10 Bizarre JRPGs You -Probably- Didn't Know Existed

Here are 10 really bizarre and weird JRPGs that you probably didn't know existed. Are they any good? Hidden gems? Let's find out.
Support the channel HERE: / ericklandon
Link to my books HERE: www.amazon.com.mx/s?i=stripbo...
Buy my latest book HERE: www.amazon.com/dp/B0951GDWYT
Subscribe to my second channel HERE:
/ @ericklandonsecondchannel

[@ShinoSeven]

Couldn't stop laughing at the Kingdom Hearts nod 😅

[@hectortheking3619]

Timestamps: The Twisted Tales of Spike McFang 0:44 Zettai Hero Project 1:46 Zone of the Enders: The Fist of Mars 3:14 Trillion God of Destruction 4:22 Torneko The Last Hope 5:55 Pokemon Conquest 7:00 Okage Shadow King 8:36 The Wizard of Oz Beyond the Yellow Brick Road 10:28 Sakuna of Rice and Ruin 11:51 Zanki Zero Last Beginning 14:04

[@adamdam]

Maybe label the list of by game number in the list, rather than just say what the video is for those that havnt watched it.

[@theodorejenkins6066]

@@adamdam bro what? its literally just 1-10 duh. The first game is number 10 then 9 etc etc what aren't you getting?

[@adamdam]

@@theodorejenkins6066 Yeah thicko what I meant was not revealing the titles in this list, some people may want to watch it without knowing.

[@Genethagenius]

If you grew up in the ‘90s and read “X-Men” comics, then you knew about “Spike McFang”, lol! They advertised that in like every Marvel comic the year it came out for months! (And that stupid “Aero the Acrobat” also! “EGM” ran ada for both too at the time).

[@QueenViolet8]

So True I saw it constantly 🤣

[@funkmastaC]

I didn’t realize it was an rpg. I assumed it was a platformer.

[@LordRoto]

Pokemon Conquest was awesome, I hope they revisit it some day. As a fan of Japanese History, Pokemon, and SRPGs it was an absolute delight.

[@Kafka_Garezerra]

Yeah, I can't believe how much time it took me to actually check it out, but it was one of the best SRPG I've played

[@zendhan2517]

It was one of the best Pokemon game.

[@ja1799]

Japanese history lol

[@Kafka_Garezerra]

@@ja1799 It was part of a game franchise based on the feudal Japan era, protagonised by a real historical figure such as Nobunaga. People can like all kind of historical events. Some people like China's history, other's like their own country history, other's like ancient civilization histories, etc. Why is liking Japanese history in specific a laughing meter? As long as the guy enjoys reading about the things that happened in the past is a good hobby. Hell, they can even turn it into a career and become a Historian or an Archeologist

[@ja1799]

@@Kafka_Garezerra *playing Pokemon* I love Japanese history lol

[@Gunthera1]

ZHP is one of my FAVORITE PSP games. It was such a fun game.

[@geoserenity]

Bonus fact for the ZHP game, it's home base is actually selectable as your home base in Disgaea 4

[@jenscee7679]

Just got the Prinny Presents ZHP/Makai Kingdom. Some of those other games are very odd and obscure, even for relatively experienced JRPG players.

[@nastycanadian1975]

If you haven't already purchased, fellow Disgaea fan, you'll love the Prinny Classics vol.1 with Phantom Brave and the more obscure Soul Nomad. xD

[@kaikegeler3656]

Trillion God of Destruction is for a few bucks on Steam.I think I will give it a try

[@pyrokamileon]

I am saving this video for later, most of the games on this list were already on my list for one reason or another, but it is great to have your take on them as well as putting them all in one neat little pile ❤️

[@johnhanzelyjr]

Have you considered putting all your "Top 10 (or other number)" videos in one playlist? I know I'd like that, because not all your top 10 videos are actually in a playlist. If I had a choice, I'd order them from oldest to newest, because newer videos mention older videos (or are continueations of older videos, like "part 2"). It would be easier to watch them all if they were in one place.

[@ericp631]

Is it weird that I've owned 4 games on this list?(zanki zero, sakuna, wizard of oz, and trillion). I guess that means I like off beat games a bit

[@KittyCatTV]

I’ve got two of the games - Sakuna and Trillion, but had heard of most of the others. Niche gamers unite!

