Best Action JRPGs From The 2010s, Ranked

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Key Takeaways

  • Action JRPGs gained popularity in the 2000s with engaging stories and improved combat mechanics.
  • Tales of Xillia showcases fast-paced combat and engaging storytelling, worthy of a remaster.
  • Ys 8: Lacrimosa of Dana offers addictive combat and compelling storytelling for an excellent gaming experience.

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the vibrant worlds of these epic action JRPGs, I can confidently say that they have left an indelible mark on my gaming life. Each one offers a unique blend of captivating storytelling, engaging combat systems, and expansive open-world exploration.

As a passionate gamer, I’ve noticed that role-playing games (RPGs) aren’t just one type of game; they’ve branched out into numerous sub-genres since their creation. Series like Ys and Xenoblade have significantly contributed to the popularity of action RPGs within the gaming industry.

Action JRPGs, whether they’re inspired by classic turn-based games like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest or Western influences, have significantly marked their territory in the gaming industry, and it doesn’t look like they’re fading away anytime soon. These games seamlessly blend thrilling combat with compelling narratives of valor and conflict, balancing tradition with a forward-thinking approach to RPGs.

8 Tales Of Xillia

One Of The Franchise’s Best Efforts

Since its launch on the SNES back in 1995, the Tales series has grown to be a significant influence in the realm of action JRPGs. In 2013, Namco Bandai released what remains one of the franchise’s finest works: Tales of Xillia.

In the thrilling tale of Jude Mathis and Milla Maxwell evading capture from the Chimeriad, Tales of Xillia showcases the series’ signature action-packed combat with swift, intense battles. The expansive 3D battle arenas provide a dynamic backdrop, and seamlessly switching party members during combat feels smooth and satisfying. Although it deserves a remaster, as Bandai has been remaking games in the franchise recently, Tales of Xillia remains confined to the PS3 and is yet to be ported onto modern gaming platforms.

7 Ys 8: Lacrimosa Of Dana

An Impressive Entry In A Long-Running Franchise

Ys, originally launched in 1987, stands as a prominent representative in the action JRPG genre and has consistently released new installments. In its eighth mainline game, which came out in 2016, developer Nihon Falcom continues the long-standing story of Adol Christin, the central character of the Ys series since its beginning.

In the Isle of Seiren, following a shipwreck, Adol gathers an eclectic group of adventurers to make their escape. The diverse members of this party stand out, and the ability to swiftly switch between them during battles is a standout feature. Ys 8, released in 2016, was hailed as one of the year’s top games, offering thrilling and hard-to-resist combat, alongside one of the series’ most gripping narratives.

6 The Last Story

A Unique Action JRPG From The Creator Of Final Fantasy

In addition to Xenoblade Chronicles and Pandora’s Tower, The Last Story was included as part of Operation Rainfall, a long-term initiative aimed at bringing these games to North America. This campaign was definitely worthwhile, as The Last Story turned out to be one of the best action JRPGs available on the Nintendo Wii. Created by Mistwalker, it was helmed by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of Final Fantasy, who sought to break away from the turn-based gameplay that had characterized his past work.

In “The Last Story”, Mistwalker designed a battle system that seamlessly integrated stealth and strategic aspects. This blend is delightfully distinct, as hidden attacks from behind cover are exhilarating, while head-on confrontations are equally thrilling. The game’s unique skirmishes harmonize beautifully with Sakaguchi’s signature narrative style, making “The Last Story” one of the most captivating role-playing games on the Wii.

5 Kingdom Hearts 3

The Epic Conclusion To The Dark Seeker Saga

Ever since its release on the PS2 in 2002, the unique blend of Disney and Square-Enix characters in Kingdom Hearts, has managed to amass a massive fanbase and remains one of the most acclaimed games within the industry. Thus, when series director Tetsuya Nomura announced that Kingdom Hearts 3 would conclude the ongoing Dark Seeker Saga storyline, it became one of the most significant action JRPGs of the past decade.

