The best Japanese games on PC. Black ninjas and proud samurai still exist in PC games

5 (100%) 1 vote


Top Japanese RPGs

Japanese games have always stood out from others. Not only the plot, the execution, but also the letter “j” in all abbreviations. Therefore, this article will talk not just about RPG, but about JRPG.
A simple gamer who is accustomed to American-European games may not like this genre. But especially for those who like to learn new things or for the curious, we have compiled our top list of the best role-playing games in Japan. It is noteworthy that all the games presented in the top have official localization, so playing will be a pleasure.

14. Hyperdimension Neptunia Series

A series of games that has received great recognition among gamers in Japan. It hasn’t become so popular in the main world, but it’s still worthy of attention. The world of Hyperdimension Neptunia looks like the gaming industry, and is divided into four parts: each with its own Goddess in the form of a console. There are constant wars between them, and the entire plot is built around this.
The game's graphics are made in an anime style, but it also has a colorful combat system. The dialogue system is also well developed.

13. Disgaea 2

The original game was released in 2006, but in 2017 the developers decided to port it to PC. Disgaea 2 is not a direct continuation of the first part, but still has similar points in the story.

The plot centers on a young guy, Adele, who is looking for a man named Overlord Zeno. He cursed the village of Adel and all its inhabitants. Now the young guy has to find the villain and try to lift the curse. Rosaline, the daughter of Zeno himself, acts as an assistant.

12.God Eater 2: Rage Burst

The player will have to join the Blood squad and fight against the creatures that have invaded Earth. The main advantage of the game is its good character development. The characters from the squad itself were the best. In addition to them, players will find many other heroes who have their own characteristics and their own characters.

The battles are reminiscent of typical fighting games, where the player is required to select a specific attack and perform combinations. On the hero’s side in each battle there are at least 2-3 more characters who help him win.

Despite the fact that the game was ported to PC from consoles, the developers did a good job of optimization.

11. The Last Remnant

Japanese RPG, which was released in 2008. A year later, it was released on PC. Square Enix managed to create good RPG, which was able to stand out from the others.

The game has everything you need for a good role-playing game: an interesting plot, a high-quality combat system, a large selection of equipment and difficult bosses. The graphics are not far behind: The Last Remnant has beautiful landscapes that captivate you from the first time you enter the game.

10.Pastelia Stories

On this moment The game is in early access, and that is why the Russian language is not available. But, most likely, this will be added in the release, so the project is also worthy of attention.

The game's main emphasis is on dialogue - more than 400 thousand phrases have already been prepared, and this is far from the limit. In addition to the dialogue system, the game is worthy of attention due to the many quests: in addition to the main plot, there is a great abundance side quests. The design of the game is made in an anime style, but not only anime fans will appreciate it.

The game also has a pleasant soundtrack, which makes the passage pleasant and relaxing.

9.Nights of Azure and Nights of Azure 2: Bride of the New Moon

Both projects were released in 2017 and immediately won their army of fans. The games have, characteristic of Japanese games, an interesting plot, anime graphics and a lot of girls. In addition, there is a large abundance of special effects that even Hollywood would envy.

The products vaguely resemble slasher films: a large selection of opponents and frequent battles contribute to this. Sometimes the player has various pets and random companions on their side, which can significantly help in battle.

8. Stranger of Sword City

A 2D RPG with survival elements. The atmosphere of the game is quite creepy, and will suit all lovers of mysticism.

The game has enough advantages: one of them is a good design in a mystical style. Despite the two-dimensionality of the game, even the background is worked out, which adds advantages to the game and adds interest to the project.

The gameplay is in the style of all role-playing games: dungeons, monsters and collecting “loot”. There is also a character leveling system and an expanded selection of equipment. Stranger of Sword City will suit most RPG fans.

7.Dragon Quest Heroes and Dragon Quest Heroes 2

The main advantage of the game is good world, which is transferred to three dimensions. Gorgeous graphics, an abundance of opponents and an equally interesting plot - the game has it all. Also, the game will appeal to “oldies”; they will find familiar views and characters here.

