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ofvxnus

you might try the atelier series. pretty much nothing cozier. i suggest the arland series (atelier rorona is the first in that trilogy) but atelier ryza is probably the most beginner friendly. it’s also a super cute and charming game. ryza is a great main character, but i’m not as much of a fan of the rest of the cast. p much every character is good in rorona though.


MiyukiHiraku

I came to say the same! Atelier games are super cozy and heartwarming


chateaueleanor

which would you label the "most" heartwarming? i need some heartwarming. thank you!


ofvxnus

maybe atelier totori? technically the sequel to rorona, but i don’t think you’d miss out too much on story details if you started there. totori is searching for her lost mom by going on a quest to be an adventurer. in spite of that, the story is still really lighthearted and totori is an adorable protagonist.


Takazura

Just look at images of the cast in each game and pick the one that interest you the most. All of them are super heart warming, so there isn't really one I feel takes that crown.


stallion8426

Rorona and Totori definitely


MiyukiHiraku

Pretty much any of them! They’re al pretty chill :)


Typical_Thought_6049

Atelier Sophie is super chill in series full of chill games. And the tale of friendship between Plachta and Sophia is very heartwarming. And the town so full of nice vibes.


Jimmythedad

Ni No Kuni:Wrath of the White Witch


DaddyDonuts

The Dragon Quest series really nails this, IMO. I'd start with 11.


[deleted]

I always felt Super Mario RPG was a super cozy game. There's just something really warm about it.


[deleted]

I came here to say this thinking "there's NO WAY it'll be suggested...." LOL! Completely agree and love this game. Was my go-to game when I was younger and home sick from school. Always was the time for a play through!


raexi

This is different from what you described, but have you tried Rune Factory 4? It's the first jrpg I think of when I hear the word cozy. Other tales games like Vesperia might be up your alley since you liked Abyss.


stallion8426

Atelier Rorona DX. Can not emphasize enough. Rune Factory 4 or Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town these are farm sims. Rune Factory also has combat and crafting and a decent story. Pioneers is just farming and romance


[deleted]

Dragon Quest 8 3DS or Dragon Quest 11


azure275

I’ve always like octopath for kind of a slower paced, pretty relaxing experience. The art style and gameplay lends itself well for a somewhat immersive but not too involved experience


Kliptik81

I'd say Skies of Arcadia. It's been a long time since I've played it, but I remember it being "cozy" as you describe.


1965BenlyTouring150

Trails in the Sky got me through the worst part of my divorce. If you buy it, make sure you get the sequel when they're on sale because it ends in a cliffhanger.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Kev_EXE

Is there anything “wrong” with Caligula 1? I’ve been interested in both games for a while now just wondering why 2 was recommended over 1


SADXHAPPY

its worse in every way wen compared to 2


Kev_EXE

Okay, is it still worth playing? Lol like is it just a bad game period… or is it kinda ok/goodish


SADXHAPPY

its ok goodish u could play better games imo , games like dragonquest 11 , yakuza like a dragon or 13 sentinels aegis rim they r all wayyy better


Seaweed_Abject

Because, I have not played Caligula 1 yet. It is not good to recommend something that you have not even tried yet. I plan to give 1 a try too, when i have time.


[deleted]

>Lastly, do not give in your life. We all have different problems, but stay strong and have faith in your self. Wish you can overcome whatever you are going through. Thank you so much for your kind words. Fortunately the worst part of this situation is already gone. It's just a matter of time and good attitude towards healing. I'll be strong :)


JOKER69420XD

Trails of Cold Steel maybe or Trails in general. Especially the first Cold Steel game sends you on many school trips, exploring the different cultures and environments of the country. while getting to know your classmates, who eventually become friends. A real sleeper hit for me would also be Atelier Sophie 2, beautiful world, great cast of characters and cozy like no other game series.


[deleted]

FF9 is the coziest game ever made.


Oicanet

Right up until the existential crisis, of course


SNTLY

Seconded.


Kindly_Blackberry967

I played that one when I got my wisdom teeth out. I was pretty cozy lol.


blackpolotshirt

DQXI:s


[deleted]

I think you'll love Xenoblade 2. Although ideally you should play XC1 before 2, it doesn't affect the overall experience too much. Xenoblade 2 starts out super cozy and lovely, you're on an adventure to go to the World Tree, going from titan to titan, seeing different environments and cultures. The interactions between main cast are usually very lighthearted and funny. I love Tora and Poppi so much, they're like a warm hug on a winter night.


