Turn-Based JRPGs Worth Playing Just For Their Battle Systems

Turn-Based JRPGs Worth Playing Just For Their Battle Systems

As someone who’s spent countless hours immersed in the digital worlds of these games, I can confidently say that each one offers a unique and engaging turn-based combat system.


For quite some time, I found myself immersed in the familiar rhythm of turn-based role-playing games (JRPGs). In the ’80s, titles like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy were trailblazers, setting the stage for countless hours of adventure. However, even these pioneering series seemed to hit a plateau, sticking to their winning formula. The gameplay revolved around assembling a party, engaging in turn-based combat using menus against both monstrous and human adversaries.

To this day, many Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) still adhere to this classic formula, with varying degrees of success or failure. Over time, some have dared to be unique and experimental with the idea. These JRPGs are worth playing for those who didn’t experience them when they first came out. They will provide turn-based strategy enthusiasts with a sense of familiarity coupled with something fresh.

8 Bravely Default 2

Cross-classing Between Jobs To Make The Ultimate Party

In “Bravely Default 2”, the developers made significant enhancements, yet managed to maintain the familiar feel of its predecessor. You’ll encounter four protagonists in this adventure, each capable of adopting numerous roles such as mages and warriors. As you progress, your characters can learn skills that can be combined with others, allowing you to develop cross-class characters and build a formidable team. The gameplay revolves around turns, but it’s not your typical turn-based system. The Brave or Default mechanism lets you accumulate points for extra turns or opt to fortify your position by saving these points for defense.

7 Chrono Trigger

Using Characters To Trigger Stylish Combos

Chrono Trigger represented a significant advancement for turn-based RPGs on the SNES in numerous aspects. Rather than encounters occurring randomly, players could encounter monsters while exploring the field, resulting in more engaging battle environments. The combat system was streamlined, with swift execution of magic attacks and weapon-based abilities improving the overall flow of battles.

One standout feature of the combat system was the ability for characters to perform dual and triple attacks. This allowed multiple characters to merge their abilities to generate unique ones. To illustrate, Lucca could augment Crono’s sword spin attack with fire, resulting in a powerful fire cyclone that inflicts significant damage.

6 Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels Of The Starry Sky

Dominating The Battlefield With Co-Op

Turn-Based JRPGs Worth Playing Just For Their Battle Systems

In a novel expression, Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels of the Starry Sky marked the debut of cooperative play in the primary series of Dragon Quest games. Players were able to design their characters and subsequently explore smaller open areas where they’d engage in conventional turn-based battles against monsters. The intrigue of these fights escalated when the Vocations, or class system, was introduced.

Similar to ‘Bravely Default’, players can enhance their team by transferring abilities from one Profession to another. The cooperative mode and island-swapping feature also infuse the game with an MMO-like, continually evolving atmosphere.

5 Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

Two Brothers Go At It With Everything They’ve Got

The initial installment of the role-playing game series spun off from the Mario franchise, titled “Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga“, featured only the two brothers as protagonists. Similar to its predecessors, the combat system in this game was turn-based yet interactive. In this setup, actions for Mario were assigned to the A button and those for Luigi were allocated to the B button.

These two buttons allowed both siblings to both assault and evade opponents, resulting in thrilling combat scenarios. This added excitement to the gameplay, making the role-playing game spinoffs of Mario stand out from other conventional turn-based systems, offering a superior gaming experience.

4 Pokemon Legends: Arceus

An Evolution In The Franchise

Over the years, the Pokémon franchise has maintained a consistent format, dating back to its days on the Game Boy, which isn’t necessarily a drawback. The concept of capturing unique creatures with distinct appearances and behaviors is incredibly appealing for a turn-based role-playing game (RPG), and it’s a formula that numerous developers have sought to emulate.

As a gamer, I’ve been eagerly waiting for a game like Pokemon Legends: Arceus, which after what felt like forever, has managed to shake things up a bit. While the core concept of catching and battling Pokemon remains, the experience is refreshed with the ability to toss Pokeballs without triggering a battle first. Moreover, the combat feels more liberating as it’s set in an expansive open area instead of being confined within an instanced arena.

3 Resonance Of Fate

Using Gunkata For Mercenary Work

As a devoted gamer, I can’t help but sing the praises of “Resonance of Fate.” This game may prove challenging to conquer, but the visual spectacle of its combat is nothing short of breathtaking. The story unfolds around three mercenaries who traverse the town, accepting various jobs ranging from saving innocents to thwarting criminal gangs. The battlefields are expansive, and every character is armed to the teeth with firearms.

In simpler terms, players should determine the origin point of a hero’s shooting location so they can coordinate it with another hero’s fire, creating a continuous stream of bullets. It might seem straightforward, but it’s quite challenging to execute. Those who manage to master this technique can create combat sequences that resemble those from the movie The Matrix.

2 Wild Arms 3

An Old West Shootout With A Japanese Flair

Turn-Based JRPGs Worth Playing Just For Their Battle Systems

In terms of gameplay, Wild Arms 3 shares a similar fast-paced gun combat style with Resonance of Fate, yet it’s more accessible for players to grasp. Unlike previous games in the Wild Arms series that exude a Western atmosphere, this installment brings a unique blend of the Old West and Japan, reminiscent of Red Dead Redemption. The battles are randomly triggered and involve all four characters armed with guns. These weapons require reloading after use, and not every battle takes place on foot; some occur while riding horses. The tension of swiftly defeating enemies while managing ammunition adds to the immersive experience of being in the Old West.

1 World Of Final Fantasy

Stacking Pokemon On Your Head To Gain Supremacy In Battle

Among the outstanding turn-based systems found within the Final Fantasy franchise, World of Final Fantasy stands out as truly extraordinary and worth experiencing firsthand. This game shares some similarities with Pokemon, being a monster-collecting title, but offers an intriguing twist: instead of the protagonists commanding monsters to battle on their behalf, these creatures become active participants in the action themselves.

Additionally, each character has an unusual trait where their creatures perch atop their heads. Players gain advantages based on the arrangement of these creatures. Larger monsters can even be mounted, introducing a unique aspect to battles. This battle mechanic may seem peculiar, yet it is robust and endearing at the same time.

Read More

2024-08-22 10:34