Turn-Based RPGs With Simple But Great Combat

Key Takeaways

Turn-based RPGs can be intimidating, but simple titles like Fire Emblem: Three Houses offer enjoyable entry points.
Titles like Sea of Stars and Octopath Traveler provide accessible turn-based combat systems for new RPG fans.
Games like Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver demonstrate how simple combat systems can still be engaging & timeless.

As a lifelong gamer with a penchant for turn-based RPGs, I must say that these games you’ve presented here are nothing short of legendary. Each one offers a unique take on this timeless genre, catering to both veterans and newcomers alike.

Turn-based role-playing games (RPGs) have been an essential part of the video game world since its inception, with current hits like “Persona 5” and “Dragon Quest XI” demonstrating that the genre continues to thrive. However, for players not accustomed to the strategies and mechanics of turn-based battles, this type of game can be challenging to get into.

In many role-playing games with turns, players are often faced with numerous details and decisions, which can make choosing the best option in a specific situation challenging. However, it’s important to note that these games don’t have to be convoluted to provide enjoyment. Here are some fantastic turn-based RPGs that maintain a straightforward approach.

10 Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Beginner’s Class

The Fire Emblem series has been a cornerstone of tactical role-playing games since its inception. However, Three Houses goes the extra mile to simplify the gameplay for newcomers. As such, it serves as an ideal starting point for those discovering the series. Moreover, its built-in replay value ensures that players who enjoy it during their initial playthrough will have ample opportunities to fully grasp its systems in subsequent games.

Just as the other games in the series, Fire Emblem: Three Houses employs a fundamental triangle of weapon dominance, similar to rock-paper-scissors. Understanding this cycle of superiority is generally sufficient for players to navigate most battles. Extra attack types such as bows and magic also follow an intuitive advantage system, contributing to a comprehensive and diverse gameplay mechanism that remains user-friendly.

9 Sea of Stars

A Loving Homage

Similar to its predecessor The Messenger, Sea of Stars is a heartfelt tribute to its video game genre. This old-school RPG draws significant influence from the original games that shaped the genre, and its narrative underscores the significance and impact of the games that came before it. Fortunately for enthusiasts, it also provides an accessible and uncomplicated introduction to the genre, making it easier to dive into those classic titles later on.

The game, titled “Sea of Stars”, has six primary attributes: Health Points (HP), magic power, and attack and defense for both magical and physical abilities. During combat, players can manipulate the intensity of their attacks or defense by employing timed inputs strategically. Furthermore, players have the option to perform combos, which allows two party members to exert their strength simultaneously. These features are designed to facilitate a smooth transition for newcomers to RPGs accustomed to complex turn-based battle systems.

8 Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Newly Remodeled

Back in 2004, I was utterly captivated by “Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door” on the GameCube. Now, with its Switch remake, even more fans like myself can relish this timeless gem. Despite its basic health system and limited actions, the game’s rapid button prompts keep combat exciting and challenging.

In terms of combat depth, The Thousand-Year Door might appear simple. However, it more than compensates by offering a delightful experience. This role-playing game takes Mario on an adventure through enchanting and far-off locations in pursuit of the elusive Crystal Stars. Each new chapter introduces fresh and intriguing situations for our hero to navigate. With its endearing humor, lively atmosphere, and the timeless appeal that has set the Mario series apart, this game is a must-play for any fan of the franchise.

7 Octopath Traveler

An Anthology Of Adventure

The game Octopath Traveler is making history with its innovative “HD-2D” art style, which seamlessly combines the classic charm of 16-bit characters and landscapes with advanced 3D environments and dynamic lighting and coloring effects to create an aesthetically timeless experience.

In a fortunate turn of events, this exceptional Role-Playing Game (RPG) is remarkably accessible for fans. Throughout the game, you can recruit up to eight distinct characters, each contributing their individual abilities to both combat situations and character interactions. Luckily, these abilities are straightforward to comprehend. During battles, identifying an enemy’s vulnerabilities gives players the opportunity to exploit them for increased damage and a chance to shatter their defense, but aside from that, it follows standard RPG conventions. This simplicity allows newcomers to immerse themselves in the game’s distinctive atmosphere and captivating narrative threaded together seamlessly.

