Best Turn-Based JRPGs On The Nintendo 3DS, Ranked

As a longtime fan of RPGs, I’ve had the pleasure of playing some truly exceptional games on the Nintendo 3DS. Having grown up with the original Nintendo and experiencing the evolution of role-playing games, I can confidently say that these titles stand out as some of the best in the genre.

Nintendo’s 3DS might be its last handheld-exclusive console, marking an impressive end to the line with an exceptional array of RPG games. For instance, the tactical RPG “Fire Emblem Awakening” revived the franchise and took it to new heights. Now, the series has never been more popular.

Another great strategy RPG was Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked which was a port from the DS but still good. Both of those examples technically have turn-based combat but on tactical grids. Let’s shrink down the scale and look at some more traditional turn-based RPGs on the 3DS.

8 Yo-Kai Watch

Pokemon But With Ghosts

Best Turn-Based JRPGs On The Nintendo 3DS, Ranked

Platforms: 3DS, Android, iOS, Switch
Released: November 6, 2015 (3DS version, NA)
Developer: Level-5
Metacritic Score: 76

Level-5’s creation, Yo-Kai Watch, can be seen as their follow-up to Pokemon, given that they previously developed the Ni no Kuni series. This game caters more to the Pokemon fanbase due to its accessibility for children. Rather than navigating a fictional world and capturing creatures, players use a unique watch to catch ghosts in various Japanese districts instead.

In this game, battles became more routine and players had the ability to assemble a team, similar to that of a typical role-playing game. It’s an engaging monster-catching RPG, and its anime adaptation is quite enjoyable too.

7 Dragon Quest 7: Fragments Of The Forgotten Past

A Remake Correcting The Wrongs Of The PS1

Best Turn-Based JRPGs On The Nintendo 3DS, Ranked

Metacritic Score: 81

The best experience of Dragon Quest 7: Fragments of the Forgotten Past (on 3DS) is recommended. When this game came out on PS1 in North America in 2001, it seemed outdated due to its graphics and complex mechanics related to ancient tablets that were hard to grasp.

After amassing the necessary tablets, they could shift the gathering around to different eras. The 3DS version of the game resolved many tablet-related problems, enhancing the time-travel aspect. The core combat and Vocation system remained strong, characteristic of a Dragon Quest production.

6 Mario And Luigi: Dream Team

In Luigi’s Dreams, He Is The Star

Metacritic Score: 81

In “Mario and Luigi: Dream Team” for the 3DS, Luigi was the leading character for the first time in this role-playing game series. He would fall asleep on a magical pillow, enabling Mario to enter Luigi’s dreams. As Dream Luigi, they teamed up to tackle puzzles and confront enemies through lively turn-based battles.

In the dream world, they found solutions to the challenges they faced on the stranded island. Alongside these problem-solving tasks, the majority of their creativity was dedicated to this fantastical realm. The sight of Luigi transforming into various objects, such as clouds or a ball swarming with clones, brought endless delight.

5 Shin Megami Tensei 4

Samurai Fall From The Heavens In This Post-Apocalypse

Metacritic Score: 83

the representation of heaven as resembling feudal Japan.

As a gamer, I can tell you this: I’m no longer just a player, I’m a samurai on a mission to vanquish demons in a far-off land. But the twist comes when we finally descend from the heavens and find ourselves in the desolate remains of post-apocalyptic Japan. The gameplay gets even more intriguing here as I summon demons to do battle, but also explore the ruins of my once familiar homeland as a dungeon crawler. The moody atmosphere engulfs me completely, making every step forward both thrilling and nerve-wracking.

4 Etrian Odyssey 4: Legends Of The Titan

A Dungeon Crawler Worthy Of A Challenge

Metacritic Score: 84

As a passionate gamer, I’ve had the pleasure of diving into another gripping RPG titled Etrian Odyssey 4: Legends of the Titan. This masterpiece, crafted by Atlus, is not for the faint-hearted. It belongs to the Soulslike genre, known for its unforgiving difficulty. While there’s a tale to be told, make no mistake – the gameplay takes center stage in this series.

In a random party formation, players can combine various characters with distinct classes. A harmonious group consisting of fighters for combat, healers for recovery, and mages for elemental magic can significantly reduce the fear factor in dungeons. However, it’s crucial to maintain caution and not let overconfidence hinder progress. One misstep could lead to failure, adding thrill to the dungeon-crawling experience.

3 Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology

A Time Traveling Paradox

Metacritic Score: 85

Atlas is once again igniting excitement with “Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology” – a revamped version of the original DS game. Enhancements have been made for this release on the New 3DS. The narrative revolves around Stocke, an ordinary soldier who stumbles upon a peculiar book that allows him to rewind time.

Reversing the flow of time can be just as impactful on a story’s progression as it can be during combat. In battle, characters can arrange themselves in formations and string together combos to bring down enemies swiftly. The game may seem complex at first, but its innovative use of time is nothing short of inspiring.

2 Bravely Default

The Rebirth Of Final Fantasy

Metacritic Score: 85

Bravely Default was a spiritual successor to Final Fantasy. It had all of the classic trappings including a Job system and a story revolving around elemental crystals. The party was condensed down to four characters, giving players ample time to get to know them all.

The jobs were not the only exciting feature; instead, it was the Brave and Default systems that granted additional turns to players which added an extra layer of depth. Moreover, players had the flexibility to control the frequency of random encounters, offering a wide range of customization options from exploring the world to engaging in combat.

1 Pokemon X/Y

Pokemon Learn to Mega Evolve

Metacritic Score: 88 (Y)

The initial releases of Pokemon X and Pokemon Y for the 3DS marked a significant advancement in the Pokemon series, following the footsteps of influential games like Pokemon Gold and Pokemon Silver. These titles introduced several notable enhancements, although they didn’t fully transition to 3D graphics. The perspective was altered enough to create a more expansive gaming experience.

In the latest Pokemon version, Mega Evolutions stood out as a significant addition, enabling certain Pokemon to undergo a temporary transformation. Similar to past Pokemon games, the enjoyment came from amassing numerous new and classic creatures for trading and engaging in straightforward turn-based battles with friends.

2024-07-19 11:44