Best Turn-Based JRPGs With Optional Multiplayer Modes, Ranked

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Summary

  • Baldur’s Gate 3 is potential proof that an optional multiplayer mode can help keep interest going for a game even months later.
  • Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions offers co-op and versus multiplayer modes in a beloved tactical RPG.
  • Pokemon X/Y introduced new ways to connect with friends for trading and battling in a classic turn-based multiplayer experience.

Among the most notable Western role-playing games released recently, one stands out – Baldur’s Gate 3. It gained popularity unlike any other Western RPG since Mass Effect or Fallout 3, but there’s a twist; both Mass Effect and Fallout 3 were action RPGs, whereas Baldur’s Gate 3 is unique in that it offers multiplayer functionality, which could be one reason why fans continue to play it.

Multiplayer features in role-playing games (RPGs) can extend from cooperative quests to leaving cryptic warnings. For instance, Baldur’s Gate 3 emphasized collaborative gameplay, but what about Japanese RPGs? What form of multiplayer did they incorporate and were these efforts worth exploring for players? Let’s delve deeper into this topic and evaluate them based on the quality of the games and the effectiveness of their multiplayer implementation.

In role-playing games (RPGs), multiplayer options can stretch from teaming up for quests to leaving hidden warnings. Baldur’s Gate 3 was centered around co-op play, but how about Japanese RPGs? What type of multiplayer did they incorporate and were these attempts worth the player’s time? Let’s take a closer look and assess them based on their overall quality and how well they executed multiplayer elements.

7. Chrono Trigger (DS)

Can’t Resist Pokemon

Originally released on the SNES, “Chrono Trigger” boasted a so-so port on the PlayStation 1. However, when it was re-released on the DS, several issues were addressed, such as load times and additional content was included. One of these additions was The Arena of the Ages, an optional dungeon that allowed players to train monsters for combat in this new arena to acquire uncommon items. Additionally, players could engage in battles with other online players using their monster parties. Although it wasn’t the highlight of the port, the inclusion of this mode was certainly notable.

6. Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions

Let’s Rendezvous Online

Final Fantasy Tactics, an adored tactical role-playing game, first appeared on the PlayStation 1. Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions is a revamped version for the PSP, featuring enhancements like new characters, updated cutscenes in a refreshed art style, and the addition of co-operative and competitive multiplayer modes.

In this game, participants can engage in multiplayer combat by visiting a local tavern in town, where they’ll be matched with other players to fight on a battlefield through Melee battles. Cooperative missions, known as Rendezvous, offer rewards when completed collaboratively by a select group of players.

5. Disgaea: Afternoon Of Darkness

Battling And Trading In The Underworld

Disgaea: Hour of Darkness was a successful yet specialized game on the PlayStation 2, revolutionizing tactical RPGs with its unconventional approach. While it retained traditional grid-based maps, it introduced unique elements such as altering map layouts through geodes and delving into randomly generated dungeons via weapons. Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness, the PSP adaptation of the game, offers visuals nearly as impressive as its PS2 counterpart, along with additional features like multiplayer mode. Players could engage in combat against others on various maps using a multitude of character classes, or even trade items through a rudimentary shop system.

4. Xenoblade Chronicles X

Going Into MMO Territory

In contrast to other games in the Xenoblade Chronicles series, Xenoblade Chronicles X stands out by offering multiplayer functionality at its launch. Additionally, this game offers an exceptional feature that allows players to customize their character, who is predominantly silent. The single-player storyline and multiplayer modes are independent of each other, meaning that while you can’t experience the narrative with friends, you can engage in colossal 32-player sessions online, delving into the world, battling monsters, and trading items – an experience that borders on MMO gameplay. The combat system is a unique blend, combining automated monster attacks with player-controlled abilities, making it a hybrid between turn-based and action gameplay.

3. Fire Emblem Awakening

Passing By Friends

In comparison to other games within the Fire Emblem series, Fire Emblem Awakening made significant strides. Not only did it introduce a more relaxed gameplay style, but it also brought an innovative approach to multiplayer. The 3DS’ SpotPass/StreetPass feature enabled players to exchange parties in real life, which were then controlled by AI during battles. This setup eliminated direct versus matches. Additionally, encounters with randomly generated battle parties on the world map could result in valuable rewards if successfully conquered.

2. Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels Of The Starry Sky

From Treasure Maps To Co-Op

In the Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels of the Starry Sky, it was the initial main series game that introduced multiplayer functionality. Characters created by players could later alter their class using the Vocation system. Additionally, players had the option to generate and bring along three other party members for the journey, or they could invite up to three friends via the wireless connection on the DS device.

During conflicts, every participant has the ability to give their unique orders. The cooperative feature was a pleasant bonus, but what truly made playing with friends exceptional was the feature that allowed us to share map information. These shared maps could be swapped and guide players to uncommon dungeons, offering fantastic rewards as loot.

1. Pokemon X/Y

Trade And Fight On The 3DS

The Pokemon series originated as a multiplayer-focused game, making it one of the earliest turn-based examples. In the sixth generation, games like Pokemon X and Pokemon Y introduced innovative methods for connecting with friends. It became simpler than ever to trade Pokemon with friends or strangers online, either through direct trades or random ones via Wonder Trade. Additionally, SpotPass allowed players to connect with friends for rewards, and friendly battles were also an option. This was the generation where players could first utilize the Pokemon Bank, a feature that enabled storage and transportation of Pokemon between different games.

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2025-01-05 06:07