Welcome to the Ranking of the best 11 games set in Japan.
Have you ever wondered why some video games have become so iconic and memorable? Well, there are a few reasons, like awesome characters, amazing stories, and fantastic designs.
But one thing that often gets overlooked is the places where the games take place. And today, we will talk about some of the best games set in Japan.
While Manhattan in Marvel’s Spider-Man is well-designed, it might not be the most iconic location. On the other hand, Los Santos (based in Los Angeles) in GTA V is one of the most memorable cities ever.
Let’s start talking about the best 11 games in Japan without wasting any more time.
Best Video Games Set in Japan
Japan has been the setting for many incredible video games over the years, and it’s not hard to see why. From bustling cities to serene countryside landscapes, Japan offers various stunning locations that make for unforgettable gaming experiences.
One of the best things about Japanese games is that there’s something for everyone. Whether you prefer classic games with pixelated graphics or modern games with stunning visuals, you’re sure to find something that suits your style:
With the help of these exciting and challenging games, you can easily explore Japan and all its amazing sights – from modern Tokyo to Feudal Japan.
Ranking of the Best 11 games set in japan
Okami
Picture this: a sun god with a luscious mane sets out to save a dreary world from the clutches of evil. Armed with magical abilities and a knack for painting, this god wreaks havoc on foes and restores beauty to the land. This is the world of Okami.
Okami’s world is a beautiful, stylized version of feudal Japan, complete with stunning landscapes and intricate architecture that’ll leave you in awe.
And if that’s not enough to excite you, the game’s innovative control scheme involves painting magical symbols on the environment.
It’s like Bob Ross meets Harry Potter – you’ll paint happy little trees while summoning thunderbolts to strike down foes.
Despite ranking 11th on a list, Okami has earned the respect of critics and won awards at various festivals. It’s no wonder – the game’s unique art style and inventive gameplay make it an unforgettable experience. And if you missed it on the PlayStation 2, fear not – you can now play it on both PS3 and PC.
You can play Okami on PC, PS4, PS3, PS2, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Wii.
Fatal Frame
Get ready to experience spine-tingling horror with the Fatal Frame series. One of the games set in Japan (’80s), before mobile phones became a thing, each game features a self-contained story with a different supernatural threat.
And no, you can’t just call for help – you’ll have to rely on Camera Obscura, which is like a camera, but for pacifying spirits (and not taking selfies).
With recurring characters and a focus on female protagonists, the series draws on classic Japanese horror elements to deliver some serious scares. It was released in Japan as Zero, and Europe and Australia got it as Project Zero.
With five main games and plenty of spin-offs, there’s no shortage of content for horror fans to sink their teeth into.
Of course, if you’re in the West, you might have to do some digging to find these games. But trust us; it’s worth it. So gather your courage and prepare to face the unknown. And if all else fails, just remember – you can always hide under the covers.
You can play Fatal Frame on PlayStation 2 and Xbox.
Set in a fictional town but also one of the most beloved horror games, read about Silent Hill 3.
Ghostwire: Tokyo
When it comes to games set in Japan, we usually end up on the busy streets of Tokyo. And while some games take us on a historical journey in Japanese mythology, others bring us to modern Japan.
Ghostwire: Tokyo is the latest creation from the team that gave us The Evil Within – so you know you’re in for some spooky fun in a pure fiction setting.
The population of Tokyo vanishes, leaving behind supernatural monsters roaming the streets. It’s up to you to uncover the mysteries and use your special powers to take them down in this. Think of it as Ghostbusters meets Call of Duty, but in post-apocalyptic Tokyo.
Sure, the critics might not have given it top marks, but that shouldn’t stop you from giving it a try. After all, it’s got unique gameplay, and who doesn’t want to fight ghosts in one of the coolest cities in the world? So grab your controller and get ready to save real-life locations in Tokyo from the supernatural.
You can play Ghostwire: Tokyo on PC and PlayStation 5.
Judgment
Looking for a detective game that’s more like a crime drama than a history lesson? Look no further than Judgment, the spin-off from the long-running Yakuza series. Think of it as Law and Order meets Sherlock Holmes, but with more help along the way.
Japanese superstar Takuya Kimura is leading the way as Takayuki Yagami. You know you’re in for some serious crime-solving action.
Set in Kamurocho, a gritty Tokyo district based on the real-world Kabukicho, Judgment brings drama and danger. During your adventure, you will do mini-games and side quests.
And while it might be darker and more serious than Yakuza, don’t worry – there are still plenty of weird and silly moments to keep things interesting. You will often find yourself smiling while playing.
Although what you’re actually doing is looking for the next clue, you’re sure to have a lot of fun, thanks to the strange structure of the game.
You can play Judgment on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S.
Yakuza 0
If you’re new to the Yakuza games, prepare for a wild ride. This series is all about embracing the absurdity of video games and having a blast while doing it. It’s like the developers looked at GTA and thought, “That’s cute, but can we make it even crazier?”
They manage to pay incredible attention to this craziness. Yakuza 0 has an open world like GTA, but instead of stealing cars, you’ll be singing karaoke as mini-games and fighting with retro games’ mechanics. It is the perfect fun game for lovers of action-adventure games.
