The best JRPGs featuring martial artist protagonists, ranked

Key Takeaways

  • JRPGs feature a variety of martial artists, but they are not always the main protagonists.
  • Tales of Xillia, Legend of Legaia, and Trials of Mana highlight martial artists.
  • The brave protagonist of this JRPG stands out as an excellent character in close combat.



Martial arts have appeared time and time again in several JRPGs, allowing players to take direct control of combat experts who can use complex combos to crush their enemies. However, most of these martial artists take on supporting roles instead of playing leading roles in their respective games.

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It's rare for players to encounter a JRPG with such a close combat expert as the main character. So players can't help but take this plunge and cherish some games in the genre that allow players to control some powerful martial artists while performing heroic feats.

Games are ranked based on their overall quality.


8 Tales of Xillia

The main character is a medical student trained in hand-to-hand combat.


system

PlayStation-1

released
August 6, 2013

developer
Namco Tales Studio

publisher
namco bandai

Tales of Xillia is one of the most engaging games in the series, boasting an impressive story in which players must prevent weapons of mass destruction from ravaging the world. The focus on two protagonists helps the game's ambitious story impress many players.

One of the main characters, Jude Mathis, is a medical student who loves martial arts. Using this character to bash monsters and bosses with powerful attacks continues to be fascinating, and this protagonist has established himself in the eyes of many as one of the most underrated JRPG heroes.

7 The Legend of Legaia

Almost all characters, including the protagonist, excel at hand-to-hand combat.

The Legend of Legaia

system

PlayStation-1

released
October 16, 1998

developer
Procyon, Contrail

The Legend of Legaia's combat system allows players to execute combos in battle to unleash powerful attacks. Most of the playable characters in the game prefer to unleash their powerful moves with their fists, and some even use weapons for added effect.


The main character, Vahn, prefers to do the talking with his fists. Players can unleash a wealth of powerful combos with this versatile martial artist, making him the protagonist players will want to have in their party as they show their enemies who's boss.

6 Trial of Mana

One of the selectable protagonists, Kevin, is a werewolf who uses martial arts.

released
April 24, 2020

Open Criticism Evaluation
strong

Trial of Mana is an underrated action RPG, and fans were happy to see it get a proper remake. A new generation of players will be able to check out the game's action combat and find out why so many people love the Mana series and its real-time action.

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The game allows players to select a character to act as the protagonist, with Kevin being an option for players who want to experiment with combat directly from the series. This character can transform into a werewolf, making him a dynamic party member who is not slow in battle.


5 shadow heart

Hyuuga Yuri learned martial arts from his father

shadow heart

system

PlayStation-1

released
December 12, 2001

developer
Sacnos

publisher
Aruz, Midway

shadow heart is a gothic JRPG with a unique setting that allows players to explore the world before the start of World War I. Players control Yuri Hyuga, a smart-talking martial artist who learned hand-to-hand combat from his father.

Along with the Brawler skill, Yuri can also consume mental power to transform into a monster and use powerful attacks in battle. He's a unique protagonist that players will enjoy controlling as they discover a deep and engaging story in one of the PS2's best JRPGs.

4 final fantasy

The protagonist can become a monk and eventually become a master of hand mai.


Final Fantasy (1987)

released
December 18, 1987

developer
square

Open Criticism Evaluation
strong

first final fantasy The game is one of the most important titles ever released and helped Square turn it around to become one of the biggest video game companies of all time. Players choose the class of four Warriors of Light as they begin their journey to save the world.

One of the roles players can take on is that of a monk, which forces the character to use his bare fists in combat. Their damage output is incredible and makes up for their relatively poor defense, and players can master this class, helping this particular Warrior of Light become a powerful martial artist against the many enemies that stand in his way.

3 Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Salvation

The main character, Matthew Vandham, excels at classic fistfighting.

system

Super grayscale 8-bit logo

released
July 29, 2022

Open Criticism Evaluation
huge

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 It's a return to form for the series after the previous game felt like a step down in the eyes of many fans. The incredible story combined with impressive combat ensures players will have a great time from start to finish, and this also applies to the DLC.


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future connection It's a great expansion pack that allows players to take control of a new protagonist from the series' original storyline set. Matthew excels at fistfighting, giving him new speed unlike the typical sword-wielding heroes. Xenoblade game.

2 Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

One of the main characters, Kazuma Kiryu, uses unconventional techniques combining martial arts.

released
January 26, 2024

Open Criticism Evaluation
huge

yes infinite wealth The natural evolution of the combat system introduced in like a dragonallows players to experience Kiryu's final journey. yakuza series before he eventually said goodbye. This fighter has a heart of gold and uses various forms of martial arts in battle to heat up his opponents.

Players remember learning the Komaki martial art and eventually having trouble getting Kiryu to be able to fire his Tiger Drop and deal massive damage. For the final look, infinite wealth Instead, Ichiban takes on the role of the protagonist and lets Kiryu go out with a bang.


1 Xenogear

Fei Fon Wong is a martial arts expert.

system

PlayStation-1

released
October 20, 1998

developer
square

That's a shame Xenogear As the game was on track to become one of the best PS1 JRPGs ever made, it ran out of budget before it could deliver on its promise. As it stands, the first disc is a rough ride before the game's second half uses elaborate slideshows to tell the story with walls of text.

Protagonist Fei Fon Wong seems like an ordinary martial artist who embarks on an adventure to fight against an evil empire, but as several revelations are revealed, the scope of the plot grows enormously. Executing combos that allow Fei to unleash powerful attacks will enhance your expertise as a martial artist.

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