The JRPG Pursuit
Abdallah, Branden, and Emily are JRPG enthusiasts and collectors, and each week they tackle new topics that surround their -- and maybe your -- favorite video game genre. From Final Fantasy to Fire Emblem, Atelier to Xenoblade, The JRPG Pursuit brings you fresh new discussions on topics you care about.
Episodes
Ranking Every Female JRPG Protagonist
Leading ladies are greatly underrepresented in JRPGs -- well, in games in general. But we wanted to give props to those female protagonists in games we love. And also the ones we don't love. All of 'em! Check out our rankings, and let us know how you'd arrange them in the comments!
Modern JRPGs That Are Classics in the Making
We all know the classic JRPGs: Final Fantasy VI, Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy IX, Xenogears, Dragon Quest VIII. But which games from the more modern era are we going to look back on and consider classic? We handpick a selection of games that we think are going to stand the test of time, whether as full-blown classics or as more niche but just as beloved cult classics on this episode of The JRPG P
Falcom Might Be Gaming's Most Underrated Studio
We love Falcom, and hopefully you do, too. But a lot of people barely know they exist. Why is that? We explore the history of this storied developer to try and understand why they're so darn underrated on this week's episode of The JRPG Pursuit!Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're n
JRPGs That Made Us Chase That “First Time” Feeling
Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content every month!).Emily:YouTube: @orba
These JRPGs Were Ahead of Their Time
Some JRPGs were just too good for the world. At least, for the world they were born into. If they came out nowadays, it might be a very different story. We talk about several JRPGs that were breaking new ground... but unfortunately, we just weren't ready for the renovations they wanted to make to the genre.Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA892
Is it Worth Collecting JRPGs in 2026?
Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content every month!).Emily:YouTube: @orba
Ranking EVERY Console for JRPG Fans
Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content every month!).Emily:YouTube: @orba
Why We Don't Complete JRPGs Anymore
Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content every month!).Emily:YouTube: @orba
Digimon Story Time Stranger Spoilercast!
Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content every month!).Emily:Yo
Our Honest Thoughts on JRPGs in 2026 So Far…
Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content every month!).Emily:YouTube: @orba
How Do Some JRPGs Break Into the Mainstream?
Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content every month!).Emily:YouTube: @orba
No Foolin' - ACTUALLY Underrated JRPGs for You to Consider
You've seen the same games on Underrated JRPG lists for years. We're trying to change it up and giving you ACTUALLY underrated games you haven't seen a million times already!Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our ex
DLSS 5 and the Erasure of Artistic Design
A.I. is threatening a lot of jobs, but one area that it seems most baffling is in the arts. Is the goal to have A.I. do all the creative work for us so we can all just do menial labor forever? But anyway, we talk a bit about the DLSS 5 controversy and discuss the importance of art design, especially in aesthetic-heavy games like JRPGs.Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.co
What Is Actually Better About Old-School JRPGs?
Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content every month!).Emily:YouTube: @orba
Is Anime Holding JRPGs Back?
Anime and JRPGs have gone together like peanut butter and jelly for a long time now. But has it always been the case? And is it possible that some people's distaste for anime is having a negative impact on JRPGs in the West? Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider bec
Why JRPG Nostalgia Hits So Hard
With the announcement of the new generation of Pokemon games, JRPG fans' nostalgia is going into overload - but what is it about this genre that makes us so nostalgic to begin with? Join this channel on YouTube to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel -
Why Every Game Is Either "Peak" or "Garbage"
In modern video game discourse, there's peak, and there's trash. There's no in-between. We break down why this mentality is damaging both to the financial side of the games industry, as well as its creative soul.Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the
Trails Beyond the Horizon Spoilercast
We're diving deep into Trails Beyond the Horizon, and we aren't pulling any punches. Nothing is off limits in this in-depth discussion about the latest game in the Trails series, and we're joined by special guests Cam from Party Chat and Mags from Level Up Legacy!
Why Younger Players Aren’t Connecting With JRPGs
In this episode, we dig into a growing concern around the future of the genre: why younger players aren’t connecting with JRPGs the way older generations did. 🎮💭We break down a recent article from Automaton Media that explores how long development cycles in modern JRPGs are impacting player attachment, especially in Japan. When many of us were growing up, new JRPG entries arrived every year or two
Ranking Every Trails Game!