Occasionally in the game there are moments that influence the entire plot as a whole. The style of play remains the same: bright world, beautiful design and a little humor.

6.Blue Reflection

A game in a typical JRPG style, which is unlikely to suit fans classic games. In the role of a teenage girl, the player will have to be in the company of her friends, communicate and share experiences. This is quite peculiar, and not everyone has the nerve to do this for half the game.

Everything interesting begins in the second half of the game: in the role of a sorceress you need to fight the forces of evil. And this already allows you to plunge into the atmosphere of a fairy tale and feel the whole plan of the developers. But, unfortunately, due to the tedious “introduction”, not everyone reaches this stage.

5.Star Ocean: The Last Hope

The only part of the series that was ported to personal computers. Moreover, this happened quite recently: in 2017. Moreover, the developers have worked on optimization so much that the game supports 4K.

The game has an interesting plot, beautiful graphics and the feeling of being in a movie. In Japan, the game is one of the top ten games and is still popular.

4. The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel

Another game about Japanese schoolchildren. The game offers players a non-linear plot, a large dialogue system and an anime style. The role-playing system is also at the level: character development, several classes.

The only drawback of the game is that it is impossible to come up with tactics for fighting. And in this regard, some missions become hardcore, which require strong nerves.

3. Battle Chasers: Nightwar

A game that combines several genres at once. But RPG elements are also present in abundance: colorful combat, character development and the entire visual style.
The key advantages of the game are random generation of levels, the ability to craft items, a large number of enemies and low system requirements.

2. Final Fantasy 13

Part 13 is recognized as one of the best in the entire FF series. Despite the fact that it has a serial number, it has its own story, which is in no way connected with previous projects. Therefore, everyone can play, even those who have not encountered the series before Final Fantasy.

Players will have to travel through the game world, which, despite being open, still remains linear. But at the same time, it still allows you to plunge into the atmosphere of a war between two worlds, and decide on whose side you want to fight. It is possible to “level up” your character and recruit other heroes to your squad. But you can still only use one in battle, so it doesn’t always make sense to recruit a huge squad.

RPG with a third person view. Despite the fact that the game is related to other games in the series, there is also a place for new players. The game has an interesting plot that will be understandable to everyone. Players also note the complex combat system, funny humor, pleasant soundtrack and excellent graphics.

In addition, the game is very balanced, and received really high marks from critics: the average score of the game is 9 out of 10.

