Final Fantasy X Crowned Most Emotional RPG in Japanese Poll of 4,700 Gamers

Tears streamed down the faces of Japanese players as they relived the heart-wrenching journey of Tidus and Yuna. In a sweeping poll of over 4,700 gamers conducted by Japanese magazine Denfami, Square Enix’s classic Final Fantasy X emerged as the undisputed champion of emotional impact, with participants citing its profound narrative and unforgettable character bonds as primary reasons for their tears. Published August 15, 2025, the survey reveals how RPGs transcend entertainment to become deeply personal emotional experiences.

Why Did Final Fantasy X Resonate So Deeply?

As the first fully voice-acted entry in the franchise, Final Fantasy X leveraged groundbreaking storytelling techniques to forge unprecedented player connections. Survey participants described lingering emotional attachments years after playing. “I empathized with every character,” shared one respondent. “They still appear in my dreams, alive in my heart.” Another noted, “The storyline’s devastating beauty makes crying unavoidable.”

The game’s exploration of sacrifice, spiritual duty, and ephemeral love—culminating in Yuna’s ghostly embrace of Tidus during the Lake Macalania scene—created a narrative perfect storm. RPG historian Dr. Akihiro Saito (author of Digital Catharsis: Gaming and Emotion) explains: “FFX weaponizes vulnerability. Its themes of accepting loss while cherishing transient moments mirror real grief cycles, triggering authentic tears.” The game’s iconic “Hymn of the Fayth” soundtrack further amplified emotional responses, embedding scenes into players’ memories.

Which Other RPGs Topped the Tear-Jerker List?

Six Final Fantasy titles dominated the top 20, confirming the franchise’s storytelling prowess:

• Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (#2): Zack Fair’s heroic sacrifice left players shattered.
• Final Fantasy IX (#8): Vivi’s existential journey and the “You’re Not Alone” sequence provoked sobs.
• Final Fantasy XV (#10): Noctis’ farewell to Lunafreya broke hearts globally.

Beyond Square Enix, other standouts included:

• Persona 3 (#3): Its themes of mortality and camaraderie moved players to “find their own answers.”
• Okami (#4): Amaterasu’s restoration of hope in Nippon stirred quiet tears.
• Nier: Automata (#12): 2B and 9S’s tragic cycle of loss resonated deeply.

Notably, cult classics like Mother 3 (#5) and Undertale (#13) proved indie narratives could rival AAA emotional depth.

How Did Denfami Capture This Data?

Denfami conducted its survey between May-July 2025, targeting Japanese gamers aged 18-45. Participants ranked games based on intensity of emotional response, with optional testimonials explaining their choices. Methodology prioritized:

1. Diverse representation: Poll included console/PC/mobile RPG players.
2. Anonymity: Encouraged candid responses about vulnerable moments.
3. Genre balance: Covered turn-based, action-RPGs, and narrative adventures.

The results highlight RPGs’ unique power to fuse gameplay with cathartic storytelling—a trend developers increasingly prioritize. As Famitsu reported in 2024, 68% of Japanese gamers now value “emotional engagement” over gameplay mechanics in RPGs.

Final Fantasy X’s victory underscores gaming’s evolution into a legitimate storytelling medium capable of profound emotional impact. Two decades after its release, its tale of love, loss, and acceptance continues to resonate—proving that pixels and polygons can touch the soul as deeply as any novel or film. If you’ve never wept at a video game, prepare your tissues and experience Spira’s journey firsthand.

Must Know

Q: What makes RPGs uniquely emotional compared to other genres?
A: RPGs’ extended playtime (often 50+ hours) allows deep character bonding. Their interactive nature creates personal stakes—players’ decisions directly influence outcomes, making losses or sacrifices feel intensely personal.

Q: Did any non-Japanese RPGs make the list?
A: Yes, Western-developed Undertale (#13) ranked highly for its pacifist route’s emotional payoff. However, Japanese studios dominated 19 of the top 20 slots, reflecting regional preferences for narrative-driven gameplay.

Q: How has technology impacted emotional storytelling in games?
A: Motion capture, voice acting (pioneered by FFX), and orchestral scores now convey subtle emotions previously impossible. Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020) demonstrated how modern tech can heighten classic stories’ emotional weight.

Q: Are “sad games” becoming more popular?
A: Absolutely. Square Enix’s 2024 fiscal report noted a 40% sales increase for narrative-focused remasters like Crisis Core Reunion. Players increasingly seek meaningful, cathartic experiences beyond escapism.

Q: Where can I play these tear-jerking RPGs today?
A: Most are accessible on modern platforms:

• Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster (Switch/PS/PC)
• Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion (multi-platform)
• Persona 3 Reload (Xbox/PS/PC)