PS4 | .hack//G.U. Last Recode | 2017 | CyberConnect2 | Combined HD version of the GU trilogy; adds methods to make combat move faster, as well as an additional fourth chapter to conclude the story |
Switch | .hack//G.U. Last Recode | 2022 | CyberConnect2 | See PS4 |
PS2 | .hack//G.U. Vol. 1//Rebirth | 2006 | CyberConnect2 | The ARPG/false MMO series continues, with a bit of shmup involved |
PS2 | .hack//G.U. Vol. 2//Reminisce | 2007 | CyberConnect2 | The ARPG/false MMO series continues, with a bit of shmup involved |
PS2 | .hack//G.U. Vol. 3//Redemption | 2007 | CyberConnect2 | The ARPG/false MMO series continues, with a bit of shmup involved |
JP PSP | .hack//LINK | 2010 | CyberConnect2 | ARPG, last game chronologically in the series, lots of characters from past series media, often regarded as the worst game |
PS2 | .hack Part 1: Infection | 2003 | CyberConnect2 | ARPG that tries to mimic early MMO features |
PS2 | .hack Part 2: Mutation | 2003 | CyberConnect2 | ARPG that tries to mimic early MMO features |
PS2 | .hack Part 3: Outbreak | 2003 | CyberConnect2 | ARPG that tries to mimic early MMO features |
PS2 | .hack part 4: Quarantine | 2004 | CyberConnect2 | ARPG that tries to mimic early MMO features |
PS3 | 3D Dot Game Heroes | 2010 | Silicon Studio | A voxel ARPG meant to emulate titles of the 80s, with sword customization and leveling |
Vita | Accel World vs. Sword Art Online: Millennium Twilight (DL only) | 2017 | Kadokawa | Essentially a sequel to Lost Song but with some crossover characters, time travel shenanigans, and the same boring ARPG gameplay |
PS4 | Accel World vs. Sword Art Online: Millennium Twilight (DL only) | 2017 | Kadokawa | See Vita |
SNES | ActRaiser | 1991 | Quintet | A strange mashup of city-building simulator and 2D platformer, where population functions as XP and you must protect your people |
GBA | Advance Guardian Heroes | 2004 | Treasure | Sequel to Guardian Heroes, with similar beat-em-up gameplay but more platforming and characters |
Vita | Adventures of Mana (DL only) | 2016 | MCF | 3D remake of Final Fantasy Adventure, the first Mana game; only has a male playable character but allows for easy equipment switching |
PS4 | Akiba's Beat | 2017 | Acquire | See Vita |
Vita | Akiba's Beat | 2017 | Acquire | Successor to Akiba's Trip, follows a more traditional ARPG separate-battle-area style of gameplay, way less ecchi than the game that came before it |
Vita | Akiba's Trip: Undead & Undressed | 2014 | Acquire | See PS3 |
PS3 | Akiba's Trip: Undead & Undressed | 2014 | Acquire | Fanservice-heavy ARPG where removing the clothes of vampires is the only way to defeat them |
PS4 | Akiba's Trip: Undead & Undressed | 2014 | Acquire | See PS3 |
JP SFC | Alcahest | 1993 | HAL Laboratory | ARPG featuring item-based stat growth and a password system rather than traditional saves |
PSX | Alundra | 1998 | Matrix Software | Spiritual successor to Landstalker (GEN), ARPG featuring dreamwalking and platforming |
Vita | Alundra (PSone Classics) | 2012 | Matrix Software | See PSX |
PSP | Alundra (PSone Classics) | 2010 | Matrix Software | See PSX |
PS3 | Alundra (PSone Classics) | 2010 | Matrix Software | See PSX |
PSX | Alundra 2: A New Legend Begins | 2000 | Matrix Software | Standalone sequel, more lighthearted than the first, but similar gameplay |
Switch | Arcade Archives: Valkyrie no Densetsu | 2022 | Namco | Technically an arcade game, a top-down hack-and-slash with a time limit to each stage and gold to earn to upgrade spells/weapons |
Switch | Arc of Alchemist | 2020 | Compile Heart | See PS4 |
PS2 | Arc the Lad: End of Darkness | 2005 | Cattle Call | Radical shift in gameplay to an ARPG, had online multiplayer, widely panned |
PS4 | Arslan: The Warriors of Legend | 2016 | Omega Force | A musou based on the Arslan anime with rapid weapon switching, a variety of playable characters, and equippable skills to break up monotony |
Xbox One | Arslan: The Warriors of Legend | 2016 | Omega Force | See PS4 |
Switch | Artifact Adventure Gaiden DX | 2019 | Bluffman Games | Game Boy-like aesthetic with a generally non-linear world; player choices affect game progession in significant fashion |
PS3 | Ar Tonelico Qoga: Knell of Ar Ciel | 2011 | Gust | Switch in gameplay to real-time battles, songstresses become more powerful after removing clothes (sigh) |
Switch | Astral Chain | 2019 | PlatinumGames | Hacky/slashy/cyberpunky stand-wieldy combat with some bonus detective work |
DS | Avalon Code | 2009 | Matrix Software | Offbeat ARPG focusing on changing the properties of items to solve puzzles |
DS | Away: Shuffle Dungeon | 2008 | Artoon/Mistwalker | Unique spin on the mystery dungeon rogue-like format: each of the two screens is randomized and will shuffle after a time |
Game Gear | Ax Battler: A Legend of Golden Axe | 1992 | Aspect/Sega | Side-scrolling ARPG; no leveling but magic pots can be used to upgrade skills |
Switch | Azur Lane: Crosswave | 2021 | Felistella/Idea Factory | See PS4 |
PS4 | Azur Lane: Crosswave | 2020 | Felistella/Idea Factory | Third person 3D combat featuring personifications of battleships that you can marry because of course you can; mission-based structure and individual leveling systems abound |
PS5 | Babylon's Fall | 2022 | PlatinumGames | Not even Platinum's oft-lauded combat gameplay can save this drab dumpster fire of a games-as-a-live-service model... attempt |
PS4 | Babylon's Fall | 2022 | PlatinumGames | See PS5 |
PS3 | Battle Princess of Arcadias (DL only) | 2014 | Apollosoft | Side-scrolling beat-em up with a cutesy art style; both army conflicts and siege battles appear in addition |
PS4 | Berserk and the Band of the Hawk | 2017 | Omega Force | A Berserk musou; story mode is almost entirely limited to Guts as a playable character, follows the manga from the Golden Age to the Hawk of the Millennium Empire arcs |
Genesis | Beyond Oasis | 1995 | Ancient | Top-down ARPG, level/rank is based on the number of hearts you collect |
PSP | Black Rock Shooter: The Game (DL only) | 2013 | Imageepoch | ARPG with a ton of shooting (duh) and a mission-based structure |
Vita | Black Rock Shooter: The Game (DL only) | 2013 | Imageepoch | See PSP |
PS4 | Bladestorm: Nightmare | 2015 | Omega Force | See XBO |
Xbox One | Bladestorm: Nightmare | 2015 | Omega Force | Adds a new story mode with heavy fantasy elements (goblins, dragons, etc); also adds support skills for generic troops |
PSX | Blaze and Blade: Eternal Quest (PAL/JP only) | 1998 | T&E Soft | Multiplayer ARPG- better to find IRL friends than to let the horrible AI act as party members |
PS4 | Bleach: Brave Souls | 2022 | KLab | Bleach goes gacha, with both solo-and co-op play in a 3D ARPG format |
PS4 | Bloodborne | 2015 | FromSoftware | Victorian Gothic-flavored Dark Souls; similarly punishing ARPG gameplay with similar soul/blood collection to level stat mechanics |
JP DS | Blood of Bahamut | 2009 | Think & Feel | Giant monster-slaying ARPG with mission-based structure |
DS | Blue Dragon: Awakened Shadow | 2010 | Tri-Crescendo | ARPG with a customizable protagonist, Shu and the gang are AI-controlled party members |
GBA | Boktai 2: Solar Boy Django | 2004 | KCEJ | They done did it again, but now the sunlight also works as a form of currency! |
GBA | Boktai: The Sun Is In Your Hand | 2003 | KCEJ | That crazy Kojima made an ARPG where you have to use actual UV rays to power your weapons! |
GBA | Bomberman Tournament | 2001 | Amble | A Bomberman ARPG where you level Pokemon-like creatures that give you abilities |
SNES | Brain Lord | 1994 | Produce | ARPG featuring dungeon puzzles and little monsters that follow you |
SNES | Brandish | 1995 | Falcom/Koei | Top-down dungeon crawl, the only entry in the series to be localized |
PSX | Brave Fencer Musashi | 1998 | Square | ARPG with day/night cycle, elemental sword attacks |
JP PSX | Brave Prove | 1998 | Data West | Generic ARPG, but anything translated is a plus |
TurboGrafx-16 | Cadash | 1991 | Taito | More playable characters than the GEN version, multiplayer available |
Genesis | Cadash | 1992 | Taito | Side-scrolling ARPG with multiplayer potential |
GBA | Car Battler Joe | 2002 | Ancient | Exactly as the title implies - you level up your car in demolition derby-style matches |
PS2 | Castlevania: Curse of Darkness | 2005 | Konami | Hacky-slashy-spooky, uses items to increase stats |
Xbox | Castlevania: Curse of Darkness | 2005 | Konami | 3D ARPG - level Hector's stats with items and his familiars with good ol' XP |
JP SFC | Chaos Seed: Fuusui Kairouki | 1996 | Neverland | Lots of resource management! Multiple endings! |
JP FC | Chester Field: Ankoku Shin e no Chousen | 1987 | Vic Tokai | Light on text, hilarious walking animation, very platformy |
DS | Children of Mana | 2006 | Nex Entertainment | Beautiful graphics, but otherwise a repetitive randomized dungeon-crawling ARPG |
GBA | CIMA: The Enemy | 2003 | Neverland | ARPG of sorts- can level up weapons and armor while controlling Lemmings-like civilians |
3DS | Code of Princess | 2012 | Studio Saizensen | Side-scrolling beat-em-up with XP and leveling, fairly similar to Guardian Heroes, has a story mode as well as additional bonus scenarios |
Switch | Code of Princess EX | 2018 | Studio Saisenzen | Overall improvement from the original; adds more playable characters, story co-op mode, a streamlined skill system, and other QoL changes |
PS4 | Code Vein | 2019 | Bandai Namco | Think Dark Souls, but more anime and with post-apocalyptic vampires |
Xbox One | Code Vein | 2019 | Bandai Namco | See PS4 |
Switch | Collection of Mana | 2019 | M2/Square | Brings together the original versions of the first three Mana games along with UI QoL additions; first appearance of a localized Trials of Mana |
PS2 | Colosseum: Road to Freedom | 2005 | Goshow | A gladiator simulator is a bit of a strange choice to make an ARPG about, but here we are- |
JP PSX | Community Pom | 1997 | Fill in Cafe | The cutest Zelda clone ever, with XP and little fuzzy buddies to raise to help you |
DS | Contact | 2006 | Grasshopper Manufacture | A fourth-wall breaking ARPG with a costume-based skill system and stats gained in real-time by taking specific actions |
Xbox | Crimson Sea | 2002 | Koei | Musou-like with a sci-fi theme, some shooting elements, party members, weapon XP |
PS2 | Crimson Sea 2 | 2004 | Koei | Sci-fi musou-like with weapon/magic XP, multiplayer, and a non-linear mission structure |
PS3 | Crimson Sea 2 (PS2 Classics) | 2013 | Koei | See PS2 |
PS2 | Crimson Tears | 2004 | Dream Factory | 3D beat-em-up/randomized dungeon crawler hybrid |
Switch | Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion | 2022 | Square Enix/Tose | See PS5 |