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War Thunder, WoT or AW: Project Armata. What to play? More than five years have passed since the cult game World of Tanks was released. During this past stage, many MMO simulators and arcades, where players are offered to control certain military equipment, have noticeably improved in quality. World of Tanks is not slowing down and remains popular as before; the number of registered gamers in the game, from the Belarusian company "Wargaming.net", has long exceeded one hundred million. But it is worth noting that Lately, this game also has worthy competitors. One of them is the game War Thunder, from the Russian company Gaijin (this studio is known for the release of such games simulators: simulators IL-2 Sturmovik: Winged Predators, Birds of Steel and Apache: Air Assault) and the game Armored Warfare (better known as - Project Armata). So what should you play and which of these three games should you choose? Let's just try to compare them according to the most basic components. Visually, World of Tanks is slightly inferior in terms of graphics quality to the Russian game War Thunder and significantly inferior to Project Armata. The explanation here is very simple - it all depends on the time since the release. If the engine of the oldest Belarusian tanks is already outdated (BigWorld's own development is used), it will not allow introducing HD maps into the game; the game War Thunder also uses a far from fresh fourth-generation Dagor Engine, while Armored Warfare, which is still in development continues, created on the modern CryEngine 4 engine. This is what allows the simulator to be more realistic than its analogues. Destruction and physics The use of a modern and newer and high-quality engine, and the difference between releases of several years allows AW: Project Armata to be ahead of its competitors in physics and gameplay features. It’s much more pleasant when models of military equipment behave very realistically, and there are no difficulties in control, just like in World of Tanks, and many objects around are easily destroyed and look much more beautiful. Gameplay All three games, by and large, cannot be called full-fledged simulators. In each, the vehicle control system is simplified as much as possible and there is a feeling during the game that there is a slight shift from realism to a greater extent towards dynamic combat and beautiful action. Each of the simulators listed above has small flaws in terms of the gameplay, but based on the gameplay we can definitely say that the World of Tanks game wins. Maybe the whole point is that the Belarusian developers had more time to finalize their game project? Equipment in the game Russian and Belarusian MMOs were created in the setting of World War II; in fact, the World of Tanks game contains military equipment from the 60s of the last century. In the game Project Armata, players have the opportunity to control the perfect modern military equipment, a creation, so to speak, of the military industry different countries peace. The distribution by type of military equipment should also be taken into account: 1) In World of Tanks, only tanks + self-propelled guns - Soviet, American, French, German, British, Chinese and Japanese - are available to players. 2) In the game War Thunder, in addition to armored vehicles, the navy and aviation take part in the battles. All 3 types of these troops represent 5 countries: USSR, USA, Germany, Japan and Great Britain. 3) In the "Armata Project" on given time It is possible to travel to the battlefield with a representative of 1 of 5 classes of military equipment: armored vehicles, main tanks, light tanks, tank destroyers, self-propelled artillery units. All equipment is divided according to weapons manufacturers. Conclusions Each of the games we discuss, in fact, captivates with its specific features. Game World of Tanks was loved by its users and collected a bunch of awards, and was featured in the largest e-sports competitions, such as the World Cyber ​​Games. The game War Thunder captivated us with its variety of military equipment and versatility in combat. The game Project Armata looks cooler than its competitors, and it can please players with various other features, for example, the destructibility of everything around, of course modern technology, the most interesting maps and unusual gameplay. So, fans of tank battles, make your choice! Many understand that the peak of World of Tanks popularity has passed and the game is unlikely to keep up with the innovations of its competitors. The game War Thunder does not have many differences from World of Tanks, but it is less popular and is probably unlikely to surprise us, perhaps various types technology. Rather, the most avid PvP players will choose the version of the game Project Armata, because this simulator is the future of such MMO actions.

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There can never be too many ninja/samurai games.

There is not a single person in the world who does not love samurai and ninja. There is something about these super-skilled fighters that makes crowds of people pay attention to everything even remotely related to them.

That is why this topic is very popular in all media, and, of course, it has not bypassed video games. Not long ago we talked about how samurai and ninja are coming back into the industry and becoming mainstream, and given how excited we are about it, it's no surprise that we want to talk about them a little more.

Although, instead of talking about what the future holds, let's take a look back and talk about the best ninja and samurai games that have been released so far.

In this article, we'll take a look at fifteen such games. Given how vast and popular the genre is, it goes without saying that this list won't be exhaustive, so if we didn't feature your favorite, please let us know in the comments.

We also draw your attention to the fact that only in this article we combine samurai and ninja - don’t worry, we know that they are not the same thing. We did this just for convenience. Also, keep in mind that the games listed on this list are random.

Without further ado, let's explore it!

During the Street Fighter II craze, fighting games were all the rage. It was then that Samurai Shodown appeared and gave these games a new, samurai sound. This game wasn't revolutionary and there was nothing that could be called unprecedented, but those who played it would be happy to tell you that it was an absolute bomb. With its fascination with samurai, this game was a must-have for those who are fans of similar characters.

If we talk about the genre, then this game is an outcast on this list. While other games are action or intense combat, Total War: Shogun 2 is a strategy game. But don't let this fool you - in terms of quality, Shogun 2 is very far from an outcast.

In fact, I would go so far as to say that this is one of the best games on this list. Heck, this might be the best Total War yet, and if you've played any of the games (or even one game) in the series, you know that's high praise indeed.

Shinobi was originally an arcade game when it was released in 1987 and was later ported to Sega's Master System, both of which became gems.

The use of weapons (which, much to the delight of everyone who played, included shurikens), magical ninjutsu attacks, hand-to-hand combat and even pistols was the real bomb in Shinobi.