[@maskedgamer1965]

Bro you should be a mainstream gaming youtuber. you deserve more subs. thanks for the info and entertainment

[@Akrna47]

Pokemon conquest is great. Def a gem out of left field.

[@OmarAlikaj]

I think I'll check out both "Trillion God of Destruction" and "Sukuna of Rice and Ruin."

[@chrisschuck249]

HI Erick :) Really enjoyed the video. Take good care

[@felman87]

I have that Wizard of Oz RPG. It's actually kind of fun. Yeah, the stylus only gameplay is...interesting. Though I'm not sure how much better/worse it is on an emulator.

[@felipefgoliveira]

I would love to see a list with games with card games elements mixed with RPG style

[@alexjones50]

the baiton kaitos games you'll probably want to check out then.

[@felipefgoliveira]

@@alexjones50 hmm nice, thanks man

[@nastycanadian1975]

Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories. Although the reception to this was a mixed bag. I myself loved it.

[@unlucky_thir13en]

I'm actually surprised Conception II didn't make this list. Probably not obscure enough. I have wanted to try Trillion for a while though.

[@xterelmattc4609]

Was literally about to comment the same thing, I got the vita version of conception when I was really young as I thought it was just a normal rpg....I was wrong.

[@RPGs]

I was going to say the same.

[@thecruxisswordrpg8729]

I remember seeing Okage at gamestop and decided to give it a try. The game turned out to be very good. Demon's Crest for the snes is another fairly bizarre rpg.

[@redstratus97]

It’s time for Extend TV! Man that game was weird but also pretty funny.

[@kaguyashinomiya9944]

I used to be not a pokemon fan, but i do really enjoy pokemon Conquest, which is my first pokemon game that i played.

[@straightupanarg6226]

Torneko on Playstation is a sequel to a Super Famicom game, Torneko's Mystery Dungeon. It's also a roguelike, and I remember having a lot of fun with the fan translation. The main gimmick was expanding your weapons shop by bringing gold and salable items back from the dungeon. I think it's funny that Torneko has (eventually) a massive arms dealership, yet he can't take any of the gear he sells with him into the dungeon.

[@peinthegod2310]

I'm surprised to not see, Moco Moco Friends in this list yo!

[@devin8367]

I loved Pokemon Conquest, sakuna, and zanki zero. I also have been meaning to play trillions and zone of the enders, but never heard of the others. I love obscure games so I gotta check them out

[@charlestrudel8308]

trillion is great, but watch out, its quite the tragedy too. like, you do your utmost to care and raise sim your demon to just then throw them at a suicide mission where they will be killed. you may actually cry when you are not laughing in this game.

[@theultimategamer95]

OH NO shot... I was literally thinking of Yellow Brick Road before clicking on this vid lmao. So happy to see people acknowledge its existence, really cool game (had to drop it towards the end though due to an intense difficulty spike). The trackball is actually the reason I wanted to play this game tbh, I thought it was a really unique idea... and I still do; I enjoyed using it personally. Just don't like it on an emulator like mentioned here lol, it's definitely not designed for it. Also, the battle system does remind me of SMT a bit in a way tbh (SMT4 especially).

[@drewferguson8324]

These types of videos are my favorites

[@Vilehand]

Hey @erick do you have a top list of rpg franchises that are likely not going to be remade/rereleased/remastered? Like there has to be a few games where a defunct company still has the IP to em, no?

[@stingakuma]

U got me with the KH joke 😂😂

[@TheGamePixelz]

What is the last game in the intro with the girl doing an attack called Last Rites? (it would be great if you could list these in the description or somewhere on screen while they played in the future)

[@TygerYasha]

Eternal Poison on Playstation 2. It's a tactics style rpg.

[@supermahmoud]

I tried Torneko years ago, I couldn't get into it, I was mislead by the title on the cover "World of Dragon Warrior"...

[@Elvisbackpack]

I'm so happy to see ZOE: Fist of Mars on here. I know most people think it's crap, but I love it.

[@SargeScum]

Get the feeling that there are a lot more that we don't know about. Just added Sakuna to my wishlist.

