New turn-based RPGs seem to be relegated to indie games and smaller mobile releases. The mechanic doesn’t seem to be as popular as it once was in the 80s and 90s, which does make sense. With new technology, developers can more easily add action combat to their RPGs.
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Take a look at one of the kings of the genre,Final Fantasy. The remake ofFinal Fantasy 7along withFinal Fantasy 15andFinal Fantasy 16all have action combat. Will a mainline game in this series ever feature turn-based combat again? It’s a mystery, but for now, it is time to celebrate this newfound interest in active combat. What JRPGs, includingFinal Fantasy, have implemented some of the best action-based systems out there?
8Muramasa: The Demon Blade
Vanillaware is worth mentioningbecause they make some of the best 2D action RPGs. One of their most underrated games isMuramasa: The Demon Blade. Players can choose two paths in the game and make their way through a Metroidvania-inspired adventure.
Both characters can wield various katanas with powers attached to them. If these abilities are used too much, the swords will break and have to be repaired via a cooldown meter. This is the game for fans of beautiful art and wicked ninja action.
7Persona 5 Strikers
Persona 5 Strikersis a spinoff and sequel to the main game but it is also a spinoff ofDynasty Warriors. It’s that style of game wherein characters fight hordes of enemies onscreen. It is the most refined hack-and-slash game within Koei Tecmo’s licensed spinoffs. That’s because Atlus worked closely with them to add some key elements to make it feel like a true direct sequel.
Personas and magic can still be used in battle to catch enemies off guard and the catchy dialogue and mysterious story are present. The only thing missing is co-op, which would have made the action combat even more fun.
6Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom
The first game in the series wasa turn-basedPokemonclonewherein players caught monsters called Familiars.Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdomtransformed the combat into action, and allowed more characters to be playable. Little critters can still help the main party out in battle, but they aren’t the main focus.
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It’s a good combination of new and old with some of the finest cel-shading in RPGs. Even though Studio Ghibli didn’t work on this one, it still looks like one of their iconic films.
5Dark Cloud 2
Dark Cloud 2is anaction RPGwith randomized dungeons and a town-building mechanic. That’s a unique blend of genres and the two heroes, Max and Monica, had a blend as well when it came to their powers.
Max could attack things with a wrench and blast from his gun. He could also drive a mech he built called Steve, which could be customized with all sorts of gear. Monica had a blade and could use magic as her ranged attack. She could also learn to transform into monsters and wield their powers.
4Castlevania: Dawn Of Sorrow
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrowis aMetroidvania at its core, which means there are RPG elements. It is the best one of these in this series as it improves upon everything that came before it. Soma Cruz, the hero, can wield a nauseating amount of weapons from swords to spears.
He can gain new transversal abilities and he can learn monster attacks randomly too. It’s similar to Pokemon in that players will be encouraged to learn every monster’s attack before the credits role.
3Final Fantasy 7 Remake
Final Fantasy 7 Remakegave fans a fun blend of new and old. The original game was turn-based, which was still accessible albeit in a hybrid form here. Combat instead focused more on action, with each character playing differently in battle except that they could all usemagic via Materia.
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Cloud, for example, was the big heavy thanks to his giant blade while Tifa was lightning fast with her fists. There has not been a better action entry in the series to date and hopefully,Final Fantasy 7 Rebirthcan improve more or at least keep the status quo.
2Kingdom Hearts 3
Kingdom Hearts 3is the combat pinnacle for the series so far. Fans can play the game the same way they have since the first iteration on PS2. Smashing the attack button will work wonders but there is no fun in that. Players should be encouraged to try out all of the new systems instead, such as the Keyblade transformations.
These can turn Sora’s trusty weapon into a drill or giant hammer, for example. Classic Disney Park attractions can also be used in battle such as the famous Teacups, or Merry Go Round. It’s a brightcolorful action RPGwith a chaotic battle system that is hard not to get engrossed in.
1The World Ends With You
The World Ends With Youis one of those types of RPGs that has to be experienced to be understood. When itlaunched on the DS, players controlled the main character, Neku, on the bottom screen with the Stylus. They could equip pins that could be activated in battle with various functions. A slash of the Stylus could cut an enemy, for example.
On the top screen, Neku’s rotating partner could be controlled with the D-Pad and face buttons. It was a bit hard to get at first, but practice made perfect for one of the wildest games Square Enix ever produced on a handheld.