The game was originally released as a "sister series" to the very popular Dynasty Warriors, but to be fair, Samurai Warriors is considered by many to be a better game than the series that technically spawned it. While it features the same signature large-scale, over-the-top action as Dynasty Warriors, Samurai Warriors mixed things up, making it more interesting and adding RPG elements. Of course, the game had its flaws, but it was still very cool.

Genji: Dawn of the Samurai isn't a game without its flaws. Firstly, it's too short, and the cropped camera corners can be very annoying at times. But it is still a very pleasant pastime, exciting with its battles.

Great bosses, stylish combat, responsive controls - Genji may not be the most revolutionary or established game, but it definitely deserves to be here.

Way of the Samurai was a truly underrated gem when it was first released, but has now achieved that satisfying "cult hit" status. Sure, the game was a little difficult due to the camera controls, but it showed a surprising amount of depth in the progression mechanics, allowing you to fight with different samurai blades and upgrade each one.

The most interesting and surprising thing though was how the game allowed players to take control of the narrative, giving them the ability to make choices that mattered.

Bushido Blade is technically a fighting game, but the game is very different from other games in the genre. Instead of fighting your enemies and degrading their health, the game actually lived by the code of Bushido, so that matches could end with a single fatal blow to the head or torso, and hitting your enemies' limbs could make them weaker.

Thus, matches could end in just a few seconds, or could last longer if you were planning to retreat while waiting for the best moment to attack - after all, there was no limit on how long a fight could last. It was a bold and unique experiment that the game nailed.

For Honor is a little different from all the other games we've mentioned on this list in that it's not about samurai or ninja. But the game allows you to take on the role of a samurai, and if you choose it, it will be something explosive.

Any of For Honor's three factions are great fun to play as, but I don't think any of them are superior to the Way of the Samurai. Especially if you combine the samurai faction with the assassin class - it's just a combo.

No, technically Raiden is not a ninja, at least not in the literal sense of the word. But he's still a ninja. It would be more correct to say that he is a cyborg ninja, which only makes him cooler. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance was developed by Platinum Games, so there was no doubt that the game would be an amazing action game, and in the end, expectations were met.

The game had the same bombastic and stylish combat that we always expect to see from Platinum Games, and Raiden's super-powered cyborg ninja abilities were perfect. We really want a sequel...hope is the last thing to die, right?

What can we say about Onimusha that hasn't been said millions of times already? Even before games like Devil May Cry and the reboot of Ninja Gaiden became something significant, Onimusha came out with its mind-blowing gameplay and took the industry by storm.

With combat and visuals that were completely revolutionary in terms of quality and style at the time, Onimusha quickly took its place as one of the very best ninja games of all time. Seriously, Capcom, please bring back this gem of a series.

We've spent a lot of time discussing the qualities of Mark of the Ninja, but it's a game that can't be praised enough. You can, of course, say that it is not sufficiently developed and of poor quality, but this is absolutely not the case. It's a near-perfect stealth game with amazing mechanics and the best visual palette we've ever seen.

Ninja Gaiden has been an important part of the industry for as long as anyone can remember, and while its quality has had issues and even now it's not at its best, it has still given us games that are nothing short of a masterpiece.

These games include the re-release of the series in 2004, which remained an Xbox exclusive for a long time. With exciting, visceral combat, beautiful level design, and vibrant colors that were considered second to none in its time, Ninja Gaiden became one of the best games of its generation.

Tenchu: Stealth Assassins takes special place in the hearts of most gamers to this day, and there are a number of reasons for this. Not only was it one of the first 3D stealth games, but it also featured ninjas well.

The game perfectly conveyed the feeling of what it was like to be one of the famous warriors: attack from the shadows, pursue your prey, blend in with your surroundings. Tenchu ​​needs a comeback more than most other dormant franchises from the glory days of the PS1/N64 era.

The arcade classic Strider is another of Capcom's seminal achievements in the industry. Strider was an amazing game, and although it came in two versions (the NES version was more stealth-focused than its arcade counterpart), it was the action-oriented arcade version of the game that was all the rage at the time. To this day it is remembered as the most enjoyable game ever made.

