The Best RPGs With MMO Combat

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Summary

  • MMO combat in single-player games can add depth and strategy with abilities and cooldowns.
  • White Knight Chronicles and Dragon Age: Origins offer engaging combat systems with auto-play options.
  • Final Fantasy 12 and Xenoblade Chronicles showcase unique AI-based combat mechanics for added strategy.

Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOs), on the surface, appear quite entertaining. They offer a vast virtual world where friends and relatives can interact freely, with seemingly endless quests at your disposal. However, not everyone has reliable internet access, can afford the subscription costs that match their playtime investment, or prefers multiplayer gaming experiences.

They might prefer the type of combat found in Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games, where characters often fight enemies using automatic attacks. These battle systems can be made more exciting with abilities that have cooldown periods. Although MMOs are the most common users of this combat style, some single-player RPGs have also adopted it, and some even offer multiplayer options. With this in mind, let’s evaluate these RPGs according to the quality of their MMO-style combat systems.

6. White Knight Chronicles

Medieval Mechs

Level-5 is known for creating blockbuster games, yet their creations, namely the White Knight Chronicles series, seemed to slip under the public’s notice, despite featuring some innovative concepts. In these games, players could traverse the world and engage in combat whenever an adversary appeared. Among the two console versions, White Knight Chronicles 2 is generally recommended due to its inclusion of an upgraded version of the initial game within the package. However, it’s always advisable to start with the original game first.

Players have the option to allow battles to play automatically, trigger abilities, or even morph into a colossal knight, more akin to a mech than traditional armor. The game also offers an online cooperative mode, enhancing its MMO aspect. Unfortunately, these games didn’t garner the recognition they deserved on PS3, and as of now, there hasn’t been a remaster released.

5. Dragon Age: Origins

Remembering Where It All Began

It’s surprising to think that the combat system in Dragon Age: Origins was significantly distinct from its sequels, which leaned more towards action gameplay. This original role-playing game offered a richer depth with aspects like character customization, choice of classes, and starting locations in the world, among other features.

As adventurers traverse dungeons or open landscapes, they may choose to engage enemies, triggering an automated combat sequence. Each character’s class provides unique skills, accessible through cooldown timers that allow for strategic use at the player’s discretion. Additionally, items such as potions are available for their benefit. Accompanying players in this adventure are AI-controlled companions, a common feature found in BioWare games.

4. Pillars Of Eternity

A Throwback To The Golden Age Of PC RPGs

The game titled “Pillars of Eternity” proved to be a significant triumph for Obsidian Entertainment, as it harkened back to the classic RPGs of the 90s on PC. Although console play was an option, the PC version offered a smoother, more immersive experience due to its presentation style. Players were able to tailor their character’s appearance and class from the outset, embarking on a narrative that began simply, leading them from camps overrun by bandits to dungeons teeming with monsters.

In combat scenarios, gameplay would momentarily halt, allowing players to strategize their approach against opponents. After setting up their preferred battle plan, they could resume play and watch as the action unfolds automatically. At any point during this process, they could also pause again to assess the situation, rethink strategies, give instructions to party members, or make other adjustments.

3. Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic

One With The Force

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is another acclaimed title from BioWare, and one that’s often preferred over Dragon Age: Origins – quite a statement indeed. Yet, it’s difficult to dispute a series as iconic as Star Wars, given its widespread recognition. Set millennia before the original saga, this game provided BioWare with greater creative freedom for its narrative.

In this game, players can design their character and choose between being a Jedi or a more cunning rogue. However, the game’s narrative tends to lean towards Jedi skills since that’s where the main storyline develops. When enemies appear, combat ensues. Players have the power to use abilities and team members for support. The player decides which abilities or attacks to employ, after which they are executed automatically.

2. Final Fantasy 12

Relying On Gambits

After the release of the franchise’s first MMORPG, Final Fantasy 11, it wasn’t surprising that Square Enix opted to maintain the MMO-style combat for Final Fantasy 12. However, there was a unique twist to this combat system, unlike any other Final Fantasy MMO. Instead of manually controlling characters, players could establish AI commands known as Gambits when encountering monsters in the world of Ivalice.

In this scenario, the party members would automatically follow a predefined set of actions based on their roles, such as healing, ranged attacks, magic, etc., regardless of who directly controls them. This offers a balanced strategy for players who prefer not to pause the game during combat, although that option is still available.

1. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition

Believe In The Monado

Xenoblade Chronicles remains the standout title within the series, effectively blending combat, narrative, and environment development. Players initially assume the role of a modest mechanic named Shulk, who unwittingly becomes embroiled in a conflict revolving around colossal mechanical beings abducting humans for forced servitude. The expansive game world, which functioned admirably on the Wii, was particularly noteworthy at its release and offered effortless navigation.

As players engaged in battle, they were provided with a hotbar of skills at their disposal. What set this MMO interface apart was its unique feature allowing skills to blend together, resulting in a multitude of synergistic effects. For instance, an ally’s assault could aid Shulk in breaking through an adversary’s defenses. Initially, it might seem complex, but with practice, it becomes intuitive. The most immersive experience can be found in the latest Switch version of Xenoblade Chronicles, though the Wii and 3DS versions are also enjoyable. Furthermore, all subsequent titles are worth exploring as they share similar combat systems.

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2025-05-31 10:46