Turn-Based JRPGs That Should Transition Into Action Combat

Summary

Classic RPG franchises like Breath of Fire could benefit from a shift to action-based combat for a fresh experience.
Fans eagerly anticipate a combination of time travel elements and action gameplay in a potential Chrono Trigger sequel.
The Xenoblade Chronicles series is poised for an action RPG shift, building upon its existing fast-paced combat mechanics.

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the rich and diverse world of video games, I must say that these suggestions for transitioning classic RPG series into action-based genres are nothing short of intriguing!

What makes any video game series special is its ability to change and grow over time. Do you recall when Mario transitioned into a 3D world? It was an enchanting experience for those who grew up alongside Mario and other 2D platform games. However, the evolution of games doesn’t stop at introducing new dimensions; it can also involve other forms of progression as well.

To start, the “Final Fantasy” series initially focused on role-playing games (RPGs) in a turn-based format, spanning from its debut to “Final Fantasy 15”. Although there were preceding action-based spinoffs, the main sequence’s departure was significant. Was this shift the correct choice? It’s an interesting question, as opinions among fans are divided. Some might equally be torn about these traditional turn-based franchises transitioning into action games. However, it could be intriguing to explore these concepts first through spinoffs before making a full commitment. Perhaps these series could experiment with the action genre gradually, starting with spinoffs and seeing how they fare.

7. Breath Of Fire

Like A Dragon

The Breath of Fire series, once a significant role-playing game (RPG) franchise for Capcom on consoles, has been inactive for quite some time. Similar to Final Fantasy, each new installment offered a unique experience and only loosely connected to its predecessors, apart from sharing names and certain themes. A notable characteristic is that the main character is almost always a blue-haired boy named Ryu, who possesses the ability to transform into various dragons.

In the entire series, neither a console spin-off nor any of the primary games have delved into action combat. Instead, the concept of battling enemies while transforming into different dragons seems intriguing for a combat system. If Capcom chooses to resurrect this classic franchise, they might want to think about reintroducing it as an Action Role-Playing Game (RPG) rather than focusing on mobile devices again.

6. Chrono Trigger

Breaking Through Time

Enthusiasts of the game “Chrono Trigger” have been eagerly anticipating a sequel since its spin-off, “Chrono Cross,” came out for the PS1 in 2000. While both games are exceptional, “Chrono Trigger” is often regarded as a classic in the realm of RPGs by many. For years, there were whispers that a third installment, “Chrono Break,” was being developed; however, no legitimate trailer or concept art has ever surfaced, suggesting that the project may have been nothing more than rumor if it indeed existed at all.

The reason why Chrono Cross stood out as a classic was due to its innovative concepts, such as non-random battles and a narrative that revolved around exploring different dimensions rather than linear time travel. For a potential third installment, they could blend these themes together, adding action-based gameplay to the combat system to give it a contemporary edge.

5. Golden Sun

A More Zelda-Like Approach

Golden Sun is one of the overlooked role-playing game (RPG) series from Nintendo, which hasn’t had a new installment since the DS era. The games in this franchise have typically followed the turn-based RPG format, but they also incorporated an action aspect during exploration. Characters in each game possessed psychic and elemental abilities that could be utilized to solve puzzles within dungeons.

For instance, players might summon a colossal hand to move columns onto levers, thus unveiling fresh routes within the dungeons. This method was reminiscent of ‘Zelda’, enabling ‘Golden Sun’ to cover ground and evolve into a fully-fledged action RPG in the mold of ‘Zelda’. The party could accompany the protagonist much like they do in other action games such as ‘Tales of’ or ‘Star Ocean’, making ‘Golden Sun’ seem less like an imitation of ‘Zelda’ and more unique.

4. Pokemon

Pokeball, I Choose You!

Fans of Pokemon have long been eager for Nintendo and Game Freak to venture into the action genre. They almost achieved this with Pokemon Legends: Arceus, which enabled players to catch Pokemon without battling, although combat was still accessible. However, the next installments, Pokemon Violet and Pokemon Scarlet, seemed to retract from that approach for the following generation of games.

It’d be fantastic if players could manage Pokémon in real-time for the first time. Games like the Ni no Kuni series have dabbled with this gameplay, but Pokemon could bring a fresh perspective to the genre. Although programming multiple Pokémon for manual control would be complex, it’s not impossible. The developers might need to narrow down their options, but they could certainly make it happen.

3. Voice Of Cards

Card-Based Dungeon Crawling

In a brief period, the game series known as “Voice of Cards” launched an impressive trio: “Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars”, “Voice of Cards: The Forsaken Maiden”, and “Voice of Cards: The Beasts of Burden”. Each title introduces new groups of characters, yet they share a common gameplay style. Players are given parties to manage, and they can level up their teams much like in conventional RPGs, although the combat system is card-based.

As a devoted fan, I found myself immersed in a captivating minimalistic dungeon crawler where I was handed chess-like pieces to traverse diverse landscapes, from open fields to shadowy dungeons. Despite its seemingly modest production, the game’s art design kept me hooked and entertained. However, Square Enix could elevate the experience significantly in the next installment by crafting fully realized towns, dungeons, enemies, and character models. Maintaining the card-based action gameplay akin to Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories would be an exciting addition as well.

2. Wild Arms

Give Borderlands A Run For Their Money

It appears that “Wild Arms” is perfectly suited for a revolution in the action game genre. The latest game launched (excluding mobile versions) was “Wild Arms XF” on the PSP, which was a tactical RPG spinoff. Notably, the last main series installment, “Wild Arms 5,” was released on the PS2, indicating that many years have passed since this PlayStation exclusive series first took flight.

One way to rephrase that in a more natural and easy-to-understand manner: What set Wild Arms apart from other turn-based RPGs of its time was its Western-themed setting filled with horseback riding, deserts, and cowboy-style action. Changing the series into a third-person shooter RPG could potentially attract new fans. However, it shouldn’t take on the intense, gritty style of games like Devil May Cry, but rather maintain its lighthearted adventure spirit – something akin to a mix between the Ratchet & Clank and Borderlands series.

1. Xenoblade Chronicles

Halfway There Already

Xenoblade Chronicles is almost at the point where it becomes a full-fledged action RPG, just needing a little more to get there. Each game in the series employs combat reminiscent of MMOs, where characters attack enemies once targeted without traditional battle systems. However, players can still input skills and combos to defeat enemies, adding a level of interactivity.

In a bid to maintain the high-speed, action-packed nature of their series, Monolith Soft could explore testing out combat systems with an action focus. They haven’t dabbled in this style of gameplay for any of their “Xeno” projects previously, such as Xenogears on the PS1 and the Xenosaga trilogy on the PS2. It’s possible they might be considering a future “Xeno” game that emphasizes action gameplay for the Switch 2. They have previously developed action RPGs, like Soma Bringer on the DS.

2024-12-22 10:04