Nioh

Nioh has been in development for a very long time. We've been waiting for her for almost a decade. It was finally released last year, and to be fair, it was worth the long wait.

Combining Japanese folklore and captivating environments with fast, tough and exciting combat, Souls Borne-like mechanics and philosophical design, Nioh is an absolutely stunning game. Even in a 2017 jam-packed with gems, Nioh managed to stand out as one of the best games out there.

- Oh no! Is there really not a single worthy game about the ancients? Japanese wars and hired killers. How so?

This is exactly the thought that came to me as soon as I started looking for games about ninjas and samurai on PC. Everyone advises all sorts of old stuff that is no longer relevant or interesting in modern conditions.

Hello friends! As you may have guessed, Dmitry Kin is with you again and of course I found several cool games that will be of interest to fans of katana and shuriken in 2016 at least.

Mini Ninjas

I'll start with, perhaps, the most harmless and funny one. A mini ninja named Hiro saves the world from a villain who has turned animals into an army of samurai.

The main character now and then has to fight with evil warriors, although they look very funny. The most important thing is that no one dies here, we bludgeon our opponents, and they eventually turn into cute animals again.

In addition to fun battles, along the way we are offered to collect various herbs and create useful potions from them. As an addition to the adventures, the game has all sorts of secret caves and hiding places, which are sometimes very difficult to get to.

In general, all this cartoon cuteness is perfect for children, but an adult won’t be bored here either. You are guaranteed to enjoy the experience

Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution

I doubted whether it was worth including a fighting game based on one of the most popular anime series in this list, but I decided to add it anyway.

For those who know nothing about the Naruto universe, this game will not be as interesting as fans of the anime of the same name.

This fighting game features over a hundred ninjas from the world of Naruto, each with their own set of epic attacks. You can fight in fights with the computer, as well as with real people online.

But the most interesting awaits fans of shinobi (as ninjas are called in Naruto) in separate stories that complement the plot of the anime series itself

  1. the founding of Akatsuki - the story of how the greatest villains from the missing ninja were gathered into one team
  2. Two Uchihas - a story about the friendship of two Sharingan eye bearers Itachi and Shisui Uchiha
  3. at the end of the wish - an excerpt from the life of Minato and his students Obito, Kakashi and Rin

Each story is accompanied by video screensavers, so you can safely equate them with additional episodes of the anime itself.

Fans will find their thrill here and will be able to play as their favorite character, but if you don’t want to even deal closely with Japanese animation, then scroll through the interesting things still to come.

By the way, the fourth part should be released in February 2016, let's see what awaits us in the new product.

Total War: Shogun 2

The times of the samurai in Japan were accompanied by brutal wars. Shogun 2 today is a whole series of strategies about those times.

In the original version, for example, you have to plunge into the confrontation between Japanese clans and prove in brutal meat grinders that you are worthy of becoming the ruler of the country.

But Total War: Shogun 2 - Fall of the Samurai (the decline of the samurai), together with the advent of small arms, will force you to reconsider all your past strategic decisions and take a fresh look at the game. By the way, the video below is just about the decline of the samurai.

If you have a desire to make the history of an entire country, rule people and control troops, then pay attention to Shogun 2.

Metal Gear Rising

If you've been waiting for an action game to show off how awesome you are with a sword, then Metal Gear Rising will blow your mind with its craziness.

The unusualness of this game is that for all its fantastic nature with robots, cyborgs and a bunch of unprecedented weapons, our hero, who is also a cyber-ninja, chops his enemies to pieces with a samurai saber. Yes, he doesn’t just chop, by slowing down time you can even cut a snowflake out of your opponent.

The fights look very dynamic and you constantly want more and more new targets to make a salad out of them and show how a sword in skillful hands becomes a deadly weapon.

For Honor (2017)

New for 2017 from Ubisoft is an online third-person action game, where in various game modes you can enjoy brutal battles between Vikings, knights and the beloved samurai.

