best jRPGs you've played with single character party

[onipunk]

If we're talking in the strictest sense of JRPG - turn-based combat, no action-RPG elements - then none. I don't think it's a good fit for the core mechanics of JRPGs, which usually revolve around synergising a team with various skillsets or allowing the player to express themselves by using a class system to create team compositions and combos that they enjoy. Action-RPGs are really the only feasible way to do single-character RPGs in my mind, I honestly immediately lose interest if I see an RPG Maker game with one party member. Just doesn't work for me.

 

[kirbwarrior]

Dragon Quest 1. Recently pulled it out on my NES and played it through again. Good times and a clear view of how a game can both be fun and an example of how not to make a game (it being one player).

I'd argue that Paper Mario (the first) was one actor. The second actor was only a second set of actions, something that can easily be done with one actor (and I'm thinking about doing myself). You could say that the sidekicks talk, but then Mario doesn't.

I can think of a first person game that largely seems to be a jrpg, but...

Too bad I can't mention any of these, because they significantly violate forum rules...

 

[Frozen_Phoenix]

Google "The Hawkman rpg maker", it's exactly what you're talking about, but the game is simply too awesome to describe with words.

 

[Frogboy]

I have very fond memories of Dragon Warrior 1 but mostly because it was, at the time, almost on an island by itself. All of the RPGs out at the time we're Western RPGs like Ultima, Dungeons & Dragons etc. The colorful monsters and streamlined mechanics made it a lot more accessible to a young kid. It's not a particularly good game by today's standards but in its day, it was a blast.

 

[MrZalgo]

I'm not sure if Dark Souls counts but I'll use that anyway

 

[Lornsteyn]

Terranigma and Crisis Core.

 

[CleanWater]

I don't think any exist.

Dragon Quest (NES)

 

[kirbwarrior]

Crisis Core

Crisis Core is my favorite example of how a terrible idea can turn into a fantastic game.

 

[TheoAllen]

I had good memories playing Landstalker in Sega Genesis. Not the best single party member out there, but still quite memorable as my childhood game. Spent weeks trying to figure out where to go next, the time where online walkthrough wasn't exist. We shared the progress and how to advance plot together with my siblings.

I tried it once again in other day, and it only took me like 3-4 days to finish. Wonder why it was really used to be quite long to figure out.

 

[DestinyBattle]

The Final Fantasy Adventure.

I guess that should count, because YOU only control the main characters and other people help, so...

 

[Zealraid]

Guardian Crusade, But he have a pet..