Top 8 Action JRPGs with Flexible Difficulty Settings

by

Summary

  • Soulslike RPGs lack difficulty levels, but Ys Memoire offers various settings catering to all players’ preferences.
  • Scarlet Nexus provides different difficulty levels, encouraging varied gameplay experiences for gamers.
  • Persona 5 Strikers and other Musou games offer flexibility with difficulty settings for players’ enjoyment.

As a gaming enthusiast, I must admit that diving into Action RPGs can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Even the seemingly straightforward hack-and-slash games can seem intimidating for those new to the genre. After all, who would suggest the infamously challenging Dark Souls as an introduction to this world, wouldn’t we agree?

Instead of being excessively challenging, which might deter a player from ever returning to video games, Soulslike action RPGs usually offer a range of difficulty levels. From beginner-friendly options to tougher challenges for experienced players, there’s a suitable level for all skill sets. The specifics of these difficulty settings will be addressed later, but the ranking will primarily focus on the games themselves and their overall balance.

8. Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana

A Good Jumping Off Point

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is a freshly updated version of an old favorite that initially debuted on the PSP in 2010, primarily for North America. Players can choose the level of challenge they prefer from options like Very Easy, Easy, Normal, Hard, and Nightmare.

In the initial two dungeons, the hero Adol will become almost unbeatable due to his increased resilience. The difficulty level gradually intensifies from there, requiring more gameplay time (grinding) and equipment advancement. Normal mode offers a well-balanced experience for this action RPG, but overall, it’s an excellent addition to the Ys series for newcomers.

7. Scarlet Nexus

The Tales Team Goes Futuristic

2021 saw the launch of two games from Bandai Namco, namely “Scarlet Nexus” and “Tales of Arise”. Interestingly, both titles include varying levels of difficulty, a common trait in the “Tales of” series. In “Scarlet Nexus”, players can opt for Very Easy, Easy, Normal, Hard, or Very Hard settings, depending on their preferred level of challenge. Similar to “Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana”, the level of grinding required to conquer the game is largely determined by the player’s preference.

Speaking of which, players on the easiest setting might still need some time to adapt to the action combat and buddy system since certain boss battles can be quite challenging. Compared to other Bandai Namco games, Scarlet Nexus appears more daring, even years after its release. It’s an excellent choice for a game to savor before this console generation concludes.

6. Persona 5 Strikers

A True Successor

Persona 5 Strikers is one of the numerous spin-off titles crafted by Omega Force outside their primary series, which include Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors. This game serves as a direct follow-up to Persona 5, unfolding during the summer following the events of the original story. The main character, who can be named either Akira or Ren, returns to reconnect with his former Phantom Thieves companions for a journey on the road.

As they journey along, they find themselves unwillingly drawn into a fresh escapade, one requiring them to employ their prior abilities to rectify certain injustices. However, this time around, the confrontations are live and immediate. Players can savor the game on Easy, Normal, or Hard settings, with the option to adjust the level of difficulty at any moment. Many Musou games come equipped with varying levels of challenge, making them accessible even for newcomers such as the recently unveiled Dynasty Warriors: Origins.

5. Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom

An Easier Adventure Overall

The game, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, initially appeared to be a role-playing game tailored for children due to its child protagonist and Studio Ghibli-inspired visuals. However, upon its initial release on the PS3, it proved challenging; this difficulty was alleviated when it was remastered later.

In the second installment of “Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom”, the gameplay has been streamlined, making it more accessible from the get-go. Players can choose between Normal, Hard, and Expert difficulties, with even the Hard mode offering a balanced challenge that surpasses the original. This role-playing game is truly delightful to dive into. As for combat, “Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom” has transitioned from turn-based to action combat, and it significantly reduced the monster-catching aspect, which may be seen as a pro or con.

4. Star Ocean: The Second Story R

The Best In The Series Redone

Star Ocean: The Second Story Remastered is a fresh take on the original PlayStation game, employing Square Enix’s unique HD-2D visual style. This version offers adorable challenge settings for players such as Earth, Galaxy, Universe, and Chaos modes, aligning with its space exploration theme.

As a gamer, I can say that in this game, you have the option to pick between two unique characters, each starting you off at different points. Most players will find ‘Star Ocean: The Second Story R’ quite approachable because it’s not overly demanding with level grinding, although some parts later on might pose a challenge for those who are new to the ‘Star Ocean’ series.

3. Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX

A Wide Birth Of Disney Classics

The compilation titled “Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX” is an outstanding demonstration, as it gathers the majority of games within the “Kingdom Hearts” series. Since their inception, the “Kingdom Hearts” games have consistently featured varying difficulty levels, a sensible choice given that they are Disney-themed games primarily designed for a younger demographic.

In the initial game, players have the option to select among three difficulties: Final Mix: Beginner, Final Mix, and Final Mix: Proud. Each level offers additional features that may or may not be unlocked, such as secret endings. The more challenging modes in these games also increase the chances of discovering secrets. Essentially, players must decide whether they prefer an effortless hunt for secrets or a straightforward gaming experience to explore Disney worlds ranging from Aladdin to Tron Legacy.

2. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

A Dynamic Range Of Options

The upcoming title “Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth” is part of a planned trilogy remake, and it offers an engaging difficulty system that allows players to select Easy, Normal, or Dynamic at the beginning, with the option to adjust during gameplay. While Normal mode can be quite demanding, so can Easy if players neglect character leveling up or progression related to Materia and equipment.

The system adjusts battles automatically, making them more challenging if players are managing well and less challenging if they need to frequently revive their party members. This ensures a balance between difficulty levels, as the game becomes easier when players struggle, but harder when they’re doing exceptionally well. It adds an interesting twist to gameplay.

1. The World Ends With You: Final Mix

A Fashionable Trend

As a devoted fan, I’d like to share my excitement about diving back into the world of “The World Ends With You: Final Mix” on the Switch. This game initially captivated me on the DS, and its transition to the Nintendo console has been a dream come true!

What makes this action RPG stand out is the innovative way it blends challenge with gameplay. Unlike traditional games that offer weapons or spells, the protagonist, Neku, can equip pins imbued with diverse abilities – from swift slashes to fiery projectiles. It’s a fresh take on combat that keeps me engaged and eager for more!

In this game titled “The World Ends With You: Final Mix“, players have the flexibility to adjust their game difficulty to Easy or Normal, and depending on their skill level, they might receive more or fewer rewards such as Experience Points (EXP) or pins. Additionally, players can accumulate multiple monster encounters, known as “Noise”, to boost their rewards, making the overall gaming experience highly customizable. This game is an exceptional RPG that every RPG enthusiast should try at least once.

Read More

2025-01-19 08:34