[@chronofantasy1987]

I loved this game. I beat it a year or two ago whenever it came out. I don't remember exactly when that was. You grow rice in various ways and then you can go out on side scrolling adventures.

[@RPGs]

Welp! looks like theres more games for me to LP. lol like i already dont have a huge list! Thanx for this cool Vid!

[@ShadowWolfRising]

1. Ok you got me, ain't heard of that one. 2. Got the Switch combo. I still can't believe we FINALLY got the Makai Kingdom version with new content. 3. Know about it, read an LP on the LP Archive. 4. Heard about it and that's about it. 5. I've heard about it and I think I even saw it at a used game shops once, but another case of that's about it. 6. I own this, it's weirdly good. 7. Physical copy on PS2 AND Digitally. This is a game I have a fondness for and would love a Remake or sequel to it. 8. Know about it, never had any interest in this game. 9. Have it, was currently playing through it before Three Hopes came out. Weirdly engaging though it's start is slow as hell. 10. Know about it, Probably won't be playing it, but I'm down to watching an LP of it.

[@Inuyasha4838]

I'm kind of a little surprised to not see Mary Skelter make this list it was easily one of the most bizarre JRPGs I've ever played I mean a bunch of animals girls named after fairy tale characters having to escape a prison and their power comes from blood kind of a weird promise

[@Scout-Fanfiction]

Freakin' LOVED Okage' back in the day :D. I remember seeing it on store shelves for rental, and i eventually bought it. Lost my PS2 copy and i don't own a PS4 :(. Pokemon Conquest looks awesome. Trillion: God of Destruction was fantastic on Vita (it's cheap on Steam too!)

[@jordanwillis7316]

What is the poster behind you from?

[@illapaSP]

I was expecting to see the JRPG Sands of Destruction (DS game) in your video. Great cast, rather unknow and the gameplay has a weird feature. We can whoose to link attacks or do something else (enforce them I think, it's beeen a long time, I don't remember all the details) with points to make the attacks stronger. But linking attack was totally overpowered (to the point where the characters can one-shot bosses) but the other option was lame. The goal of the heroes was to destroy the world. Very fun and unexpected game, but, rather weird in its own way.

[@nateesquega1852]

Intro gets me all the time 💯💯🤙🤙

[@Ginsu3000]

The dstwo had a rom crack for the wizard of Oz rpg that let you move with the d-pad, eliminating the track ball headache. Not endorsing the dstwo, but that game mechanic stunk!

[@breathofthewild1749]

Zanki Zero's spot is well deserved. It is easily one of the best PS4 JRPGs.

[@richanater99]

great list as always. I am curious though, I'm very interested in those dungeon crawler games like #1 on this list. I'm curious what's considered the best in that genre, so i can check it out.

[@Ghalion666]

Eric's taste in dungeon crawlers is kind of the opposite of what your average dungeon crawler fan likes in dungeon crawlers. Many turn based dungeon crawler fans love Dungeon travellers 2, which is vita only unfortunately, and the Etrian Odyssey Series. Star crawlers on steam is another good entry, though I find that near the end of that game everything becomes dirt easy except random bounty bosses which can also be super easy, or they can suddenly murder your entire party on their first turn or something. That's basically post game only though. It's not a first person dungeon crawler, and it's a doujin game rather than a western indie title so it kinda snuck past the radar for many people, but Labyrinth of Touhou 2 has the best battle system in any jrpg ever imo. (I like the first game even more actually but that one isn't even out on steam, I had to order a physical copy from a contact attending comiket, though now I think you can just use melonbooks or playasia or something, I dunno).

[@Night_Raptor_5991]

The DragonQuest bit reminded me of Death by Degrees a Tekken spinoff with Nina Williams. It's like they made that game just because they were bored.

[@TheAncardiaCodex]

Great video.

[@vagabundorkchaosmagick-use2898]

I remember but I never played Spike McFang because no one was selling this game in Mexico. Not even Video Centro had it for rent (and they had really niche games, like Populus or Super Valis IV). But a weird RPGs list that doesn't contain Space Funeral, Middens or Hylics, is not complete. These three games are much, much more bizarre and unique than any other I know.

