One captivating aspect of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) lies in their class systems. For instance, the original “Final Fantasy” was a turn-based JRPG that allowed players to tailor their four characters with roles such as Monks, White Mages, Thieves, and more on the NES. As the series progressed, so did its complexity, with later games in the genre following suit.
Furthermore, playing turn-based JRPGs with class systems offers players multiple opportunities to explore different strategies, thereby providing numerous incentives for repeated play. So, which turn-based JRPGs boast the most engaging class systems? A ranking will be established based on the overall quality of the game and its diverse character classes.
Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge Of The Seven
A Hidden Remake
The classic game, Romancing Saga 2, first hit Japanese SNES consoles back in 1993, but initially didn’t reach Western audiences. However, fast forward to 2024, and we saw the return of this beloved title with an enhanced version called Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven, which significantly expanded upon the original gameplay.
Just like in other games from the SaGa series, players progress in an unconventional way by enhancing their abilities via repeated actions with weapons related to their classes. Characters occupy a throne, and they eventually perish, passing on their class-based skills to their descendants. This inheritance mechanism can be challenging to understand until players immerse themselves in the gameplay.
Blue Dragon
Following Shadows
On the Xbox 360, the game named Blue Dragon made quite an impact, marking Hironobu Sakaguchi’s comeback to role-playing games (RPGs) after his departure from Square Enix. Notably, Akira Toriyama, known for his work on Dragon Ball, was also part of the project. Although the game maintained turn-based gameplay, there was an unexpected twist introduced to it.
As characters progressed, they would receive entities known as Shadows, which reflected different character classes. These Shadows could learn various forms of magic such as Black Magic or White Magic, or master swordsmanship and other skills. While the class system wasn’t complex, summoning a Shadow to attack in combat was just as impressive as invoking a Persona from that well-known franchise.
Etrian Odyssey 4: Legends Of The Titan
Dungeon Defying
The game titled “Etrian Odyssey 4: Legends of the Titan” is a turn-based dungeon exploration game that might appeal particularly to fans who enjoy Soulslikes. Although it offers a challenging experience, this first installment on the 3DS incorporates certain user-friendly features to make it more approachable for newcomers to the series.
In the world of Etrian Odyssey games, the character classes often have unique names, yet they fit into familiar archetypes. mastering the placement of each party member is crucial for survival. For example, a Landsknecht resembles a sword knight, Bushi acts like a samurai, and Runemaster behaves similarly to a mage.
In Etrian Odyssey games, character classes sometimes have peculiar names, but they adhere to common roles. It’s essential to know how to arrange party members for survival, as a Landsknecht resembles a sword knight, Bushi acts like a samurai, and Runemaster behaves similarly to a mage.
Final Fantasy 10-2
Dance It Up
In a more relaxed and conversational tone: Final Fantasy X-2 might seem the most lighthearted of the series, with its three leading characters seemingly enjoying themselves like they’re on holiday. Despite this playful atmosphere, the gameplay is quite profound as this sequel introduced a class system centered around items known as Dresspheres.
Yuna, Rikku, and Paine have the ability to switch their character classes during combat, offering a variety of options such as Warrior, White Mage, Thief, Trainer (with animal companions), and Songstress (enhancing the pop aesthetic) in this delightfully bubbly JRPG reminiscent of classic Final Fantasy games.
Bravely Default: Flying Fairy
Classic Final Fantasy Leveled Up
The enchanting game, Bravely Default: Flying Fairy, initially enchanted the Nintendo 3DS with its captivating JRPG elements, later upgraded for the Switch 2. This makes the system a worthwhile purchase indeed. For fans longing for the classic Final Fantasy Job systems, this game is a delightful reminiscence, and in several aspects, Square Enix truly excelled themselves.
The game Bravely Default: Flying Fairy offers a variety of roles for its characters, including conventional ones such as Knight, Monk, and Red Mage, but also unconventional ones like Pirate, Vampire, and Salve-Maker. One unique feature is that skills can be shared between different classes, providing greater flexibility in customizing the four main heroes.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Combo-Based Classes
As a devoted gamer immersed in the world of ReFantazio, let me tell you about an exciting feature that has made my gaming experience truly remarkable. This game offers a unique system called Archetypes, and here’s what I love most about it: First off, characters can grow and upgrade their Archetypes, transforming them into more powerful versions. Take the Mage character for instance; they have the option to evolve into a Wizard, Elemental, or Warlock, each with its unique abilities that set them apart!
In this role-playing game designed by the creators of Persona at Atlus, a knight has the potential to specialize and transform into a Magic Knight, Paladin, or Dark Knight. Additionally, some character archetypes can combine their abilities during combat, increasing the strategic depth of this class-based system.
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Party In The USA
Infinite Wealth” is the second game in the Yakuza series that adopts turn-based combat with character classes. Unlike typical JRPGs, these classes include unconventional jobs such as Linebacker, Pyrodancer, and Tennis Ace, reflecting the series’ unique blend of absurdity.
From unleashing fiery attacks on enemy groups to bringing down foes with powerful grapples, the game’s heroes embody their illusions just as players should embrace their own in-game abilities.
Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels Of The Starry Skies
Take Turns With Friends
In contrast to many turn-based games, Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels of the Starry Skies boasts a multiplayer feature. At the game’s outset, players personalize their character before assembling a team from common Dragon Quest professions such as Mage, Martial Artist, and Paladin. As characters acquire skills, they enhance the overall level of the character, and the ability to learn skills from different vocations, known as cross-classing, was a unique aspect of the game.
In this revised version, let me rephrase the sentence for you: The most exciting aspect is that players don’t necessarily have to use three pre-made characters to help the hero. Instead, they can ask up to three friends to join them in the game. The combination of character development through Vocations and the introduction of cooperative play make Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels of the Starry Skies a fantastic illustration of how even an established series like Dragon Quest can adapt and grow over decades.
Read More
- Violence District Killer and Survivor Tier List
- All Data Pad Locations (Week 1) Destiny 2
- All Mafia The Old Country Returning Characters
- Mafia: The Old Country – Interactive Map (Sicily)
- Top 8 UFC 5 Perks Every Fighter Should Use
- Meet SAKAMOTO DAYS’ Deadly New Villains: 4 Death Row Killers Ready to Cause Chaos!
- German Twitch streamer goes viral for playing Elden Ring & Street Fighter at a rave
- Prestige Perks in Space Marine 2: A Grind That Could Backfire
- Top 5 Unreal Engine 5 Games with Incredible Performance
- Unleash Devastation: Top Rupture Teams to Dominate in Limbus Company!
2025-08-15 06:07