Best Action JRPGs From The 2000s, Ranked

Key Takeaways

New JRPGs in the 2000s introduced dynamic combat mechanics, appealing to fans of both action and turn-based JRPGs.
Star Ocean: Second Evolution is a remake with enhanced graphics, introducing players to a compelling interstellar journey.
Vagrant Story offers complex and satisfying combat, blending action with tactical elements in an acclaimed RPG experience.

As a seasoned gamer who has spent countless hours exploring various worlds and battling formidable foes, I must say that these action JRPGs are absolute treasures in the realm of gaming!

In the 2000s, Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG) fans had an incredible era. As we moved from 2D to 3D graphics, a wave of fresh games surfaced, significantly enhancing the JRPG experience due to the innovative opportunities provided by this change in dimension. While turn-based games were thriving, there was also a surge of new titles incorporating action game elements into the JRPG genre.

These latest releases offer a variety of engaging battle systems, captivating players with their fast-paced, dynamic combat. They cater to those who felt conventional turn-based battles were too repetitive, even appealing to diehard fans of classic Japanese RPGs. By blending action and traditional JRPG mechanics, these games provide a unique, exciting experience that has expanded the genre’s fanbase.

10 The 3rd Birthday

Parasite Eve With More Action Than Ever

The 3rd Birthday

In this game, players assume command over Aya Brea, currently employed by the Counter Twisted Investigations agency. The narrative centers around ominous beings known as Twisted, who menace New York City and require our heroes to intervene before they can bring about its destruction.

9 Star Ocean: Second Evolution

A New Version Of A 90s Classic

Back in the day, I got my hands on the legendary “Star Ocean: The Second Story” for the PlayStation console, which dropped in 1998. Fast forward to 2008, and this timeless classic was given a fresh coat of paint for the PlayStation Portable (PSP). They upgraded the graphics, added snazzy new animated cutscenes, and tweaked the gameplay for an even smoother experience!

In this role-playing game set in action format, the narrative unfolds around two main characters: Claude C. Kenny, a youthful officer hailing from the Earth Federation, and Rena Lanford, a native of a less industrious planet. Their adventure sees them exploring the truth behind an old myth, encountering dangers spanning the cosmos.

8 Rogue Galaxy

Space Pirates In Search Of The Greatest Treasure

2005 saw the debut of Rogue Galaxy, a timeless gem among PlayStation 2 games from the 2000s. This action RPG is immersed in a science fiction setting, drawing inspiration from tales of space pirates. With real-time gameplay, it provides as many as eight characters to play with, each offering unique skills and control styles.

In the game called “Rogue Galaxy”, we follow the adventures of Jaster Rogue, a youthful dreamer yearning for space travel, who teams up with a band of star pirates under Captain Dorgengoa’s command. Their objective is to locate the fabled Planet Eden, a celestial body whispered to be laden with wealth and its inhabitants rumored to be everlasting.

7 Ys: The Oath In Felghana

One Of Adol’s First Adventures

Platforms: Windows, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Released: June 30, 2005
Developer: Nihon Falcom
Genre: JRPG

In the 2000s, “Ys: The Oath in Felghana” was launched, which is a revamped version of the classic JRPG title, “Ys III: Wanderers from Ys”. As you navigate through the game as the main character, Adol Christin, you’ll enjoy enhanced features that boost the combat experience. These improvements include better management of items and upgrades for weapons and armor, making each battle more thrilling.

The narrative focuses on Adol and Dogi in their journey through Felghana, which is Dogi’s native land. Upon their arrival, they discover that the region is overrun by vicious monster swarms and a wicked ruler holding dominion. It becomes the responsibility of these two characters to fight and collect evidence crucial for solving the problems afflicting the area.

6 Odin Sphere

Jrpg With Beat ‘Em Up Elements

Hailing from the same minds behind ‘Unicorn Overlord’, ‘Odin Sphere’ is an engaging title initially launched in the 2000s for the PlayStation 2, later re-imagined as ‘Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir’ in 2016. Distinctive in its art style and gameplay, it combines action elements typical of a JRPG with the side-scrolling beat ’em up mechanics found in 2D platformers.

In the 1800s, a young girl named Alice stumbles upon a set of books at her household which narrate tales about a realm called Erion. The storyline is spread across five distinct volumes, each featuring a unique hero, taking place in various timeframes.

5 Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7

A True Expansion Of The Final Fantasy 7 Universe

In the same world as the iconic ‘Final Fantasy 7’ from the PlayStation era in the 90s, the game ‘Crisis Core’ is an action RPG that unfolds a story before the main narrative, focusing on Zack Fair – the original bearer of Cloud’s now-legendary Buster Sword.

The game, being an action RPG, also incorporates turn-based aspects akin to the modern revisions of Final Fantasy 7. This is demonstrated through a combat menu that becomes accessible during battles, allowing players to choose special skills as time stands still.

4 Tales Of Symphonia

One Of The Most Beloved Tales Games To This Day

As an ardent enthusiast, I’d like to share my perspective on “Tales of Symphonia”. This game, being the fifth installment in the renowned “Tales” series, takes us on an exhilarating journey alongside Lloyd Irving and his companions, all working together to aid Colette Brunel in her quest to save the world. The realm of Sylvarant is grappling with a dire crisis, and our mission is to execute a ritual known as the World Restoration, a powerful rite designed to counteract the devastation.

In 2003, this role-playing game made its debut on the Nintendo GameCube. It’s an action RPG with real-time battles that utilizes a unique system called the Linear Motion Battle System (LMBS), which allows for combat in a 2.5D viewpoint within a three-dimensional space.

3 The World Ends With You

Action Combat Using The Resources Of The Nintendo DS

The World Ends With You is renowned as one of the best games for the Nintendo DS. The narrative unfolds in Shibuya, Japan, where our protagonist Neku Sakuraba – a young man with no recollection of his past – gets embroiled in a contest known as the Reapers’ Game. To escape death, he must conquer a series of obstacles.

This game offers a unique battle system where it makes use of both screens on the Nintendo DS for instant, interactive conflicts. It integrates teammates in combat and allows you to utilize the stylus on the console for various gestures.

2 Kingdom Hearts 2

A Quality Leap In Combat

Kingdom Hearts 2 serves as a follow-up to both Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, carrying forward the narrative involving the hero Sora and his companions, who engage in battles against the encroaching darkness that threatens the universe encompassing Disney films and Square Enix characters.

This game stands out as an exceptional addition to the series, offering a substantial upgrade to the gameplay compared to earlier titles. It innovates by enabling Sora to morph into different forms, and boasts smoother and swifter battle sequences in comparison to the somewhat cumbersome combat of previous games.

1 Vagrant Story

Complex And Highly Satisfying Combat

Vagrant Story is an action role-playing game published by Square Enix, released on PlayStation consoles during the early 2000s. This game, highly praised for the PlayStation 1, focuses on the tale of Ashley Riot, a special agent dispatched to the city of Leá Monde to explore a cult suspected of orchestrating ominous events in the area.

The game incorporates both action-based fighting and strategic aspects into its combats, creating a multi-layered approach that gives players command over attacks, defenses, and special abilities during battle scenes.

2024-10-28 01:35