PS4 | Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion | 2022 | Square Enix/Tose | See PS5 |
Xbox Series | Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion | 2022 | Square Enix/Tose | See PS5 |
Xbox One | Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion | 2022 | Square Enix/Tose | See PS5 |
PS5 | Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion | 2022 | Square Enix/Tose | Adds many QoL features and alters the visuals/voices to be more in line with FFVII Remake |
PSP | Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII | 2008 | Square Enix | ARPG featuring not-Cloud in a prequel to FFVII, slot machines can affect the tide of battle, mission-based structure |
Switch | Croixleur Sigma | 2019 | Souvenir Circ | See PS4 |
PS4 | Croixleur Sigma | 2016 | Souvenir Circ | Arcadey, hacky-slashy ARPG where you descend dungeon floors, have a limited amount of time to kill all the enemies, and level up in-between |
JP SFC | Crystal Beans: From Dungeon Explorer | 1995 | Birthday/Hudson Soft | Straightforward ARPG gameplay, hidden playable characters, leveling stats through gems |
NES | Crystalis | 1990 | SNK | Top-down ARPG, fairly grindy for the time |
GB+GBC | Crystalis | 2000 | Nintendo | A remake of the original, with greater difficulty and story changes |
Switch | Crystalis (NSO) | 2019 | SNK | See NES |
Switch | Crystar | 2022 | Gemdrops | See PS4, but with all DLC included |
PS4 | Crystar | 2019 | Gemdrops | An ARPG about escaping from purgatory using the power of crying to purify souls and obtain equipment |
GameCube | Cubivore: Survival of the Fittest | 2002 | Saru Brunei/Intelligent Systems | A game about raising cubes like animals and making them fight and mutate |
DS | Custom Robo Arena | 2007 | Noise Inc. | Go to school, build your robot, and battle using it in arena-styled ARPG combat! |
PS4 | Cyberdimension Neptunia: 4 Goddesses Online | 2017 | Compile Heart/Idea Factory/Tamsoft | Another ARPG starring the Neptune crew, made to mimic an MMO; same problems of reused assets apply; humor is still as tongue-in-cheek as ever |
Switch | Damascus Gear: Operation Osaka HD Edition (DL only) | 2019 | Aplus | See Vita, but prettier |
Switch | Damascus Gear: Operation Tokyo HD Edition (DL only) | 2018 | Aplus | See Vita, but prettier |
Neo Geo Pocket | Dark Arms: Beast Buster | 1999 | Noise Factory/SNK | An ARPG sequel to an arcade game where the character doesn't gain levels, but weapons do by collecting monster souls; the weapons can evolve as well |
PS2 | Dark Cloud | 2001 | Level-5 | ARPG with roguelike elements and town building; no traditional XP (though weapons do level) |
PS4 | Dark Cloud (DL only) | 2016 | Level-5 | See PS2 |
PS2 | Dark Cloud 2 | 2003 | Level-5 | Similar to the first but with less playable characters, more involved town-building |
PS4 | Dark Cloud 2 (DL only) | 2016 | Level-5 | See PS2 |
Saturn | Dark Savior | 1996 | Climax | Sequel to Landstalker (GEN), an ARPG with fighting game-like combat and isometric platforming |
PS3 | Dark Souls | 2011 | FromSoftware | Prepare to die! A lot! Super-challenging ARPG combat and dungeon delving, successor to Demon's Souls |
Xbox 360 | Dark Souls | 2011 | FromSoftware | Spiritual successor to Demon's Souls, where multitudes learned to die and die again |
Xbox One | Dark Souls: Remastered | 2018 | FromSoftware/QLOC | Includes all DLC and some QoL improvements, but otherwise largely unchanged (besides visually) |
Switch | Dark Souls: Remastered | 2018 | FromSoftware | See XBO |
PS4 | Dark Souls: Remastered | 2018 | FromSoftware/QLOC | See XBO |
PS3 | Dark Souls II | 2014 | FromSoftware | More Dark Souls = more death |
Xbox 360 | Dark Souls II | 2014 | FromSoftware | Set in the same universe as the first game, with similarly punishing 3rd-person ARPG gameplay |
PS3 | Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin | 2015 | FromSoftware | Enhanced/remastered version of Dark Souls II with better AI |
Xbox One | Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin | 2015 | FromSoftware | See PS3 |
Xbox 360 | Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin | 2015 | FromSoftware | The definitive edition of Dark Souls II |
PS4 | Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin | 2015 | FromSoftware | See PS3 |
PS4 | Dark Souls III | 2016 | FromSoftware | See XBO |
Xbox One | Dark Souls III | 2016 | FromSoftware | More ways to die and keep dying; combat is overall more fluid than previous games, an MP-like system is introduced |
PS2 | Dawn of Mana | 2007 | Square Enix | Does away with many conventions of the series, large focus on item throwing, level gains are reset between areas |
Xbox 360 | Dead Rising | 2006 | Capcom | Smashing hordes of zombies in a chaotic mall with a leveling system, unforgiving game timer, survivors to rescue, and pictures to take |
PS4 | Dead Rising (DL only) | 2016 | Capcom | See 360, but with more save slots and graphical upgrades |
Xbox Series | Dead Rising (DL only) | 2020 | Capcom | See PS4 |
Xbox One | Dead Rising (DL only) | 2016 | Capcom | See PS4 |
Wii | Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop | 2009 | Tose/Capcom | Replaces the game-spanning countdown clock with timed missions, no free-roaming the mall between missions, and over-the-shoulder gunplay |
PS4 | Death Stranding | 2019 | Kojima Productions | The Adventures of Norman Reedus and the Funky Fetus, with "likes" serving as XP to increase your Porter Grade/stats |
PS5 | Death Stranding Director's Cut | 2021 | Kojima Productions | Adds some Metal Gear Solid-esque story missions, as well as features like buildable racetracks and a buddy bot to help you carry things |
DS | Deep Labyrinth | 2006 | Interactive Brains | A first-person dungeon crawler ARPG with heavy use of the stylus for attacking and drawing runes for spellcasting |
PS3 | Demon's Souls | 2009 | FromSoftware | Punishing ARPG gameplay, loads of dying, learning, and dying again - collective actions online shift the difficulty of the game as a whole |
PS5 | Demon's Souls | 2020 | FromSoftware/Bluepoint | Revitalizes the original Souls game, adding some handy item management QoL features; just as difficult as the original |
PS5 | Demoniaca: Everlasting Night (DL only) | 2022 | AKI/Eastasiasoft | See XS |
Xbox One | Demoniaca: Everlasting Night (DL only) | 2022 | AKI/Eastasiasoft | See XS |
Switch | Demoniaca: Everlasting Night (DL only) | 2022 | AKI/Eastasiasoft | See XS |
PS4 | Demoniaca: Everlasting Night (DL only) | 2022 | AKI/Eastasiasoft | See XS |
Switch | Demon Sword: Incubus (DL only) | 2023 | Brianode | A standard side-scrolling hack and slash, eroge origins of the game are apparent (tearaway clothes) but censorship holds thankfully strong |
Xbox | Digimon World 4 | 2005 | BEC | An unexpected departure from the series format |
PS2 | Digimon World 4 | 2005 | BEC | Digimon-themed ARPG with a clunky camera and a lack of balance |
GameCube | Digimon World 4 | 2005 | BEC | Much maligned for adopting an ARPG format - why would you give Agumon a sword? |
Switch | Digimon World: Next Order | 2023 | B.B. Studio | See PS4 |
PS4 | Digimon World: Next Order | 2017 | B.B. Studio | More straightforward monster-raising (on a time limit) than the Cyber Sleuth games, combat is largely controlled by AI |
JP PSP | Digimon World Re: Digitize | 2012 | Tri-Crescendo | Plays like the first Digimon World game, but also has an overarching storyline to follow |
PS2 | Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII | 2006 | Square Enix | An ARPG starring Midgar's favorite brooding gun-toting mutant |
Switch | Double Dragon & Kunio-kun Retro Brawler Bundle | 2020 | Technos Japan/Million/Arc System Works | A compilation with many previously unlocalized titles of the latter series |
PS4 | Double Dragon & Kunio-kun Retro Brawler Bundle (DL only) | 2020 | Technos Japan/Million/Arc System Works | See Switch |
JP FC | Downtown Special: Kunio-kun no Jidaigeki Dayo Zen'in Shuugou! | 1991 | Technos Japan | Kunio and the bois act out a period play the only way they know how, stats now increase upon defeating certain amounts of enemies |
Vita | Dragon's Crown | 2013 | Vanillaware | See PS3 |
PS3 | Dragon's Crown | 2013 | Vanillaware | Highly overexaggerated character design and a solid side-scrolling beat-em-up with character leveling and progression |
PS4 | Dragon's Crown Pro | 2018 | Vanillaware | Adds an orchestral soundtrack and narrator content that was previously DLC, otherwise see PS3 |
Xbox 360 | Dragon's Dogma | 2012 | Capcom | Western-styled ARPG with monster grappling, a customizable avatar, and additional customizable helper |
PS3 | Dragon's Dogma | 2012 | Capcom | Open-world ARPG with some grappling elements and lots of customizability |
Switch | Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen | 2019 | Capcom | See 360 |
Xbox One | Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen | 2017 | Capcom | See PS3 |
PS4 | Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen | 2017 | Capcom | See 360 |
Xbox 360 | Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen | 2013 | Capcom | An enhanced and expanded version of the original, with a new dungeon and lots of player feedback incorporated |
PS3 | Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen | 2013 | Capcom | Spoiler alert: All roads lead to Gran Soren! Enhanced/remastered version of the original with additional content |
GBA | Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure | 2005 | Dimps | Included due to the story mode, which follows a majority of the original DragonBall arcs, featuring side-scrolling beat-em-up (with findable health/ki/weapon length upgrades), flying, and fighting-game-like stages |
Xbox One | Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot | 2020 | CyberConnect2 | An ARPG retelling of (yet again) the major DBZ sagas with later ones available as DLC, contains fishing |
PS4 | Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot | 2020 | CyberConnect2 | See XBO |
PS5 | Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot | 2023 | CyberConnect2 | See XBO |
Xbox Series | Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot | 2023 | CyberConnect2 | See XBO |
Switch | Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot + A New Power Awakens Set | 2021 | CyberConnect2 | See XBO, with an additional DLC-only storyline revolving around DB Super content |
Switch | Dragon Marked For Death | 2019 | Inti Creates | See PS4 |
PS4 | Dragon Marked For Death (DL only) | 2020 | Inti Creates | A sidescrolling ARPG with a quest-based structure and an emphasis on (non-local) co-op play |