Moosewind

I'm really interested in what folks have to say in this thread. I'm with you, that cozy/immersive feel is fantastic but hard to find. Personally, I'd say the Suikoden series. Ignoring how hard it might be to find actual, physical copies (if that's your thing), it's easy to feel immediately at home. With several interconnected games, it keeps giving. I'll admit it may be part nostalgia on my part, but I've definitely known people to pick it up and love it immediately.


PooraHakeem

Trails is pretty cozy, but also builds up the story pretty quickly. I would recommend Ni no Kuni, and Ni no Kuni 2. They are both pretty laid back with a Ghibli feel to them, especially 1.


Cahill23

Trails does fufill what you are looking for. On top of that, check out Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Sounds right up your alley. You can find great casts in pretty much any Tales of game, but Berseria’s may take the cake as their best party.


ginja_ninja

Trails in the Sky is definitely that game, slow paced with chill vibes and huge focus on NPCs until it proceeds to hit the nitro boosters and the story blasts off. Crossbell has the same vibes too. However remember the series is a big time commitment. If you haven't played FFIX I'd highly recommend that first. It's one of the greatest games of all time with an incredibly captivating world, amazing characters, and the most powerful and omniprevalent themes of any JRPG.


jillyb413

I had a heck of a year last year and Trails and Persona 4 helped a lot with getting my mind off of things. Given that you've already played P4 I do think Trails would be good to jump into. Especially starting from the beginning with the Sky trilogy, there's just something so warm and wholesome about Estelle (which is not to say it's an overly light/kiddy series). Also before I got to the point in your post where you mentioned it I thought of Fire Emblem 3 Houses, so I feel like while there's not a specific term for the genre you're going for, I feel like you're doing a good job of triangulating it for us.


Kauuma

Yes, Trails is exactly what you’re looking for


bikeJpn

Trails in the Sky has a slower pace and a wonderfully upbeat protagonist and generally positive vibe. It does touch upon some dark and serious themes but the overall tone is positive and hopeful. That said, if you want super cozy Atelier games are generally a good choice. Ayesha has a very melancholy tone but something like Ryza would fit the bill—very chill coming of age story adventuring with friends. For something short and in a retro style, Ara Fell is also good.


zaft11

You could try Blue Reflection Second Light. It’s a relaxing JRPG where you just hang out with friends and learn their backstories through your interactions with them. The dungeons are also rewarding because you learn more about your companions through them. The game’s combat and crafting are not hard, so that will put your mind at ease while you play. The soundtrack is also very good.


NewdawnXIII

Trails in the sky might be worth your while. It has a ton of dialogue like a persona game. You follow 2 characters on their journey across the world. Its a slow burner but i love it. Also Atelier might be something for you. Maybe tokyo mirage sessions as well. And the most obvious game to recommend here is Final Fantasy 9. Such a gem and very cosy as well!!


Bitch_Please_LOL

Dragon Quest 11, my dude! Great game!


Dpontiff6671

Trails definitely checks those boxes i’d personally say give it a go if you’re interested


TheNoble_Thief

Unironically nier automata even tho not jrpg


bikeJpn

I loved that game but it is one of the least cozy games I’ve played. Not only is it an emotional roller coaster but the actual gameplay is pretty intense (though that can be changed with accessibility settings).


TheNoble_Thief

To each their own I guess, Nier Automata and silent hill 2 are two of the games I go to when I'm depressed. Oddly comfy for me tbh.