It contains a very complex combat system, which even takes into account attacks from allies, so that realism will appeal to everyone who loves hardcore games.


Conclusion

Friends, I hope I was able to expand on the topic a little, and you will find a game to your liking. At least we looked at several genres - adventure, fighting, strategy and third-person action. If you have ideas on how to add to the article, I’m waiting for your comments below.

And I tell you, see you soon, good luck with your games - stay on the edge of reality with the website project

ZY For those who are especially active, the subscription form is below, subscribe to updates and keep abreast of the most interesting events on my blog.

We love Japanese role-playing games for their distinctive graphical style, deep and usually very exciting story, and serious approach to developing characters and relationships between them.

The best Japanese role-playing games (jRPGs) on PC are in this selection. Exclusively with multiplayer, passing together, high-quality Western or Russian localization.

1. Soul Worker – slasher with the salvation of the world

“ ” – schoolgirls in minis save the world from the invasion of dark forces. At high speed, in the best traditions of Japanese anime.

Soul Worker Video Games

Separately, it is worth noting the high-quality cel-shaded picture, which provides complete immersion into the gloomy post-apocalyptic world.

  • Game website: https://soulworker.gameforge.com/ru_RU/home

2. Final Fantasy IV is one of the most famous series

Final Fantasy IV is the fourth installment in the legendary Japanese role-playing game series, first released in 1991 for Nintendo consoles.

Video games Final Fantasy IV

This game, the coolness of which is difficult to describe, is better to try on your own. Its considerable age does not spoil it at all, it only adds atmosphere.

  • Steam page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/312750/

3. Minimon – turn-based MMORPG

“Minimon” – charming kids save the world again in a cozy 3D game created by just one person.

Minimon video games

It's hard to believe that this indie project was created by just one developer. The only pity is that he clearly has no plans to leave early access.

  • Steam page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/308520/

4. Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom – save the king from exile

“Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom” is a funny story of the big-eared Prince Evan, who is trying to return from exile and defend his rights to the kingdom.

Video games Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom

In essence, this is just a colorful fairy tale - kind, a little naive, with excellent graphics and atmospheric music from famous Japanese people.

  • Game website: https://www.bandainamcoent.com/games/ni-no-kuni-ii

5. Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet – anime action based on the famous novel

Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet is a well-known story in Japan that has been featured in several console games. This is the first part to reach PC.

Video games Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet

At first glance, nothing special, but history buffs will be interested, and just jRPG fans will appreciate the quality of graphics and vigorous gameplay.

  • Game website: https://en.bandainamcoent.eu/sword-art-online/

6. Battle Chasers: Nightwar – turn-based battles in a beautiful world

"Battle Chasers: Nightwar" is not the most classic representative of the genre, just a colorful Japanese Single player game with an interesting plot.

Video games Battle Chasers: Nightwar

The game has fishing. And great lore. This is a cozy lamp project for lovers of Japanese stories and a deep tactical component in fights.

  • Steam page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/451020/

7. Tales of Berseria – the best part of the famous series

“Tales of Berseria” is also the best jRPG of recent years, according to many gaming publications. And this is not surprising.

Video games Tales of Berseria

This is a great slasher film, but the combat is not the main thing in it. The story, characters and atmosphere are much more interesting, providing complete immersion into the world. And, in the best traditions of the genre, there is a lot of dialogue and walking.

  • Steam page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/429660/

8. To The Capital – cozy graphics of old games

“To The Capital” is a minimalist jRPG, a cozy indie roguelike created by just one domestic developer. So, of course, it has Russian localization.

Video games To The Capital

Nothing extra, just a fun roguelike, completed much faster than the “serious” representatives of the genre. A sequel is planned to be released in December 2018.

  • Game website: http://to-the-capital.su/

9. Tales of Zestiria – an absolute classic

“Tales of Zestiria” is another worthy representative of the “Tales” series with its characteristic living world and great history.

Video games Tales of Zestiria

The game has local co-op for two, although only in battles with mobs. You will still have to run around the map alone.

