The Best Action JRPGs With Deep Progression

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Summary

  • Action JRPGs are more popular now than turn-based games.
  • Players desire deep customization, with options from weapons to skills.
  • Games like Raidou Remastered offer revamped combat and progression systems.

As a dedicated gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but notice the resurgence of Action RPGs in our current gaming landscape. In the glory days of the 80s and 90s, turn-based games ruled supreme. However, times have changed, and now, we fans are blessed with an abundance of options beyond just the classic “Star Ocean” and “Tales of” series. The surge includes numerous action-oriented spinoffs from beloved franchises like “Dragon Quest” and “Final Fantasy”, making our gaming adventures even more immersive and exciting!

For enthusiasts of action RPGs within the realm of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), the current era is particularly rewarding. Yet, it’s not uncommon for some players to seek more than just action-based combat over traditional turn-based battles. Instead, they yearn for their characters – be they singular or multiple – to advance in numerous manners.

Here are a few notable action JRPGs that provide extensive customization when it comes to leveling up elements such as weapons and skills. These games can be enjoyed across various platforms due to ports and remasters.

This way of phrasing aims to maintain the original intent while making the text more engaging, accessible, and conversational in tone for a broader audience.

Raidou Remastered: The Mystery Of The Soulless Army

A Bigger Game Than The Original

Raidou Remastered: The Enigma of the Soul-Less Army

This remaster is essentially an updated version of “Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soul-Less Army”, a cult favorite from the PS2 era. However, it appears more like a reincarnation of PS2 games, as both the combat and progression mechanics have undergone significant modifications.

In this game, players advance their main character, known as Raidou, and their summoned demons by accumulating experience points during battles. Furthermore, they can upgrade Raidou’s abilities using a weapon skill system and customize their demons by fusing them and selecting their unique skills to form the perfect companion.

Visions Of Mana

Classing Up The Series

In simple terms, “Visions of Mana” marks the latest installment in the popular “Mana” series, offering an expansive open-world experience unlike any other in the franchise. Initially, the game begins at a leisurely pace, but around a few hours in, a character class system is introduced which kickstarts the action.

Each character’s unique class assortment varies from the others, often including familiar types such as warriors and mages. As players advance, they elevate their characters and classes independently, unlocking abilities to share among them as they accumulate experience points (EXP).

The World Ends With You

Pin Collectors

In the game titled “The World Ends With You“, Neku serves as the protagonist. Throughout each playthrough of this otherworldly battle game, he acquires new companions. Neku accumulates Experience Points (EXP) and a collection of Pins to level up. This principle applies both to the original version on DS and the remastered version on Switch.

As a devoted fan, I’d say that Neku’s powers come from these fascinating items called Pins. From firing magical bullets to unleashing flames, each Pin grants him distinct abilities. Upgrading these Pins amplifies their effectiveness and even changes how they function as they grow stronger. What truly sets the game apart is the trendy brand feature in Japan that allows for Pin enhancement – a captivating trait in a Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG)!

Muramasa: The Demon Blade

A Skill Tree Of Weapons

The Demon Blade” incorporates aspects of the Metroidvania style, yet it’s primarily an action Role-Playing Game (RPG). The game features two main characters – Kisuke and Momohime, each with their own distinct storylines and weapon skill progressions for players to delve into.

When characters advance and gather sufficient resources for novel armaments, they’ll acquire the abilities associated with these weapons, which boast enormous and intricately diverse weapon lineages. If a weapon gets damaged, it requires time to mend or else it won’t perform optimally in combat, leading players to adapt and become proficient with numerous distinct weapons, while also enhancing them to similar levels.

Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep

Fusing Potential

As a gamer, I found Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep refreshingly different as a prequel to the Kingdom Hearts series on the PSP. Rather than solely controlling Sora, I was given the opportunity to choose among three distinct campaigns – Aqua, Terra, and Ventus. Each character’s story intertwines with the others, adding depth and richness to this incredible journey.

As the characters advance through the plot, they gain access to fresh Keyblades and level up. The most engaging aspect for players was the skill system, where you could blend various abilities and subsequently assign these combined skills to your characters. This experimentation is just as enjoyable as playing the game itself.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Dynamic Synergies

In simpler terms, the development of the gameplay progression in the remake of Final Fantasy 7 significantly surpassed the original version on PlayStation 1, and its follow-up continued this improvement. Each playable character in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has a unique collection of weapons that can be upgraded, along with skills they can acquire.

Characters can master Synergies – combined attacks that involve two or three actions – from a skill progression, reminiscent of Tifa’s leap. Lastly, there’s the Materia system, which allows players to add magical abilities and passive traits to characters by discovering and equipping them. The depth of the action in this game, primarily due to the Materia system, sets it apart among other titles within the Final Fantasy series.

Castlevania: Dawn Of Sorrow

Catching Souls

Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow is a complete Metroidvania game, and it also has elements typical of JRPGs such as experience points (EXP). What stands out in this particular Castlevania title isn’t leveling up the hero, Soma; rather, it’s the thrill of obtaining weapons and gear from defeated enemies, and later crafting new equipment using materials – that’s what really makes this game shine.

Moreover, these creatures can be cultivated not only for their physical strength, but also for their unique skills such as hurling spears or casting spells like fire and ice. Essentially, it resembles a Pokemon game where the trainers harvest the abilities of the creatures instead of capturing them.

Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time

A Life For Every Player

In simpler, more conversational terms: “The Girl Who Steals Time,” part of the Fantasy Life series, offers an accessible entry point for both newcomers and veteran players in the realm of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs). What sets it apart is its depth – you can select your profession, or ‘Life’, which includes conventional roles like warriors and mages, as well as unique ones such as a fisherman.

Instead of typical RPGs that require players to select a class and adhere to it throughout their journey, the class system in “Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time” evolves dynamically. To fully immerse oneself in this world, mastering all the offered Lives (professions) is necessary, a substantial challenge for this new Level-5 game.

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2025-09-11 03:38