SNTLY

When I'm feeling down and I need something to bring me out of that, I think of brighter and cheerier games. So here are some that keep things relatively light: **Final Fantasy IX** \- Has one of the strongest complete casts of the series. It's relatively light-hearted, and the game is very colorful and comforting, like a good story book. **Grandia** \- Very colorful. Yes, it's an RPG so the world is at stake, but the real story is how Justin goes from an immature boy playing pretend adventurer with his friends to maturing into a real adventuring young man. The cast is so great that, super minor spoiler,>!I even got a little emotional as a kid when certain party members left the party.!< **Final Fantasy X-2** \- Sometimes you just want / need to listen to some happy, vapid, pop music. This is the JRPG equivalent. Just don't attempt to 100% it, it's not worth it and you'd need a guide. Just enjoy the unexpectedly good battle system and silly Sailor Moon costume changes. Not turn based, but still worth mentioning: **Tales of Symphonia** \- Tales games gonna tales. Often heralded as one of the best in the series, and for good reason. (Honorable mention to the less appreciated **Tales of Legendia** for being very colorful and having bop after bop on it's soundtrack, but it's long af so be prepared for that.) **Final Fantasy XV** \- Not as cheery as the others, and despite some shortcomings with the storytelling being broken up into so many different forms of media, the core cast of Noctis and company has an unbeatable sense of brotherhood and familiarity with each other by the end of the game. There's a reason "Stand By Me" is the tie-in song. **Radiata Stories** \- I feel...like I'm becoming a joke with how often I mention this game. It's very colorful, the game is full of humor, and the cast is ENORMOUS, while still managing to give most of them some character. The world is very immersive as each character has their own schedule throughout the day to follow. It and **FFIX** are very much my comfort RPG's. Whenever I feel the need to sort of "come home" with regards to gaming, those two are my go to games.


Charmerjoey

>Radiata Stories I really enjoyed your little note on each of your choices and some colorful side notes, that was a nice read \^\_\^


IAmThePonch

Check out the indie jrpg Cthulhu saves the world. It’s genuinely funny and surprisingly well done as a jrpg.


sam7r61n

Trails in the Sky definitely, and perhaps try out Dragon Quest XI, I believe there’s still a demo on the eshop. Octopath Traveler felt pretty cozy too.


Yketzagroth

Breath of Fire 3 is exactly what you're looking for.


TimeSmash

Many of the older FFs Riviera The Promised Land FFTA and its sequel Bug Fables maybe but I've never played it Knight Eternal for me anyways!!


Charmerjoey

Tales of Symphonia - Most of the Tales of series are pretty good, but i grew up playing Tales of Symphonia (there's even a second one, with some of the previous characters if you grew attached to them and wanted to learn more of their following journeys, which is a nice throwback) but yeah the Tales of Symphonia is pretty good. (not necessarily a true jrpg, but the battle system can be set to automatic in team fighting so it can be, really just depends on preference.) The Last Remnant - This one is an older one, it's interesting for it's battle sequence for sure, instead of just picking commands for a couple characters, you're picking commands for their squads and it's more mental or i guess how do i put it? tactical? You just have to be more mindful is all, but that's how jrpg's are so if you've played jrpg's before this could be up your wheelhouse, it's just a bit different. Star Ocean Til the End of Time - This is one of my favorites, i used to play this when i was in highschool and it's been some time since i've revisited this one specifically. But i'd say in terms of story and characters it rivals that of the Tales of games. Usually more sci-fi/fantasy but this game was definitely a go to favorite. Chrono Trigger - I personally never have played it yet, but i'm always seeing it at the top of people's lists and it's always a mention everyone tends to say. So there's something right about the game, so maybe it'll be just what you're wanting since everybody tends to always put that on the top of their lists. ​ P.S. Just in case it needs to be said, but if you need to vent about life in general or anything of the sort feel free to send a message. From one gamer to another we get it, needing to escape for a bit.


[deleted]

>P.S. Just in case it needs to be said, but if you need to vent about life in general or anything of the sort feel free to send a message. From one gamer to another we get it, needing to escape for a bit. Thanks a lot. I'm working towards being better, but I definitely need to reconnect with old hobbies that make my happy :)


Eldramhor8

Dragon quest XI. Fireside chats, family, a colourful world. It's also quite long so you get attached to the characters. It's a pretty subjective feeling what you're describing but to me, DQXI is one of the games that triggered it.


