Action RPGs Worth Playing Just For Their Combat

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Action RPGs Worth Playing Just For Their Combat

Highlights

  • Dynasty Warriors games appeal to niche crowd for repetitive combat with variety of characters and weapons.
  • Games like Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow and Final Fantasy 15 elevate action gameplay beyond simple hack and slash.
  • Forspoken’s magic system impresses despite mixed reviews, offering diverse spells and cool particle effects.

As a gamer who’s been around the block a few times, I must say that these games are a delightful blend of innovation and nostalgia. Each one offers a unique gaming experience that caters to different tastes and preferences.

Fans of the “Dynasty Warriors” series, which includes various characters wielding diverse weapons such as swords, spears, yo-yos, and even fans, are drawn to its appeal. This game franchise, though niche, has gained a substantial following, with multiple spinoffs including versions inspired by “The Legend of Zelda“.

These games aren’t particularly recognized for their complex storylines, but that’s alright. Some gamers just require an engaging combat system to keep them engaged and wanting more. Here are some games that take action gameplay to another level, going beyond the straightforward hack-and-slash style of _Dynasty Warriors_, although there’s nothing inherently flawed with that genre. If these games also have compelling narratives, it’s just an added benefit.

8 Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow

Taking From The Dead

Action RPGs Worth Playing Just For Their Combat

Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow marked the peak of the Metroidvania series, offering a thrilling experience where players took on the role of Soma Cruz as he battled against Dracula’s minions under his curse. Defeated enemies would often drop items such as weapons and armor for Soma to utilize, and he could even learn magical spells from monsters to expand his abilities. The game also introduced a variety of ways for players to engage with the world beyond leveling up.

7 Final Fantasy 15

Warping To New Heights

Final Fantasy 15, after a long wait of ten years, made a significant impact upon its release. Its battle system was particularly well-received by fans, as it built upon earlier systems, notably experiments carried out in several Kingdom Hearts installments by Square Enix. Characters like Noctis could hurl his blades at enemies and dash towards them, in addition to standard melee attacks. Moreover, Noctis was capable of casting spells, and his allies joined in the fray as well. The most captivating aspect of the combat system was the Summons, which were otherworldly entities, and their attacks left enemies in ruins.

6 Forspoken

Using Magical Spells While Parkouring Through Strange Lands

While there were mixed feelings about the story of Forspoken among critics, it seems that everyone agreed on one aspect – the captivating magic system. The protagonist, Frey, has the ability to learn new spells by overcoming bosses and allocating skill points to expand her arsenal of magical abilities. This seems to be the feature that both media and fans found particularly appealing.

In a simpler, more conversational style: Magic of fire can destroy the world, whereas magic of wind can lift enemies off their feet and strike them down. The tiniest spells, enhanced by our game’s particle effects, make players look stylish and powerful.

5 Kingdom Hearts 3

Using Everything In The Disney Manual

The Kingdom Hearts series initially introduced Sora with a foundational magic system and an imposing Keyblade for combat, primarily focused on hack-and-slash gameplay. As the series progressed, it reached its peak in the latest mainline installment, Kingdom Hearts 3. In this game, Sora’s Keyblade dealt significant damage while his spells ranged from Fire to Blizzard. However, there were additional elements that elevated the experience; the Keyblade could morph into various weapons based on combo sequences, such as a gun or a hammer. Furthermore, players had the ability to summon iconic Disney attractions like tea cup rides and trains in certain segments, adding an exciting layer to battles with fresh elements constantly emerging.

4 Mega Man Battle Network

Going Digital To Hack The Planet

Mega Man Battle Network was a unique blend of several gaming styles, marking the first genuine role-playing game in the Mega Man series. The player controlled a typical child named Lan, who could link his NetNavi, MegaMan.Exe, to various terminals. When this connection was made, control shifted to MegaMan.Exe within online dungeons where battles were randomly generated. In these encounters, players could guide MegaMan.Exe over a strategic grid and employ cards to equip him with a variety of attacks, from a swift sword strike to a powerful cannon blast. The diverse gameplay elements proved successful as the title spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs.

3 Sand Land

Demons And The Military War With Tanks

As a gaming enthusiast, I recently immersed myself in the mesmerizing world of “Sand Land,” a masterpiece penned by the legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama, who sadly left us too soon. Inspired by its namesake manga, this game was transformed into an engaging 3D open-world escapade. In this captivating journey, I assumed the role of none other than Beelzebub, a demon with a knack for close-quarters combat and powerful special moves.

Having grown up with Dragon Ball Z as a staple of my childhood, I must admit that the idea of a game centered around collecting various tanks, vehicles, and mechs to battle against evil forces is incredibly intriguing. As someone who appreciates Akira Toriyama’s work, I can’t help but feel drawn to this game, even if it does risk becoming repetitive at times. The addition of a skill tree for character development and AI-controlled party members adds an exciting layer of strategy that I believe will enhance the overall gaming experience. Overall, despite its potential pitfalls, this game seems like a must-play for any fan of Toriyama’s legacy.

2 Senran Kagura: Estival Versus

These Ninjas Get Stronger The More Skin They Show

  • Platforms: PS4, PS Vita
  • Released: March 15, 2016 (NA)
  • Developer: Tamsoft
  • Publisher: Xseed Games (NA)

As a devoted gamer, I’ve got to say that Senran Kagura: Estival Versus, or any game from this franchise, isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. It’s like playing a Dynasty Warriors clone, but here’s the twist – the more clothes a female ninja warrior sheds, the stronger she becomes!

1 The World Ends With You

A Truly Unique Dual-Screen Experience

The World Ends With You was among the select titles that fully leveraged the capabilities of the Nintendo DS during its time. On the lower screen, players assumed control over the main character, Neku, and equipped him with pins to execute a variety of attack patterns ranging from slashes to fireballs using the DS Stylus. Meanwhile, on the upper screen, players manipulated Neku’s companions using face buttons and the D-Pad, creating an intricate combat system that was both challenging and unique within the realm of DS games. In the remastered version for the Nintendo Switch, the top screen has been eliminated, simplifying gameplay while still retaining its distinctive JRPG battle system charm.

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2024-08-22 03:35