DS | Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime | 2006 | Tose | Part Zelda-like adventure starring a slime (with increasable health), part tank warfare as only Dragon Quest can provide (the stats of the tank itself can also be upgraded) |
PS4 | Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below | 2015 | Omega Force | A Dragon Quest-themed musou, with many playable characters from throughout the series' history |
PS4 | Dragon Quest Heroes II | 2017 | Omega Force | Adds more traditional JRPG elements such as overworld traversal and questing to break up the gameplay, but is otherwise similar to the first |
Wii | Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors | 2008 | Genius Sonority/Eighting | An on-rails hack-and-slash RPG utilizing the Wii's motion controls |
JP FC | Dragon Scroll: Yomigaerishi Maryuu | 1987 | Konami | *Epilepsy Warning* Otherwise a solid ARPG |
PSX | Dragonseeds | 1998 | Jaleco | Who needs plot when you're combining dragon DNA? |
PSX | Dragon Valor | 2000 | Namco | Remake and sequel to Dragon Buster (FC), arcade-like 2.5D ARPG |
SNES | Dragon View | 1994 | Kemco | Sequel to Drakkhen, interesting pseudo-3D overworld system |
PS2 | Drakengard | 2004 | Cavia | Musou-like RPG with some heavy/dark themes, direct predecessor to the Nier series |
PS2 | Drakengard 2 | 2006 | Cavia | Still guarding and using dragons to fight masses of enemies |
PS3 | Drakengard 3 | 2014 | Access | Hack-and-slash gameplay marred heavily by technical issues, very stylish nonetheless |
SNES | Drakkhen | 1991 | Kemco/Infogrames | Sparsely populated, customizable characters that attack using AI, and lots of water to hilariously drown in |
3DS | Drancia Saga (DL only) | 2017 | Urara-Works/Skipmore | An auto-side-scrolling game where your character can't stop moving but must nonetheless level up and save the day! |
PS3 | Dynasty Tactics 2 (PS2 Classic) | 2013 | Koei | See PS2 |
PS4 | Dynasty Warriors: Godseekers (DL only) | 2017 | Omega Force | See Vita |
Xbox 360 | Dynasty Warriors: Gundam | 2007 | Koei | Epic large-scale musou battles with a Gundam twist |
PS3 | Dynasty Warriors: Gundam | 2007 | Koei | Hacky-slashy-mechy ARPG musou fun with the ability to change the outcomes of certain pilots' predetermined fates |
Xbox 360 | Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2 | 2009 | Koei | More gigantic mobile suits to face off against in ARPG combat |
PS3 | Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2 | 2009 | Koei | Removes Japanese voices but adds some aerial combat, combos, and quick time events |
PS2 | Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2 | 2009 | Omega Force | Mobile suit musou madness |
PS3 | Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 3 | 2011 | Koei | Adds a larger amount of mission variety to the previous games in addition to a more cel-shaded art style |
Xbox 360 | Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 3 | 2011 | Koei | More mechs, more features, more pilots, more musou! |
PS3 | Dynasty Warriors: Gundam Reborn (DL only) | 2014 | Omega Force | Reverts back to the artstyle of previous games, brings back space battles, includes more Gundam series than any previous game |
SNES | E.V.O.: Search For Eden | 1993 | Almanic | Evolution: the game! |
JP PS3 | E.X. Troopers | 2012 | Capcom/HexaDrive | A manga-styled Lost Planet spinoff, with materials to gather and trecherous terrain to traverse |
JP 3DS | E.X. Troopers | 2012 | Capcom | See JP PS3, with some bonus AR features |
JP Wii | Earth Seeker | 2011 | Crafts & Meister/Kadokawa | Post-apocalyptic ARPG with a mission-based structure and small minions that follow you around (can also connect to a DSiWare game for bonus items!) |
PSX | Ehrgeiz: God Bless the Ring | 1999 | DreamFactory | It's mostly a fighting game with some FFVII characters, but it also has an ARPG quest mode! |
Xbox Series | Elden Ring | 2022 | FromSoftware | See PS5 |
Xbox One | Elden Ring | 2022 | FromSoftware | See PS5 |
PS4 | Elden Ring | 2022 | FromSoftware | See PS5 |
PS5 | Elden Ring | 2022 | FromSoftware | O you don't have the right to ignore the impact of this open-world Soulslike (with creative input from George R. R. Martin) |
Dreamcast | Elemental Gimmick Gear | 1999 | Birthday | ARPG with pretty visuals and some mech combat |
JP FC | Elysion | 1988 | NEC Interchannel | A bit bland of an ARPG, but it has multiple playable characters, so that's neat |
Vita | Emil's Task (delisted) | 2015 | Inukage Games | A sluggish, poorly translated ARPG with some roguelike elements and a main character that can only attack by spellcasting |
JP FC | Esper Dream 2: Aratanaru Tatakai | 1992 | Konami | Cute pastel sprite work and ARPG gameplay |
PS4 | Eternal Ring (DL only) | 2000 | FromSoftware | See PS2 |
Xbox 360 | Eternal Sonata | 2007 | Tri-Crescendo | Visually charming, a story loosely based on music/the composer Chopin, and combat limited by time |
PS3 | Eternal Sonata | 2008 | Tri-Crescendo | Adds a lot to the 360 version - more story, more playable characters, more dungeons; combat is fun but tactical |
PS2 | Evergrace | 2000 | FromSoftware | ARPG with 2 separate protagonists, character parameters are increased via equipment rather than leveling |
3DS | Ever Oasis | 2017 | Grezzo | An ARPG with lots of town-building elements; you gather items to help build up the oasis and make it better while you level up in the meantime |
Genesis | Exile | 1992 | Telenet | Top-down when exploring, sidescrolling ARPG in dungeons - featuring real-world locations and censored themes! |
Turbografx-CD | Exile | 1992 | Telenet Japan | Different publisher than the Genesis version, leaves some more sensitive topics intact |
Turbografx-CD | Exile: Wicked Phenomenon | 1993 | Telenet Japan | Badass cover art, less religious than others in the series, allows switching characters during side-scrolling sections |
JP FC | Famicom Jump: Eiyuu Retsuden | 1989 | Tose | Get isekai'd into a world where heroes and villains from the Jump magazine series converge, XP gain is represented by "effort" |
Vita | Fantasy Hero: Unsigned Legacy (DL only) | 2014 | Arc System Works | A tropey ARPG with 4 separate protagonists and a mission-based structure, stat points are allocated after completing missions |
Switch | Fantasy Hero: Unsigned Legacy (DL only) | 2018 | Arc System Works | See Vita |
Vita | Fate/Extella: The Umbral Star | 2017 | Marvelous | A Fate-skinned musou; serves as a sort of sequel to Fate/Extra |
PS4 | Fate/Extella: The Umbral Star | 2017 | Marvelous | See Vita |
PS4 | Fate/Extella Link | 2019 | Marvelous | See Vita |
Vita | Fate/Extella Link (DL only) | 2019 | Marvelous | Direct sequel to Fate/Extella; plays mostly the same but does streamline features to make grinding smoother and characters more customizable |
Vita | Fate/Extra (DL only) | 2012 | Type-Moon/Imageepoch | See PSP |
GB+GBC | Final Fantasy Adventure | 1991 | Square | Actually the first game in the Mana series, plays rather like Zelda with more RPG elements |
GameCube | Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles | 2004 | Square Enix | Multiplayer ARPG- no traditional leveling, using items instead |
Wii | Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time | 2009 | Square Enix | ARPG with a customizable avatar character and the ability to cross-play with the DS version |
DS | Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time | 2008 | Square Enix | Isometric ARPG dungeon crawl with character creation, can link to other DS or Wii copies of the game for multiplayer |
DS | Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates | 2009 | Square Enix | The multiplayer ARPG returns with changes to the playable classes and visible equipment |
Wii | Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers | 2009 | Square Enix | ARPG; there is no party system, equipment and thorough exploration are the only ways to upgrade stats |
PS4 | Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Remastered (DL only) | 2020 | Square Enix | Adds new dungeons, equipment, skins, and online cross-platform play (but strangely no local or cross-region) |
Switch | Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Remastered (DL only) | 2020 | Square Enix | See PS4 |
3DS | Final Fantasy Explorers | 2016 | Racjin | It's Monster Hunter, but with a Final Fantasy skin (down to Explorer Level replacing Hunter Rank); choosing correct equipment and skill leveling are key to staying strong |
JP PSP | Final Fantasy Type-0 | 2011 | Square Enix | ARPG with mission structure like Crisis Core, some RTS battles on overworld map, a large variety of playable characters |
Xbox One | Final Fantasy Type-0 HD | 2015 | HexaDrive/Square Enix | See PS4 |
PS4 | Final Fantasy Type-0 HD | 2015 | HexaDrive/Square Enix | Enhanced port of the previously JP-only Type-0; very few changes made other than getting rid of multiplayer and adding multiple difficulty levels |
PS4 | Final Fantasy VII Remake | 2020 | Square Enix | Technically only the first part of FFVII remade as an ARPG, widely expands (and deviates from) the story as originally told |
PS5 | Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade | 2021 | Square Enix | A graphically spiffed-up version of the first part of the remake with additional story content |
PS4 | Final Fantasy XV | 2016 | Square Enix | Just a road trip with you and the boys; ARPG combat and a story that spans multiple types of media, famously left somewhat unfinished |
PS5 | Final Fantasy XVI | 2023 | Square Enix | Take traditional Final Fantasy concepts, add Game of Thrones politicking and tone, mix in Devil May Cry combat, add a dash of kaiju fights, and you have yourself a bold new step for the series |
Switch | Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition HD (DL only) | 2018 | SummerTimeStudio/Square Enix | See XBO |
PS4 | Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition HD (DL only) | 2018 | SummerTimeStudio/Square Enix | See XBO |
Xbox One | Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition HD (DL only) | 2018 | SummerTimeStudio/Square Enix | A condensed version of FFXV's story, with a drastically different artstyle and a shift to a more overhead/isometric perspective |
GameCube | Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance | 2005 | Intelligent Systems | The SRPG you know and love, with racial tensions! And Ike! |
Switch | Fire Emblem Warriors | 2017 | Omega Force/Team Ninja | See 3DS, but runs smoother/can handle more enemies on screen at once |
3DS | Fire Emblem Warriors (New 3DS only) | 2017 | Omega Force/Team Ninja | Applies a Fire Emblem coat of paint to the Dynasty Warriors format, still contains support conversations |