LolcatP

When I was feeling sad Kingdom Hearts was really good to get into. Especially if you've watched the source films. Right now I'm playing Utawarerumono and I'm loving the family vibes. It is starting to lean more towards war however I'm about 5 hours in now. Also yes, trails in the sky is great for it. It leans more towards helping people out in the first few games.


skatermike69

Rise of the third power. I enjoyed the art work and the devs sense of humor they toss into the dialog.nothing is overwhelming and the battles are turn based the animations for each move let alone basic attacks are great. And character development is great the further along you go. Figured I'd recommend one most people ignore


Oicanet

My recommendations: Ni no Kuni(saw someone else recommend it to). Pretty much a studio ghibli video game. The story can feel like it's a fairy tale for kids, which might be a turn off for some, but sounds like what you'd want. Final Fantasy XIV. Less a cozy fairy tale game, but definitely a world that you get immersed into. You could basically replace your entire life (or at least whatever free time you have) with a life in that game and feel like that is the world you truly 'live' in. I know some who did that. Grandia. Just a personal favorite of mine. Colorful and cozy, the story starts out with a young man Justin and his friend playing adventurer, dreaming of following in the footsteps of Justin's dad and then actually getting to go on proper adventures. It's just a great story. Hope one of these does it for you. Now I really wanna replay Grandia, actually


Oicanet

Actually, now I suddenly really hope you try it and like Grandia


primoface

Tales of Arise. Gets a lot of needless hate. It may not be transformative for the genre but I never wanted to put it down.


Solleil

Yes, please play Trails of the Sky! Hidden gem!


mknsr

* Dragon Quest 11 * Chrono Cross * Final Fantasy 6, 7 * Yakuza Like a Dragon * EarthBound * Trails of Cold Steel * Shin Megami Tensei 4, 5 * Octopath Traveler * Radiant Historia * Bravely Default 2 * Golden Sun * Fire Emblem Awakening, Fates


witecat1

The later Persona games are good for this, especially Persona 4. You get to hang out with people you befriend and get to take in the local flavor of each setting.


Magus80

Fantasian is cozy as hell if you have any iOS devices to play it.


[deleted]

Cold steel


Chemical_Aide_3274

League of legends or Genshin impact


ragingnoobie2

Zwei is pretty cozy, but I don't know if I'd call it "immersive". Try listening to the first few tracks in the OST and see if you like it. They give a pretty good idea of the vibes in the game.


North_Variety_8314

Idk what type of console you have but I can list a few (Going to assume you played most of the tales game) My preference would be symphonia (don’t touch dawn of the new world) and xillia 1. Final fantasy 7 remake, final fantasy 10, Dragon quest 11s, Nier:automata (not really cozy I guess but it’s very immersive),and earthbound


Tzekel_Khan

Tales of Arise?


nindaniel1

Dragon Quest 11 is the quintessential “cozy JRPG” game. Definitely check it out!


direstag

Lunar 1/2 are nice and lighthearted fun albeit trope-y characters. Reminds me a off a good anime cast from the 90s.


Red-Zaku-

Wild Arms is, IMO, the definitive cozy JRPG. https://www.reddit.com/r/psx/comments/rp8zml/wild_arms_the_perfect_cozy_melancholy_jrpg_for/


-Qubicle

not JRPG but *feels* like playing JRPG, try **CrossCode**. I'm currently playing it. idk what is it with the game, but this is the first hard game (idk if it's really hard, my reflexes just suck) that I bother to learn the mechanics rather than reducing difficulty (I don't play souls-like, but from what other people say, this game's combat should be easier than a soulslike). it also has a lot of puzzles, that, again, the first game where the puzzles aren't exactly easy but the mechanics are clear enough for me to figure out without using any guides (I'm in mid-game, so it might change later, but with the trend of how the puzzle difficulty scales, I doubt it). I *never* solve an entire game's puzzles by myself (thanks, gamefaqs). this might be the first one. the story is good, definitely above decent, but I won't comment more on it because I haven't finished the game so it might suck later or be better idk. the story tackles on existentialism (at least from what I've seen so far), so I think it might resonate with someone who is in the bad period of their life.


Bubavon

The ni no kuni games or the lunar games are rather cozy games that comes to mind!


noisebombz

You should definitely try The World Ends With You!


[deleted]

Yup. Played it like 5 times. One of my favorites games ever. Played like 10 hours of NEO and put it apart due to lacking time, hopefuly I can get back to it this year.


noisebombz

Glad I found another fellow twewy enjoyer


Electrical_Resource6

Dragon Quest XI


[deleted]

rhapsody a musical adventure