Join this channel on YouTube to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content every month!).Emily:You
Censorship in Video Games
Censorship sucks. Why does it happen, and what is the alternative? We dive into this controversy and try to provide a more nuanced take than you tend to find on the internet. Let us know what you think in the comments as well!Join this channel on YouTube to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider
Creating a Backlog Battle Plan in a Year of New Releases
What does 2026 have in store for JRPG fans? Right now, it looks a LITTLE light, despite a small handful of heavy-hitters we're expecting before year end. But does that mean we're finally going to have all the time in the world to tackle our backlogs? We make some 2026 predictions and strategize about how to catch up on all the games we want to play.Join this channel to get access to perks:https://
SHUNNED: The Stigma Around Video Games
Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content every month!).Emily:YouTube: @orba
Diving Deep Into the World of Tales (of)!
The Tales of series has been a part of the JRPG landscape for something like 30 years, and it's high time we talked about it at length!Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likemi
What's Happening to Retro & Modern JRPG Collecting in 2026?
Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content every month!).Emily:Yo
The Best of the Best JRPGs in 2025, and What's to Come in 2026!
The year is coming to an end... Let's get into the best games of the year, and look ahead to the best to come!Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the P
Are Hardware Costs and A.I. Killing JRPGs?
Costs are going up-up-up, and that has a direct impact to our hobby. How will A.I. and higher-priced hardware affect us going forward?Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likemin
Our Biggest JRPG Blindspots
There are so many amazing JRPGs, it's not crazy to imagine that even super fans are going to have some significant blindspots in the genre. These are some of ours -- let us know yours in the comments!Join this channel on YouTube to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the
Are JRPGs Really THAT Niche? (Video Version)
JRPGs are fantastic, I'm sure you'll agree. But if that's the case, then why are they so overlooked by the mainstream? With The Game Awards happening this week, we wanted to talk about why our favorite genre seems to be ignored by the media when it comes to award season. If the awards really are just a popularity contest, then why aren't JRPGs more popular?
The Games Worth Digging Out Your Old Consoles For (Video Version)
A lot of great games out there are stuck on old systems -- these games are ones we think are so good, they're worth playing, even if it's inconvenient. But even better, how about we get some remasters???Become a member of our channel on YouTube to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming
The Games Worth Digging Out Your Old Consoles For
A lot of great games out there are stuck on old systems -- these games are ones we think are so good, they're worth playing, even if it's inconvenient. But even better, how about we get some remasters???Become a member of our channel on YouTube to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consid
The Games We Couldn't Get Into - feat. the Level Up Legacy Podcast!
We're joined by our friends from the Level Up Legacy podcast today to discuss those popular JRPGs that we just couldn't, for whatever reason, get into. And some of them might shock you...Check out Level Up Legacy at:www.youtube.com/@LevelUpLegacyPodcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/2FM0SaOZleKNkxvVJCSPh9?si=b6257afc6f0a4129Become a member of our channel on YouTube to get access to perks:https://ww
Holiday Shopping in the Age of FOMO
We put forth our best tips to shop smart this holiday season, and give you some ideas for either yourself or the JRPG lover in your life!Become a member of our channel on YouTube to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusi
Collecting for PlayStation 4? Add These Bangers to Your List!
The PS4 is still fresh enough in everyone's minds that no one has gotten nostalgic for it yet. That means the prices are low and the games are abundant! Check out our recommendations for the best PS4 JRPGs out there.Become a member of our channel on YouTube to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not alread
Why Is Dragon Quest So Beloved?
With the release of Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, we decided to dedicate an episode to the enduring legacy of the Dragon Quest series. Why do fans love it? What makes it feel like "JRPG comfort food?" And will it ever really "change" in the way so many fans fear it could?Become a member of our channel on YouTube to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt
JRPGs So Bad... They're SCARY
It's Halloween! And while there aren't a ton of JRPGs that are explicitly horror themed, that's no reason we can't jump on the bandwagon and have a little be-costumed fun. (You'll have to check out the video version on YouTube to see our costumes, though... Here's the link: https://youtu.be/8AVRuF-EyRI) This week, we're talking about games that we consider just the wors
How Has Our FOMO Changed in the Last Few Years?