Switch | Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes | 2022 | Omega Force/Intelligent Systems | What if Three Houses, but as more of a musou, with not as much of a time skip, and a different plot/protagonist? Don't forget the tea! |
Xbox 360 | Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage | 2010 | Koei | Thousands upon thousands of enemies are already dead - musou/ARPG gameplay |
PS3 | Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage | 2010 | Koei | The legendary storyline in musou form - where evern destroying fences will give you karma to level up |
Xbox 360 | Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage 2 | 2013 | Koei | More karma to farm and more generic enemies to slay with fearsome fists |
PS3 | Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage 2 (DL only) | 2013 | Koei | Largely retreads the same story ground as the first, but does add more content overall; gameplay is more akin to Dynasty Warriors than the first |
Wii U | Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage 2 (DL only) | 2013 | Koei | See PS3 |
PS4 | Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise | 2018 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | An alternate-canon Fist of the North Star that plays an awful lot like Yakuza (developed by the same studio) |
PS3 | Folklore | 2007 | Game Republic | Capture and control fantasy creatures with ARPG gameplay that also utilizes the Sixaxis motion controller (for good or ill) |
PS2 | Forever Kingdom | 2002 | FromSoftware | Sequel to Evergrace, similar equipment-focused character growth, ARPG where all characters share damage taken |
PS5 | Forspoken | 2023 | Luminous Productions | An isekai ARPG with dialogue that in an attempt to be modern works heavily against it |
Switch | Frane: Dragon's Odyssey (DL only) | 2019 | Exe-Create | See Vita |
Xbox One | Frane: Dragon's Odyssey (DL only) | 2019 | Exe-Create | See Vita |
PS4 | Frane: Dragons' Odyssey | 2019 | Exe-Create | See Vita |
Vita | Frane: Dragons' Odyssey (DL only) | 2019 | Exe-Create | Kemco's stab at an ARPG, which lacks necessary tutorials; typically a second character assists in combat though this is not the case during boss battles |
Vita | Freedom Wars | 2014 | Dimps/SCEJ | ARPG set in a dystopian far future earth, with the customizable protagonist out to reduce their prison sentence by completing missions; upgrading weapons upgrades stats |
JP SFC | Front Mission: Gun Hazard | 1996 | Omiya Soft | Side-scrolling ARPG with incredible graphics, separate universe from mainline series |
PS2 | Fullmetal Alchemist 2: Curse of the Crimson Elixir | 2005 | Racjin | Prequel to its predecessor with greatly improved visuals |
PS2 | Fullmetal Alchemist and the Broken Angel | 2005 | Racjin | ARPG based on the manga with an original plot |
DS | G.G Series: The Last Knight (DSiWare) | 2015 | Genterprise/Suzak | Bland budget top-down dungeon crawler with repetitive environments and music |
JP PSX | Ganbare Goemon: Uchuu Kaizoku Akogingu | 1996 | Konami | More Goemon ARPG action, XP serves to level weapons |
PS2 | Genji: Dawn of the Samurai | 2005 | Game Republic | Musou-like ARPG loosely based on a Japanese epic tale |
PS3 | Genji: Days of the Blade | 2006 | Game Republic | Origin of the "giant enemy crab" meme, stat progress depnds on weapon leveling |
Switch | GetsuFumaDen: Undying Moon (DL only) | 2022 | Konami | A 2D roguelite with a heavy uikyo-e aesthetic and slow character progression through material gathering |
PS5 | Ghostwire: Tokyo | 2022 | Tango Gameworks | First-person ARPG gameplay (complete with XP and leveling) that is both stylish and supernatural |
PS4 | God Eater 2: Rage Burst | 2016 | Shift | See Vita |
Vita | God Eater 2: Rage Burst (DL only) | 2016 | Shift | Direct sequel to Gods Eater Burst with more Aragami to hunt, new weapon styles, and new characters to follow through the apocalypse; equipment skills are still tied to stats |
PS4 | God Eater 3 | 2019 | Marvelous | Doesn't change the core gameplay from the previous games, but adds speedier map traversal and new weapon types; stat progression still tied to crafting better gear |
Switch | God Eater 3 | 2019 | Marvelous | See PS4 |
Vita | God Eater Resurrection (DL only) | 2015 | Shift | Enhanced port of Gods Eater Burst, adds new storyline content, combat QoL improvements |
PS4 | God Eater Resurrection (DL only) | 2015 | Shift | See Vita |
PSP | Gods Eater Burst | 2011 | Shift | A post-apocalyptic monster-hunting ARPG; stat upgrades come through equipment; multiplayer supported |
Switch | God Wars: The Complete Legend | 2018 | Kadokawa | Contains all content from the original game, including DLC; adds a new character, storylines, endings, and dungeons as well as other QoL changes |
Switch | Goken | 2019 | Gianty | A simple ARPG with a lush art style, particularly in backgrounds; character growth is customizable |
Master System | Golvellius: Valley of Doom | 1988 | Compile | Blends both Zelda I and II gameplay (both overhead and side-view), with items to obtain to increase parameters |
PS2 | Graffiti Kingdom | 2005 | Taito | Draw-your-own-monster ARPG, sequel to Magic Pengel |
JP FC | Grand Master | 1991 | Soft Machine | Features multiple branching paths, ARPG gameplay, and anime cutscenes between stages |
Vita | Gravity Rush | 2012 | SCEJ | ARPG with a focus on manipulating gravity to traverse the open world using the gyroscope; gems are collected to level up character attributes and abilities |
PS4 | Gravity Rush 2 | 2017 | SIE Japan | More gravity-shifting action-adventure-type excitement; collecting gems levels abilities and raising reuptation by doing quests raises stats |
PS4 | Gravity Rush Remastered | 2016 | SIE Japan/Bluepoint | Includes all DLC as well as increases the framerate/appearance from the Vita version |
Saturn | Guardian Heroes | 1996 | Treasure | Side-scrolling beat-em-up gameplay, stats distribute at the end of each stage |
Xbox 360 | Guardian Heroes (DL only) | 2011 | Treasure | Similar to the original Saturn version, but adds a Remix mode with additional combo options |
3DS | Gurumin 3D: A Monstrous Adventure (DL only) | 2016 | Falcom | Almost identical to the original, save for the application of 3D effects and some technical issues like pop-in |
PSP | Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure | 2007 | Falcom | A cutesy ARPG, fun hats confer stat upgrades and can be leveled in and of themselves |
Switch | Hakoniwa Explorer Plus (DL only) | 2020 | Suxamethonium | An isometric pixel-art ARPG with skeezy humor and enemy design strewn throughout |
PSP | Half-Minute Hero | 2009 | Opus | You have 30 seconds to save the world! What are you waiting for? A variety of fast-paced and humorous game modes and stories to complete |
Xbox 360 | Half-Minute Hero: Super Mega Neo Climax | 2011 | Opus | Takes away some gameplay variety from the original PSP game, but adds an option to use an anime artstyle |
N64 | Hybrid Heaven | 1999 | Konami | Battles are reminiscent of Parasite Eve |
NES | Hydlide | 1989 | T&E Soft | Very grindy, very bad |
JP FC | Hydlide 3: Yami Kara no Houmonsha | 1989 | T&E Soft | There is no such thing as a good Hydlide game. |
Vita | Hyperdimension Neptunia U: Action Unleashed | 2015 | Compile Heart/Idea Factory/Tamsoft | Hacky-slashy ARPG with the Nepgirls, has a few clothes-tearing elements |
Wii U | Hyrule Warriors | 2014 | Omega Force/Team Ninja | Dynasty Warriors, but make it Zelda! Features weapon and character leveling |
Switch | Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity | 2020 | Omega Force | Another Zelda musou with a large roster to level up; serves as a prequel to Breath of the Wild with lots of references to the series as a whole |
Switch | Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition | 2018 | Omega Force/Team Ninja | Takes everything from the Wii U and 3DS versions and streamlines it, with some additional costumes to boot |
3DS | Hyrule Warriors Legends (New 3DS only) | 2016 | Omega Force/Team Ninja | Includes all DLC from the original game as well as adding two new story chapters; also LINKLE |
3DS | Ikachan (DL only) | 2013 | Studio Pixel/Nicalis | A cute indie ARPG where you play as a squid helping out other sea creatures |
SNES | Illusion of Gaia | 1994 | Quintet | Part of the Quintet trilogy, ARPG with non-traditional stat increases |
Xbox 360 | Infinite Undiscovery | 2008 | Tri-Ace | ARPG combat with combo attacks; opening menus doesn't pause the game, too many characters drag the otherwise compelling story down |
JP FC | Jajamaru Gekimaden: Maboroshi no Kinmajou | 1990 | Jaleco | Very close to the first Zelda game, but with yoyos for weapons! |
PSP | Jikandia: The Timeless Land | 2010 | Opus/Idea Factory | Side-scrolling ARPG with a pixel art look, equipping crystals found in dungeons gives stat boots, multiple playable characters and the ability to choose dungeon time limits |
PS5 | Judgment | 2021 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | See PS4, but with a smoother framerate and gradient changes that may not be preferable to the original |
PS4 | Judgment | 2018 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | A Yakuza spinoff from a detective's point of view, skill points can be used to increase stats |
Xbox Series | Judgment | 2021 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | See PS5 |
JP GB+GBC | Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru | 1992 | Intelligent Systems | Sort of like Link's Awakening, but with frogs and more stats! |
JP FC | Karakuri Kengou Den Musashi Lord: Karakuri Jin Hashiru! | 1991 | Kose | ARPG based on the robot anime |
JP PSX | King's Field | 1994 | FromSoftware | The actual King's Field I - still in first-person |
PS2 | Kingdom Hearts | 2002 | Square | The OG FF/Disney mashup, before the story started to overcomplicate itself |
3DS | Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance | 2012 | Square Enix | More ARPG action, more plot confusion; this one brings back the Command Deck from Birth By Sleep and introduces capturable spirits that can influence gameplay |
DS | Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days | 2009 | h.a.n.d. Inc./Square Enix | Stars Organization XIII, takes place parallel to Chain of Memories; mission-like structure with the same ARPG gameplay |
PSP | Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep | 2010 | Square Enix | Prequel to the main series, with three playable characters and generally similar ARPG gameplay, albeit with the ability to customize commands available in battle |
JP PSP | Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep Final Mix | 2011 | Square Enix | Adds new playable episodes and way more story content to the original |
