams and visions of renowned composer, Frederic Chopin. Your incredibly bubbly and optimistic party is filled with names such as Allegretto, Jazz, and Serenade, to just name a few.
Easily one of the best, yet most underrated party members in Eternal Sonata is Viola. Viola is an adorable character who can be found early on in the game, specifically in the Chorus Plains regions. Viola, first and foremost, is an archer. Her long-range attacks can be useful and devastating during battle. Plus, she even has an animal companion in the form of Arco.
3 Freya Cresent – Final Fantasy 9
Final Fantasy 9 really needs no introduction as it stands tall as one of the very best JRPGs of all time. While Final Fantasy 9 is brimming with wonderful characters and party members, it's Freya Cresent that ends up being somewhat underrated, despite showing up in many people's battle parties.
Freya Cresent is a lance and spear character whose hometown is Burmecia. Despite being a powerful Dragoon, Freya is often glossed over as a valuable party member mostly down to her lance and spear attacks not being quite as robust. However, her ability to jump gives you an added battle heigh advantage when necessary.
2 Credo Aiblinger – Ys 9: Monstrum Nox
Credo Aiblinger, otherwise known as "The Hawk" is a brash renegade monstrum who really seems to take life by the horns in order to get what he wants in Ys 9: Monstrum Nox. Even though Credo comes across as heroic and brave, it's his disquieting compassion and heart that make him truly special as one of the titular monstrums.
Many people overlook Credo because he often just comes across as an arrogant know-it-all considering he excelled at most physical activities in his earlier life. Of course, these aspects make him powerful in battle. Despite his outwards arrogance, Credo manages to have a great character arc where he stops leaning on his past achievements in order to help the current monstrums.
1 Gawain Rothschild – Radiata Stories
Radiata Stories is a PS2 JRPG with a gorgeous medieval fantasy theme. In Radiata Stories you play as the protagonist Jack Russel as he recruits a whole host of party members. In fact, Radiata Stories is really a game about befriending others in order to get them on the side of Jack. After all, the more party members he has, the more diversity in battle he is able to procure.
Enter Gawain Rothschild, a short and stocky knight character who most certainly is overlooked. During the great war, Gawain Rothschild aids the fairies in order to help them through the tumultuous situation they find themselves in. Gawain is brave, strong, and resilient, and always there to lend a helping hand, spear, or ax. While he starts out as an enemy of Jack, he ultimately becomes a friend and party member.
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