As JRPG collectors, we've all experienced FOMO -- that fear that, if we don't grab this game RIGHT NOW, it's going to become rare and super expensive down the line. But has our experience of FOMO shifted in the last several years?Become a member of our channel on YouTube to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If
Why Do So Many JRPGs Go Mobile?
For a story-focused genre like JRPGs, it can seem a bit odd that almost every publisher is pushing out mobile phone, gacha-style entries in major JRPG franchises. Why is that happening, and how do we feel about it? Let's get into it.Become a member of our channel on YouTube to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you&
Are Subscription Services Worth It for JRPG Players?
With the recent price hike of the Xbox Game Pass, it got us thinking about game subscription services in general, and whether or not they even make sense for JRPG fans. These are our thoughts, but let us know yours in the comments!Become a member of our channel on YouTube to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're
How to Handle Your Backlog
The backlog so many of us build can feel like an insurmountable obstacle, a burden, when we all know logically it SHOULD just be a fun pile of games. So how do we get good at tackling the games we've been meaning to play? We talk about it, hope you'll join us!Become a member of our channel on YouTube to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podc
Video Game Voice Acting ft. George Peter from Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter!
We sit down with George Peter, voice of Colonel Alan Richard in the Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter remake to discuss voice acting in video games, Twitch streaming, and so much more!Become a member of our channel on YouTube to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel
The Best Battle Systems in JRPGs
The Month of Trails continues! This week, Trails shares the spotlight with some other games that feature exemplary battle systems -- what games do we think are deserving of this sort of lauding? Give this a listen, and be sure to let us know some of your favorites, too!Join our channel on YouTube to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all
PAX West 2025 Shenanigans with Party Chat: A JRPG Podcast!
Join this channel on YouTube to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content every month
Gushing about Trails with AvengerMags!
We're kicking off the Month of Trails by talking to AvengerMags, writer for Nintendo Force Magazine and co-host of the Level Up Legacy podcast! Become a member of our channel on YouTube to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to
Our Interview with Anna Kashina, Author of the Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana Novelization!
Join us as we chat with Anna Kashina, author of Lacrimosa of Dana, about the process of adapting Nihon Falcom's JRPG masterpiece into novel form. And we get a few new details on her next project...Become a member of our channel on YouTube to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becomin
Our Interview with the Quartet Developers!
We're excited to be joined by three of the developers behind the upcoming JRPG throwback title Quartet. We dig into the origins of this indie gem and hopefully give you plenty of reasons to be interested! If you are, check out the demo on Steam and wishlist the game!Join this channel on YouTube to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for al
The Best Handheld JRPGs
Join our channel on YouTube to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the YouTube channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content every month!). Y
The Short JRPGs We Love, and Why
Join our channel on YouTube to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the YouTube channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content ever
Deep-Diving Into Monster Collecting JRPGs
Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content every month!).Emily:Yo
Our Time at SEGE 2025, featuring Try4ce from My Life in Gaming!
Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content every month!).Emily:Yo
Deep Diving into Ys with Coury from My Life in Gaming!
This week we're joined by Coury from @mylifeingaming to talk about one of our all-time favorite video game series, Ys! Join this channel on YouTube to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out wi
Non-JRPG Genres that JRPG Fans Will Love
JRPGs are great, but there are so many other types of games out there, it'd be silly to ignore them. Come along with us as we talk through some of our favorite games and genres that fall outside of our JRPG-centric lives, and give reasons why JRPG fans will love them.Join our channel on YouTube to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for al
Turn-Based JRPGs with CozyFeji!
