Originating in the early '80s, JRPGs have been part of the video game industry since nearly the very beginning. While many titles have come and gone, only a handful of franchises managed to leave an everlasting mark on the genre, spawning countless imitators and inspiring many developers to craft their own sprawling adventures.

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Certain influential franchises, such as the Dragon Slayer series, live on in the form of spin-offs. Other beloved licenses have continued to produce numbered sequels, even if the quality fluctuates from entry to entry. Sadly, not all JRPG franchises have survived the battle to remain relevant. Here are 5 influential JRPGs that are still going strong, along with 5 that have died out.

10 Strong: Dragon Quest

Often described as the grandfather of console JRPGs, Dragon Quest debuted in 1986 and played an essential role in establishing many genre conventions, particularly when it comes to its turn-based combat and class system.

Dragon Quest V could be seen as a precursor to the monster-catching subgenre, while many other franchises have sought to replicate Dragon Quest's fantasy setting and endearing tone. While popular in the rest of the world, Dragon Quest is inescapable in Japan, ensuring the franchise is not going to disappear anytime soon.

9 Died Out: Suikoden

Nowadays, any property owned by Konami could be deemed as "dead" or, in the case of Contra and Metal Gear, "wishing for death." However, Suikoden has been down for the count for more than a decade, with the last numbered entry dropping in 2006.

Known for its extensive playable roster and mature storytelling typically dealing with political themes, Suikoden arguably peaked during the PS1 era, although the PS2 games were still solid. Along with three different types of battles that put weight on tactics and strategically selecting the best characters for each encounter, the Suikoden games also emphasize player choice in both their combat and stories.

8 Strong: Final Fantasy

While few people are likely to claim that the 2010s was a golden era for Square Enix's iconic JRPG franchise, Final Fantasy is still arguably the genre's most well-known property. Alongside Dragon QuestFinal Fantasy helped popularize JRPGs during the late '80s and '90s, along with a number of conventions that would become synonymous with the genre.

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Be it the original's game opting for a side-view during battles or Final Fantasy II associating progression with actions rather than experience points, Square's license has proven time and time again to be willing to innovate and take risks.

7 Died Out: Mother/EarthBound

Via Ape HAL Laboratory

If an RPG takes place within a contemporary setting and prides itself on being unconventional, more often than not, the game is influenced by Mother/EarthBound. The Mother series debuted in 1989, presenting an almost parody-esque alternative to Dragon Quest.

While the original title is fantastic, Mother 2 (EarthBound outside of Japan) is presumably the one most people are familiar with. Along with just being a great JRPG, EarthBound also works as a meta-commentary on the genre. The series often toys with the player's expectations, serving as a precursor to titles like Undertale. Considering 2006's Mother 3 has yet to make it to the West, it is safe to assume this franchise is dead and buried.

6 Strong: Ys

In the late '80s, while Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy were guaranteeing that turn-based combat would be the norm for the next couple of decades, Nihon Falcom went for a more action-oriented approach with its Ys franchise.

While the license's modern combo-heavy gameplay would not truly begin to take shape until arguably Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim, the earlier entries delivered an arcade feel that was generally absent in the JRPG genre. Commercially, Ys is unlikely to ever compete on the same level as a Persona, let alone a Final Fantasy, but 2016's Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana proved the series still has a lot to offer.

5 Died Out: Golden Sun

art for the main characters of golden sun, in a hand drawn style

Out of all the "dead" franchises mentioned in this article, Golden Sun has the best chance for a revival. Be that as it may, Nintendo's handheld JRPG license released its last entry towards the end of 2010, and news about a sequel has been non-existent.

Besides offering two expansive adventures on the Game Boy Advance, Golden Sun stood out due to its emphasis on puzzle-solving and a magic system featuring an extensive collection of spells that were just as important in the overworld as they were in battle. Golden Sun might not be the most influential JRPG franchise of all time, but it is certainly unique.

4 Strong: Pokémon

Many of Pokémon's core mechanics might be reminiscent of other pre-existing JRPGs - Dragon Quest and Shin Megami Tensei, primarily - but that does not lessen the cultural impact of Game Freak's license. Even if it was not the first, Pokémon undeniably popularized the monster collecting subgenre with a wider audience, leading to the creation of competing properties such as DigimonYo-Kai Watch, and Jade Cocoon.

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One thing those series have in common is that they have never come close to matching Pokémon's cultural relevance or commercial success, something that has remained as consistent as Pokémon's gameplay.

3 Died Out: Chrono Series

Not to take anything away from Chrono Cross, but when this series is discussed relating to industry-wide influence, Chrono Trigger is the one people typically mention. Square's 1995 JRPG is perhaps the company's greatest game, a statement that is hardly said lightly.

While the combat tends to receive most of the limelight, building upon standard turn-based systems by requiring players to consider their team make-up and position in battle, Chrono Trigger was also among the first JRPGs to demonstrate a proper synergy between the player's actions and story.

2 Strong: Megami Tensei

Be it the post-apocalyptic themed main games or the stylish Persona spin-off series, Shin Megami Tensei has persisted as a consistent presence in the JRPG genre since debuting in 1987 with Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei.

Shin Megami Tensei is dark, disturbing, and typically takes place in an urban and familiar setting, albeit one overrun by demonic forces. In the '80s and '90s, Megami Tensei stood out by opting for a cyberpunk world that differed from a pure fantasy setting common among JRPGs, along with tackling themes that went against the whimsical nature of something like Dragon Quest. Shin Megami Tensei has cemented itself as a niche but beloved license.

1 Died Out: Ogre Battle/Tactics Ogre

Tactics Ogre Let Us Cling Together is one of the deepest games on Sony's handhelds

Although Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen definitely secured its place in TRPG history, 1995's Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together marked a genre high point that few have managed to surpass.

Serving as a direct influence on Final Fantasy TacticsTactics Ogre helped cement the template that would be used as a standard by most strategy titles with an isometric grid-based combat system. Putting aside a 2010 PSP port of Let Us Cling TogetherOgre Battle has not produced a new entry since 2001.

NEXT: Top 10 Best JRPGs Of The SNES Era