[@KirbyFanDude]

Probably because they're freeware or indie games made with JRPG elements, not JRPGS

[@fiskburk2908]

You got me with that second game

[@DiabolicCrusher]

Ah, Trillion, what a blast from the past, speaking of which, it is technically possible to beat trillion with first overlord in ng+.

[@Narukou]

Sakuna of Rice and Ruin I was thinking about buying this game soooo many times but I wasn't 100% convinced i trully want it... Now I know I want to play it.

[@davidsburningdumpster8728]

The wizard of Oz RPG is the prettiest low poly game I've ever seen! It's just gorgeous! And the trackball gimmick isn't as bad in a real DS. I would still prefer traditional movement thou. Great video!

[@jaxh4x]

This shows my age, but one time I went with my mom to Blockbuster and she let me rent Okage. I was already a big Final Fantasy fan cause my first console was the PS1. I played Okage though and was hooked! I had to return it so I was never able to finish it but, i vividly remember being like, "This is weird but, actually really good!"

[@straightupanarg6226]

North American releases were made more difficult because in America we had game rentals, so publishers upped the difficulty to prevent people beating the games in a weekend.

[@sollnoll9271]

I love Torneko! Played it to heck when I was a kid.

[@Grim_Bud]

I loved Sakuna, funny and wholesome story. fast and cool action gameplay mixed with calming rice farming. I also love the small details you get the further you go along with the feeling of getting better at making the rice all with a great soundtrack. As for Trillion... well I lost many generals but stop playing when I've reached a step I knew my favorite general would die and never went back to hear her dying in an atrocious and sadistic way... I have failed all of them and couldn't face another failure so I ran away. Now I think I will try it again and hope to fuck him up in NG+. Another game that could've made this list, Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk on switch after trying out the demo I kind of liked it and want to know whats next.

[@theodorelogan8287]

What game is the move last rites from?

[@kavidroid]

Please make part 2

[@drewtheunspoken3988]

I love Okage and always wished it got a sequel. I think Omega Quintet should have gotten mentioned. It's a rare turn based RPG on PS4 about Idols who have to save the world. It's got multiple endings and the post game objectives are insane. Just be warned, it's pretty heavy on fan service.

[@johntracy72]

I thought it was incredible in Final Fantasy VII to fight the optional bosses that had about 10 million HP and then there's Trillion: God of Destruction with a boss who has literally one trillion HP. Unless your attacks are doing 100 million to 1 billion HP damage per turn, you're not going to beat him quickly or easily.

[@Equinoksl]

All Disgaea games and its spin-offs have bosses with ridiculous levels of HP. Well they have to considering the max level is 9999.

[@nishidohellhillsruler6731]

If only that one were the weirdest "Nobunaga's Ambition" game; there is also the one in which everyone are cats. And I have played "Fist of Mars" and "Trillion", didn't got far in the last one, I felt the battle system was too convoluted, and now that I know the girls die, forget about me giving it another try. Also, it's weird this is how I finally found out how nunchucks are supposed to be used to harvest rice. A 35 years mystery finally resolved.

[@realavt]

"and now that I know the girls die, forget about me giving it another try" - !!!SPOILER ALERT!!! all of them will be ressurected in good ending - if you manage to get to the good ending, that is....

[@chronofantasy1987]

I played half of these. Good list. I remember some odd titles. It's Japan of course so they always come with some odd and interesting ideas.

[@Kaitou1412Fangirl]

17:44-17:54 That had me wheezing. XD

[@DaRaginLombax]

I love ZHP so far, especially as a Disgaea fan and ESPECIALLY as a fan of parodies

[@Touchybanana]

Pokémon Conquest is the only one I've heard of on the list.

[@joshbessey9647]

All are bangers

[@kieranwrightstone2199]

Honestly I heard of Osage and actually have Pokémon Conquest. Both are pretty good

[@laiusbunansa2446]

I died with that smug face to "Final Fantasy x Disney" LMAO 😂😂

[@jaimereupert4247]

The Z.H.P. game looks like it could be from the same people who did the Disgaea games. Also I actually own a copy of Pokémon Conquest for the DS. If you're a completionist like me, it'll take a while to get all the characters with max bonds with their pokemon, most of which are only available after you complete the prelogue and unlock the other character's stories.

