Best Licensed RPGs You Need To Play

by

Summary

  • Licensed RPGs vary in quality, but balanced references to original material with strong game systems can create engaging experiences for fans.
  • Titles like Magic Knight Rayearth and Marvel’s Midnight Suns stand out by blending authentic content with captivating narratives and mechanics.
  • Games like Parasite Eve and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic succeed by staying true to their source material while offering rewarding gameplay experiences.

Licensed role-playing games are frequently met with skepticism due to their association with established franchises. This often means they receive less financial backing and creative liberty compared to standalone titles. However, despite these constraints, many of them still offer enjoyable gaming experiences, although they may not always match the complexity found in traditional RPGs from the genre.

It’s fortunate to find exceptions that buck this trend. In the realm of top-tier role-playing games (RPGs), there are titles which not only embody the spirit of their respective franchises but also provide compelling mechanics and immersive storylines. The secret is in striking a balance between incorporating accurate nods to the source material and developing robust game mechanics, resulting in an experience that appeals to both die-hard fans of the series and RPG enthusiasts alike.

Although Dungeons & Dragons boasts several spin-off games, its significant status within the realm of video game role-playing franchises, along with other tabletop RPGs, led us to exclude it from our focus on different RPGs for this discussion.

10. Magic Knight Rayearth

One Of The Best RPGs Made For The Sega Saturn

  • Platform: Sega Saturn
  • Developers: Working Designs, Sega, Overworks
  • Publishers: Sega
  • Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG

Redefining myth and sorcery, the rendition of the renowned CLAMP manga made its debut on the Sega Saturn, delivering an escapade saturated with JRPG and Isekai characteristics. In Magic Knight Rayearth, Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu embark on a quest to rescue the realm of Cephiro, encountering fearsome beasts, captivating riddles, and delightful tactical confrontations.

Despite using basic visuals, the game exudes a lively ambiance and emphasizes the bond between its main characters, which gives it an exceptional appeal. Each knight in the group has a unique function, adding diversity to battles and exploration. The development of skills over time and the accurate portrayal of the original content make this edition particularly loved by JRPG fans and aficionados of the CLAMP universe.

9. Marvel’s Midnight Suns

An Unusual Combination Of Tactical RPG And The Marvel Universe

In Marvel’s Midnight Suns, an extraordinary game, you step into the shoes of a fresh hero assembling legendary characters like Doctor Strange and Blade for a clandestine operation. This game brings together these great Marvel heroes less frequently in a tactical setting, but in this title, their powers are harnessed to create an engaging narrative filled with supernatural intrigue. The fate of the world hangs in the balance as you navigate through unexpected turns and strategic planning.

Furthermore, encounters between renowned characters result in unique tasks that foster relationships, which may boost powers during combat. This social aspect distinguishes the game from numerous other licensed titles, as it introduces complexity without sacrificing the action-packed spirit of Marvel. Featuring sophisticated mechanics and a captivating mythos, this tactical RPG emerges as a daring and triumphant endeavor.

8. The Lord Of The Rings: The Third Age

A Turn-Based RPG In Middle-Earth

Engaging in turn-based battles and exploring an epic landscape often provokes excitement, especially when reminiscent of J.R.R. Tolkien’s celebrated tale. In “The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age“, players immerse themselves into the War of the Ring, managing characters unique to the story who encounter legendary figures, thereby amplifying the Middle-earth adventure.

The title manages to encapsulate the epic ambiance characteristic of the series, focusing on exploration and character growth. Each conflict demands strategic thinking, leading to thrilling clashes against trolls, orcs, and fantastical beings. The combination of tactical gameplay and adherence to the universe’s lore creates an immersive experience that is satisfying for devoted fans.

7. Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot

Incorporating RPG Elements Into Goku’s Journey Worked Out Perfectly

As a diehard fan, I must say that Dragon Ball has always been known for its intense fighting games, but Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot does something different – it delves into the realm of role-playing games (RPG) in a semi-open world! In this captivating experience, you’re not just playing through the action from the anime, but living it, right alongside Goku and his legendary battles against powerful enemies, all while exploring familiar landscapes that breathe life into Akira Toriyama’s incredible universe.

In a fresh take on typical role-playing games, the fight system in this game is nimble, while still offering character development through attribute growth and skill upgrades. This blend of tactics and action mechanics creates an engaging narrative that feels true to the story, making it a standout experience among licensed RPGs like Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot.

