Modern gaming has seen an increase in action role-playing games, more so than the traditional turn-based RPGs, for better or for worse. Many fans of the RPG genre long for the days when turn-based battles were the norm. While these types of games absolutely still exist, more often than not they have been usurped by more action-oriented games. Turn-based RPGs were all the rage in gaming generations gone by.
There are so many wonderful games in this genre that are deserving of a nice comeback. While action-oriented RPGs might be a tad more accessible, games such as Dragon Quest XI have shown that blending turn-based battles with more player control and freedom works well. The following games are all excellent in their own right and should make a comeback soon.
Updated on April 26th, 2022 by Geoffrey Martin: Before the RPG or JRPG genres were flooded with more action-focused combat systems, it was the humble turn-based mechanic that reigned supreme. While many players really don't like the slower, more methodical take on battles, there continues to be a market for fans of this version of the genre. Turn-based RPGs offer a level of depth and nuance that often aren't seen in their action-focused brethren, sometimes even blending the two nicely. Many RPGs and JRPGs from the late 90s and early 2000s featured a turn-based system for their battles. These extra games most certainly need to make a comeback since they helped propel the genre as a whole.
12 Rogue Galaxy
Rogue Galaxy is an interesting RPG in that it features turn-based elements alongside a more freeform movement system where battles would simply take place right in the explorable zone. This blend of turn-based and action hasn't really been seen much apart from titles like Eternal Sonata or Radiata Stories.
Rogue Galaxy is a globe-trotting sci-fi meets fantasy RPG starring Jaster Rogue, a brazen character who also has a heart of gold. Jaster, along with his party of quirky companions, must venture across a diverse galaxy to stop the Draxian Empire. The game, which was made by renowned JRPG team Level-5, featured the vibrant cel-shaded graphics that were made popular in Dragon Quest 8: Journey of the Cursed King.
11 Suikoden Series
For something completely different, we look to the Suikoden series, a long-running JRPG franchise that features heavy elements of strategy and tactics. The Suikoden series first breathed new life into the turn-based RPG genre in 1995 with Suikoden on PlayStation 1. The latest mainline entry, namely, Suikoden 5, was released way back in 2006, which certainly makes it a candidate for a revival.
This beloved series gained fans all over the world due to its complex plots, intricately woven narrative, enticing characters, and most importantly, highly enjoyable strategic turn-based combat. Make no mistake, the Suikoden series is quite difficult to get into if you haven't played a deeply rewarding tactical strategy game, however, once you are invested, it will keep you hooked for the long haul.
10 Shadow Hearts
The Shadow Hearts series is brimming with creativity both in its narrative directions and gameplay. Each entry in the series from the original to Covenant to From the New World takes on different themes such as horror to alternate history. This underrated RPG series is also filled with likable and quirky characters such as Yuri, Karen, and Joachim.
The absolute best part of this series has to be the judgment ring turn-based battles. The judgment ring gave players a more tactical and immersive battle system that allowed for precision button presses that either enhanced or limited attacks, powers, and items.
9 Wild Arms
Wild Arms is a turn-based RPG series that hasn't been around since 2005 with the PlayStation 2 release of Wild Arms Alter Code: F. This western-influenced RPG series takes place in the world of Filgaia and follows a band of characters known as Dream Chasers.
Wild Arms has typically had a blend of 2D and 3D game experiences with a fairly standard turn-based battle system. The unique aspect of the battles were the ARMs or Ancient Relic Machines that provided exciting attacks for Rudy and his party companions to try out.
8 Okage: The Shadow King
Okage: The Shadow King, a charming Tim Burton-esque RPG from the PlayStation 2 in 2001, unfortunately, released as this one title, never spanning into a great series. The story of Ari and his sister Annie is filled with bizarre and often spooky moments. Much of this game centers around the great evil king Stanley and his influence over Ari.
Although the turn-based battles are filled with genre tropes such as overworld enemy encounters, HP and MP bars, and basic attacks, it was set apart with the unique special powers that Ari could utilize through Stan. Fortunately, this game can still at least be played on PlayStation 4 via a digital download.
7 Lost Kingdoms
Lost Kingdom is a GameCube exclusive RPG featuring a fantasy world, unique characters, and a very fun card-based battle system. While the story of princess Katia is interesting and focused, it's the card battling system that truly makes this game shine and stands apart from its counterparts.
Lost Kingdom's battle system is a near-perfect mix of turn-based card strategy and real-time movement. Players are able to freely move about to avoid enemies but must also utilize their deck of cards for attacking, defending, and using items.
6 Skies Of Arcadia
Skies of Arcadia which was released on the Sega Dreamcast and its sequel Skies of Arcadia Legends which was released on the Gamecube are still recognized as two of the best, underrated turn-based RPGs. Players control protagonist Vyse, a sky pirate, as he explores a plethora of diverse dungeons.
While dungeon exploration certainly isn't revolutionary to the turn-based RPG genre, the Skies of Arcadia series filled them with clever puzzles and plenty of secret routes. Also, between locations, players could explore the overworld via their skyship.
5 Dragon Quest VIII: Journey Of The Cursed King
While it would be easy enough to mention any of the fantastic Dragon Quest games for this entry, it's Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King that really brought the spotlight to this series, especially for genre newcomers. Released back in 2005 for the Playstation 2, this beautiful fantasy game featured charming characters and a gorgeous world to explore.
What easily sets this game apart is the cel-shading graphics style. The cel-shading enhanced each character, town, and enemy with a unique liveliness. Fortunately, this game can still be played easily on mobile phones, the Nintendo 3DS, and of course the PS2.
4 Breath Of Fire
Breath of Fire is a long-running RPG series that features incredible characters and compelling stories. Each entry in this storied franchise features its own standalone narrative so new players can always jump in easily. Part of what made this series special is that each character that explored the overworld map had their own unique skill which enhanced exploration.
Battles themselves are fairly standard with turn-based encounters in which four heroes can use traditional attacks, magic attacks, defensive skills, and healing items. There have been six total games in this franchise across a multitude of platforms. Breath of Fire deserves a comeback due to its rich storytelling and deep characters.
3 Eternal Sonata
Eternal Sonata, a gorgeous classical music and fantasy-inspired RPG was released on the Xbox 360 in 2007 and the PlayStation 3 in 2008. This underrated RPG gem tells the unique story of the legendary composer, Frederic Chopin, as he lies on his deathbed in a surreal dream state.
This game features quirky characters with musical names such as Allegretto and Polka with plenty of classical music surprises along the way. Aside from the creative story, Eternal Sonata also featured a tactical time battle system that perfectly blended action and turn-based mechanics with plenty of pizazz.
2 Grandia
The Grandia series is a fantasy-inspired franchise that is known for its creative use of 2D and 3D graphical design. The original game tells the tale of Justin who happens to be an adventurer hailing from the town of Parm. After a military convoy wreaks havoc on his town, he ventures forth into the New World, his head filled with adventurous dreams.
One of the most unique features that fans of the series love are that battles consistently feature a rotating roster of party members. Because of this, new attacks and special abilities are always opened up for players to explore.
1 Arc The Lad
Arc the Lad might be one of the most unique RPGs due to utilizing a tactical strategy-focused battle system that really helped to set it apart from its genre counterparts. The only game in the series that didn't feature this creative battle system was Arc the Lad: End of Darkness.
Arc the Lad deserves a comeback, at least in the West, because it features compelling characters, a deep world, and a fun tactical battle system. The series did thrive in the Japanese market but never took off in the same way in the west. Perhaps an updated or reimagined version could bring new fans to the storied series.