Unlock the Secrets: Top RPGs That Reveal Turn Orders for Ultimate Strategy!

Summary

Turn-based RPGs have evolved over the years, with games like Grandia introducing unique turn order mechanics.
Shadow Hearts: Covenant and Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology added twists like Judgement Rings and time travel, enhancing turn-based combat.
Games like Final Fantasy 10 and Octopath Traveler 2 innovated by displaying enemy turn orders and incorporating strategic elements into battles.

Time and again, turn-based role-playing games (RPGs) have graced us since time immemorial, achieving remarkable popularity in the 1980s on the NES with titles such as Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy. Even though the genre has generally evolved towards action-focused games, these classic RPGs continue to thrive today. Over the decades, this genre has undergone numerous transformations, eliminating random battles, incorporating time mechanics, and displaying turn order among other advancements.

Discussing the appeal of RPG games with a defined turn sequence, it’s important to note that this mechanic became popular in the 90s, largely due to the groundbreaking title Grandia. The satisfaction derived from outmaneuvering an opponent and interrupting their turn is exceptionally gratifying. Let’s explore both classic and contemporary RPGs that handle turn order effectively and evaluate them based on the quality of their turn sequence mechanics and any additional innovative gameplay elements they introduce.

9. Grandia

The OG Prince

Grandia is a lesser-known standalone game that also kickstarted a brief RPG series, although it didn’t last long. It contributed to the concept of turn orders, but battles in this game resembled races more than traditional RPG encounters. On the lower corner of the screen, players could see both their characters and enemies lined up on a bar.

In Grandia, characters and enemies move through different stages during an action, with the order depending on the chosen attack. Some attacks are immediate, while others require more time to execute, similar to casting a spell. Interruptions could occur during actions, causing characters or enemies to fall back in line, making the gameplay a bit complex but memorable enough to be fondly remembered even today.

8. Shadow Hearts: Covenant

Ringing Through Alt History

In an alternate European setting, a band of enigmatic warriors are engaged in a struggle to thwart Rasputin’s global conquest. The gameplay features turn-based battles where the sequence is always visible, but there’s an added layer of complexity to the fighting mechanism.

In this offbeat alternate history game, when characters launch an attack, their weapons feature distinctive Judgement Rings. If players coordinate their attacks precisely with these rings, they can inflict greater damage. Moreover, the turn order marked on the rings makes them easily noticeable. The quirky atmosphere of the game adds to its charm.

7. Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology

A Good Use Of The Bottom Screen

Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology is an upgraded version for the 3DS that’s based on the original DS game. Both versions are excellent, utilizing the lower screen to show the sequence of turns. What sets this game apart is its unique grouping system, where enemies take up space on the battlefield.

In the game, players can combine actions to cluster foes and execute combos with their team for increased harm, potentially altering the sequence of turns. Additionally, the game incorporates puzzle aspects as a result of its time-travel feature outside of combat.

6. Xenosaga Episode 1: Der Wille Zur Macht

Of Mechs And Bibles

Xenosaga Episode 1: Der Wille zur Macht is essentially the spiritual sequel to Xenogears on the PlayStation 1. This initial installment in the three-part series for the PlayStation 2 operates within the framework of turn-based combat, allowing players to execute moves using the face buttons. The sequence of turns is clearly visible, but players can manipulate it by giving a character an extra boost.

In combat, this gauge gradually fills, becoming more valuable during confrontations with bosses. Notably, certain characters in this game can harness energy to summon mechanical allies to aid them on the battlefield, adding an extra layer of distinctiveness to its heavily themed religious role-playing experience.

5. Triangle Strategy

Strategical Orders

As a dedicated strategy game enthusiast, let me share my excitement about “Triangle Strategy” – a captivating turn-based tactical RPG that stands out from the crowd due to its distinctive feature of showing the order of turns. In this game, I move my characters across a grid, and each hero character boasts a distinct class, which not only influences their movement speed but also unlocks unique skills to master.

For instance, Hughette possesses two distinct benefits: she can shoot enemies from a distance using her bow, and she can reach high locations with the aid of her flying bird companion. Finding the optimal teams that function harmoniously is an integral aspect of the strategy, while the HD-2D graphics are simply breathtaking.

4. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Going French

In the game “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33“, turn-based strategy plays a crucial role, with the Speed stat determining the order of turns. The game features items resembling accessories called Pictos that characters can use, and one particularly effective one is named Cheater.

As a gamer, I can double my character’s moves in one round, messing up the enemy’s turn sequence. Having two turns gives me a fantastic opportunity to strategize attacks, or even heal and strike back with the same character.

3. Baldur’s Gate 3

Every Move Counts

In simpler terms, “Baldur’s Gate 3” is another Western-made tactical role-playing game. Regardless of the ease level selected, this game offers a challenging experience as enemies frequently outnumber players and can deal significant damage. The turn order feature is beneficial for players as it allows them to plan their actions more effectively. This could involve focusing on attacking to eliminate more enemies and reduce damage, or prioritizing healing of allies to maintain the party’s strength.

In Baldur’s Gate 3, having a clear turn order is essential because without it, games might never be completed. This emphasizes its importance. Moreover, what sets this game apart is that players can swiftly switch from strolling around to engaging in combat at the drop of a hat, which makes exploration all the more immersive and enjoyable.

2. Final Fantasy 10

A First For The Series

In the “Final Fantasy 10” game, its battle system is exceptionally diverse and some people might say that this made the game somewhat too simple at moments. However, it’s important to note that it was the initial mainline game to show enemy turn orders, a feature not commonly found in many other games, spin-offs, or similar titles.

In addition to taking turns, players had the option to change party members during battles to adapt their tactics. For example, if they required someone like Wakka who excelled against flying foes. Moreover, Yuna possessed the ability to replace the entire team by summoning an Aeon ally such as Bahamut, which could be manually controlled. To add to its significance, Final Fantasy 10 marked the series’ debut of voice acting and was a significant title for the PS2.

1. Octopath Traveler 2

A Spiritual Successor To A Spiritual Successor

Just like Bravely Default: Flying Fairy could be seen as a spiritual successor to Final Fantasy, as it reintroduced Jobs, random battles, and a world map similar to those games, the Octopath Traveler series can be considered an unrelated spin-off. It modified the visual style, utilized the same combat system, but also introduced turn orders.

In the combat system of Octopath Traveler 2, players can accumulate Boost Points, allowing them to make several attacks during the same turn. For optimal results, it’s advantageous to build up these Boosts just prior to an opponent or boss’s turn.

2025-05-22 17:10