6 EarthBound

A Bizarre Modern Tale

In today’s era, EarthBound is a game that’s hard to find, but its distinctive style and peculiar enemies have earned it a place as a cult favorite whose reputation continues to thrive. This iconic role-playing game features a team of children on a mission to save the world from an otherworldly enemy using psychic abilities and everyday items to outsmart a growing array of strange adversaries.

In battles, players possess several exclusive strategies they can employ. Besides the standard assault, there are psychic abilities on offer, and spying on opponents to discover vulnerabilities is an option. Moreover, the mirror action allows them to mimic an enemy’s attack. This variety in battle tactics provides a unique approach to combat, while keeping the game manageable and engaging.

5 Super Mario RPG

A Legendary Mario Journey

Despite starting out as a platform character, Mario has established an impressive collection of RPG games, with his journey beginning with the game titled “Super Mario RPG“. Originally launched for the SNES in 1996, this classic game was later reimagined and updated for the Nintendo Switch, offering a fresh, modern art style to attract new fans.

In the game “Super Mario RPG”, the structure for future Mario role-playing titles is established through a straightforward list of combat moves, where each move gains additional power by executing a special action command such as pressing a button at the right moment to inflict extra damage. This active system makes it simpler for players who are new to turn-based gameplay to adapt quickly and enjoy a more interactive experience compared to what most other turn-based games offer.

4 Yakuza: Like A Dragon

Taking To The Streets

In a fresh departure for the esteemed Yakuza series, Yakuza: Like A Dragon introduces a new lead character and an innovative combat system, marking a significant change of direction for the franchise. This latest installment is the first to adopt a turn-based RPG format, yet it maintains its engaging and enjoyable gameplay despite this substantial departure from the series’ traditional beat-em-up style.

In this game, characters can acquire unique abilities based on real-world professions, making battles both outrageous and amusing. As the main characters deploy absurd tools and techniques to subdue tough adversaries, they bring an over-the-top touch to combat. This straightforward, action-packed gameplay is enhanced by additional interactions with the environment and a feature that allows players to call upon allies for support in challenging encounters where the odds are stacked against them.

3 Final Fantasy X

Timing Is Everything

Final Fantasy X, fondly remembered as one of the standout games during the franchise’s 3D era, offers a combat system that is easy to grasp, making it an inviting starting point for newcomers to this esteemed, long-lasting series. Unlike some more modern installments such as Final Fantasy VII Remake and Final Fantasy XVI, which feature real-time battles, this game employs a turn-based system.

In a unique variation from the usual method, there’s a conditionally timed aspect that decides the sequence in which characters play, considering their past actions and characteristics. This additional strategic depth lets players tinker and innovate, while preserving the straightforward charm of the turn-based system.

2 Chrono Trigger

A Timeless Tale

The famous game Chrono Trigger, a true emblem of turn-based Role Playing Games (RPG), refined numerous characteristics that defined the genre and served as a model for those games that emerged later. This remarkable influence means the game is an ideal choice for newcomers to the genre, since its user-friendly combat system will pave the way effectively for whatever title they decide to play next.

In Chrono Trigger, Square Enix’s well-known real-time battle system, called Active Time Battle, is featured. Here, characters prepare their moves in real time by building up their turns. Although the choices of actions each character can perform are limited and straightforward, this interactive aspect adds an extra layer of strategy for players to figure out as they progress through the game.

1 Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver

A Worldwide Legacy

The renowned “Pokemon” series requires no introduction whatsoever. With their cute and endearing personalities, these characters have become an integral part of contemporary culture through films, television shows, and the classic video games that introduced them. Even though the creatures play a significant role in the series’ success, it’s also gained massive popularity due to the straightforward nature of its battles.

In the world of Pokemon games, each creature has a unique set of strengths and weaknesses based on its type, following the classic rock-paper-scissors pattern which is intuitive and simple to grasp. With numerous types of creatures populating the game, it’s relatively straightforward to assemble a versatile team capable of handling any encountered type. The games Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver are highly esteemed for their captivating creature designs, but the fundamental combat system and rewarding feedback loop continue to resonate with fans across generations.

2024-10-04 09:34