  • Steam page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/351970/

10. Monster RPG 2 – 16-bit adventure

Monster RPG 2 is a jRPG from 2015, but it looks like it came out 20 years earlier. And this is her charisma.

Video games Monster RPG 2

There's not a lot of content here, but the game is memorable for its unusual visual style and nostalgic turn-based combat. They promise to release the third part soon.

  • Game website: https://nooskewl.ca/monster-rpg-2/

Unfortunately, many decent jRPGs never made it to PC from consoles or simply weren't localized outside of Japan. But the dozens collected in this collection are enough to make you fall in love with the genre.

In recent years, the country's gaming industry rising sun It is increasingly asserting itself, striving to return to the top, and PC gamers are happily reaping the benefits of this long-awaited “rebirth.” Yes, it took some time for Japanese developers to return to the world of PC gaming, which was greatly hampered by the dominance of consoles and smartphones in the country. But classic console franchises continue to arrive on Steam, giving the opportunity (well, better late than never) to enjoy them in high definition and with improved graphics.

So, here are the ten best Japanese games for PC, those that definitely deserve space on your hard drive. Game design top level, a touch of history, classics of console gaming and Japanese culture. Go.

Shenmue I & II HD

Developer: d3t

Publisher: Sega

The saga began on Sega's latest console, the Dreamcast, with Yu Suzuki's ambitious, ahead-of-its-time revenge story. The open world of Shenmue is realistic and created with the greatest attention to detail.

The passage of time has not been kind to the game and the d3t port is essentially what it is: textures, faces and everything else look the same as they did in 1999. However, this only adds a unique charm to Shenmue and evokes nostalgia while, together with Ryo Hazuki, you wander around Yokosuka in search of sailors and bikers. The sequel sends us straight into the intricate labyrinth of the streets of Hong Kong, which is ruled only by money.

No matter how you feel about Shenmue, it is an important part of the game's history. In addition, with its help you will be able to properly prepare for the continuation of the legendary saga, Shenmue III, which will be released next year.

Yakuza 0

Developer: Sega

Publisher: Sega

The Yakuza series, hyper-masculine, thoroughly Japanese, and embodying what Sega is all about, has been a PlayStation exclusive franchise for years. But it barely managed to gain recognition in the West when it debuted on PC, starting with a prequel set in the 80s. Yakuza 0 is not easy best part to get acquainted with the series, it is also the funniest.

There's no game in the world that gives you a better insight into Japanese culture than Yakuza 0. And it shows in everything from the way you beat some brains into the empty heads of gangsters, the disco dancing in rhythm games, in picturesque views of areas of Tokyo and Osaka modeled after real places. Meanwhile, a remake of the first game in the series is approaching, so the day when PC gamers will be able to fully appreciate the entire story of Kiryu is not far off.

Monster Hunter: World

Developer: Capcom

Publisher: Capcom

The Monster Hunter series has long been thriving in Japan, albeit primarily on handheld devices. A new game became not only a step into a wondrous new world and the most beautiful part, but also the most gamer-friendly and accessible to beginners.

Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age

Developer: Square Enix

Publisher: Square Enix

In Japan, Dragon Quest is a popular series, adored for generations. However, in thirty years of its history, not a single main part has appeared on PC. Until now. Released on PC on the same day as the English-language PS4 version, Dragon Quest XI is a traditional JRPG at its core, from its simple turn-based combat system to its epic (and excellent) story that borrows the best from each of the genre's representatives.

At first glance, it may seem overly conservative in its mechanics and style, but after playing, you understand that otherwise the game would not work so well and would lose its uniqueness. If you don't mind getting a dose vivid impressions From a classic JRPG to the demands of today's HD and 4K era, Dragon Quest XI is a wonderful experience.

Dark Souls: Remastered

Developer: FromSoftware

Publisher: Bandai Namco

FromSoftware's creation was not just one of the greatest games of the decade, it took the minds and hearts of Western fans of the RPG genre by storm, paving the way for all other Japanese titles on Steam.