This week we welcome Feji of CozyFeji on YouTube to discuss turn-based RPGs -- why did they have such a bad reputation for a while, and does it seem like that bad rep is finally coming to an end?Join our channel on YouTube to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the Yo
Japan Travels, Pickups, and What We've Been Playing
Branden is back from his Japanese vacation, and he brought most of the country back with him! This week, we take some time to catch up on what's been going on in our lives, the games we've picked up, and the games we've been playing. Let us know in the comments what you've been playing lately, too!Join our channel on YouTube to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC
The Wide World of JRPG Collectibles
Join our channel on YouTube to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the YouTube channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content every month!). Y
The Worst Things About the Best Games
Join our channel on YouTube to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the YouTube channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content every month!). Y
The Hellscape of JRPG Remasters
Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content every month!).Emily:YouTube: @orba
The Indie Quest Showcase, with Taylor of The Gaming Shelf!
Join our channel on YouTube to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the YouTube channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content ever
The ACTUAL Best 25 JRPGs of All Time
Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content every month!).Timestam
The End of Modern Physical JRPG Collecting
Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content every month!).Timestam
A Deep Dive into Action RPGs
Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content every month!).Emily:Yo
JRPGs vs Western RPGs - What's the Difference?
We break down the debate over what defines a JRPG - can it really just be the ethnicity of the developers? Does that make sense at all? (No.)Emily:YouTube: @orbalologyX: x.com/orbalologyBluesky: orbalology.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/orbalologyBranden: YouTube: @JustTheGems X: x.com/_justthegemsBluesky: justthegems.netInstagram: instagram.com/_justthegemsAbdallah: YouTube: @DallahGamesX: x
Ranking the Best Beginner-Friendly JRPGs
Today we ranked what we consider the most beginner-friendly franchises that have the most potential to convert newcomers to become JRPG fans!Tier Maker List we used: https://tiermaker.com/create/the-jrpg-franchise-tier-list-73166Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtTJt-FyBOA8921t0XeB6hQ/joinA podcast for all things JRPG!If you're not already, consider bec
The Future of JRPGs (with Kevin Kenson)
If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content every month!).Emily:YouTube: @orbalologyX: x.com/orbalologyBluesky: orbalology.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/orbalologyBranden: YouTube: @JustTheGem
Can You Still Find Games at a Classic Gaming Con?
If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content every month!).Emily:YouTube: @orbalologyX: x.com/orbalologyBluesky: orbalology.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/orbalologyBranden: YouTube: @JustTheGem
Farewell to the Switch | Celebrating the Best JRPGs on the Best Nintendo Platform
If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get the Aftershow (4+ additional hours of content every month!).Emily:YouTube: @orbalologyX: x.com/orbalologyBluesky: orbalology.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/orbalologyBranden: YouTube: @JustTheGem
The Emulation Episode
Emulation is a hot topic among gamers and collectors. For a long time now, we've teased an episode diving deep into emulation, and it's finally here! Check out our thoughts, and be sure to let us know yours in the comments!If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Purs
How Has Social Media Influenced JRPG Collecting?
Social media influences just about every facet of life in the 21st century, so it stands to reason it has a pretty big impact on the video game collecting scene, as well. We dive into the different ways social media and YouTube in general have influenced our own collecting, and the broader impact it's had on the space as a whole.If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the chan
Celebrating 25 Years of JRPGs on PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2 is finally old enough to rent a car! While it goes on its coming-of-age road trip with its friends, let's take a look at the JRPGs that made this a console to remember for role-playing fans. Also, we're planning to start monthly deep dives into the libraries of every console, so if you have a favorite you'd like us to tackle next, let us know in the comments!If you're
Has Localization Ruined JRPGs?
If you're open to a nuanced conversation about the localization of JRPGs in the West, then have we got a show for you! Join us as we share our thoughts on the state of translated games, as well as share some of our gaming updates! If you're not already, consider becoming a member of the channel on YouTube - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people,
Long-Form Storytelling in JRPGs, ft. Cameron Hawkins from the Party Chat Podcast!
This week, we're joined by Cameron Hawkins to talk about long-form storytelling in JRPGs. He's one of the foremost experts on Kingdom Hearts, which is among the most famous of the long-form video game stories, and he's a Trails sicko like the rest of us, so we had plenty to discuss! Be sure to subscribe to Cam's podcast with Kevin Kenson, Party Chat @partychatjrpgpod !Cam's so
JRPG Stories That WRECKED Us - feat. Alex from Backlog Battle!
