RPGs With The Best Combo Attacks

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Summary

  • Super Mario RPG introduced timed button presses for counterattacks and enhanced attacks.
  • Grandia added turn orders to combat and combo attacks with party members.
  • Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii features wild and funny combo attacks in battle.

Over time and through various years and decades, turn-based battle systems have been significantly enhanced and refined. A particularly exciting addition was made in the game Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars for the SNES. This innovation allowed players to counter enemy attacks and boost their own attacks using timed button presses.

Grandia is often recognized for introducing turn-based combat with order systems on the Sega Saturn. Subsequently, some games introduced combination attacks involving party members. Who pioneered this mechanic, and which games have adopted it since? Here’s a list of top games ranked by the depth and complexity of their combo attack system.

8. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii

A High Seas Action

The vast majority of Yakuza games incorporate some form of team attack, and the newest addition to this series is “Like a Dragon: Hawaii-bound Pirate Yakuza.” In combat, players can increase their Heat Meter to execute unique moves such as slamming an opponent against a wall. If a companion is nearby, the two characters will synchronize for a combo using the Heat Gauge. These attacks are typically both wild and amusing in nature.

In collaboration with Masaru, the scenario will heavily feature knives since he’s a chef, and it nearly culminates with a knife pointed at Masaru’s face. What makes it even more intriguing is that Goro has access to more flamboyant special abilities, such as conjuring mythical creatures. To put it simply, the game’s combat movesets are quite extraordinary.

7. Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Getting Into Ouroboros

In Xenoblade Chronicles 3, there’s a unique feature that allows two characters to merge, resulting in a mechanical form akin to a mech, known as an Ouroboros. The specifics of the form and abilities vary based on which characters combine through a process called Interlinking.

For instance, Noah and Mio could collaborate, and they were the primary characters in the game, both male and female. Moreover, besides collaborating, players could utilize their skills on the action bar effectively, which would enable them to create a series of attacks in sequence with other team members, confusing enemies and making combat strategies more intricate, as if implementing combos tactically.

6. Kingdom Hearts 2

The Power Of Limits

In Kingdom Hearts 2, they enhanced combat significantly compared to its predecessor by introducing numerous novel techniques. Engaging in battles would gradually fill up the Limit gauge, and the abilities activated from this gauge varied based on who was part of your team.

In the realm of Olympus Coliseum, reminiscent of Hercules’ world, I can imagine myself as a player, yearning to bring aboard Auron from Final Fantasy X. Our powerful team-up move, we could call it Overdrive, echoing its name from Final Fantasy X – a subtle tribute to the game where Limit Breaks were famously known by that title.

5. Metaphor: ReFantazio

Archetype Combos

In essence, ReFantazio transcended its role as a Persona game nestled within a medieval fantasy backdrop. It introduced concepts that the Persona team hadn’t dared to explore previously, such as an innovative class system known as Archetypes.

Each Character Archetype came equipped with a skill progression system to unveil new powers, and once these skills were unlocked, there was an opportunity to craft a Synergy Ability. Some Character Archetypes, when combined, would reveal unique abilities that wouldn’t manifest independently, such as Blizzaton – a potent ice spell. It’s worth noting that Character Archetypes weren’t exclusive to one character, giving players the freedom from character-specific limitations.

4. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Learning Synergies

In the game Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, they employed a combat system reminiscent of Metaphor: ReFantazio, which they referred to as Synergy. Each playable character had a progression path for skills, and by advancing along these paths, players could unlock various Synergy Abilities. For instance, Tifa possessed an ability called Leaping Strike, which would unfold differently in battle depending on the two options selected.

Should Tifa connect with Cloud or Red 13, she’d be sent airborne. If, on the other hand, she synergizes with Barret, Aerith, Yuffie, or Cait Sith, their attack would be a powerful uppercut. In most cases, these Synergies allowed for more flexibility, as they weren’t restricted to only two party members combining forces.

3. Sea Of Stars

A Homage To The ’90s

Sea of Stars, drawing inspiration from many beloved RPGs of the ’90s as a tribute, was not merely a trip down memory lane. This game, crafted meticulously by an independent team, stood out in various aspects – from its pixel art to its melodious soundtrack to its engaging battle system.

In combat, each character had the ability to coordinate their offensive and defensive maneuvers. There were instances of not just single, but also multiple powerful special attacks. Certain combinations proved more effective than others, allowing players to strategize about which characters to maintain in their team and which ones to replace.

2. Chrono Trigger

The OG Trendsetter

In the world of Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Chrono Trigger stood out as a pioneer, with its dungeon monsters and combat system being particularly noteworthy. It introduced weapon-specific special moves and magic, and classified all these abilities into either Techniques or Techs. Not only did it have single Techniques, but also Double Techniques and Triple Techniques that allowed party members to collaborate for powerful group attacks. This concept of cooperative special attacks is the one that inspired Sea of Stars.

One of the initial abilities is named Fire Whirlwind, where Crono transforms into a fiery whirlwind that can strike multiple opponents. Over time, this skill becomes increasingly powerful and unpredictable.

1. Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

Brotherly Love

In the game Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, they expanded upon the concepts that were first introduced in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. Now, players could use the A key to control Mario during battles and the B key for Luigi, allowing them to attack and counter enemies with both characters.

In every installment of this iconic series, I found their special attacks were a blend of familiar franchise elements, like kicking Koopa Shells or firing Fire Flowers in combat. As the bond between these RPG siblings grew, so did the intricacy and zany nature of those moves. Yet, it’s tough to beat the original game – a true masterpiece from start to finish!

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2025-05-31 05:54