Best Action JRPGs On Handhelds

Best Action JRPGs On Handhelds

Highlights

  • Handheld action RPGs are often part of bigger franchises and can feature faster combat and more depth.
  • Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep offers seamless combat and an intricate story, maintaining high quality on handheld devices.
  • Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 is a straightforward action RPG that expands on the lore of FF7.

As a seasoned gamer who has spent countless hours navigating through various consoles and game genres, I must say that the games listed here are truly reminiscent of simpler times – a golden era when innovation met accessibility.


Role-playing games offer numerous appealing aspects, but they might seem a bit sluggish for certain individuals. To enhance the pace, Action RPGs emphasize more immersive combat experiences while preserving all the usual components players are accustomed to. However, not every excellent action RPG is available on primary consoles; some remarkable ones have been specifically developed for handheld gaming devices.

Many handheld action RPGs originate from larger franchise series, which also have mainline games designed for high-end consoles. These franchises often branch out into various mediums such as comics, movies, or even the handheld gaming sector. While initially developed exclusively for handheld devices, many of these games can now be played on more convenient platforms.

5 Ys: Memories Of Celceta

Fast-Paced Combat & Lots Of Lore To Explore

Best Action JRPGs On Handhelds

Memories of Celceta is one installment in the extended Ys collection of video games. The game boasts a swift and intricate battle system that becomes increasingly complex as the narrative unfolds. Engaging with non-player characters (NPCs) never feels tiresome, contributing to the smooth progression of the storyline’s evolution. The main character, who suffers from amnesia, gradually recovers fragments of his forgotten memories throughout the game, ultimately unlocking more potent abilities as the story unfolds.

On my gaming journey, fresh characters will join the fray, each one bringing their unique perks to the table. Initially launched for the PlayStation Vita, this title has since been ported to PC and PS4 as well. So, if you’re a fan of the more recent versions in this series, you can now relive the classic experience on modern gaming platforms.

4 Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep

A Streamlined Kingdom Hearts Experience

Best Action JRPGs On Handhelds

Kingdom Hearts, renowned for its distinctive identity among action RPGs, presents an intricate story across every installment. It masterfully blends elements from cherished Disney personalities with a strong Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG) influence. In this latest addition to the series, players assume control over three entirely fresh characters, each wielding a keyblade.

As a long-time fan of the Kingdom Hearts series, I have played my fair share of games from this beloved franchise. So when I booted up Birth by Sleep, I wasn’t expecting much since it was initially released for a handheld device. Boy, was I wrong! This game feels like a fully-fledged title that could easily stand alongside other Kingdom Hearts games. The story and voice acting are top-notch, making the experience even more immersive.

3 Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7

A Prequel To Final Fantasy 7 With A Unique Combat System

Best Action JRPGs On Handhelds

As a longtime fan of the Final Fantasy series, I must admit that I was initially skeptical about “Crisis Core -Final Fantasy 7- Reunion” due to my fond memories of the original turn-based gameplay on the first PlayStation. However, after playing this spin-off action RPG, I have come to appreciate its unique take on the franchise.

The game, “Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7,” primarily focuses on the character Zack Fair, a comrade of Cloud Strife, both being former members of the SOLDIER program. This title effectively enriches the universe’s backstory while maintaining an engaging narrative. Important details for fans not to miss are abundant in this game.

2 Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate

Still Looks & Feels Great To This Very Day

Best Action JRPGs On Handhelds

In the world of Nintendo 3DS, Monster Hunter 4 is one of the many offerings within the Monster Hunter series. This game later evolved into a more advanced version called Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, known as Monster Hunter 4G in Japan. The charm of these Monster Hunter games lies in the feature that allows you to invite your friends to form a hunting party and embark on a joint quest to slay some of the most colossal monsters featured across all the games. Initially, this was done via an online connection; however, after the servers were discontinued, this aspect is no longer possible.

The enhanced edition provides a wealth of additional features beyond the initial release, such as introducing two fresh weapon categories to discover. Moreover, it offers new locations and creatures for those who’ve already completed everything in the first game. Fortunately, veterans needn’t start anew, as the updated version is compatible with save files from the original game.

1 The World Ends With You

Combat Heavily Relies On The Use Of The DS Stylus

Best Action JRPGs On Handhelds

The World Ends With You” initially appeared on the Nintendo DS instead of a primary console platform. A follow-up was released on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch many years afterwards. The game effectively leverages the distinctive capabilities of the Nintendo DS, employing a stylus on a touchscreen for its combat system. Players engage enemies and navigate by tapping and swiping on the screen, and they utilize the stylus to press buttons for using items and triggering abilities as well.”

The popular game, “The World Ends with You,” has been upgraded for the Nintendo Switch as “The World Ends with You: Final Remix.” This version offers players the chance to immerse themselves in the story while providing a significantly changed gameplay experience compared to the original – similar to the way the Switch version of “Skyward Sword” does.

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2024-08-01 05:04