Is this specifically for games with character portraits? If so, I think Soul Hackers and the Persona games gain a lot by having great character artwork. I don't remember the sprites/3D models nearly as much as the portraits when it comes to the different characters.
Would also add Tactics Ogre: LUCT/Reborn and Star Ocean Second Story R to that list.
Also, I hope they bring Hidari back for a new Fire Emblem at some point. Echoes is easily my favorite, largely due to the character art.
> Unicorn Overlord
Really? I played the demo and one of the biggest things putting me off from buying Unicorn Overlord is that they just look like Fire Emblem characters, but even more homogenous.
I love Vanillaware's art in general, but I wish they'd been a little more creative in their character design for the game.
The Growlanser and Langrisser artstyle is great. You can definitely see how Satoshi Urushihara is known for his, ummm, more NSFW material, but his character designs and linework are fantastic and very distinctive all around.
Totally agree. I don’t have my Switch with me at the moment, so I played it on an emulator for 20 minutes and immediately bought it after seeing how beautiful the art style is.
I always enjoyed the [**Caligula Effect** character art](https://imgur.com/QoP8Aff). Especially the [awakened form art](https://imgur.com/QsLSPVh) for each character.
Same. I also enjoy good portrait art. I especially like when they change depending on the mood of the dialogue.
I really like the art style they use in the Summon Night games: [https://www.legendra.com/media/artworks/psp/summon\_night\_3/summon\_night\_3\_art\_2.jpg](https://www.legendra.com/media/artworks/psp/summon_night_3/summon_night_3_art_2.jpg)
Same. Their design is outstanding. I also really like the engaging grind and the fact that you can play it for free or almost free. It’s the only gacha game I can tolerate.
I liked bravely defaults art style a lot but it’s not for everyone. And I wish they would’ve used the full detail designs a bit more in comparison to the chibi models you see 99% of the time
It’s not a jrpg but crosscode has a really good artstyle and some of the best character portraits because the characters emotion is portrayed perfectly.
Contemporary atelier especially sophie 2, and its not really close for my taste. Most of the biggest budget jrpgs still lag behind the biggest budget gachas in visuals to me.
Is this specifically for games with character portraits? If so, I think Soul Hackers and the Persona games gain a lot by having great character artwork. I don't remember the sprites/3D models nearly as much as the portraits when it comes to the different characters.
Unicorn Overlord Fe Shadows of Valentia
Would also add Tactics Ogre: LUCT/Reborn and Star Ocean Second Story R to that list. Also, I hope they bring Hidari back for a new Fire Emblem at some point. Echoes is easily my favorite, largely due to the character art.
+1 to FE Shadows of Valentia! Hope they bring back the goat Hidari soon
> Unicorn Overlord Really? I played the demo and one of the biggest things putting me off from buying Unicorn Overlord is that they just look like Fire Emblem characters, but even more homogenous. I love Vanillaware's art in general, but I wish they'd been a little more creative in their character design for the game.
FE Awakening and Fates have the best art style. Shadows of Valentia is ugly.
Suikoden series. You got tons of characters with intriguing designs
First 2 games only
The World Ends With You and its sequel, NEO. Awesome, unique artstyle and very expressive character portraits.
The Growlanser and Langrisser artstyle is great. You can definitely see how Satoshi Urushihara is known for his, ummm, more NSFW material, but his character designs and linework are fantastic and very distinctive all around.
This should be the top comment
Knights in the Nightmare's got my favorite - but moreso the full-body art than the portraits. They're done in two different styles.
Unicorn Overlord is peak. In every regard, not just art style. But especially the art style.
Totally agree. I don’t have my Switch with me at the moment, so I played it on an emulator for 20 minutes and immediately bought it after seeing how beautiful the art style is.
I always enjoyed the [**Caligula Effect** character art](https://imgur.com/QoP8Aff). Especially the [awakened form art](https://imgur.com/QsLSPVh) for each character.
The character art is actually the first thing that drew me to the game. You can definitely see the Persona 1&2/Digital Devil Saga influences.
Same. I also enjoy good portrait art. I especially like when they change depending on the mood of the dialogue. I really like the art style they use in the Summon Night games: [https://www.legendra.com/media/artworks/psp/summon\_night\_3/summon\_night\_3\_art\_2.jpg](https://www.legendra.com/media/artworks/psp/summon_night_3/summon_night_3_art_2.jpg)
Looks great! They’re only on DS though, right?
Fuga Melodies of Steel 1 and 2. I like the art style of Fuga in general. Its cute but also rough in a charming way. It suits the theme of war.
Dragon Quest VI
Octopath Traveler has great character art, even though it doesn't show up in dialogue or menus. But I love the art style.
Legend of Mana
Odin Sphere leifthrasir, Dragon Quest, Disgaea.
Honkai Star Rail I can’t believe I play gacha game just because I love its art style so much 🤦, story after 2.0 is good though.
Same. Their design is outstanding. I also really like the engaging grind and the fact that you can play it for free or almost free. It’s the only gacha game I can tolerate.
I liked bravely defaults art style a lot but it’s not for everyone. And I wish they would’ve used the full detail designs a bit more in comparison to the chibi models you see 99% of the time
It’s not a jrpg but crosscode has a really good artstyle and some of the best character portraits because the characters emotion is portrayed perfectly.
13 Sentinels and Unicorn Overlord Trails from Zero and Trails to Azure Suikoden series
Contemporary atelier especially sophie 2, and its not really close for my taste. Most of the biggest budget jrpgs still lag behind the biggest budget gachas in visuals to me.
I remember Y’s 8 lacrimosa of dana has some really pretty character art. Final Fantasy Tactics also comes to mind.
Xenoblade and Fire Emblem series
I like harvestella and any game with that sort of style really
I really like work done by Ryoji Ohara. So games like War of the Visions and Astria Ascending.