Before the HD era, free games didn't exist other than getting demos on disc from magazines or other promotions. The idea of free-to-play games was great in the first HD era, but many of these games had a stigma attached to them. Although it was technically “free,” players had to pay in some way to enjoy it.
Fast forward a few years, and free-to-play games are now some of the industry's most beloved games, with many of the best games coming from Chinese and Korean developers. Some examples are: genshin impact, Genless Zone Zeroand storm waves. Are there any Japanese free-to-play RPGs that once dominated the industry? If you're a Steam fan, the answer is yes. Here's what you should definitely check out:
Persona 5: Phantom
Another side story in Tokyo
Persona 5: Phantom It's somewhere between a sequel and a “what if” scenario. Players are introduced to a new character codenamed Wonder who gains powers similar to those of The Phantom Thieves. Corruption is spreading again across Japan. Players must investigate the new palace to appease the villains.
Gameplay is similar to Palaces in the real world, with turn-based combat again. The party can be made up of story characters or characters obtained through a gacha-based lottery. It may be different, but it definitely feels real. persona 5 experience. It was released on mobile devices and Steam in early 2025, and also runs quite well on the Steam Deck.
Final Fantasy 7: Ever Crisis
remake everything
Final Fantasy 7: Ever Crisis is another remake project. final fantasy 7However, its scale is less than: Final Fantasy 7 Remake and rebirth. Additionally, the included games are more faithful to the original story. Released for mobile devices and Steam in 2023, Final Fantasy 7: Ever Crisis The goal is to remake everything final fantasy 7 You can still enjoy the game in the compilation, albeit through smaller sized chunks.
Starting in 2023, the game added many scenarios with a chapter-based setting. Although some of these games were action-based, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7It's now turn-based to keep everything uniform. Additionally, characters in combat can be dressed up in cool outfits, which is a nice customization option. Lastly, this game works great on Steam Deck.
Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis
Ongoing MMO
Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis This is the latest name based on recent patches to modernize the gameplay. It started simply Phantasy Star Online 2 It was released on PC in Japan in 2012. North America had to wait until 2020 to play it, which is surprising considering the first game was very popular on the Dreamcast and other systems.
In the West, online The series is probably the most well-known entry. Phantasy Star The entire series. Still, this action RPG has great co-op options across Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles. Players can gather parties and hunt large monsters to collect loot in short missions. Unfortunately, the game doesn't run well on Steam Deck because it's so powerful.
Yu-Gi-Oh! duel link
free the dragon
Gamers who have played more than once Yu-Gi-Oh! They probably know what they're doing in this game before they play it. Yu-Gi-Oh! duel link It was released in North America in 2017, a year after Japan. Players can download it from mobile devices, Steam, and it also works with Steam Deck.
It's a collectible card game that follows rules established years ago. The goal is to deplete your opponent's HP through incredibly fantastic cards. The game's biggest draw is its crossover appeal between the various anime adaptations, but to get the best cards, players will have to grind out that sweet money and pay Konami.
Bleach: Brave Souls
Play as your favorite Soul Reaper
Bleach: Brave Souls It was first released on mobile devices in North America in 2016, a year after the game was released in Japan. PC players became able to play the game in 2020, and since then there have also been console ports available on Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox systems. It can be run on a regular Switch, but strangely it cannot be accessed on Steam Deck.
Port history aside, Bleach: Brave Souls is very similar to the mobile game, with missions lasting no longer than 5 minutes. Players can unlock numerous heroes and villains to play and level up. bleach Star Ichigo to the more outrageous Kenpachi. It's a hack and slash game with not much depth, but it might be fun for anime fans.
Tribe Nine
Play before it's gone
Tribe Nine It was released on Steam and mobile devices on February 20, 2025, so there is a linked time window. It runs on Steam Deck and players will only have until November 27, 2025 before it is retired. Thankfully, many of the painful gacha-based mechanics are no longer in the way, thanks to a final campaign that allows players to enjoy it even more.
Based on the 2022 animation, Tribe Nine It's based on a character who gets trapped in a game similar to a more extreme version of baseball. Players can explore the world with detailed pixel sprites, but action-based gameplay provides even more detailed models for combat. Pan Danganronpa As part of the team that helped develop the series, you can enjoy the art and story premise. Tribe Nine. Despite being a free game, it is one of the hidden gems of 2025.