GBA | Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories | 2004 | Jupiter | The first of many, many side stories- takes place between KH I and II, uses a card battling system |
PS4 | Kingdom Hearts: The Story So Far | 2018 | Square Enix | A collection of all collections of Kingdom Hearts games before KHIII |
PS4 | Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 Remix | 2017 | Square Enix | See XBO |
Xbox One | Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 Remix (DL only) | 2020 | Square Enix | Simply put: a combined version of the 1.5 and 2.5 Remix packages (KHI, Re;CoM, 358/2 days movie + KHII, BBS, Coded movie) |
Switch | Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 Remix Cloud Version (DL only) | 2022 | Square Enix | See XBO |
PS3 | Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix | 2013 | Square Enix | Contains the previously JP-exclusive Final Mix version of KHI with added story and gameplay changes, Re: Chain of Memories, and a series of cutscenes from 358/2 Days |
PS3 | Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix | 2014 | Square Enix | Contains the previously JP-exclusive Final Mix version of KHII and BBS with added story and gameplay changes and a series of cutscenes from Re: coded |
PS4 | Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue | 2017 | Square Enix | See XBO |
Xbox One | Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue (DL only) | 2020 | Square Enix | Contains a remastered Dream Drop Distance, as well as a short interlude game starring Aqua and a cutscene movie referencing the mobile game |
Switch | Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue Cloud Version (DL only) | 2022 | Square Enix | See XBO |
PS2 | Kingdom Hearts II | 2006 | Square Enix | Do you like pressing the triangle button? |
Xbox One | Kingdom Hearts III | 2020 | Square Enix | See PS4 |
PS4 | Kingdom Hearts III | 2019 | Square Enix | A conclusion that leaves more questions than satisfying answers, ARPG gameplay is quite flashy, worlds are bigger but arguably blander |
Switch | Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind Cloud Version (DL only) | 2022 | Square Enix | See PS4, but with added story DLC included |
PS2 | Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories | 2008 | Square Enix | Still card-based, but with voice acting, new cutscenes, and 3D combat |
DS | Kingdom Hearts Re:coded | 2011 | h.a.n.d. Inc./Square Enix | Remake of a mobile-only game, has more puzzles involved than a standard KH game |
PSP | Kingdom of Paradise | 2005 | Climax Entertainment | ARPG with lots of references to Chinese culture, customization of martial arts moves in combat, stat allocation when leveling up is determined by favored battle actions |
JP GBA | Klonoa Heroes: Densetsu no Star Medal | 2002 | Namco | Top-down ARPG gameplay, and cute to boot! |
JP FC | Kouryuu Densetsu Villgust Gaiden | 1993 | Plex | It's got a catgirl. Strange battle system! Side-story to the SNES game |
JP SFC | Kuusou Kagaku Sekai Gulliver Boy | 1996 | Amble | Very short ARPG with ungodly levels of hair spikiness on the protagonist |
Switch | Labyrinth Legend (DL only) | 2022 | Shinobi Games | A third-person dungeon crawl with a sparse narrative but breezy, pick-up-and-play bite sized dungeons |
SNES | Lagoon | 1991 | Kemco | Dollar-store Ys |
Genesis | Landstalker: The Treasures of King Nole | 1993 | Climax Entertainment | Isometric and very Zelda-like, gathering items increases both life and strength |
3DS | LBX: Little Battlers eXperience | 2015 | Level-5 | An ARPG with arena-styled combat where you fight your teensy robots and level them up to make them better |
DS | Legacy of Ys: Books I & II | 2009 | Dreams/Falcom | Combined enhanced remake of Ys I and II with 3D and potential multiplayer |
PSX | Legend of Mana | 2000 | Square | Gorgeously 2D, beautiful soundtrack, disjointed story with an offbeat structure |
PS4 | Legend of Mana (DL only) | 2021 | M2/Square Enix | Cleans up the graphics, adds rearranged music, otherwise still the same gorgeous journey |
Switch | Legend of Mana (DL only) | 2021 | M2/Square Enix | See PS4 |
PS3 | Legend of Mana (PSone Classics) | 2011 | Square | See PSX |
Vita | Legend of Mana (PSone Classics) | 2012 | Square | See PSX |
PSP | Legend of Mana (PSone Classics) | 2011 | Square | See PSX |
PS4 | Let It Die (DL only) | 2016 | Grasshopper Manufacture | Grasshopper Manufacture's attempt at a Souls-like roguelike, with free-to-play elements and a cumbersome item management system |
Genesis | Light Crusader | 1995 | Treasure | Yet another isometric Zelda-like with understandably bad jumping, items that upgrade stats, and elemental combos to customize magic |
Xbox 360 | Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII | 2014 | Square Enix | Final Fantasy XIII meets Majora's Mask - time management is crucial and stat enhancement is tied to quest completion |
PS3 | Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII | 2014 | Square Enix | Trims down the party to be only Lightning, time management becomes ultra-important to prevent the apocalypse; completing quests leads to stat growth |
Xbox Series | Like a Dragon: Ishin! | 2023 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | See PS5 |
Xbox One | Like a Dragon: Ishin! | 2023 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | See PS5 |
PS4 | Like a Dragon: Ishin! | 2023 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | See PS5 |
PS5 | Like a Dragon: Ishin! | 2023 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | A remake of the previously JP-exclusive Ishin, taking place in the late Edo period with all the hand-in-hand drama and hijinks the series is known for |
JP Saturn | Linkle Liver Story | 1996 | NexTech | Cute ARPG, combine elemental seeds to strengthen your weapon |
NES | Little Ninja Brothers | 1990 | Culture Brain | A tad racially insensitive, first game in the Super Chinese series to have RPG elements |
Wii U | Little Ninja Brothers (VC) | 2017 | Culture Brain | See NES |
PS4 | Little Witch Academia: Chamber of Time (DL only) | 2017 | Aplus | Beautiful art style akin to the anime, combat is in a 2.5D brawler format; lots and lots of backtracking and tedium for padding game length |
PSP | Lord of Arcana | 2011 | Access Games | A Monster Hunter clone featuring monsters designed by famous illustrators and some Square Enix cameos |
PS5 | Lost Epic (DL only) | 2022 | Team Earth Wars/oneoreight | A Vanillaware-like side-scrolling ARPG, very grindy, Souls-like combined currency/experience that is lost on death |
PS4 | Lost Epic (DL only) | 2022 | Team Earth Wars/oneoreight | See PS5 |
PS5 | Lost Judgment | 2021 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | A dark detective story follow-up to Judgment, continues the beat-em-up gameplay from its sister Yakuza series, pettable cats, a dog can join you in your crime-solving |
Xbox Series | Lost Judgment | 2021 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | See PS5 |
PS4 | Lost Judgment | 2021 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | See PS5 |
Xbox One | Lost Judgment (DL only) | 2021 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | See PS5 |
DS | Lufia: Curse of the Sinistrals | 2010 | Neverland | Remake of Lufia II, with 3D graphics and ARPG gameplay instead of the series' traditional turn-based style |
DS | Lunar Knights | 2007 | Kojima Productions | ARPG; part of the Boktai series, and can even use the previous game's cartriges as solar sensors to confer extra bonuses |
Saturn | Magic Knight Rayearth | 1998 | Sega | ARPG based on the anime, plays differently than the SFC version, very low print run in the US |
PS4 | Maglam Lord (DL only) | 2022 | Felistella | See Switch |
PS3 | Magus | 2014 | Black Tower Studios | You play as John Wizardington and learn spells/level up in a bland, bad ARPG |
JP FC | Majou Densetsu II: Dimashikyou Gailous | 1987 | Konami | A sidescrolling ARPG with 2 playable characters, XP gain refills life; life bar can be extended via items |
JP PC Engine | Makai Hakkenden: Shada | 1989 | Data East | Run-of-the-mill Ys clone |
Switch | Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order | 2019 | Koei Tecmo/Team Ninja | Isometric co-op ARPG featuring the heroes and villains of the Marvel Universe beating each other up ad nauseum; lots of differenct characters to choose from |
JP FC | Mashin Eiyuuden Wataru Gaiden | 1990 | Westone | Very Zelda II vibes, based off the anime of the same name |
GameCube | Medabots Infinity | 2003 | Natsume | 3D robutt arena battles! |
Vita | MegaTagmension Blanc + Neptune vs. Zombies | 2016 | Compile Heart/Idea Factory/Tamsoft | ARPG Neptunia zombie-themed spinoff with combat similar to Neptunia U (but with the clothes-removing thankfully gone), has a multiplayer component |
PSP | Mimana: Iyar Chronicle | 2010 | Kogado/Premium Agency | ARPG with poor hit detection, a generally unlikeable cast, and a weak story overall |
JP FC | Minelvaton Saga: Ragon no Fukkatsu | 1987 | Random House | First of the Silva Saga series, featuring overhead ARPG combat |
JP FC | Mirai Shinwa Jarvas | 1987 | Taito | If it looks like a kusoge, and plays like a kusoge… |
PS5 | Mobile Suit Gundam: Battle Operation Code Fairy (DL only) | 2021 | B.B. Studio | See PS4 |
PS4 | Mobile Suit Gundam: Battle Operation Code Fairy (DL only) | 2021 | B.B. Studio | A story-focused Mechwarrior-esque game with pilots to level and suit parts to upgrade, along with a MS triangle-type advantage system |
PS2 | Monster Hunter | 2004 | Capcom | These monsters aren't gonna hunt themselves! Origin of the popular series |
JP PS2 | Monster Hunter 2 (Dos) | 2006 | Capcom | Added a day/night cycle, seasons, gem slotting, and marks the first appearance of the hunting horn weapon |
3DS | Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate | 2013 | Capcom/Eighting | An expanded version of Monster Hunter Tri (Wii), improving weapons and armor; was the first game to incorporate the Circle Pad Pro accessory |
Wii U | Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate | 2011 | Capcom/Eighting | Similar to Monster Hunter Portable 3rd, but adds in underwater combat and has local multiplayer |
3DS | Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate | 2015 | Capcom/Eighting | Gets rid of underwater combat, adds the ability to scale both walls and monsters, adds Exploration Missions and new weapon types |
PSP | Monster Hunter: Freedom | 2007 | Capcom | An enhanced/expanded handheld port of the first Monster Hunter game |
PSP | Monster Hunter: Freedom 2 | 2006 | Capcom | An enhanced/expanded handheld port of the second Monster Hunter game (which was previously Japan-only) |