All of this takes place in 1980s Japan, where the neon lights are bright, and the action is even brighter. So if you’re looking for an over-the-top and unapologetically fun game, grab a drink at a virtual bar and dive into the world of Yakuza.
You can play Yakuza 0 on PC, PS4, PS3, and Xbox One.
Persona 4 Golden
You’ll join a mute teenage protagonist as he moves in with his quirky uncle and cousin for a year. But don’t get too comfortable; things turn dramatically when a series of bizarre murders shake the town.
Luckily, you won’t be alone on this wild ride. You’ll team up with a cast of high school buddies as playable characters and learn to harness strange new powers as you track down the killer.
And with the Vita remake, Persona 4 Golden, you’ll get even more content than before – new characters, scenarios, and even more hours of gameplay.
But don’t be fooled by Inaba’s peaceful exterior – this town has its secrets. Floodplains, high schools, shopping districts, and a killer on the loose. And now, for the first time, the Persona series has made its way to PC. Get ready to immerse yourself in the charming and mysterious world of Persona 4 Golden.
You can play Persona 4 Golden on PC, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
Shenmue 1-2
Apparently, some fans think that game three in the Shenmue series didn’t quite live up to the hype. But hey, let’s give it a break – it’s not easy living up to decades of anticipation and being the most funded game on Kickstarter.
But let’s focus on the positives, shall we? The first two games in the series are an absolute masterpiece. Released in 1999, Shenmue was way ahead of its time – it’s like the granddaddy of all modern open-world games. It’s a living, breathing world that you can explore and interact with like never before.
You play as Ryo Hazuki, a young man on a mission to solve the mystery of his father’s murder in 1980s Japan. You’ll solve puzzles, fight off baddies, and use quick-time events to take down your enemies. We can even call it the spiritual source of the Yakuza series.
You can play Shenmue 1-2 on PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Dreamcast.
Steins; Gate
Regarding Japanese games, the “visual novel” genre stands out as a great way to enjoy entertaining stories with stunning visuals. One such game is the Steins; Gate series, set in real-world locations in Tokyo during the summer of 2010.
The story revolves around a group of friends who use text messages to communicate with the past. Rintaro Okabe, who sees himself as a mad scientist, is our main character.
There are many claims about SERN, which was inspired by real-life CERN. The most important of these is that they do time travel experiments and try to reshape the world.
Like most visual novels, Steins; Gate involves mainly reading text, and the player interacts with the game through choices that affect the branching narrative.
The story can lead to various alternate timelines and possible endings, depending on how the player responds to messages and answers the phone.
You can play Steins; Gate on PC, PS4, PS3, PS Vita, PSP, and Xbox 360.
Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima is an open-world game set in 13th-century Japan, where the first Mongolian invasion has taken over the island. As Jin Sakai, one of the last surviving samurais, it’s up to you to fight back and get your exact revenge.
Ghost of Tsushima keeps it simple, unlike other games – it’s just you and your trusty sword. You’ll have to rely on your quick reflexes and impeccable timing to defeat your enemies. But hold your horses. It’s not just about hack and slash.
The game has some peaceful and introspective moments from Japanese Mythology. If you stumble upon a hot spring, you can take a break, relax, and ponder over your journey so far.
Ghost is stunningly gorgeous, but it takes the patience of a samurai to really dive into its unique aspects. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you have what it takes, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure. Also, it was the last big PS4 exclusive action-adventure game – so it is a big deal for the video game industry.
You can play Ghost of Tsushima on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4.
Persona 5 Royal
This gem of a game combines all the series’ best features into a unique experience that everyone fell in love with when it was originally released in 2017. Trust me; it’s totally worth playing, especially the updated version, Persona 5 Royal.
The game is a classic JPRG set in Japan, featuring a group of young people with special powers. With over 100 hours of content, you better clear your calendar before diving into this one!
The story centers around a high school student who moves to a new city after getting in trouble with the law.
But that’s not all; Persona 5 Royal introduces new characters you can build relationships with and expands on existing ones critically. You will also see many details about Japanese culture.
You can play Persona 5 Royal on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
My initial encounter with the concept of a Souls game based on Japanese history was just as thrilling as it is today. My expectations were set high given that it was developed by From Software, the creators of the Dark Souls series, and overseen by Hidetaka Miyazaki.
The outcome was nothing short of exceptional, as it’s one of the greatest games not only of 2019 but of all time.
While Elden Ring is now regarded as the pinnacle of the Souls genre, I can confidently declare that Sekiro holds the second position. Shadow Die Twice is a less complex action game than the Souls series. You are one of the samurai warriors, and you have a job to do.
It is a lot more active than the Souls games in terms of fighting techniques, emphasizing attacking, and is situated in a stunningly designed world. Additionally, the familiar systems of brutality, dying multiple times to memorize enemy moves, and role-playing game elements are all present.
I don’t want to sound like repeating myself, but I have to say it again: Sekiro is one of the best games the gaming industry has created.
You can play Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
Final thoughts
These games offer unique glimpses into Japanese life, culture, and stories. It’s hard to pick our favorites as each of these titles is beloved by gamers worldwide.
Do you know of any other underrated gems we must check out? Let us know in the comments!
Based in Istanbul, Turkey, Burak is a Writer at Vertex Mode. He loves video games, high-production shows, post-apocalyptic stories, and more.