[@KirbyFanDude]

It is from the same people who made Disgaea if I recall correctly

[@max-1-mex358]

one day you are going to make a video of RPG's available on Android??

[@pierre-alexandredemers4423]

I'd love to see a Pokemon Conquest 2

[@BlackFantasy470]

I actually bought Trillion when it released but never came very far because it's so god-damn hard. After the first girl's death I dropped it because I couldn't do this. I ever wanted to Pokemon Conquest but it never released here in Germany and it's actually expensive. I'd really like to play it but there's no means for me to play it because I can't play handheld games anymore. Sakuna is sitting on my shelf, never played yet. (still regretting not buying the Switch version) Zanki Zero is a game that's been on my list dor years but I never knew what it's supposed to be.

[@Ghalion666]

Trillion is pretty easy actually. It's just basically impossible to beat with just 1 girl on a first playthru. I forget if she was girl #4 or #5, but I killed Trillion with Pride (thank goodness, I didn't want to lose her). But even after your 6th girl, you then get to try again with your little sister, her dog, Faust herself, and then finally you, and IIRC you yourself have massively boosted base stats compared to all the previous characters. But yeah I get you. It feels like you lose spending all that time training training one girl just to throw her at a hopeless fight and make a heroic sacrifice =P. Honestly I like it though because when you finally do beat the boss you feel like you really accomplished something. Though like I said I did it with the only girl (other than Levia) I particularly liked. I basically mentally told myself I was gonna win with her and I did (and it was intense when her turn came up). After that you can just NG+ and stomp the boss with everyone alive.

[@rixardinho7791]

7:46 u just crack me up lmaoooo

[@EconomistaVJ]

Thousand Arms, ATLUS first attempt at a modern Persona at least in the sense of the Dating Sim aspect.

[@kaikegeler3656]

Just saw that Zanki Zero Last Beginning is also on steam

[@alexisoliveras1659]

Hey Erick I like your videos and I love zanki zero

[@BinaryDood]

Torniko looks fun

[@Rizky-Gumilar]

Pokemon Conquest is amazing one of the most underrated game of all time

[@Kafka_Garezerra]

Hey, could you do a video recommending RPG's on Steam? It doesn't need to be exclusive, just games available there. I live in a place where games are expensive as fuck except on Steam, so it's the only platform where I can actually buy the games (I had to emulate all my favorite games, sadly)

[@PyroGobbo]

Wanna laugh ? A pokemon X fire emblem game released right now would do pretty well. Even if it would be basically be the same thing as pokemon conquest.

[@aaron6493]

Hi Eric when it comes to RPGs we need to talk to people like you. I have seen 2 recent reviews. Xenoblade 3 and LiveALive. What is your personal opinion on Xenoblade 3 getting an 8 and LiveALive getting a 9?

[@aaron6493]

This is mine: Xenoblade 3 an 8 and LiveALive a 9? You got to be kidding me. Comparing a nissan march with a lexus and still give the nissan march more than the lexus??? Come on!!! I have been playing RPGs since the 80s.

[@aaron6493]

I am not saying that Xenoblade 3 is perfect but comparing a game soo small with mini-stories (LiveALive) to a monster game in all aspects like Xenoblade 3 and to give LiveALive a higher score is senseless. Pls review again.

[@Alayric]

I LOVE Z.H.P., one of my favorite roguelite

[@mischief1859]

Pokemon conquest is actually a really solid game. Its simple and entertaining. You don't need to be a pokemon or nobunaga's ambition fans to enjoy it

[@stuartcid6992]

Landon's Bizarre JRPGs

[@molniya2807]

Pokemon Conquest was so good!

[@littleaussierippa]

I had Sakuna on the switch but I couldn't get into it. I heard good things about it and it sounded really interesting so I decided to give it a go but it just wasn't my cup of tea.

[@geminilius]

mcFang and wizard of oz aside, I have the physical copies of all of those games. ZHP was a great game, a fantastic parody of tokusatsu

[@kuronoxz]

Played ZOE Fist On Mars years ago Watching this video gave me reasons to PLAY IT AGAIN for this unique and very important reason: good grief! is not a fire emblem sooo..!

