Top 10 Best JRPG Heroes

“Earthbound” (1994)
Hey, this is the kid who went up against Giygas and lived. We’d say he’s earned his due to stand with the greats. Originally nothing more than a kid who loved baseball, a prophecy foretelling that he and others were fated to battle against ultimate evil leads him on quite a bizarre hero’s journey. Overcoming all kinds of enemies; from zombies, to robots to the ever hateful Porky Minch, Ness eventually succeeds and manages to defeat Giygas in all of its nightmare inducing forms. No wonder Smash Bros wanted him on their roster.

“Tales of Vespeira” (2008)
Is he cynical? Yes. Is he a badass? Ooooh yes. Then again what would you expect from a protagonist voiced by Troy Baker? Despite his rather prickly attitude and lack of tact, this former Imperial Knight is all about the greater good. While he won’t hesitate to unsheathe his sword and resort to violence in order solve situations, deep down he cares for the common man. Sure, he can be the king of sarcastic bastards, but when the chips are down and the world is on the brink, he’ll happily bare whatever burden necessary in order to save it.

“Chrono Trigger” (1995)
Silent protagonists are tricky as they are often just a vessel for the player, however the good ones manage to have just the right amount of personality to stand on their own two feet. This katana-wielding architype happens to fit the bill. After being falsely accused of kidnapping the Princess of Guardia, Crono finds himself thrown into an adventure that has him saving countless innocents along various timelines and even preventing a disastrous future by defeating the harbinger of destruction known as Lavos. In one timeline he even sacrificed himself to save his friends. Despite being faced with so many timey-wimey obstacles, Crono proves he’s a true hero; past, present and future.

“Skies of Arcadia” (2000)
Captain on deck! And you had better stand at attention as the leader of the Blue Rogues may be young, but has the making of a swashbuckling legend. In an effort to defeat the Valuan Armada, Vyse gathers a ragtag crew from around the world to battle overwhelming odds, armed with only their airship and an oddly upbeat attitude. With a desire to see what’s beyond the sunset, he may be extremely compassionate and … very easily distracted (Shows Vyse watching a Belly Dancer), but this guy is far from a push over. Once he busts out those cutlasses, you’re in trouble.

“Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4” (2008)

The silent protagonist returns, and this one is quite the ladies’ man. While players can ultimately dictate his actions and choices, it’s been established that Yu is a rather quiet, collected and mature individual who doesn’t flinch when faced with the threat of the Shadows and TV World. Though he can seem rather deadpan at times, there’s no doubt he places a great emphasis on the bonds he forms with his friends and family. He’s also quite a beast with that persona of his, and doesn’t seem to have trouble when it comes to his female companions, since characters like Rise, Noato and Chie seem to take quite the shine to him. How’s that for a social link!

“Kingdom Hearts” series (2002-)
When you’re interacting with some of the most iconic Disney characters of all time, you need a protagonist who can easily stand on their own two feet and not get lost in the nostalgia of interacting with the likes Mickey Mouse, Jack Skellington and even freaking Cloud Strife in the same game! Luckily Sora does it in style. This Keyblade Master may be quite the fighter, but is also very relatable. Throughout his adventures he not only has to worry about the likes of Organisation XIII and the Heartless, but learn that to be a hero requires humility, temperament and faith in your friends. Not to mention his unyielding love for Kairi is just downright adorable.

“Xenoblade Chronicles” (2010)
This young scientist got more than he bargained for when he ends up wielding the focus of his research, the mysterious and all-powerful blade known as the Monado. As his life descends into chaos following the invasion of the Mechon and the supposed death of his childhood friend, he’s flung into the role of reluctant hero as he and his allies not only end up battling mechanical menaces, but also against living, breathing Gods. Despite his losses, Shulk is very personable, and would rather throw himself into the fire than let any of his friends get hurt. We’d say that the Monado is in good hands.

“Phantasy Star” (1987)
Stand aside boys, this little lady is here to take the spotlight and save the entire galaxy while she’s at it. Setting the stage for every protagonist in the franchise that followed, this heroine of the first millennium stands as the original saviour of the Algo star system, as well as the first to put the villainous Dark Falz in its place. After the murder of her brother, Alis took up arms against the corrupted King Landis in order to get justice, no matter the cost. Headstrong to the bitter end, her triumph in the face of cosmic adversity is something to be admired.

“Xenogears” (1998)
We’re not sure what’s more impressive, that this guy wears the title of “Slayer of God”, or he can make a ponytail so badass! Continuously reincarnated over the centuries by the divine being known as the Wave Existence, Fei is tasked with destroying the power source known as the Zohar, which keeps the cycle of reincarnation in perpetual motion. A martial arts master and avid painter, despite his great strength and courage, Fei is plagued by trauma. Many times during his quest he is hit by bouts of depression, even to the point of suicidal thoughts. Despite the wounds carved into his mind, he still rises to the challenge and saves all of existence regardless of his past pains.

Before we reveal our number one pick, here are a few honourable mentions.

Neku Sakuraba
“The Worlds End With You” (2007)

Nier
“Nier” (2010)

Demi-Fiend
“Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne” (2003)

“Final Fantasy VII” (1997)
He may be better known for his brooding these days, but there’s no denying that this former member of SOLDIER became the new poster boy for quiet but good-hearted powerhouses with a tendency for wielding giant swords. As part of Avalanche, Cloud seeks to do what’s right and put a stop to the likes of the Shinra Corporation as well as defeat everyone’s favourite One Winged Angel, Sephiroth. With a strong sense of honour, deep attachment to the likes of Tifa and Aerith, some of the most epic limit breaks you’ll ever come across, Cloud still soars above the rest. Besides, who else can save the planet one minute and pull off a drag queen act the next?

Do you agree with our list? Who do you think is the greatest JRPG hero? With new top tens published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.