Xbox One | Monster Hunter: World | 2018 | Capcom | Does away with the zones of previous entries in favor of a connecting, evolving, and reactive ecosystem with more monsters to slay and scavenge! |
PS4 | Monster Hunter: World | 2018 | Capcom | See XBO |
PSP | Monster Hunter Freedom Unite | 2009 | Capcom | A further enhanced verion of Freedom 2, with more monsters, missions, pieces of equipment, and the addition of Felyne fighters to provide assistance |
3DS | Monster Hunter Generations | 2016 | Capcom | New features include upgrading armor using scavenged materials, mutated monster forms, different attack stypes for each weapon, and special moves to charge during hunting |
Switch | Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate | 2018 | Capcom | Adds new monsters, new hunting styles, changes the control scheme (for obvious reasons), and spiffs up the graphics from the original |
JP PSP | Monster Hunter Portable 3rd | 2010 | Capcom | Takes elements from Freedom Unite and Tri but is its own game, now multiple Felynes can assist in combat |
Switch | Monster Hunter Rise | 2021 | Capcom | Monster hunting, now with doggo pals and many more combat options; iterates on ideas from both World and previous games |
Xbox Series | Monster Hunter Rise (DL only) | 2023 | Capcom | See Switch |
PS4 | Monster Hunter Rise (DL only) | 2023 | Capcom | See Switch |
Xbox One | Monster Hunter Rise (DL only) | 2023 | Capcom | See Switch |
PS5 | Monster Hunter Rise (DL only) | 2023 | Capcom | See Switch |
Wii | Monster Hunter Tri | 2010 | Capcom | Adds an underwater ecosystem to the tried-and-true monster-slaying formula |
Wii | Muramasa: The Demon Blade | 2009 | Vanillaware | Gorgeous side-scrolling ARPG with a Japanese folklore twist |
Vita | Muramasa Rebirth | 2013 | Vanillaware | Adds additional side stories for new characters (as DLC), rewrites the translation and reworks the controls |
PS2 | Musashi: Samurai Legend | 2005 | Square Enix | Sequel of sorts to Brave Fencer Musashi with similar ARPG gameplay |
GameCube | Mystic Heroes | 2002 | Koei | A more mystical, chibi-styled Dynasty Warriors |
PS2 | Mystic Heroes | 2002 | Koei | Cutesy Dynasty Warriors-like with magic, more characters than the GameCube version |
PS3 | Mystic Heroes (PS2 Classics) | 2013 | Koei | See PS2 |
JP PSP | Nayuta no Kiseki | 2012 | Falcom | ARPG with platforming elements |
Switch | NEO: The World Ends With You | 2021 | Square Enix/h.a.n.d. | Gone is the partner-based system of the first game, replaced by frenetic yet trendy 4-party-member action; as fashionable as ever |
PS4 | NEO: The World Ends With You | 2021 | Square Enix/h.a.n.d. | See Switch |
PS4 | Neptunia: Sisters VS Sisters | 2023 | Compile Heart/Idea Factory | See PS5 |
PS5 | Neptunia: Sisters VS Sisters | 2023 | Compile Heart/Idea Factory | Takes battle cues from the Tales series and leans into slightly darker tones than previous entries with more modern tongue-in-cheek writing |
PS4 | Neptunia Virtual Stars | 2021 | Compile Heart/Idea Factory | The Nepgirls interact with V-tubers in an ARPG featuring both gun-based and hack-and-slash gameplay styles; run-of-the-mill feeling despite the concept |
Switch | Neptunia x Senran Kagura: Ninja Wars | 2022 | Idea Factory/Compile Heart/Tamsoft | See PS4 |
PS4 | Neptunia x Senran Kagura: Ninja Wars | 2021 | Idea Factory/Compile Heart/Tamsoft | The crossover ARPG that hopefully nobody was asking for |
JP SFC | Neugier: Umi to Kaze no Koudou | 1993 | Wolf Team | An almost-localized ARPG with attacks that can level up, a rather short game overall |
Vita | New Little King's Story (delisted) | 2012 | Konami | Changes the watercolor aesthetic to a more anime-styled one, poor English translation, needs quite a bit of visual polish |
Xbox 360 | Nier | 2010 | Cavia | An ARPG spinoff of one of Drakengard's endings, astounding soundtrack, twisty plot, multiple endings |
PS3 | Nier | 2010 | Cavia | Hack-and-slash ARPG with a pervading sense of melancholy and a gorgeous soundtrack, multiple endings; takes place after one of Drakengard's endings |
PS4 | Nier: Automata | 2017 | PlatinumGames | Extremely atmospheric ARPG, distant sequel to the first Nier, incredible music |
Xbox One | Nier: Automata (DL only) | 2018 | PlatinumGames | See PS4 |
Switch | NieR: Automata - the End of YoRHa Edition | 2022 | PlatinumGames | See PS4, but with all DLC included (and additional exclusive costumes) |
JP PS3 | Nier Replicant | 2010 | Cavia | The version of Nier not released in the West (until 2021), featuring Nier as a brother rather than a father |
Xbox One | NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139... | 2021 | Square Enix/Toylogic | See PS4 |
PS4 | NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139... | 2021 | Square Enix/Toylogic | Bringing Brother Nier's story to the West for the first time, with an additional ending and updated gameplay more akin to Automata |
Xbox Series | NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139... (DL only) | 2021 | Square Enix/Toylogic | See PS4 |
PS4 | Nights of Azure | 2015 | Gust | An ARPG with sapphic undertones that leans into fanservice territory; dark in tone with a focus on collecting demon blood to level yourself and the familiars you collect |
PS4 | Nights of Azure 2: Bride of the New Moon | 2017 | Gust | Similar premise as the first game, but now with a time limit on both excursions and the game as a whole; instead of 4 creatures, you now have 2 and an AI partner |
Switch | Nights of Azure 2: Bride of the New Moon | 2017 | Gust | See PS4 |
Xbox 360 | Ninety-Nine Nights | 2006 | Q Entertainment/Phantagram | A musou-type game with RPG elements and a fantasy theme, increasing character levels makes better combos available |
Xbox 360 | Ninety-Nine Nights II | 2010 | Q Entertainment/Feelplus | Darker in tone than the first game, but with worse reviews; plays like its predecessor |
GB+GBC | Ninja Boy II | 1993 | Culture Brain | RPG with beat-em-up elements similar to Super Ninja Boy |
GB+GBC | Ninja Taro | 1992 | NMK | Collect items to raise your stats in an ARPG with painfully slow walking speed |
PS3 | Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch | 2013 | Level-5 | Incredible Ghibli-styled visuals, monster-collecting elements, and unfortunate AI |
Switch | Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch | 2019 | Level-5 | See PS3 |
PS4 | Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered | 2019 | Level-5 | Contains all DLC and improves the graphics; is otherwise the same game |
PS4 | Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom | 2018 | Level-5 | Overhauls gameplay drastically- combat is now ARPG-styled (though there are still some spirits to provide assistance); the focus turns to kingdom-building |
Switch | Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom - Prince's Edition | 2021 | Level-5 | See PS4, but with all DLC included |
Xbox One | Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom - Prince's Edition (DL only) | 2023 | Level-5 | See Switch |
Xbox Series | Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom - Prince's Edition (DL only) | 2023 | Level-5 | See Switch |
PS4 | Nioh | 2017 | Team Ninja | Demon-filled ARPG set in the late Sengoku period with a robust Souls-like combat system |
PS4 | Nioh 2 | 2020 | Team Ninja | Exchanges the main character of the first with a character-created avatar, adds features like enemy souls to capture to use their abilities, combat is even deeper than before |
PS5 | Nioh 2 Remastered - The Complete Edition (DL only) | 2021 | Team Ninja | Contains all available DLC and graphical/framerate upgrades, as well as speedier load times |
PS5 | Nioh Remastered - The Complete Edition (DL only) | 2021 | Team Ninja | Contains all available DLC and graphical/framerate upgrades |
PS2 | Odin Sphere | 2007 | Vanillaware | Side-scrolling beat-em-up ARPG with a gorgeous art style |
PS3 | Odin Sphere (PS2 Classics) | 2011 | Vanillaware | See PS2 |
PS3 | Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir | 2016 | Vanillaware | Enhanced remake of Odin Sphere with much less slowdown, difficulty changes, more stages, and new enemies |
Vita | Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir | 2016 | Vanillaware | See PS3 |
PS4 | Odin Sphere Leifthrasir | 2016 | Vanillaware | See PS3 |
Xbox One | One Piece: World Seeker | 2019 | Ganbarion | See PS4 |
PS4 | One Piece: World Seeker | 2019 | Ganbarion | Think the Batman Arkham or Spider-Man games, but with a One Piece coat of paint; equipment raises stats while skill points are used to unlock and improve moves |
Switch | Oninaki (DL only) | 2019 | Tokyo RPG Factory | See PS4 |
PS4 | Oninaki (DL only) | 2019 | Tokyo RPG Factory | An ARPG that relies on crossing the line between the land of the living and the spiritual plane, where demons of different classes are used to help attack |
Wii | Opoona | 2008 | ArtePiazza | Cutesy semi-sci-fi game where combat is done by throwing a sphere at enemies |
PS2 | Orphen: Scion of Sorcery | 2000 | Shade | ARPG with a strange turn-based/real-time combat hybrid, limited amount of battles overall prevent grinding |
JP FC | Outlanders | 1987 | Micronics | Kooky sci-fi with wonky ARPG combat |
Wii | Pandora's Tower | 2013 | Ganbarion | ARPG with a focus on environmental puzzle-solving and a time-based curse mechanic |
Wii U | Pandora's Tower (DL only) | 2015 | Ganbarion | See Wii |
Wii U | Paper Mario: Color Splash | 2016 | Intelligent Systems | System based on paint and color, attacks are chosen by cards, story progress and some items confer stat increases |
PS3 | Parasite Eve (PSone Classics) | 2011 | Square | See PSX |
PSP | Parasite Eve (PSone Classics) | 2011 | Square | See PSX |
PSP | Parasite Eve II (PSone Classics) | 2011 | Square | See PSX |
PS3 | Parasite Eve II (PSone Classics) | 2011 | Square | See PSX |
Vita | Penny-Punching Princess | 2018 | Nippon Ichi | Pixel-styled beat-em-up with an emphasis on collecting money from defeated enemies to bribe them, unlock new areas, and upgrade stats |
Switch | Penny-Punching Princess | 2018 | Nippon Ichi | See Vita |
Switch | Persona 5 Strikers | 2021 | Omega Force/Atlus | A sequel to Persona 5 (if you pretend Royal never happened) with ARPG gameplay; much more in-depth strategy required than your typical musou-like game |
PS4 | Persona 5 Strikers | 2021 | Omega Force/Atlus | See Switch |
DS | Phantasy Star 0 | 2009 | Sonic Team | Think Phantasy Star Online, but with crunchier graphics and a full-fledged story mode |
Dreamcast | Phantasy Star Online | 2001 | Sonic Team | ARPG, first online console game |
GameCube | Phantasy Star Online: Episode I & II | 2002 | Sonic Team | Adds entirely new content for Episode II, AKA Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst |
GameCube | Phantasy Star Online: Episode I & II Plus | 2003 | Sonic Team | PSO with additional formerly online-only quests and items |
Dreamcast | Phantasy Star Online Ver. 2.0 | 2001 | Sonic Team | An expanded version of the original |
PSP | Phantasy Star Portable | 2009 | Alfa System/Sonic Team | Sequel to Phantasy Star Universe, plays in a similar ARPG style, customizable player character, mission-based structure |
PSP | Phantasy Star Portable 2 | 2010 | Alfa System | Direct sequel to the first game, can import character from first game, some fairly minor differences but otherwise plays the same as the first |
JP PSP | Phantasy Star Portable 2 Infinity | 2011 | Alfa System | An upgrade to PSP2; adds new story content, races, bosses, skills, and QoL changes/balancing |
Xbox 360 | Phantasy Star Universe | 2006 | Sonic Team | Mostly the same as PS2, but Ambition of the Illuminus is a free DLC instead |
PS2 | Phantasy Star Universe | 2006 | Sonic Team | ARPG with a PSO-like combat style, had both online and offline modes (only offline persists to this day) |
PS2 | Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus | 2007 | Sonic Team | Standalone expansion to Phantasy Star Universe |
PS4 | Poison Control | 2021 | Nippon Ichi | Hybrid of a third-person shooter and Qix (of all things), with a leveling mechanic and emotional toxicity to cleanse (literally) |
Switch | Poison Control | 2021 | Nippon Ichi | See PS4 |
DS | Pokemon Ranger | 2006 | HAL Laboratory | More of an ARPG than regular Pokemon games that uses the stylus to help temporarily capture Pokemon, who assist in completing missions |
Wii U | Pokemon Ranger (VC) | 2016 | HAL Laboratory | See DS |
DS | Pokemon Ranger: Guardian Signs | 2010 | Creatures Inc. | Very like the first two, but now you can also draw symbols to summon legendary 'mons to help you out |
Wii U | Pokemon Ranger: Guardian Signs (VC) | 2016 | Creatures Inc. | See DS |
DS | Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia | 2008 | Creatures Inc. | Still no Pokemon battling here and still touchscreen-heavy, but with more possible partner Pokemon and tools for capturing |
Wii U | Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia (VC) | 2016 | Creatures Inc. | See DS |
3DS | Pokemon Rumble World | 2015 | Ambrella | A stylized 3D Pokemon beat-em-up where capturing many types of mons increases Adventurer Rank, which gives access to new areas and increases the strength of wild Pokemon |
N64 | Quest 64 | 1998 | Imagineer | Final Fantasy II-like leveling system, a very baby JRPG |
GB+GBC | Quest: Brian's Journey | 2000 | Atelier Double | A demake of the N64 game… if you considered Quest 64 a game to begin with. Taking actions builds stats |
JP FC | Radia Senki: Reiemeihen | 1991 | Tecmo | 4 AI characters + 1 controllable = fun auto tactics |
PS2 | Radiata Stories | 2005 | Tri-Ace | ARPG with a majorly branching storyline, tons of recruitable characters (all with their own schedules), and lots to kick! |
DS | Ragnarok DS | 2010 | GungHo | As the title implies, it's Ragnarok Online, except on the DS; only a max of 3 can play together, but there is a storyline to follow |
Vita | Ragnarok Odyssey | 2012 | Game Arts | Basically a Monster Hunter clone with some Norse elements; levels do not increase traditionally but improving equipment via cards improves your stats |
PS3 | Ragnarok Odyssey Ace | 2014 | Game Arts | Enhanced version of Ragnarok Odyssey with all DLC included, new dungeons/enemies/skills, and readjusted gameplay balance; stat enhancements done via cards |
Vita | Ragnarok Odyssey ACE | 2012 | Game Arts | Easier to import RO save data from, otherwise see PS3 |
Dreamcast | Record of Lodoss War: Advent of Cardice | 2001 | Neverland | Based on the anime, plays kinda like Diablo |
PSP | Rengoku: The Tower of Purgatory | 2006 | Neverland | A sci-fi ARPG with cumbersome gameplay mechanics and an almost nonexistent story, encourages weapon scavenging from enemies |
PSP | Rengoku II: The Stairway to H.E.A.V.E.N. | 2005 | Neverland/Hudson Soft | Makes very minimal changes to the gameplay loop from the first game, culminating in another lackluster experience |
JP Dreamcast | Rent-A-Hero No. 1 | 2000 | Aspect | A remake that adds a female counterpart to the main character and 3D as opposed to 2D fighting; itself fully translated and intended for Western shores it never reached |
JP Mega Drive | Rent a Hero | 1991 | Sega | Perform various tasks for townsfolk as a superhero-for-hire; no XP but the cash from your jobs can be used to upgrade your armor and weapons, used in fighting game-esque combat |
3DS | Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D | 2011 | Capcom/Tose | Bioweapon slaying gives skill points, and skill points give better combat stats/abiilties! |
Wii U | Resident Evil Revelations | 2013 | Capcom/Tose | See XBO |
Switch | Resident Evil Revelations | 2017 | Capcom/Tose | See XBO |
Xbox 360 | Resident Evil Revelations | 2013 | Capcom/Tose | See XBO |
PS3 | Resident Evil Revelations | 2013 | Capcom/Tose | See XBO |
Xbox One | Resident Evil Revelations | 2017 | Capcom/Tose | See 3DS, but with some tweaks and added characters for Raid Mode |
3DS | Resident Evil Revelations | 2012 | Capcom/Tose | Included due to the presence of Raid Mode, in which you kill bioweapons as a character from the main game and gain XP to level, which gives you better stats |
PS4 | Resident Evil Revelations | 2017 | Capcom/Tose | See XBO |
Switch | Resident Evil Revelations 2 | 2017 | Capcom | See XBO |
PS3 | Resident Evil Revelations 2 | 2015 | Capcom | See XBO |
Vita | Resident Evil Revelations 2 | 2015 | Capcom | See XBO |
PS4 | Resident Evil Revelations 2 | 2015 | Capcom | See XBO |
Xbox One | Resident Evil Revelations 2 | 2015 | Capcom | Included due to the presence of Raid Mode, in which you kill bioweapons as a classic RE character and gain XP to level and upgrade skills |
Xbox 360 | Resident Evil Revelations 2 | 2015 | Capcom | See XBO |
3DS | River City: Knights of Justice (DL only) | 2017 | Avit-Niigata | Gives a tongue-in-cheek RPG makeover to the Kunio-kun series; there is no leveling but stats increase with equipment and gem slotting |
NES | River City Ransom | 1990 | Technos Japan | BARF! Beating up rival street gangs to rescue a girl and using dropped cash to buy stat upgrades |
GBA | River City Ransom EX | 2004 | Million | Removes co-op and replaces it with an AI partner and more game customizability |
JP DS | Rockman.EXE: Operate Shooting Star | 2009 | Capcom | A port of Mega Man Battle Network with some additional Star Force content thrown in |
PS2 | Rogue Galaxy | 2007 | Level-5 | Space pirate ARPG with AI party members and a nontradional stat increasing system |
PS4 | Rogue Galaxy (DL only) | 2014 | Level-5 | See PS2 |
PS3 | Rune Factory: Tides of Destiny | 2011 | Neverland | Harvesting, adventuring, and seafaring in order to raise islands from the bottom of the ocean, with bonus Move controls |
Wii | Rygar: The Battle of Argus | 2009 | Team Tachyon | See PS2, but with motion controls for the diskarmor and a massive change in Rygar's appearance |
PS2 | Rygar: The Legendary Adventure | 2002 | Tecmo | Diskarmor shenanigans galore, but now in 3D; gorgeous soundtrack; points enhance player characteristics and strengthen weapons |
3DS | Sadame (DL only) | 2016 | Mebius | An ARPG with 4 separate classes to hack and slash through an alternate history Sengoku period, includes a sphere grid-like customization system |
PS4 | Samurai Maiden (DL/Asia English) | 2022 | Shade Inc. | See PS5 |
Switch | Samurai Maiden (DL/Asia English) | 2022 | Shade Inc. | See PS5 |
PS5 | Samurai Maiden (DL/Asia English) | 2022 | Shade Inc. | It's clunky poorly-written ecchi, with affection levels raising stats and skills |
PS4 | Scarlet Nexus | 2021 | Tose/Bandai Namco | See PS5 |
PS5 | Scarlet Nexus | 2021 | Tose/Bandai Namco | A flashy ARPG with two different storylines to choose from and a bevy of psychic powers to play with |
Xbox Series | Scarlet Nexus | 2021 | Tose/Bandai Namco | See PS5 |
Xbox One | Scarlet Nexus (DL only) | 2021 | Tose/Bandai Namco | See PS5 |
Switch | SD Gundam Battle Alliance (Asia English/DL) | 2022 | Artdink/Alvion | See XS |
PS4 | SD Gundam Battle Alliance (Asia English/DL) | 2022 | Artdink/Alvion | See XS |
Xbox One | SD Gundam Battle Alliance (Asia English/DL) | 2022 | Artdink/Alvion | See XS |
Xbox Series | SD Gundam Battle Alliance (Asia English/DL) | 2022 | Artdink/Alvion | Chibi mobile suits in a massive hack-and-slash crossover to correct multiversal shenanigans |
PS5 | SD Gundam Battle Alliance (Asia English/DL) | 2022 | Artdink/Alvion | See XS |
SNES | Secret of Evermore | 1995 | Square Soft | An ARPG featuring a boy and his dog traveling through different eras; never released in Japan |
PS4 | Secret of Mana | 2018 | Q Studios/Square | See Vita |
SNES | Secret of Mana | 1993 | Square | Actually the second Mana game, up to 3-player co-op |
Vita | Secret of Mana (DL only) | 2018 | Q Studios/Square | Remade in 3D with a lot of the original visual charm missing, a new translation, adds voiced dialogue and makes QoL changes |
JP SFC | Seiken Densetsu 3 | 1995 | Square | The character you choose at the start determines your storyline, otherwise plays like SoM |
3DS | Senran Kagura 2: Deep Crimson | 2015 | Tamsoft | Plays like the first game and somehow manages to be even more risque in presentation |
PS4 | Senran Kagura: Estival Versus | 2016 | Tamsoft | See Vita |
Vita | Senran Kagura: Estival Versus | 2016 | Tamsoft | Massive mammary melee- a beat-em-up/ARPG where the girls you control will almost inevitably lose pieces of clothing in order to increase their power |
Vita | Senran Kagura: Shinovi Versus | 2014 | Tamsoft | Choose a shinobi school to represent and show superiority over other schools by using 3D beat-em-up gameplay and (for some reason) tearing your clothes off |
3DS | Senran Kagura Burst (DL only) | 2013 | Tamsoft | One of the most fanservicey beat-em-ups you'll ever see, has two different story modes to follow |
PS4 | Senran Kagura Burst Re:Newal | 2018 | Honey Parade/Tamsoft | Changes gameplay perspective to 3D (as opposed to the 2.5D of the original), adds more characters via DLC |
PSX | Shadow Tower | 1999 | FromSoftware | Plays similarly to King's Field, but killing particular enemies determines stat growth |
PS3 | Shadow Tower (PSone Classics) | 2015 | FromSoftware | See PSX |
PSP | Shadow Tower (PSone Classics) | 2015 | FromSoftware | See PSX |
Vita | Shadow Tower (PSone Classics) | 2015 | FromSoftware | See PSX |
JP PS2 | Shadow Tower: Abyss | 2003 | FromSoftware | Another first-person FromSoft jam and sequel to Shadow Tower, this one features soul harvesting and independent NPC schedules |
