Best JRPGs With Expansive Skill Trees

Key Takeaways

Skill trees in JRPGs vary in complexity, offering engaging character progression.
Tales of Xillia, Digital Devil Saga, Rogue Legacy, Dragon Quest 11, FF10 all feature unique skill trees.
Final Fantasy 10’s Sphere Grid can seem daunting at first, but exploring it can be a lot of fun.

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the vast and enchanting worlds of video games, I must admit that the skill trees of certain titles have left a lasting impression on me. One such tree that stands out is the Revelation Flow from Rogue Legacy 1.1.1. This innovative approach to skill acquisition is a breath of fresh air in a genre that often relies on traditional point-based systems. The fact that each character has a unique layout for their Revelation Flow adds an extra layer of depth and replayability, making it one of the standout features of this underrated gem.

In traditional Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), a significant aspect is the straightforward leveling system, where the majority of stat improvements are handled automatically. The main responsibilities for players largely revolve around completing missions and combatting creatures to collect experience points that help them advance to higher levels. However, as the JRPG genre has matured, so too has the desire for character development to feel more tailored and immersive than ever before. An effective approach to achieving this is by incorporating skill trees, which allow players to steer the course of their character’s progression.

In some Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), the skill trees are intricate and extensive, which means they might require players to spend a bit of time understanding them thoroughly as they progress through the game. Not every JRPG follows this pattern, though.

5 Tales Of Xillia

Using Growth Points To Expand The Nodes Of The Lilium Orb Is A Simple And Engaging Way To Get Stronger

The Tales video game series still showcases several overlooked JRPGs, which is unfortunate given its unique real-time combat system. It’s puzzling why this series hasn’t gained more traction in the Western market. However, the dedicated fanbase for these games means many JRPG enthusiasts have explored multiple titles within this extensive collection, with Tales of Xillia being a notable example. The character development in this game is structured through a simple skill tree.

The Lilium Orb demands its due amount of Growth Points, which players can earn by advancing their levels. Comprising six branches for each stat, it has multiple nodes that gradually become accessible as players make strides in this skill development pathway. Despite appearing complex initially with its numerous Lilium Orb nodes, the system itself is quite straightforward.

4 Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga

The Mantra Grid Is Surprisingly Flexible And Expansive

Platform: PlayStation 2
Release Date: July 15, 2004
Developer: Atlus

Digital Devil Saga offers an exceptionally gripping storyline for a Japanese Role-Playing Game, set entirely within a battle simulator following a techno-catastrophe that decimated much of natural life. In this world, numerous tribes compete for dominance, but the arrival of demonic forces brings about significant shifts. The power structure in the Junkyard undergoes a transformation, resulting in an engaging plot filled with unexpected twists and demanding battles.

In Digital Devil Saga, each character possesses a customizable Mantra Grid. Although this grid appears extensive, it can be managed more easily by focusing on the element that a character is vulnerable to. Gradually eliminating this vulnerability will remove its impact in battles, providing players with the freedom to explore other skills and abilities once they’ve grown accustomed to the game’s combat system.

3 Rogue Galaxy

Acquiring Items To Make Progress In The Huge Revelation Flow Is Pretty Addictive

Level-5 is a skilled game developer known for creating some fantastic titles, and unfortunately, it seems not enough people are giving the game “Rogue Legacy” the recognition it deserves. Despite its engaging combat mechanics and appealing aesthetics, the game didn’t make much of an impact in the gaming world. However, those who decide to play this game today will discover many aspects to adore about “Rogue Legacy”, with the Revelation Flow being a fresh concept that provides a distinctive twist on the skill system.

Instead of adding points to the Revelation Flow, players can instead position specific items onto the skill tree to unveil specific abilities. This creative approach rewards players for gathering rare items, giving them access to a vast array of potent techniques that make short work of enemies. The distinct layouts for each character’s Revelation Flow contribute to why this intricate and distinctive skill tree could very well be one of the standout features in this relatively unknown game.

2 Dragon Quest 11

Each Party Member’s Skill Tree Is Simple Yet Rewarding When Players Invest In Them

In a significant leap for the franchise, Dragon Quest 11 made a global impact with its intricate storyline and captivating combat that was both accessible and enjoyable to master. Guiding the Luminary and his companions on an epic journey echoed the timeless essence of Dragon Quest, while incorporating enough contemporary enhancements to keep players hooked until the finale. It’s worth noting that, even a venerable JRPG series like Dragon Quest didn’t hesitate to embrace modern trends, and this is evident in its skill system.

Navigating the skill maps of Dragon Quest 11 can be challenging due to its built-in vagueness, which often leaves players uncertain about the build they were developing as they improved each character’s skills and talents. However, this uncertainty made each upgrade an engaging experience, as fans gradually discovered new abilities and employed them in stylish ways to conquer their opponents.

1 Final Fantasy 10

The Sphere Grid Is Massive Yet A Joy To Navigate

Final Fantasy X is often seen as the final traditional installment in the series, which comes as a surprise considering the numerous changes introduced in its PS2 debut. For instance, overworlds were eliminated, and the classic leveling system of the Final Fantasy games was replaced with a Sphere Grid. At first glance, this new system seemed rather strange. However, when you zoom out, players might feel overwhelmed by the extensive skill tree. But after just a few hours, they begin to understand that each part of the Sphere Grid represents a different character class.

The ingenious way Kimahri is transformed into a Blue Mage by positioning him right in the middle of the grid showcases one of the unique aspects that sets the Sphere Grid apart. This feature is among the most cherished additions in Final Fantasy 10, and it remains a favorite among fans who eagerly anticipate revisiting this magic. The remastered version introduces an Expert Sphere Grid, offering sufficient changes to make repeated playthroughs more appealing for those yearning to relive the enchantment of the series.

2024-09-28 05:05