Best 2D Turn-Based RPGs – Investment Policy

Turn-based role-playing games first appeared in 2D, but this was mainly because of the limitations of older game consoles. While games like *Chrono Trigger* and *Final Fantasy 6* are considered classics, they aren’t traditional 2D RPGs in the same way *Super Mario World* is a 2D platformer. However, there are still plenty of excellent 2D action RPGs available, such as *Dragon’s Crown* and the *River City Girls* series.

Are there any classic, turn-based 2D RPGs still being made? Yes, there are! Developers in both Asia and the West are creating excellent games in this style, and 2D gaming enthusiasts will find a lot to enjoy.

Indivisible

Borrowing From Two Of The Best

Indivisible is a unique role-playing game where you play as Ajna, a character who can summon spirits from the past to help her fight. During battles, you assign characters to controller buttons and create powerful combos by pressing those buttons at the right moments.

The game’s combat is similar to that of the classic PlayStation game *Valkyrie Profile*. You explore a world that feels like a 2D maze in the style of a Metroidvania, with abilities that help you get around – it’s a really cool mix of those two popular game types.

Child Of Light

Another UbiArt Classic

Players who love Ubisoft games like *Tom Clancy’s The Division* or *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* might be overlooking a hidden gem. *Child of Light* is a beautiful 2D game created with the same UbiArt engine as *Rayman Origins*, meaning it features stunning 2D artwork.

This captivating story follows a princess trying to save her kingdom, which is slowly falling apart. Combat is challenging, and every action – whether attacking or using a special ability – has a timing element. Players and enemies can interrupt each other, adding a layer of strategy to the fast-paced platforming action.

The Cruel King And The Great Hero

Even Little Girls Can Save Monsters

Even for a niche RPG developer like NIS, *The Cruel King and the Great Hero* is a hidden gem. The game has a unique, hand-drawn art style, almost like it was created with crayons and pencils. Players take on the role of Yuu, a young girl who teams up with monsters as she journeys through a vast world.

Monsters often get a bad reputation, but with Yuu’s assistance, she’ll work to help humans and monsters understand each other. While Yuu can move freely up and down within each area, the game itself is played from a 2D perspective, with different locations appearing as separate screens instead of one continuous map.

Miitopia

Look At Mii!

Miitopia originally launched as a role-playing game on the 3DS and was later updated for the Nintendo Switch. A key feature of the game is the use of player-created Mii characters, which appear as both allies and enemies. This was particularly clever on the 3DS, as the game could use Mii characters from other players you encountered through the SpotPass feature, filling the game world with familiar faces.

While the Switch version isn’t quite as polished as other versions, it’s easier to pick up and play. Miitopia is a cheerful, 2D role-playing game focused mainly on battles, with limited opportunities to explore the world around you.

Cris Tales

Time Has Meaning

Cris Tales is a new turn-based RPG that takes a little while to get going, but it’s ultimately very engaging. This makes sense, considering the game is all about time travel, and that idea is woven into its combat system.

In this game, you play as Crisbell, who has a unique ability in battles: she can shift enemies between the past, present, and future. This changes their strengths and weaknesses – an enemy that’s powerful now might be weak in the future or inexperienced in the past. It takes some time to master this system, but it creates a really strategic and rewarding turn-based combat experience.

SteamWorld Quest: Hand Of Gilgamech

Robots, Dungeons, And Dragons

What’s cool about the *SteamWorld* games is that the creators, Image & Form Games, aren’t afraid to try new things with different game types and worlds. *SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech* takes the series in a new direction as a fantasy game where battles are fought using cards in a turn-based style.

Battles in this game use cards, but you also directly control robots, making it more than just a deck-building experience. Though it doesn’t have the same widespread popularity as *SteamWorld Dig* or *SteamWorld Heist*, *SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech* is a fantastic hidden gem that 2D game enthusiasts should definitely check out.

Monster Sanctuary

A PokeVania

Monster Sanctuary offers a fresh take on gaming by combining the exploration of Metroidvania-style games with the monster-collecting elements of games like Pokémon. Like many Metroidvanias, players will explore the world and find items and abilities to help them navigate.

When you meet monsters, the game switches to a turn-based battle system where you give commands to your team of monsters. It’s too bad Game Freak hasn’t explored combining the *Pokemon* series with the Metroidvania style of gameplay, because *Monster Sanctuary* shows that the two genres work really well together.

Astria Ascending

From Mobile To Console

Astria Ascending stands out as a role-playing game with an unusual history – it was originally created for mobile devices and then completely rebuilt for consoles. Another unique aspect is that you begin the game with a large group of characters and must experiment to find the best team for your journey.

Featuring charming hand-drawn art and a colorful 2D world, *Astria Ascending* is designed to look great on any platform. Everything from combat to exploration is presented in beautiful 2D.

2025-10-19 02:36