Best Action JRPGs for the PlayStation 5

Key Takeaways

Action JRPGs vary in gameplay but focus on strategic attacks over button-mashing.
Visuals enhance the gameplay experience in titles like Visions of Mana.
Tales of Arise stands out with top-tier character development, lore, combat, and art style.

As a seasoned gamer with over three decades under my belt, I must say that this list of Action JRPGs for the PS5 is nothing short of spectacular! From the nostalgia-inducing charm of Star Ocean The Second Story R to the modern mastery of Tales of Arise, it’s clear that developers are pushing the boundaries of what these games can be.

Action Role-Playing Games (RPGs) manifest themselves in numerous shapes, and each one offers a unique experience. A crucial aspect of an action RPG is that it keeps players from feeling overwhelmed, causing them to frantically press buttons in distress. Instead, gamers establish a rhythm of when to attack, when to move, and when to activate special abilities.

This list will highlight action RPGs that have been specifically launched on the PlayStation 5, as opposed to games like Rogue Galaxy, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, and Kingdom Hearts 3, which were previously released.

10 Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising

For Fans of 2D RPGs

Among the action JRPGs listed, Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising stands out for its distinctive feel. This game employs a 2D side-scrolling style, yet it allows players to switch between party members even during combat.

Some gamers could perceive it as becoming more like a platformer or Metroidvania style game, but the emphasis is actually on players adjusting their positions without requiring split-second reflexes. The 2D design facilitates exploration by eliminating any predefined paths to deviate from.

9 Visions of Mana

A Classic Series Returns

For nearly two decades, fans have eagerly awaited a new installment in the Mana series, with the exception of Dawn of Mana released back in 2006. The anticipated 2024 title, Visions of Mana, marks the return of a mainline entry, signifying an impressive 18-year gap. Boasting stunning visuals and smooth combat mechanics, this game offers a plethora of engaging activities for players to enjoy.

Although it may not earn top-tier reviews alongside certain other games in the genre, this action JRPG is undoubtedly enjoyable for fans of the genre. Those waiting for their next fix of action JRPGs could find this game a satisfying interim choice.

8 Scarlet Nexus

Stylish Urban Fantasy

As a gamer, I’ve found that Scarlet Nexus isn’t your typical game, especially for newcomers. However, if you’re into Action JRPGs, give this quirky title a spin! It offers an engaging urban fantasy world, lightning-fast combat with responsive mechanics, and complex party interactions that will keep you hooked.

This game introduces two primary characters, each having their own narrative to experience. The plot is rich in background details which might initially seem daunting to new players, yet will undoubtedly appeal to experienced role-playing game enthusiasts who appreciate intricate and extensive storylines.

7 Fate/Samurai Remnant

Mystic Fantasy Set in the Edo Period

As a devoted fan, I must admit it’s quite challenging to put into words the captivating essence of Fate/Samurai Remnant. This game is set in the same intriguing universe as Fate/Stay Night, and its gameplay draws inspiration from timeless Musou-style games like Dynasty Warriors and Sengoku Basara. Each swing of my virtual sword in this game feels like a tribute to these classic titles that I’ve grown up admiring.

The title offers a rich tapestry of information about its game world’s history and intricate gameplay aspects. It might challenge players due to the tough boss encounters, causing them to pause their gaming sessions occasionally to collect their thoughts.

6 Ys 10: Nordics

An Anime Viking Adventure

The Ys series, which has been around for a while, alters its gameplay significantly across main installments since the original. Ys X: The Northern Monogaton Quest, unlike its predecessors, doesn’t hold the title of being the first to embrace the modern Action RPG style, but it is undoubtedly the most refined in terms of polish among them.

In this rephrased version, the text says: The players can launch multiple spectacular attacks on a single target, causing them and their opponents to leap high into the air before crashing back down again. This makes for an incredibly thrilling combat experience, especially when powerful moves connect. Although it’s already an excellent game, adding cooperative play options like those seen in some previous Ys series titles could have taken it to even greater heights.

5 Granblue Fantasy: Relink

A Mobile Game Designed For Major Platforms

Granblue Fantasy: Relink excels at offering exciting, action-driven battles together with an engaging narrative, populated by charming characters. Every character in the game has a unique vibe, allowing players to assemble their preferred team without feeling constrained by specific roles.

As I journey through this captivating gaming universe, it feels like diving into a series of interconnected episodes. Each segment is perfectly paced, never lingering too long and always offering a heartwarming victory or surprise to make my progress feel worthwhile. Then, just as I’m getting settled, it seamlessly transitions me into the next exciting chapter.

4 Dragon’s Dogma 2

One of the Most Western JRPGs Around

The game Dragon’s Dogma 2 beautifully recreates the atmosphere of a western fantasy role-playing world, yet adheres to the standards that define it as an Action JRPG. Notably, it was developed by a Japanese studio and incorporates a party system. Players can create their own character, but will also be assisted by companions known as Pawns. Each of these characters will specialize in different roles based on classes.

It’s crucial to highlight the distinct roles in Dragon’s Dogma 2, especially ensuring there’s a tank character to absorb enemy aggression. This setup enables the more fragile characters to inflict maximum damage without fear of immediate harm. Consequently, the team can endure and conquer their adversaries for a longer duration.

3 Star Ocean The Second Story R

Sprites and Dioramas At Their Best

As a gamer, I’ve come across many titles that strive for visual grandeur, boasting highly detailed characters and state-of-the-art graphics. They often dazzle players with their intricate particle effects, leaving us awestruck at the spectacle. However, Star Ocean The Second Story R proves that games don’t always need to chase after such visual perfection. Instead, it offers a unique blend of various art styles, creating a vibrant and immersive world all its own.

The characters sport a pixelated style yet boast remarkable intricacy and individuality. Contrasting this, the setting eschews pixels altogether, employing diorama camera angles to effectively depict necessary elements for players. Moreover, the combat interface harmoniously combines neon accents, arcade-style numerals, and stylish words that appear as needed. Distinctively unique on the PS5, this Action JRPG is a must-play for fans of the genre.

2 Tales of Arise

A Top Notch Anime Styled Action JRPG

When placed alongside other games on the list and action JRPGs from past console generations, Tales of Arise might appear to lack unique selling points compared to others. However, with its extensive library of titles spanning decades, it clearly demonstrates what a top-tier action JRPG should embody. In essence, this game excels in every category without fail.

In a nutshell, Tales of Arise boasts an engaging ensemble of characters, a richly detailed world that captivates you, combat that’s smooth yet not overly rapid, and stunning comic book-inspired visuals. Not many games can match the exceptional quality and finish found in Tales of Arise.

1 Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

A Franchise Within A Franchise

In a similar vein to how Star Ocean The Second Story R doesn’t lean heavily on cutting-edge gaming advancements, the Final Fantasy series has consistently embraced these aspects. Final Fantasy 7 Remake, initially launched on PlayStation 4, was later revamped for the PS5 with extra story DLC. This game spawned a series of interconnected titles, such as a sequel and a prequel named Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion. Collectively, this expansive project is considered one of the most challenging and ambitious action RPG endeavors to date.

In essence, “Rebirth” continues the narrative from where “Final Fantasy 7 Remake” left off, delving deeper into the original storyline. For those who’ve journeyed through the remake, you’ll encounter new characters to incorporate into your playable team in “Rebirth”. This game offers a plethora of fresh elements for your enjoyment, making it a pinnacle of action RPGs on PlayStation 5.

2024-11-09 19:04