Summary
JRPGs are among the most beloved genres in the realm of gaming, especially popular in the 90s. This style of gameplay was home to major titles likeFinal Fantasy,Chrono Trigger, and theShin Megami Tenseifranchise. Due to these successes, the genre became widely associated with turn-based combat.
However, despite this near-synonymous association with turn-based combat, many JRPGs on the market opt for different approaches, offering more intense, action-focused gameplay. Various franchises, includingFinal Fantasy, have changed their approach over time, releasing popularJRPGs without traditional turn-based combat. Additionally, many other titles shine by creating enjoyable experiences while straying from the genre’s classic roots.
Although developed by the same team behindCode Vein,Scarlet Nexusdoesn’t have much in common withthe soulslike genre. Here, players will find faster and more action-focused combat, which stands out among JRPGs of this type. Besides being enjoyable, the characters have psychokinesis abilities, allowing players to interact with some objects in the environment.
For players expecting substantial content,Scarlet Nexusdoes a decent job by offering two campaigns, one for each of the protagonist siblings. While the adventures are similar in certain aspects, they also have fundamental differences that are needed to understand the entire narrative, making it an enjoyable experience, especially for JRPG fans tired of turn-based combat.
9Ys: The Oath In Felghana
A High Point In Action JRPG Excellence
TheYsfranchiseis known for its thrilling battles and refined combat mechanics.Ys: The Oath in Felghanastands out by moving away from traditional turn-based combat, offering a fast-paced and precise action experience. The gameplay is fluid, with Adol Christin facing hordes of enemies and challenging bosses in real-time battles.
Ys: The Oath in Felghanareimagines the 16-bit classic with fast-paced, hack-and-slash-style combat. The game emphasizes precise control and attack timing, with challenging boss battles that require player skill and strategy. Additionally, the game has plenty of content, including six difficulty levels, unlockable modes, and a vibrant soundtrack, being acclaimed as a masterpiece of theYsseries.
Despite not being as popular as other genre franchises,Taleshas always had good JRPGs, delivering a consistent series of games to players. Another highlight of the series is that it hasalways had real-time combat, and inTales of Arise, the fighting mechanics are better executed than in previous entries.
This highlight also shines for players who enjoy creating combos, hitting enemies with a large sequence of attacks without giving them a chance to counter. The soundtrack, inspired by genres like rock, also combines well with the action gameplay, providing a sense of novelty for the franchise.
Being more of a reboot than a continuation of the first game,NEO: The World Ends With Youis one of the most underrated JRPGs released by Square Enix. Mixing unique artistic direction withan engaging soundtrack, the game also stands out for its fun and chaotic combat.
InNEO: The World Ends With You, the player controls three characters simultaneously, each with specific abilities assigned to different control buttons. This approach recreates the original chaos from the Nintendo DS title, challenging players to manage multiple actions simultaneously without getting lost, creating one of the most unique JRPG experiences.
Although it did not continue the partnership with Studio Ghibli as in the first game,Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdomhas an art direction that still bears much resemblance to the animations produced by them. Players can expect colorful worlds, well-animated characters, and adorable monsters in this title.
The combat, unlike its predecessor, is more focused on real-time battles and action moments, allowing players to move freely around the environment. Despite abandoning its roots, the changes were positive, offering fluid and diverse combat, especially considering the variety of enemies.
InKingdom Hearts 2 Final Mix, Square Enix significantly improved the combat. Ground and aerial combos are more fluid, andboss battles are better balanced, allowing players to learn and adapt to attack patterns without excessive frustration during gameplay. Moreover, the experience became more satisfying by reducing the need for grinding.
The game also introduced several quality-of-life improvements, such as Drive Forms, Limit abilities, item shortcuts, and magic enhancements. Thanks to these changes, the experience became even more satisfying, serving as a good middle ground between the limitations of the first game and the excessive freedom of the third game in the mainKingdom Heartstrilogy.
Combat inXenoblade Chronicles 2is notoriously complex, with many integrated systems working together. Although it can be difficult to understand initially, mastering mechanics like executing combos, identifying enemy weaknesses, and using the Party Gauge offers a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience. Patience in learning these details is rewarded with dynamic and enjoyable battles.
The DLCTorna: The Golden Countryfurther enhanced these mechanics, refining the combat system and providing an even more balanced experience for players.Xenoblade Chronicles 2also features a wide variety of Blades, allowing new strategy customization that ensures each journey is unique. These elements, combined with the game’s depth, make it one of the richest and most rewardingJRPG experiences on the Nintendo Switch.
Theoriginal version ofFinal Fantasy 7was one of the best turn-based games released for the PlayStation 1. For years, fans demanded a remake, which is now being released as a trilogy. This new version not only expands the story but also introduces a new combat system, closer to that of an action JRPG.
Despite the changes, Square Enix modernized the franchise’s formula while maintaining the essence of turn-based combat. The game allows players to switch between characters, strategizing to win battles in a fun and well-produced manner. This approach inFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirthhas undergone further improvements, providing players with an even better experience, merging the best of both worlds.
Developed by Platinum Games,NieR: Automatastands out by blending frenetic action with a deep and philosophical narrative. The game features intense and fluid combat, where players control androids battling hostile machines ina post-apocalyptic world.
The combat is agile and dynamic, with various weapons and abilities allowing players to create devastating combos. Besides melee fights, the game incorporates shoot ‘em up elements, providing an engaging and unique experience. The game redefines what a JRPG can be, making it a recommended experience for all fans of the genre.
TheDragon’s Dogmafranchise holds a special place in JRPG fans’ hearts. The second game in the series, released in 2024, perfected its predecessor’s combat with dynamic and intense gameplay. Inspired by titles likeMonster HunterandShadow of the Colossus,Dragon’s Dogma 2challenges players to face giant enemies, climbing them to find better angles to attack, making each battle more enjoyable.
Under Hideaki Itsuno’s leadership, Capcom’s title offers epic combat where players' tactics matter more than reflexes, and Pawn customization adds an extra layer of fun. Although the variety of enemies might be limited, the overall experience is extremely satisfying and rewarding.
