The Best Turn-Based JRPGs On The Nintendo DS

Highlights

The Nintendo DS revolutionized turn-based JRPG gameplay with its two-screen system and touch controls.
Classic titles like
Final Fantasy 4
and
Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story
received enhanced 3DS ports.
Unique and engaging games like
Radiant Historia
and
Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey
offer a fresh JRPG experience.

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the enchanting worlds of these timeless RPGs, I can confidently say that the games listed here are truly exceptional. Each one offers a unique and captivating experience that resonates deeply within the heart of every gamer.

The Nintendo DS represents one of Nintendo’s most daring ventures to date; this is particularly noteworthy considering that the company introduced a VR headset well before it gained significant popularity in the 2010s. The concept of dual screens for a portable device might have seemed outrageous, but its innovative touch-screen controls catapulted the DS into immediate success.

Improving gameplay for specific genres, particularly turn-based Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), was achieved. For strategy lovers, games like “Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift,” “Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon,” and “Pokemon Conquest” are excellent choices within the category of turn-based tactical JRPGs. However, they differ from traditional turn-based JRPGs that focus on smaller-scale gameplay rather than expansive maps. Let’s discuss some exceptional games in this niche.

8 Golden Sun: Dark Dawn

The Final Part Of The Trilogy

The Best Turn-Based JRPGs On The Nintendo DS

Released: November 29, 2010 (NA)
Developer: Camelot Software Planning
Publisher: Nintendo
Metacritic Score: 79

It was some time before the third game in the series, Golden Sun: Dark Dawn, was released, following the two Golden Sun games on the Game Boy Advance (GBA). What made these games stand out was that players could carry over their progress between them. This feature extended to Golden Sun: Dark Dawn as well, thanks to the GBA slot in the Nintendo DS, rewarding players with a bonus.

In this third installment of the series, legacy takes on a unique significance. Since the original characters from the first two games have grown older and now have children who step into the limelight as the new heroes. The gameplay remains consistent with previous Golden Sun titles, offering a blend of solving intricate puzzles within dungeons and engaging in intense turn-based combat.

7 Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey

A Demonic Trip To Antarctica

Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey is a side story within the main series, but it follows the familiar playstyle. In this game, players lead a team of researchers in Antarctica who accidentally discover a demonic world, which offers a distinct backdrop for a role-playing or video game experience.

Exploring dungeons is experienced from the protagonist’s perspective, while battles take place on a turn-by-turn basis. Players can enlist demons to support them in combat, each possessing unique elemental abilities that have corresponding strengths and vulnerabilities. This is an engaging Nintendo DS RPG, with the 3DS version offering improved features that enhance the overall experience.

6 Final Fantasy 4

A Remake And The Definitive Edition Of A Classic

On the DS, there were two remarkable remakes of the “Final Fantasy” series. Among these two, “Final Fantasy 3” garnered more attention because it marked its first release in North America in 2006, a long time after its initial debut on the NES in Japan in 1990. However, despite the significance of that release, I still believe that “Final Fantasy 4” is the superior game.

Back in the days of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Final Fantasy 4 stood out as a classic among many, often hailed by fans as one of the best titles within the series. It was instrumental in moving the narrative and gameplay of the series forward, while its remake on the DS brought it up-to-date with features such as voice acting, which added a fresh layer to the gaming experience.

5 Radiant Historia

Investing In The Past To Change The Future

Radiant Historia stands out among games for the DS due to its exceptional originality. The protagonist is a young soldier named Stocke, who suffers a devastating defeat in battle that results in his allies’ demise. However, he’s granted a remarkable opportunity for a do-over through a mystical book, which significantly impacts gameplay mechanics.

1. In this game, players have the ability to revisit past events in order to influence the future. A timeline menu is provided to help them monitor their advancement. The battle system in this turn-based game is particularly challenging, necessitating constant alertness and careful resource management. This title also received an upgraded version for the 3DS, similar to Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey.

4 Pokemon Black & White

One Of The Most Compelling Narratives In The Franchise

As a dedicated Pokémon enthusiast, I can confidently say that the leap in graphical prowess between my beloved classics, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, and the subsequent releases, Pokémon Black and White, was nothing short of stunning. The character sprites were not just improved but advanced, with fluid animations and a size that truly brought them to life. The starter Pokémon – Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott – quickly became fan favorites, even eclipsing the charm of the original three starters from the First Generation games. To top it off, the storyline was engaging enough to captivate a kid’s imagination, making these games an unforgettable journey for me.

In the game, Team Plasma’s chief, N, presented an intriguing antagonist amidst a vibrant cast of characters. The traditional mechanic of fighting and collecting Pokémon remained strong. Notably, Pokemon consistently shines as a top choice for turn-based Japanese role-playing games, and the DS versions, specifically Black and White, exemplified this quality.

3 Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels Of The Starry Skies

The Series Goes Co-Op

In the course of its creation, the game titled “Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels of the Starry Skies” underwent significant transformations. Initially, it was intended to be an action-based RPG, but one consistent element throughout the process was the multiplayer feature. Unlike previous Dragon Quest games, players in this version had the ability to personalize their characters.

In addition to progressing through the solo narrative, players could also engage in cooperative play for four-member teams. Furthermore, the strategic turn-based combat remained consistent throughout. This game appears to have served as a suitable platform for testing multiplayer functionality, as the subsequent title, Dragon Quest 10: Rise of the Five Tribes, was an MMO that has yet to be released in North America.

2 Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story

Bowser Gets A Starring Role

“Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story” is the third role-playing game (RPG) in the Mario & Luigi series. The story unfolds from the perspectives of both Bowser, the main antagonist, and our two heroic plumbers.

In this scenario, Bowser is causing chaos as he tries to seize control over the Mushroom Kingdom. However, when another hostile force threatens the kingdom, Bowser must switch gears and defend it instead. Enter Mario and Luigi, who lend a helping hand by boosting Bowser’s power from within his very own body. This peculiar situation leads to some hilarious moments and engaging gameplay. Similar to other games on this list, this title also received an improved version for the Nintendo 3DS console.

1 Chrono Trigger

The SNES’s Best Makes It To The DS

Chrono Trigger, without a doubt, is widely acclaimed as a classic example within the JRPG genre, and stands among the best titles available for the SNES. Following an unsuccessful conversion to the PS1, the DS version rectified numerous issues.

In this updated rendition, the game’s loading speeds surpassed the original PlayStation version, and additional features were included for the New Game+ mode. The game is so intriguing that it practically invites multiple playthroughs due to its time-travel mechanics offering various endings. While the graphics didn’t undergo significant changes, they remained effective since the pixel art of most Super Nintendo games remains visually appealing. Currently, the best way to enjoy Chrono Trigger is through the DS version.

2024-08-04 14:04