2024 is coming to a close, but while there’s plenty of games to look forward to in 2025, sometimes it’s nice to take some time to look back: As such, here’s a list of Frontline Gaming Japan’s ten favorite Japanese games of 2024.
This is not a ranking, and the list is in alphabetical order. Rather than trying to take an objective look at what the top ten best games of the year were, this is instead a completely subjective list of ten games that we enjoyed. The descriptions are written based on the Japanese versions of the games and may not reflect changes made to English releases.
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Dragon’s Dogma 2 delivers a strong action RPG experience with excellent combat and exploration, even if its narrative and pacing falter toward the end.
Eiyuu Densetsu: Kai no Kiseki
Despite a year crowded with major RPG releases, Kai no Kiseki stands out for its exceptional quality-of-life design, once again demonstrating Falcom’s deep understanding of player convenience. The game also successfully pushes the Trails series into new narrative territory, expanding its scope without losing coherence.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Technically a DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree earns its place here by delivering an experience on par with full releases, expanding Elden Ring in both scale and challenge. It not only met expectations but exceeded them, offering some of the most memorable content in the Souls lineage.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Following the already ambitious Remake, Rebirth somehow manages to surpass expectations and overdeliver with its overwhelming scope and production values. It balances reverence for the original with confident reinterpretation, solidifying the remake project’s creative direction.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
The first Like a Dragon title to substantially feature a non-Japanese setting, Infinite Wealth’s Hawaiian backdrop gives the series a fresh sense of place. Combined with refined turn-based combat and a strong character-driven narrative, it represents one of the franchise’s most confident entries.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Metaphor: ReFantazio is a polished and ambitious RPG that blends familiar Atlus design sensibilities with a new setting and thematic focus.
Persona 3 Reload
Persona 3 Reload successfully modernizes a beloved classic, updating visuals, presentation, and systems while preserving the core structure that made the original memorable. It serves as an accessible entry point without undermining the game’s darker tone and identity.
Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven
This remake of a less well-known classic modernizes its systems while respecting the unconventional structure that defined the original. The result is a version that feels more approachable without sacrificing what made the game distinctive.
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance
Vengeance benefits from improved performance and meaningful new content. While it does not fully resolve the structural issues present in the original release, it does stand as the definitive version of the game.
Unicorn Overlord
Unicorn Overlord combines striking 2D art with a unique blend of tactical and strategic systems, resulting in a game that feels conversely both nostalgic yet fresh. Its confident mechanical identity helps it stand out in an already crowded RPG landscape.
Want to look back a little back further? Check out Frontline Gaming Japan’s 10 favorite Japanese games of 2023 too!
