Discover the Hidden Gems of Top-Down Action JRPGs You Never Knew Existed!

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Summary

  • Recent JRPG hits like Elden Ring and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth overshadow top-down JRPGs.
  • Forgotten gems like Community Pom and Crystalis offer unique gameplay experiences from the past.
  • Lunar Knights shines as the best RPG entry in the Boktai series, offering dual vampire hunters in a captivating setting.

There’s an abundance of fantastic action role-playing games developed by Japanese studios for enthusiasts to savor. Among these, Elden Ring has garnered significant attention lately as it belongs to the Soulslike genre, a genre that FromSoftware, one of its creators, played a crucial role in shaping. Additionally, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is experiencing a renaissance due to its recently released PC version.

Both instances are impressive, yet they remind me that we haven’t seen many excellent top-down role-playing games (JRPGs) lately. Most of them originate from the ’90s and perhaps the early 2000s. Given this observation, let’s revisit some outstanding top-down action JRPGs that enthusiasts might have forgotten about in the past.

8. Community Pom

A Cute Magical Girl RPG

The game titled Community Pom, which might be unfamiliar to many, was exclusively launched in Japan for the PlayStation 1. Luckily, the limited dialogue makes it accessible for importers to explore. In this game, players take on the character of a magical witch girl, embarking on an adventure from a top-down perspective, where combat plays a significant role compared to puzzles.

In this game, you won’t encounter typical creatures; instead, you might battle talking watermelons designed to smash! By defeating these unusual monsters, players can earn Experience Points (EXP). Additionally, there’s a well-structured equipment system at your disposal. Although it may not be groundbreaking, its appealing visuals and user-friendly gameplay setup make it an enjoyable action RPG experience.

7. Alcahest

Lost In The Shuffle

Alcahest is an overlooked gem in the collection of games published by Squaresoft for the SNES. Its character sprites are bigger and more intricate than those found in many action RPGs of that era. Despite being quite linear, this simply means it’s a faster game to complete today.

Initially, characters start off as a youthful explorer armed with a sword and shield. Often accompanied by diverse allies such as fellow warriors or mages throughout various dungeons, the atmosphere evokes a Japanese-influenced version of a Dungeons & Dragons scenario blended with elements from The Legend of Zelda. Although it wasn’t commercially launched in the Western world, an English fan translation is available for curious gamers who wish to explore this almost forgotten SNES title.

6. Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy Of Goku 2

The Cell Saga As You’ve Never Experienced It

A multitude of Dragon Ball games have been released, with many falling under the role-playing game (RPG) category. Among them, Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy of Goku 2 stands out as a top-down action game designed for the Game Boy Advance, following the Cell Saga storyline. Throughout the game’s linear progression, players get to control various characters. Characters such as Trunks and Gohan are playable, with some instances allowing side exploration as well.

In these games, characters could traverse the globe much like airships did in earlier versions of “Final Fantasy”. As for combat, it wasn’t as action-packed as fighting games based on “Dragon Ball”, but “Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy of Goku 2” still left an impression on players who engaged with it back in 2003.

5. Crystalis

Using The Elements To Cut Through The Competition

Crystalis stood out as something unique on the NES system, despite appearing similar to Zelda at first glance. Skeptics might have dismissed it as another clone, but those who gave it a chance soon discovered its depth. The game offered an expansive open world for exploration and dungeon delving, with puzzles primarily focused around the elements.

As a devoted gamer harkening back to the NES era, I fondly remember wielding elemental blades in a captivating game developed by the legendary SNK. These blades could melt ice with fire or create bridges over water – features that were quite innovative for those days. While such elements are commonplace in modern games today, it was truly groundbreaking back then. Remarkably, this gem of a game was also adapted for the Game Boy Color, but alas, no sequel ever materialized.

4. Alundra

PlayStation’s First Zelda Clone

Alundra is a seldom-remembered game similar to Zelda, originally available only on the PlayStation 1. The main character, Alundra, possesses the unique ability to delve into dreams, a feature that intertwines both the gameplay and storyline. Players will acquire a variety of weapons, ranging from swords to flails, and supplementary weapons such as bombs, while they journey through different areas. Puzzle-solving is a key aspect of the game, especially when navigating dungeons.

Alundra, much like Link from The Legend of Zelda, possesses an additional skill – the capability to jump. Back in its day, Alundra was somewhat overshadowed due to not being visually groundbreaking, giving off a SNES-like aesthetic. However, with the passage of time, RPG enthusiasts have come to recognize and value its unique concepts more deeply.

3. Lunar Knights

A Dual Set Of Vampire Hunters

As a devoted enthusiast, I can’t help but share my excitement about “Lunar Knights,” the concluding chapter in the epic saga that is the “Boktai” series, originally born on the Game Boy Advance. What sets this installment apart is the absence of the cartridge solar panel, although fans can still opt for the traditional method on their DS if they so desire. Beyond the unique features, we, the players, were bestowed with the responsibility of becoming formidable vampire hunters, Aaron and Lucian.

In Lunar Knights, players had access to a common inventory of items, but each character advanced independently and could be substituted during combat. Aaron, for instance, preferred firepower with his assortment of guns ranging from pistols to flamethrowers. On the other hand, Lucian specialized in melee attacks, wielding weapons such as a sword and a scythe. Although it didn’t achieve massive popularity, Lunar Knights stands out as the most impressive RPG within this Konami series. Here’s hoping that someday, more individuals can experience its greatness without needing to emulate it.

2. Terranigma

Europe Got One Over On North America

Terranigma stands among the finest RPGs on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), regardless of whether it’s action-oriented or not. However, it was exclusively released in European regions following its debut in Japan. This fortunate circumstance allowed players to experience it in English without needing fan translations or emulation. Developed by Enix, this game unfolds in a grim world where adventurers can explore dungeons and progress by the usual methods of leveling up.

One standout feature of this game is its distinctive cylindrical globe, reminiscent of the circular planets from Halo series. For those who haven’t experienced it yet, it would be a missed opportunity, especially since 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of its initial Japanese launch.

1. Trials Of Mana

24 Years In The Making

It’s widely recognized that “Secret of Mana” is one of the most renowned games from the “Mana” series. Originally launched on the SNES, it received widespread praise from critics. A follow-up game, “Seiken Densetsu 3“, was developed but only saw release in Japan. However, this changed when the “Collection of Mana” was unveiled for the Switch in North America in 2019.

In the past, “Seiken Densetsu 3” was renamed as “Trials of Mana”. What sets this game apart is that players can choose from multiple characters at the start, which significantly boosts its replay value compared to “Secret of Mana”. Both games are excellent top-down action RPGs, but if one had to pick a favorite, it would be “Trials of Mana” due to its character choices, enhanced combat, music, and stunning pixel art. In essence, it’s a game worth playing without a doubt.

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2025-02-10 08:15