Summary
- Turn-based RPGs are becoming less popular compared to action RPGs.
- Even successful turn-based RPGs like Pokemon Conquest may not get sequels.
- Lesser-known turn-based RPGs like Opoona and The Last Remnant deserve recognition.
As someone who’s spent countless hours delving into the depths of gaming history, I can confidently say that these forgotten gems are a treasure trove for any retro enthusiast like myself. From the high-flying adventures of Skies of Arcadia to the chilling terrors of Sweet Home, each game offers a unique and immersive experience that has stood the test of time.
Turn-based role-playing games (RPGs) are not as widely played as they once were. Instead, action RPGs have taken the spotlight, with turn-based and tactical ones being less common. In their prime, even highly successful and well-reviewed turn-based RPGs didn’t always guarantee sequels.
In simpler terms, “Pokemon Conquest” was a game that combined turn-based strategy and role-playing genres, using colorful creatures to wage war in feudal Japan. “World of Final Fantasy” is another example that adds a twist to the concept of Pokemon. Despite being part of large franchises like “Final Fantasy” and “Pokemon”, spinoffs don’t necessarily mean sequels. Games without connections to other popular series had fewer chances to start their own series. Nevertheless, they are worthy of recognition.
7. Crimson Shroud
Roll The Dice
- Developer: Level-5, Nex Entertainment
- Publisher: Level-5
- Release Date: December 13, 2012 (NA)
- Platform: 3DS
The game titled “Crimson Shroud” was jointly developed by a well-known studio, Level-5, and a relatively smaller one, Nex Entertainment. It was a downloadable title for the Nintendo 3DS system. The game featured three main characters: Giauque, Frea, and Lippi.
The setting was reminiscent of a Dungeons & Dragons-style adventure, featuring miniature figurines, intricately designed dungeons, and a significant focus on dice throws. Combat took place in turns, and the group consisted of the standard Warrior, Mage, and Archer characters. Unlike traditional gameplay where characters level up, the team could boost their abilities by acquiring better equipment, making it essential to keep an eye out for treasure chests at every corner.
6. Infinite Space
A Star Trek-Inspired RPG
- Developers: Nude Maker, PlatinumGames
- Publisher: Sega
- Release Date: March 16, 2010 (NA)
- Platform: DS
As a movie enthusiast, I must admit that “Infinite Space” was an intriguing title from PlatinumGames, a studio typically renowned for action-packed games such as Bayonetta. However, this time they ventured into uncharted territory, creating a DS RPG that feels like a unique blend of Japanese storytelling and the cosmic exploration found in Star Trek.
As a space enthusiast, I find myself taking charge of my starship, assigning officers to various stations based on their unique abilities, whether they’re designed for blasting enemies or mending the ship’s hull. The layout of these departments significantly impacts their functions. This game also allows me to enhance my vessel using Tetris-like blocks, and all actions are executed via intuitive menus rather than exploration. If you’re a fan of the Mass Effect series, you might appreciate this title, even though it doesn’t quite capture the same level of style.
5. The Last Remnant
SaGa Meets Fantasy
In a fresh and understandable rephrasing: The Last Remnant takes elements from both the SaGa series and Final Fantasy Tactics. Instead of managing individual characters during battles, players organize squads. These squads clash with enemies in skirmishes, providing a sensation of leading an army on the battlefield, even during some dramatic scenes. The squad units level up their stats through a random progression system, making it challenging to accumulate experience points or grind within the game.
The Xbox 360 version of this game was tough and had its issues initially, but many of those difficulties were addressed when it was remastered in 2018. Despite the update, it’s often overlooked among Square Enix’s games and deserves more recognition.
4. Opoona
The Cutest RPG On Wii
On the Wii, Opoona stood out as one of the rare traditional role-playing games with turn-based combat. The game centers around Opoona, who along with their family, finds themselves stranded on an alien planet after a crash landing. Similar to the Fast franchise movies, the story revolves around reuniting the family. Once rescued, the family members join as party members. Additionally, players will acquire licenses for various jobs in this expansive city that gradually opens up in a manner reminiscent of Metroidvania games.
This game from Koei during that period certainly had an unusual charm about it. The number of unexpected battles was quite high. Yet, its unique appeal came from the character Opoona, his family, and the cell-shaded graphics that added a touch of elegance to the role-playing experience.
3. Resonance Of Fate
A Cool Gun Battle In The Sky
The game titled “Resonance of Fate” was a joint effort between tri-Ace, renowned for the “Star Ocean” series, and Square Enix, along with Sega. The story unfolds in a post-apocalyptic world where humans survive by living high above pollution levels in a tower. This setting may remind anime enthusiasts of “Cowboy Bebop”, as it revolves around three determined young individuals attempting to carve out a life for themselves by taking on various tasks.
The story unfolds in separate episodes without a main plot running through it all. Watching the gameplay is fascinating yet challenging to grasp, featuring routes, jumps, evading cover, and intense gunfights in turn-based battlegrounds. Despite receiving an updated version, it never had a follow-up game.
2. Skies Of Arcadia
A Classic Sky Pirate Adventure
Among the many series Sega manages, none have been left behind quite like the beloved _Skies of Arcadia_. This turn-based RPG shone brightly on the Dreamcast and even made an appearance on the GameCube. However, following those releases, it vanished without a trace and hasn’t reappeared since, not on any platform, whether physical or digital.
The game centered around a band of aerial buccaneers on a mission to preserve the planet, engaging in rough skirmishes along the way. Frequent unexpected encounters were commonplace, yet fans didn’t mind due to the overall enjoyable atmosphere. Following its release, characters have popped up in other games; for instance, the protagonist, Vyse, was included as a playable character in Valkyria Chronicles. That‘s a small connection, but it counts for something.
1. Sweet Home
The Origins Of Evil
- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release Date: December 15, 1989 (Japan)
- Platform: NES
As a passionate cinephile and gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but reminisce about the profound impact that the game “Sweet Home” has left on me. This NES gem, created by the renowned developers at Capcom, is undeniably one of the most influential games ever produced, yet it seems to have slipped into obscurity over time. With its tenuous connection to a Japanese movie, it offers a unique blend of horror, adventure, and suspense that continues to resonate with me even today.
As a movie enthusiast, I’d say: Right from the get-go, you get to assemble your crew and venture into a chilling mansion shrouded in mystery. Each member carries a unique tool that helps overcome challenges, such as a lockpick for opening doors. You’ll stumble upon unpredictable adversaries for some classic turn-based battles. Although it was initially exclusive to Japan, dedicated fans have translated it into English, allowing us Westerners to enjoy it. Kudos to Sweet Home for inspiring the masterminds at Capcom to create Resident Evil!
Read More
- USD PHP PREDICTION
- ANKR PREDICTION. ANKR cryptocurrency
- ACH PREDICTION. ACH cryptocurrency
- XRP PREDICTION. XRP cryptocurrency
- XAUT PREDICTION. XAUT cryptocurrency
- LTC PREDICTION. LTC cryptocurrency
- BTC PREDICTION. BTC cryptocurrency
- EUR USD PREDICTION
- MUMU PREDICTION. MUMU cryptocurrency
- REZ PREDICTION. REZ cryptocurrency
2024-12-14 14:04