[@Ruzland]

I actually loved Taloon. His chapter was one of the better ones in the game.

[@Ninjasqrlgirl]

I kind of want to play Wizard of Oz. Too bad about the controls.

[@victorduarte579]

I love Z.H.P. It's so funny and mistakes are completely forgiven. I like it.

[@geralt7144]

Guess Trinity Universe is not weird enough for this list 🤣

[@Ghalion666]

I never played that but remember hearing about it alot at one point. That game is basically OG neptunia without the cast right?

[@geralt7144]

@@Ghalion666 Never played Neptunia so I can't tell. There are Disgaea characters in the game.

[@Ghalion666]

@@geralt7144 Ahh. Well if you ever play a neptunia game it isn't really like the original anyway. Not even Neptunia 1 rebirth. That plays more like neptunia mk2, V, etc. The original was a completely different animal. Kinda sad too cuz it actually had a decent storyline that was semi serious at times. None of the other games really seemed to get serious. Like at the end of the game half the cast voluntarily stepped down as goddesses cuz they thought they were failures to humanity and such, was weird. Noire was the most popular character after the game because she was actually fairly deep, often self-sacrificing in secrecy so her friends wouldn't feel guilty so that they could be happier in themselves at her own expense. But in all the future game she's just like an intentionally copy-paste typical Tsundere, it's kinda infuriating. Ooh hey l let's take the character the fans liked the most who had the most depth and simplify her the most. herp. God they really did that series dirty.

[@timothyyambing6160]

Was expecting to see Guardian's Crusade and/or maybe Rhapsody. Kinda unknown if I recall. I did play ZoE Fist of Mars and finished it. Not bad, but definitely could've been better

[@Tidus24kmc]

Spike mcfang was amazing

[@johnboona4048]

I like the video it's very funny 😂

[@Ghalion666]

I saw spike mcfang's gameplay in a demo booth thing, and saw that its combat actually looked pretty fun even though the box cover and game name was stupid as hell. So I did actually end up renting the game and finishing it back when it was fairly current. I thought it was pretty fun at the time, but when I went to replay it via emulator like 15 years later I didn't think it aged well and I couldn't be bothered to play too much anymore. As for Trillion, you don't actually get much of a choice which girl dies when. Just the first 3, and they have to either be greed, gluttony, or envy. After that the order is fixed. If one of the first 3 (can't imagine anyone would think anyone among THOSE 3 other than Lvia would be best girl) is what you consider 'best girl', you're pretty hooped. I'm pretty sure the game is nearly impossible to beat by the first 3 girls on a first playthru without knowing the game to death tier exploits. After your 6 'main' girls though, you get backups like Faust, your little sister, her puppy, and finally you suddenly power up and get to fight yourself. Honestly the game is interesting, but has little replay value other than wanting to see the ending of some character you couldn't the first time around. It's kind of like punch club (very unrelated game that people probably wont get as a reference) with a 1 character tactical rpg battle system. One of the training programs is a dungeon exploration thing too. But IIRC it was actually one of the least efficient forms of powering up your character.

[@melficeskye292]

I own a copy of Okage: Shadow King

[@imthethriller]

Yay my girl Sakuna getting more love

[@nastycanadian1975]

Z.H.P. was the only one that I actually had then got the Prinny Classics Vol. 2 to play again and YES! *SUUUUUPER BABY* ! is just so .. I don't know. All I know is I am constantly saying that when I play it... yeah I'm a weirdo. Some other games that people might not be aware of are Magnam Lord which is really fun. ( Switch/PS4 ) And let's not forget Magna Carta 2 ( Xbox 360 ) by Bandai Namco which needs a remaster on PlayStation or a new entry imo. Anyone play the AkibaStrip Series? it's kinda crazy.

[@SetsunoKai]

I just bought Pokemon Conquest, it's in japanese though because english version is very expensive.

[@soratheorangejuicemascot5809]

Spike McFang??? Nice name....

[@charlestrudel8308]

the last two i know they are really unique... zenki in particular...oh boy does that games scream originality as its main appeal.

[@1989red13bfc]

I had spike mc fang it was a good time