Best Japanese Game Franchises
The Japanese video game industry is one of the most prolific and influential in the world, having produced some of the most iconic and beloved video game franchises of all time. From the early days of arcade classics like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong to the modern-day juggernauts like Pokémon and Final Fantasy, Japanese game developers have consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation and creativity.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the best Japanese game franchises of all time, based on their critical acclaim, commercial success, and cultural impact.
1. Super Mario Bros.
The Super Mario Bros. franchise is the best-selling video game franchise of all time, with over 500 million copies sold worldwide. The series follows the adventures of Mario and Luigi, two Italian plumbers who must rescue Princess Peach from the evil Bowser. The games are known for their colorful graphics, catchy music, and challenging gameplay.
2. Pokémon
The Pokémon franchise is one of the most popular and successful video game franchises in history, with over 380 million copies sold worldwide. The series follows the adventures of young trainers who capture and train creatures called Pokémon. The games are known for their deep and engaging gameplay, as well as their colorful and charming characters.
3. Final Fantasy
The Final Fantasy franchise is one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful video game franchises of all time, with over 150 million copies sold worldwide. The series follows the stories of different groups of characters who must fight against evil forces. The games are known for their epic storylines, beautiful graphics, and memorable characters.
4. The Legend of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda franchise is one of the most beloved and influential video game franchises of all time, with over 120 million copies sold worldwide. The series follows the adventures of Link, a young hero who must save the kingdom of Hyrule from evil. The games are known for their beautiful worlds, challenging puzzles, and epic battles.
5. Dragon Quest
The Dragon Quest franchise is one of the most popular and successful video game franchises in Japan, with over 85 million copies sold worldwide. The series follows the adventures of young heroes who must defeat evil monsters and save the world. The games are known for their charming characters, engaging stories, and classic turn-based combat.
6. Metal Gear Solid
The Metal Gear Solid franchise is one of the most critically acclaimed and influential video game franchises of all time, with over 50 million copies sold worldwide. The series follows the adventures of Solid Snake, a soldier who must infiltrate enemy territory and carry out covert missions. The games are known for their complex storylines, stealth gameplay, and memorable characters.
7. Resident Evil
The Resident Evil franchise is one of the most popular and successful horror video game franchises of all time, with over 120 million copies sold worldwide. The series follows the adventures of a group of survivors who must fight against hordes of zombies and other monsters. The games are known for their intense action, terrifying atmosphere, and memorable characters.
8. Street Fighter
The Street Fighter franchise is one of the most popular and successful fighting game franchises of all time, with over 45 million copies sold worldwide. The series follows the battles of a group of martial artists from around the world. The games are known for their fast-paced action, colorful characters, and iconic special moves.
9. Tekken
The Tekken franchise is one of the most popular and successful fighting game franchises of all time, with over 50 million copies sold worldwide. The series follows the battles of a group of martial artists from around the world. The games are known for their realistic graphics, fluid combat, and diverse cast of characters.
10. Persona
The Persona franchise is one of the most popular and successful role-playing game franchises of all time, with over 15 million copies sold worldwide. The series follows the adventures of a group of high school students who must fight against supernatural forces. The games are known for their deep and engaging stories, memorable characters, and challenging gameplay.
These are just a few of the many great Japanese game franchises that have been released over the years. These franchises have had a profound impact on the video game industry and have helped to shape the way we play games today.