In the game known as Kingdom Hearts 3, Sora’s journey and his struggle against Xehanort leading up to the Keyblade War unfolds, serving as a heart-wrenching conclusion to this extended series. The battle system in Kingdom Hearts 3 showcases Square Enix at its finest, offering satisfying feedback for each action taken. Wielding the Keyblade alongside Sora has never been more enjoyable. Familiar Disney realms such as Olympus and the Hundred Acre Wood resurface, while fresh territories inspired by franchises like Toy Story and Frozen make their grand entrance.

4 Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch

An Incredible Collaboration Between Level 5 And Studio Ghibil

In partnership with Level 5 and the renowned Studio Ghibli, Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch drew inspiration from series such as Pokemon and Digimon. The game allows players to amass a group of charming little creatures who engage in battles on their behalf. Remarkably, this title manages to evoke a sense of nostalgia despite being less than twenty years old.

Collecting magical creatures called Familiars is a delight, and utilizing their distinct abilities in battles makes for an exciting experience. The action takes place in a spacious 3D environment, allowing players to command either human characters or Familiars, giving orders and executing special moves. In the game Ni No Kuni, you’ll find remnants of classic JRPG elements such as a beautiful world map for exploration and the ability to traverse the skies.

3 Xenoblade Chronicles X

One Of The Wii U’s Best Games

Over a span of four years, Xenoblade Chronicles X was created specifically for the Wii U and unveiled towards the end of Nintendo Direct in 2013. The project was touted as one of the console’s grandest undertakings. MonolithSoft eventually released the game in 2015, and it was more than worth the wait – pushing the Wii U to its utmost capabilities and extracting the maximum performance from the system.

In the game Xenoblade Chronicles X, the action unfolds on the vast world of Mira, as humanity embarks on a perilous journey into uncharted territories in their struggle to survive. The immense world teems with colossal creatures and an unparalleled sense of grandeur that still feels impressive today. It also features the signature combat system found in MMOs. This real-time, chaotic battle system is a thrilling experience, while the characters are among the finest ever created by Monolith Soft. A high definition remaster of the game for the Nintendo Switch has been announced and will be released in 2025.

2 Nier: Automata

Post-Apocalyptic Action JRPG With Fluid Combat

Under the creative direction of the unconventional Yoko Taro, Nier: Automata is a spin-off from the Drakengard series, which takes place in the post-apocalyptic future depicted in that collection. The game follows the adventures of android 2B as she navigates through a desolate landscape, and it showcases exhilarating combat sequences and some of the most impressive writing in the gaming industry.

The battle is intense and hard to pull away from since 2B is fun to manage, and the weapon response feels spot-on. Besides the close-quarters combat, Nier: Automata frequently challenges players with old-school sections that mimic shoot ’em ups and side-scrollers. It’s a fantastic adventure, one you can enjoy right now on all contemporary hardware.

1 Xenoblade Chronicles

A Sprawling Adventure Of A Wii RPG

Following its successful debut in the West thanks to Operation Rainfall, Xenoblade Chronicles was widely acclaimed as one of the Wii’s standout games. And it deservedly earned this recognition, as this extensive action JRPG gained a massive fanbase and has become a major success for Nintendo.

Xenoblade Chronicles unfolds on the colossal backs of two titans, the Bionis and Mechonis. The story revolves around Shulk and his comrades, their mission to unveil the enigmatic essence of a prophetic weapon called the Monado. Engrossing combat is a highlight, blending MMO-style input and character selection, enabling team members to deploy potent special abilities termed as Arts. These abilities necessitate a cooldown period, urging players to employ them tactically. The game, developed with the Wii’s limited hardware, offers expansive landscapes teeming with side quests and activities. First released in 2010, Xenoblade Chronicles received an upgrade for Nintendo Switch in 2020, making it a must-play for its grand scale, exhilarating combat, and captivating characters.

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2024-11-09 13:35