The last decade brought us a wonderful collection of games in just about every genre you can think of. Japanese role-playing games, in particular, started to see a rise in popularity with the release of a new multiplayer-focused Monster Hunter World and the massive appeal of series like Dark Souls. As the decade progressed, the genre filled up with several critically acclaimed titles packed with memorable gameplay.

Whether you are looking for a more classic turn-based JRPG or a story packed with fantasy elements and strong characters, the games below are sure to capture your heart. Below are the top ten JRPGs of the decade, according to Metacritic.

10 Monster Hunter World (90)

Monster Hunter World was released on consoles in January of 2018. The game featured tons of new and returning features to the series along with a heavy focus on multiplayer that allowed you to take on hunts with your friends. The game also allows for players to play completely solo, and the monsters are scaled in difficulty according to the number of players in your party.

When Monster Hunter World was released, it was met with praise from critics and players alike. The game currently has a Metacritic score of 90.

9 The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Of Cold Steel II (90)

Trails Of Cold Steel II picks up after the first game left off. The story follows Rean as he travels the lands in an attempt to reunite his friends in order to stop a civil war. The game also features a similar turn-based fighting system to its predecessor. Trails of Cold Steel II keeps the romance building mechanics, and the choices you made in the previous game can affect your relationships with other characters.

Trails of Cold Steel II scored higher than the first entree in the series earning a 90 on Metacritic.

8 NieR : Automata (91)

NieR: Automata is the most recent entree in the Drakengard Saga. While NieR was set to be a spin-off, it is easily the most popular of title to ever be released in the series. The story follows the adventures of 2B and 9S as they help clear the way for the resistance. The combat is done in real-time with action-based elements that lead the player to indulge in intense, fast-paced fights that will test their skills.

NieR: Automata surprised many games with its fun gameplay and intertwining stories. The game earned a 91 on Metacritic and has since launched a game of the year edition.

7 Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition (91)

Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age- Definitive Edition adds in new story elements along with a harder difficulty. The Definitive Edition also allows players the ability to toggle between the HD and 2D graphics along with the option to revisit classic locations from past Dragon Quest titles.

The game keeps the same beloved turn-based combat and story while expanding on the game to give returning players plenty of new content. The added features earned this game a 91 on Metacritic.

6 Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers (91)

Final Fantasy XIV is one of the most popular MMORPGs in the world. The game has millions of players all across the world. In-game events are regularly held, and expansions are regularly released that help to expand on the story of the game. Shadowbringers was the last expansion of the decade that added in two new cities, three new tribes, and five new areas for players to explore and battle in.

The expansion overtook many other JRPGs on the list thanks to the intriguing story elements and earned a 91 on Metacritic.

5 Dark Souls II (91)

Dark Souls II was launched earlier in the decade in March of 2013. The story centers around the player character who is cursed to die and be reborn in an endless cycle. In an attempt to break the curse, you travel to Drangleic to gather the four great souls. Dark Souls II is known for its unforgiving combat and dark world that tests player’s patience and skills against the monsters lurking throughout the world.

Dark Souls II is still a widely popular game and even earned a complete edition in 2014 named Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin. The game’s frustrating gameplay and dark world earned it a 91 on Metacritic.

4 Fire Emblem: Awakening (92)

Fire Emblem: Awakening was released for the Nintendo DS in 2012. The game followed the story of Chrom, Robin, and Lucina who has traveled back in time. The group concentrates on trying to take down Gangrel before calamity befalls the world. The game features deep strategy RPG mechanics along with a romance system that lets you pair up warriors to great future soldiers to use in battle. Players can experiment with matching up different characters during their playthrough, to create powerful offspring.

Fire Emblem: Awakening became one of the most popular titles in the franchise earning it a Metacritic score of 92.

3 Xenoblade Chronicles (92)

Xenoblade Chronicles debuted on the Wii U at the start of the decade. The game features the protagonist Shulk who embarks on a quest on revenge with the Monado, a powerful weapon that allows the young man to see into the future. Xenoblade features a real-time battle system and an open world map for players to explore.

Xenoblade Chronicles featured an affinity system for NPCs that allowed you to deepen your relationship with your favorite characters. This lead to a more robust world with deep character development landing the game a 92 on Metacritic.

2 Persona 4: Golden (93)

Persona 4: Golden is the definitive version of Persona 4 that features an expanded story and improved gameplay elements. The game revolves around a group of high school students who discover the Midnight Channel. The main character Yu helps his friends investigate the channel to uncover the truth surrounding the murders occurring in his town.

Like most Persona games, Persona 4 features turn-based combat that relies on players collecting powerful Personas to progress through levels. The game earned a 93 out on Metacritic, making it the second-highest scoring JRPG of the decade.

1 Persona 5 (93)

Released in 2016, Persona 5 has become the top-scoring JRPG of the decade. The game features stylish turn-based combat and visuals, along with a deep story. In Persona 5, you play as Joker and his group of Phantom Thieves as they try to steal the hearts of corrupted adults. Persona 5 also allows you to roam around a recreation of Tokyo, Japan to fill your social skills and become closer with one of the many in-game characters.

Persona 5 stole the hearts of critics and players around the world earning it a score of 93 on Metacritic.

NEXT: 10 Games To Play If You Love Persona 3