Best Action JRPGs That Are Not Part Of A Franchise

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Summary

  • Good action games often spawn sequels, like the Soulsborne franchise.
  • Standalone experiences can offer players fresh content.
  • Several underrated games like Ever Oasis and Heroes of Ruin deserve more recognition.

As a seasoned RPG enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the fantastical worlds of these games, I must say that revisiting this list of overlooked action RPGs for the DS and beyond was a nostalgia-inducing trip down memory lane. Each game on this list offers a unique blend of action, adventure, and camaraderie that is often overshadowed by more popular titles in the genre.

A high-quality action game often leads to a series of follow-ups. To illustrate, although some found it puzzling initially, Demon’s Souls spawned Dark Souls, which in turn brought about Bloodborne and Elden Ring. These games may be distinct titles, but they maintain a connection within the same franchise due to their shared atmospheres.

It’s terrific that the Soulslike genre has thrived, yet other games and sub-genres haven’t had quite the same luck. However, this might be intentional since unique standalone experiences can provide players with something new to explore. Whether these examples warrant sequels or not, they are all fantastic in their own right.

7. Beyond The Labyrinth

One Big Escort Mission

  • Developer: tri-Ace
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: January 19, 2012 (Japan)
  • Platform: 3DS

Beyond the Labyrinth” was a game launched in Japan for the Nintendo 3DS. This project was a joint effort between tri-Ace, renowned for their work on “Star Ocean”, and Konami. In this game, players guide a mystical girl through a labyrinth situated high above the ground. The unique aspect of gameplay lies in the blend of turn-based tactics and first-person action, as you control your party members. As the story progresses, the girl acquires powers. Essentially, it’s a major escort mission, but with less complications.

This game on the system is particularly tough due to limited healing and saving options, and because figuring out the color-coded enemy weaknesses can be tricky. Yet, despite its difficulty, “Beyond the Labyrinth” remains intriguing, given that it was never released outside of Japan.

6. Code Vein

A Vampiric Soulslike

Code Vein was created within Bandai Namco Studios, the same company responsible for publishing many games similar to those developed by FromSoftware, such as the Souls series. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans have evolved into beings resembling vampires known as Revenants.

Due to elixirs, Revenants maintain their human nature, whereas others in the population transform into beasts without restraint. As players progress and upgrade their characters, they acquire diverse weapons and abilities to combat these monstrous creatures. There’s an option for online collaboration, but one can also enlist NPC allies for hunting expeditions.

5. Contact

Breaking The Fourth Wall

One intriguing way to describe “Contact” for the DS is that it’s one of the most unconventional Role-Playing Games, notably for its fourth wall-breaking elements. In this game, a pixelated Professor resides within the actual Nintendo DS itself, and when players meet him, they are transported into a world with a more abstract artistic style.

The main journey commences on a beach, reminiscent of “Zelda”, infused with RPG aspects and sprinkled with the quirky humor typical of the “Mother” series. It’s a dreamlike game that might require a few attempts to fully grasp. It was innovative, which is what made many fans admire “Contact” back then, long before “Undertale” honored the “Mother” series in its unique way.

4. Ever Oasis

A Sandy World Builder

Due to their outstanding work on “The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom,” developer Grezzo is finally receiving the recognition they truly earned. Unfortunately, another game, “Ever Oasis” – an action RPG for the 3DS that came out after the Switch was released – didn’t get the appreciation it deserved. Like many other 3DS games in a post-Switch era without a port, “Ever Oasis” also suffered from this unfortunate circumstance.

In this game, adventurers traverse a sprawling desert landscape accompanied by several teammates who bestow them with powers reminiscent of the Metroid series, enabling them to surmount obstacles. By constructing their settlement, or oasis, players gain additional means to engage with the dungeons. The battle mechanics and gameplay design were straightforward yet robust, and it’s possible that its success could have been greater on the Switch if it had been released for that platform.

3. Heroes Of Ruin

Diablo For The 3DS

  • Developer: n-Space
  • Publisher: Square Enix
  • Release Date: July 17, 2012 (NA)
  • Platform: 3DS

I fondly remember “Heroes of Ruin” as my go-to adventure on my trusty Nintendo 3DS. It provided an engaging experience that felt like carrying the thrill of “Diablo” with me wherever I went. The best part? When I linked up with friends for some four-player co-op action, that’s when the role-playing magic truly unfolded!

As a follower, I’d say: Although the game had its flaws and certainly wasn’t flawless, for a title published by Square Enix, it deserved more than just a single playthrough. This sentiment also applies to the Dungeon Siege series, which Square Enix took over publishing. Unfortunately, their involvement started with Dungeon Siege 3 and ended there, leaving this overlooked Diablo-like action RPG with excellent co-op potential underrated.

2. Infinite Undiscovery

Undiscovered Is Right

  • Developers: tri-Ace, Xbox Game Studios, G-Style
  • Publishers: Square Enix, Xbox Game Studios
  • Release Date: September 2, 2008
  • Platform: Xbox 360

As a fan, I must admit that “Infinite Undiscovery” fits right in with the quirky monikers typical of Square Enix’s RPGs. Once more, it was a joint effort with tri-Ace. What sets this apart is its action-packed gameplay, allowing me to explore dungeons in the company of fairly sizable party groups.

In this game, music held a significant importance, as the main character, Capell, could use his flute to uncover secret locations. It was a considerable RPG designed exclusively for the Xbox 360 and remained exclusive to that console with an upgraded version. Yet, it can still be enjoyed on contemporary Xbox consoles due to backward compatibility.

1. Soma Bringer

Before The Xenoblade Chronicles

  • Developer: Monolith Soft
  • Publisher: Nintendo
  • Release Date: February 28, 2008 (Japan)
  • Platform: DS

As a seasoned movie critic, I’ve just dived into the captivating world of Soma Bringer, masterfully crafted by the illustrious gaming studio, Monolith Soft – a name synonymous with the engrossing “Xeno” series, such as Xenoblade Chronicles. This time around, I found myself stepping into a realm where I could design my very own protagonist, select a class and weapon of choice, and embark on an exhilarating journey.

As a film enthusiast, I’d say: In this game, you can bring on board two AI allies who’ll chip in with random attacks to bolster your forces during battles. If you fancy some cooperative play, you can set up a three-player team wirelessly on your DS! Sadly, there was no sequel ever made, and it remained exclusive to Japan. However, the dedicated fanbase managed to create an English patch for the game.

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2024-12-16 07:07