Emily:YouTube: @orbalologyX: x.com/orbalologyBluesky: orbalology.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/orbalologyBranden: YouTube: @JustTheGems X: x.com/_justthegemsBluesky: justthegems.netInstagram: instagram.com/_justthegemsAbdallah: YouTube: @DallahGamesX: x.com/dallahgamesBluesky: dallahgames.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/thegeekyglobetrotter
Digital vs. Physical Games - the Eternal Debate
The age-old debate, digital vs. physical, is becoming more and more pertinent as time goes on. We dig into the pros and cons of each. Be sure to let us know in the comments what you prefer! If you're not already, consider becoming a member of our YouTube channel - you'll get access to our exclusive Discord to hang out with likeminded people, and at the Pursuer level, you'll also get th
The Most Replayable JRPGs
If you were stuck on a desert island, what JRPGs would do the most to ease your troubled, deeply bored mind? We do our best to lay out our picks, all while making time for a few necessary and controversial tangents on this week's episode of The JRPG Pursuit!
Emily:
YouTube: youtube.com/@orbalology
X: x.com/orbalology
Bluesky: orbalology.bsky.social
Instagram: instagram.com/orbalology
Branden
JRPG Tropes We Need to Leave in the Past
Emily:
YouTube: @orbalology
X: x.com/orbalology
Bluesky: orbalology.bsky.social
Instagram: instagram.com/orbalology
Branden:
YouTube: @JustTheGems
X: x.com/_justthegems
Bluesky: justthegems.net
Instagram: instagram.com/_justthegems
Abdallah:
YouTube: @DallahGames
X: x.com/dallahgames
Bluesky: dallahgames.bsky.social
Instagram: instagram.com/thegeekyglobetrotter
Ranking Every Mainline Final Fantasy Battle System w/ Erek Ladd
We are thrilled to have @ErekLadd with us ranking all the mainline Final Fantasy battle systems!
Emily:
YouTube: @orbalology
X: x.com/orbalology
Bluesky: orbalology.bsky.social
Instagram: instagram.com/orbalology
Branden:
YouTube: @JustTheGems
X: x.com/_justthegems
Bluesky: justthegems.net
Instagram: instagram.com/_justthegems
Abdallah:
YouTube: @DallahGames
X: x.com/dallahgames
Bluesky:
Do Real Gamers Play on EASY Mode?
Nowadays, difficulty options are practically a given for a new game -- though that wasn't always the case. We discuss how difficulty options are implemented in JRPGs and share what settings we prefer. How do YOU take your JRPGs? Are you a Story Mode player? Or are you hardcore Hard Mode? Let us know in the comments!
Emily:
YouTube: @orbalology
X: x.com/orbalology
Bluesky: orbalology.bsky.social
I
Are These Expensive JRPGs Worth It?
Some JRPGs are just really freaking expensive, you guys. But does a high price tag mean a game is worth it? We break down some notable games and discuss their intrinsic value as pieces of media and even as works of art that hold importance beyond just their inherent fun factor.
The artist Branden mentions is Tylor Hepner, here's the link to his store on Etsy:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/TylorHepne
The Best JRPGs of 2024 - Year End Special
It's the end of 2024, and The JRPG Pursuit crew are A) dressed up all fancy, and B) here to tell you about all the games they loved this year! Join us, and be sure to tell us your favorites in the comments!
Emily:
YouTube: @orbalology
X: x.com/orbalology
Bluesky: orbalology.bsky.social
Instagram: instagram.com/orbalology
Branden:
YouTube: @JustTheGems
X: x.com/_justthegems
Bluesky: justthege
Holiday Gaming Memories
It's the time of year where a lot of people start reminiscing about the good old days, so we thought, why don't we give it a try? We share some of our favorite holiday memories, and we hope you'll do the same in the comments!
Emily:
YouTube: @orbalology
X: x.com/orbalology
Bluesky: orbalology.bsky.social
Instagram: instagram.com/orbalology
Branden:
YouTube: @JustTheGems
X: x.com/_justthegems
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