Indeed, it was initially a poor console port, but a remaster released this year fixed most of the issues while adding 4K and 60fps support along with some other graphical improvements. There are not so many of the latter, but the main thing is that the indescribable brutal greatness of Lordran, the torment and ecstasy experienced when defeating the next boss has been preserved.

Even though Hidetaka Miyazaki has officially retired the series with the seemingly interesting Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, the unquenchable flame of Souls continues to burn within us.

Rez Infinite

Developer: Monstars Inc., Resonair

Publisher: Enhance

The game was born out of Tetsuya Mizuguchi's research into synesthesia between music and games. Rez Infinite is a trippy adventure that you won't be able to replicate anywhere else. It would seem like an ordinary rail shooter, but every shot in the game causes an explosion of colors and sounds, intertwined into such incredible light and music scenes that it takes your breath away.

If you are the proud owner of a VR headset, then you simply must try Riz Infinite in virtual reality, for which the game was originally conceived. But even without VR, the game is definitely worth your attention.

Valkyria Chronicles

Developer: Sega

Publisher: Sega

Bayonetta

Developer: Platinum Games

Publisher: Sega

Hideki Kamiya's insanely cool and sexy masterpiece, in which the eponymous witch spectacularly shoots and beats up the messengers of God. Hardcore action games with combo-based gameplay are a rarity these days, and only one studio can be called a master in this matter - Platinum Games.

Yes, the game's plot is full of clichés; yes, you can argue until you're hoarse about whether Baika is a feminist or a sexist; but when you turn on Witch Time and start shaking the soul out of angels and giving kicks (in heels!) to demigods, everything else becomes so unimportant and distant.

The PC port had to wait a long time, but it arrived in all its glory: 4K, stable 60 fps and almost instant loading. The fastest, most agile and beautiful Bayonetta there can be. Let's dance, boys!

Puyo Puyo Tetris

Developer: Sonic Team

Publisher: Sega

Sonic Team may not be the same anymore, and their famous mascot has fizzled out in recent years, but, nevertheless, this studio is responsible for the best competitive puzzler in the world.

Tetris probably sets the tone for the crossover, but you shouldn’t completely discount Puyo Puyo. The essence of the game is still in the combination of four Puyo of the same color, but the beauty is in taking the risk of building a tower out of them in order to beautifully overwhelm the enemy with one piece.

Puyo Puyo took a long time to make its way to the West, but in the end, the series achieved success with this game.

Dragon Ball FighterZ

Developer: Arc System Works

Publisher: Bandai Namco

Finally, the most popular anime series has received a decent game! Inheriting the cel-shading and animation effects from the same development studio's Guity Gears, DBF looks and feels like you're playing in an anime.

Of course, one picture is not enough, you also need mechanics. The fights here are lightning fast, and the screen is literally bursting with energy flashes and grandiose super-techniques, activated by pressing just one button or a “quarter” circle of the d-pad

The most stylish JRPG in existence and, sadly, a long-standing PlayStation exclusive. True, the first Persona already visited PCs in the pre-Steam era, and the fact that its developer Atlus belongs to Sega, which does not shy away from PCs, gives hope for the future to all fans of Japanese RPGs.

Hatsune Miku: Project Diva Future Tone

While Japan's most famous digital pop star may create his songs on the computer, he won't be able to play the excellent Project Diva rhythm game series on PC. There is a VR title on Steam called Hatsune Miku VR; its tiny selection of eight songs cannot compare with the library of more than two hundred songs of the original. Another reason for the petition addressed to Sega.

Bloodborne

PC gamers already have Dark Souls, and next year Sekiro will appear, but perhaps the best game in the Souls style remains Bloodborne, released from the same FromSoftware. And, sadly, this is again a PlayStation exclusive. The only consolation is Sony's decision to add the game to the library of the PS Now service, however, if we are honest, then the worst enemies in Bloodborne will be lags.

Any Nintendo game

Wouldn't it be great to have this huge library of Japanese games on PC, from Mario to Zelda to Metroid to Animal Crossing? But let’s be realistic – we’ll only see them in emulators, and that doesn’t count. And yet I will wait and hope...

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