Released in 2011, the Nintendo 3DS is often hailed as one of the best hand-held Nintendo consoles of all time, selling over seventy-five million units. The console is home to a wide variety of genres from action adventures to kart racers, receiving many ports of classic games like Star Fox 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
Throughout the console’s lifespan, it was home to a wide range of fan favorite RPGs such as games within the Pokemon series and Square Enix’s Bravely Default. However, the console is home to a plethora of lesser-known RPGs that don’t get nearly enough attention. So here's a look at some of the most underrated RPGs released for the 3DS.
10 Conception 2
Developed by Altus and Spike Chunsoft, Conception 2 is a turn-based JRPG that has the protagonist train to fight demons. Containing elements found within both turn-based RPGs and dating sims, the player fights by summoning “star children” of a variety of classes. The game features several alternate endings, adding to Conception 2’s replay value.
9 Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 Record Breaker
A sequel to the Shin Megami Tensei spin-off, Devil Survivor, Devil Survivor 2 Record Breaker is the improved and updated version of the original Devil Survivor 2.
The game is a criminally underrated tactical RPG that carries the same tone as many other games within the Shin Megami Tensei series, featuring a great deal of dark supernatural elements within a modern Japanese setting.
8 Persona Q
Up until the release of Persona Q, games within the Persona series were largely relegated to Playstation consoles. Persona Q is a crossover between Persona 3 and Persona 4, including each party member from the two games and even letting the player play as the protagonist of their choice from these games. The gameplay of Persona Q is a blend of elements of the Persona and Etrian Odyssey franchises, including Persona-styled combat within Eteriam Odyssey dungeon crawls. The game is full to the brim with fun character interactions that fans of the Persona series are sure to appreciate.
7 Fantasy Life
Easily the most laid-back entry on this list, rather than focusing on an intense story or combat, Fantasy Life is the RPG equivalent of Animal Crossing. While the game features traditional RPG elements like combat, much of the game is spent decorating one’s house or helping out around town, creating a very mellow gameplay experience.
6 Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows Of Valentia
Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia is a 3DS title of the previously Japan-exclusive second entry in the Fire Emblem series, Fire Emblem Gaiden.
While the game’s maps are faithful recreations of the original game’s, nearly every aspect of the originally barebones Gaiden has been greatly expanded upon, including significantly more plot and character development, even introducing one of the best villains in the series, Berkut.
5 Tales Of The Abyss
The “Tales Of” franchise is one that doesn’t get nearly as much widespread attention. A series of action RPGs, combat in the Tales Of franchise is fast-paced, providing each party member with their own unique move-set that is reminiscent of that of a fighting game character. Originally released for the PS2, the 3DS port of Tales of the Abyss adds many quality of life improvements to an already solid game, making great use of the system’s two screens.
4 Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology
While the underrated Radiant Historia was originally released for the DS, Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology is a 3DS port that added a significant amount of content to an already good game. A turn-based RPG based around traveling between alternate timelines and time travel, Perfect Chronology is fully voice acted and features numerous endings that contribute to the game’s replay value.
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Project X Zone
Project X Zone is one of the most unique games on this list; a tactical rpg crossover that features a wide range of characters from across Capcom and Bandai Namco series. While combat takes place on a grid in turn-based fashion, once two characters begin to fight, the gameplay becomes a real-time affair akin to a fighting game in which timing and combos matter.
2 Code Of Princess
Released by Atlus in 2012, Code of Princess is an action RPG with hack and slash elements. Effectively an RPG Beat ‘Em Up hybrid, Code of Princess is fully voice acted and features numerous distinct playable characters. While there are four playable characters that are usable within the game’s core story mode, the game features over fifty playable characters that can be accessed in its free-play mode.
1 Shin Megami Tensei IV
Few RPG franchises are as underrated as the Shin Megami Tensei series. Not nearly as popular as RPG icons such as Final Fantasy or Pokemon, the core Shin Megami Tensei series is even overshadowed by its own offshoot, the Persona franchise. This is truly a shame, as games such as Shin Megami Tensei IV for the 3DS are masterful experiences. With a solid combat system that allows players to negotiate with and potentially recruit demons, the game features a memorable story and stellar use of tone.