6. South Park: The Stick Of Truth

The Best Licensed RPG In This Franchise

Even though there are many games available, only a few can truly embody the spirit that South Park: The Stick of Truth encapsulates in terms of its connection to the animated series. With its offbeat humor, satire, and cultural allusions, the game feels like an authentic episode, boosted by its cartoonish aesthetic which adds to the show’s appeal. As you progress through the game, each joke helps maintain the city’s comedic environment.

In this game, each fight and encounter becomes even more laugh-out-loud funny because the missions mimic RPG elements and poke fun at stereotypes from popular culture. Players get caught up in the chaos, especially when well-known characters show up with ridiculous dialogues and bizarre events. Moreover, South Park: The Stick of Truth provides an engaging progression, seamlessly combining game mechanics with the offbeat humor that South Park is famous for.

5. Parasite Eve

A Direct Sequel To Hideaki Sena’s Novel

Rooted in both terror and science, this timeless survival horror game with role-playing features takes you by surprise as it’s adapted from Hideaki Sena’s novel first published in Japan back in 1994. In the game Parasite Eve, the narrative unfolds following the events of the book, pitting police officer Aya Brea against a mysterious entity that can control human cells.

As a devoted fan, I’d say this game masterfully blends captivating narrative with tactical gameplay, providing an engaging active combat system that sets it apart from other RPGs of its era. The storyline dives deep into the realms of biological mutations and shadowy conspiracies, keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout. The environment, complemented by Aya’s progressive skill growth, makes the game a treasure trove of intricate details that will live long in the memory of genre enthusiasts like myself.

4. Hogwarts Legacy

One Of The Best Licensed Games In The Harry Potter Universe

Despite being a widely popular franchise with numerous games, it took some time before a grand-scale Harry Potter video game adaptation emerged. For quite a while, the games were either adaptations of the movies or smaller mobile titles. However, the arrival of Hogwarts Legacy in 2023 transformed this situation, allowing players to embark on an epic journey within the Wizarding World.

Hogwarts Legacy is one of the top-notch RPGs based on a license, impressing players by recreating the sense of discovery through iconic Harry Potter locations like Hogwarts Castle and nearby areas for diehard fans. The game also offers a unique 1890s setting that seamlessly blends with the storyline.

3. Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic

Remembered As One Of The Best CRPGs Ever Created

The Star Wars series stands as one of the biggest and most recognizable franchises in popular culture. Although the movies primarily focus on the tale of the Skywalker clan, additional spin-offs significantly enrich this galaxy, introducing fresh characters, conflicts, and timelines. The abundance of narratives plays a significant role in maintaining the franchise’s relevance over many decades.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic isn’t just a standout among licensed games; it’s also a milestone in the role-playing game (RPG) genre. Crafted by BioWare, this title seamlessly blends an intriguing storyline, captivating characters, and decisions that truly matter. To this day, it remains hailed as one of the best RPGs ever made, skillfully and imaginatively enriching the Star Wars universe.

2. Kingdom Hearts 2

A Unique Blend Of Disney Characters With Final Fantasy

The Kingdom Hearts series stands out as one of the most distinctive ever developed, blending Disney characters with those from Final Fantasy might initially appear unusual, but this union produced one of the finest licensed role-playing games ever crafted. For instance, Kingdom Hearts 2 is highly regarded within the franchise for its fast-paced and fluid combat system.

In this adventure, you take on the character of Sora, battling against the forces of darkness while safeguarding light across various Disney realms. These realms symbolize pieces of a primary cosmos that was fractured during an age-old conflict. As you advance through each fresh environment, characters such as Simba or Mulan become part of your quest, turning the game into an unconventional yet remarkably potent amalgamation.

1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

An Exceptionally Well-Executed Licensed RPG

CD Projekt Red opted for a daring and successful strategy when crafting the Witcher series, rather than starting afresh or directly adapting the books. Instead, they extended Andrzej Sapkowski’s tale by picking up where the books left off and concluded Geralt of Rivia’s epic journey in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve seen the incredible strides CD Projekt Red has made as a developer, especially with the release of The Witcher 3. Having previously catered to more specific audiences, this game skyrocketed to become a landmark in RPG gaming, appealing to an even wider fan base. For genre enthusiasts like myself, it’s nearly essential to immerse ourselves in this game for an unforgettable and trailblazing adventure in Geralt’s world.

Read More

2025-01-12 19:24