Japanese gamers have shared their favorite games in a new survey, and the results highlight a clear preference for role-playing games (RPGs). Despite the growing influence of Japanese culture in the West, there remains a significant divide in gaming tastes between regions.
Survey Overview
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Japanese magazine Famitsu conducted a nationwide survey with over 5,000 respondents. The survey asked about the most influential games, most desired sequels, and games players spent the most time on. Nintendo emerged as the favorite developer, while Mario was voted the favorite gaming character.
Most Influential Games
The original Dragon Quest was named the most influential game, ahead of Final Fantasy 7, Dragon Quest 3, and Pokémon Red and Green. Dragon Quest's dominance is unsurprising given its role in popularizing Japanese RPGs, drawing inspiration from Western titles like Ultima and Wizardry.
Most Desired Sequels and Remakes
Dragon Quest also topped the list of series for which players most want a new game or sequel, followed by Persona, Dragon Quest Builders, and the Tales Of series. Notably, GTA 6 did not appear. For remakes and remasters, Chrono Trigger was the most requested, followed by Xenogears, Pokémon Black and White, and Final Fantasy 8.
Time Spent and Favorites
Final Fantasy 14 was the game players spent the most time on, followed by Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G (known as Monster Hunter Freedom Unite in the West). Zelda: Breath of the Wild topped two categories: favorite game to recommend and game to play again if memory were lost.
Full Survey Results
- Most influential game: Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy 7, Dragon Quest 3, Pokémon Red/Green, Dragon Quest 5, Final Fantasy 10, Chrono Trigger, Super Mario Bros., Kingdom Hearts, Resident Evil
- Most influential series: Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Pokémon, Mario, Persona, Monster Hunter, Tales of, Zelda, Metal Gear, Kingdom Hearts
- Most wanted new game/sequel: Dragon Quest, Persona, Dragon Quest Builders, Tales of, Suikoden, Ace Attorney, Zelda, NieR, Sengoku Basara, Metal Gear
- Most requested remake/remaster: Chrono Trigger, Xenogears, Pokémon Black/White, Final Fantasy 8, Tales of the Abyss, Persona 2, Sakura Wars, Final Fantasy 9, Dragon Quest 9, Final Fantasy 6
- Game spent most time on: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Final Fantasy 14, Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G, Final Fantasy 9, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Dragon Quest 10, Minecraft, Apex Legends, Final Fantasy 7, Splatoon 2
- Game to play again if memory lost: Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Chrono Trigger, Steins;Gate, Final Fantasy 10, Final Fantasy 7, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, Undertale, Dragon Quest, Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc, Dragon Quest 3
In essence, Japan values adventure with anime-inspired characters, while the West leans toward war simulations and competitive sports. The survey underscores the enduring appeal of RPGs in Japanese gaming culture.