PS2 | Shining Force EXA | 2007 | Neverland | Isometric ARPG with two protagonists and some town-building, recycles many assets from Shining Force Neo |
PS2 | Shining Force Neo | 2005 | Neverland | More realistically proportioned models than Shining Tears, but overall plays similarly |
Xbox One | Shining Resonance Refrain | 2018 | O-Two/Sega/Media.Vision | See PS4 |
Switch | Shining Resonance Refrain | 2018 | O-Two/Sega/Media.Vision | See PS4 |
PS4 | Shining Resonance Refrain | 2018 | O-Two/Sega/Media.Vision | Enhanced port of a previously JP-only PS3 game with added storylines; a serviceable ARPG with some dating sim elements |
GBA | Shining Soul | 2003 | Nextech/Grasshopper Manufacture | Isometric ARPG that serves as a reboot of sorts to the Shining series |
GBA | Shining Soul II | 2004 | Nextech/Grasshopper Manufacture | Similar to the first, with more classes to choose from |
PS2 | Shining Tears | 2005 | NexTech/Amusement Vision | Plays vastly different to the rest of the Shining Force games- is an isometric ARPG rather than turn-based |
PS2 | Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon | 2009 | Atlus | Very similar to its predecessor, but uses demon negotiation rather than capture elements |
PS2 | Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army | 2006 | Atlus | Deviates from series norms by being more of an ARPG and taking place in the past, demon assistance is always present |
JP PC Engine | Shiryou Sensen: War of the Dead | 1989 | Fun Project | Badass cover art, plays a lot like Zelda II |
JP SFC | Shodai Nekketsu Kouha Kunio-kun | 1992 | Technos Japan | More or less River City Ransom 2, but you gain actual XP instead of using cash to buy stat upgrades (for better or worse) |
JP 3DS | Slime Mori Mori Dragon Quest 3: Daikaizoku to Shippo Dan | 2011 | Square Enix | |
DS | Solatorobo: Red the Hunter | 2011 | CyberConnect2 | Spiritual sequel to Tail Concerto (PSX), with steampunk robot combat and tons of anthropomorphic creatures |
JP DS | Soma Bringer | 2008 | Monolith Soft | Top-down ARPG, widely acclaimed; lots of text to read and lots of character customization to do |
SNES | Soul Blazer | 1992 | Quintet | Part of the legendary Quintet trilogy, an ARPG with some town-reconstruction elements |
Vita | Soul Sacrifice | 2013 | Marvelous/SCEJ/Comcept | A heavily dark fantasy-styled Monster Hunter clone of sorts with the choice of sparing or sacrificing your enemies, allies, and own body parts as a crucial element to progression |
Vita | Soul Sacrifice Delta (DL only) | 2014 | Marvelous/SCEJ/Comcept | Additions include new weapons, abilities, factions, monsters, areas, and a streamlining of combat to increase fluidity |
DS | Spectrobes | 2007 | Jupiter | An original Disney Interactive Studios IP with slippery-looking controls; a Pokemon clone with ARPG combat |
DS | Spectrobes: Beyond the Portals | 2008 | Jupiter | Many more Spectrobes to collect and a general improvement overall from the first game |
Master System | SpellCaster | 1989 | Sega | ARPG in combat (plays much like Shinobi), point-and-click-like in towns, story progression increases stats |
JP SFC | Star Ocean | 1996 | Tri-Ace | Look at that spritework! |
PSP | Star Ocean: First Departure | 2008 | Tose/Tri-Ace | Adds new playable characters and animated cutscenes, gives the game a different engine, expands on some NPCs storyline-wise, first western localization of the game |
Switch | Star Ocean: First Departure R (DL only) | 2019 | Tose/Square Enix/Tri-Ace | See PS4 |
PS4 | Star Ocean: First Departure R (DL only) | 2019 | Tose/Square Enix/Tri-Ace | Adds new character illustrations and makes QoL changes to the PSP version |
PS4 | Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness | 2016 | Tri-Ace | Arguably the weakest entry in the series; combat occurs with all party members (up to 7!) present in real-time, with a rock-paper-scissors-like system |
PSP | Star Ocean: Second Evolution | 2009 | Tose/Tri-Ace | Adds new playable characters, reworked skills, new cutscenes, and even more endings to The Second Story |
PS5 | Star Ocean: The Divine Force | 2022 | Tri-Ace | A return to dual protagonists and the most dynamic combat system in the series to date |
Xbox Series | Star Ocean: The Divine Force | 2022 | Tri-Ace | See PS5 |
PS4 | Star Ocean: The Divine Force | 2022 | Tri-Ace | See PS5 |
Xbox One | Star Ocean: The Divine Force | 2022 | Tri-Ace | See PS5 |
Xbox 360 | Star Ocean: The Last Hope | 2017 | Tri-Ace | Chronologically the first game in the series, fun action-based gameplay and a heavier sci-fi emphasis than all other titles |
PS4 | Star Ocean: The Last Hope - 4K/Full HD Edition (DL only) | 2017 | Tri-Ace/Square Enix | See PS3, but with prettier graphics |
PS3 | Star Ocean: The Last Hope International | 2010 | Tri-Ace | Adds anime-styled character portraits, dual audio, and new music to the original 360 release; considered to be the definitive version of the game |
PSX | Star Ocean: The Second Story | 1999 | Tri-Ace | First localized Star Ocean game with two different scenarios |
PS2 | Star Ocean: Till the End of Time | 2004 | Tri-Ace | AKA Star Ocean 3 - losing all HP or MP will knock a character out in battle, very complicated Private Action scoring system to determine ending |
PS4 | Star Ocean: Till the End of Time (DL only) | 2017 | Tri-Ace | See PS2 |
PS2 | Steambot Chronicles | 2006 | Irem | Mech-based ARPG, characters are named after food, eschews leveling system for highly customizable mech parts |
Xbox Series | Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin | 2022 | Team Ninja | See PS5 |
PS4 | Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin | 2022 | Team Ninja | See PS5 |
PS5 | Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin | 2022 | Team Ninja | Campy Chaos killing! An ARPG take of sorts on the first Final Fantasy game, with Nioh-like combat and many creative liberties |
Xbox One | Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin | 2022 | Team Ninja | See PS5 |
JP FC | Sukeban Deka III | 1988 | Shouei | Manga-based ARPG |
GBA | Summon Night: Swordcraft Story | 2006 | Flight-Plan | Combat reminiscent of earlier Tales games, but with weapon swapping available |
GBA | Summon Night: Swordcraft Story 2 | 2006 | Flight-Plan | Like the first, but with more crafting |
DS | Summon Night: Twin Age | 2008 | Flight-Plan | Touch control-only ARPG with 2 AI party members and the ability to summon monsters |
JP SFC | Super Chinese World 2 | 1993 | Culture Brain | Super Ninja Boy sequel, has ARPG battles instead of its predecessor's turn-based combat |
JP SFC | Super Chinese World 3 - Chou Jigen Daisakusen | 1995 | Culture Brain | Two different battle modes to choose from: ARPG or turn-based, each with their own storylines |
Genesis | Super Hydlide | 1990 | T&E Soft | Remake of Hydlide 3, with a morality, encumbrance, hunger, and day/night system. IT'S NOT ALL THAT GOOD. |
SNES | Super Ninja Boy | 1993 | Culture Brain | Can be played multiplayer, combat is done in side-scrolling ARPG format, sequel to Little Ninja Brothers |
Xbox One | Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris | 2020 | Aquria | Follows the third anime season, gameplay is still ARPG-styled but frequently interrupted by long bursts of visual novel-like dialogue |
PS4 | Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris | 2020 | Aquria | See XBO |
Switch | Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris (DL only) | 2022 | Aquria | See XBO |
Xbox One | Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet | 2018 | Dimps | Takes place in the gun-heavy game world from the second season of the anime, ARPG/third-person shooter combat with a customizable avatar |
PS4 | Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet | 2018 | Dimps | See XBO |
Switch | Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet - Complete Edition (DL only) | 2019 | Dimps | Includes all expansions and DLC from the original release |
Vita | Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment (DL only) | 2014 | Aquria | Takes place during the anime's first arc but is a spinoff, has content from a JP-only prequel game included, with ARPG MMO-styled combat and dating sim elements |
PS4 | Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization | 2016 | Aquria | See Vita |
Vita | Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization (DL only) | 2016 | Aquria | Direct sequel to Lost Song, has a 4-person party with more streamlined MMO-type combat than previous games in the series; lots of NPCs to befriend, goes back to the first arc style |
Switch | Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization - Deluxe Edition (DL only) | 2019 | Aquria | Includes all DLC from the original |
PS4 | Sword Art Online: Lost Song | 2015 | Artdink | See Vita |
Vita | Sword Art Online: Lost Song | 2015 | Artdink | Sequel to Hollow Fragment, has more actual ARPG-type combat, takes place in the area of the second half of the anime's first arc, 3-person parties |
PS4 | Sword Art Online Re: Hollow Fragment (DL only) | 2015 | Aquria | Vastly improves the translation of the original, changes the way skills work in combat, and adds new bosses amongst other QoL changes |
GBA | Sword of Mana | 2003 | Brownie Brown | Incorporates elements from later games and 2 story paths |
Genesis | Sword of Vermilion | 1991 | Sega | Overworld traversal in first and third-person, combat is done ARPG-style |
3DS | Swords & Darkness (DL only) | 2015 | Aplus/Arc System Works | A side-scrolling beat-em-up with no special features of note |
PS5 | Tales of Arise | 2021 | Bandai Namco | Makes changes both welcome and unwelcome to the series, including a shared pool of points used for healing/buffs, comic book-style skits, removal of post-battle banter, and the cutest Tales mascot EVER |
PS4 | Tales of Arise | 2021 | Bandai Namco | See PS5 |
Xbox One | Tales of Arise | 2021 | Bandai Namco | See PS5 |
Xbox Series | Tales of Arise (DL only) | 2021 | Bandai Namco | See PS5 |
PS4 | Tales of Berseria | 2016 | Bandai Namco | Story is linked to Zestiria, highly eclectic cast, fulfilling certain conditions in battle (ARPG as always) leads to unleashing better abilities (or bolstering your enemies) |
JP PS3 | Tales of Berseria | 2016 | Bandai Namco | See PS4 - last Tales game developed for PS3 |
PSX | Tales of Destiny | 1998 | Wolf Team | First localized Tales title with a similar 2D real-time combat system to its predecessor |
PSX | Tales of Destiny II | 2001 | Wolf Team/Namco | Actually Tales of Eternia - the real Tales of Destiny 2 is a Japanese exclusive |
PSP | Tales of Eternia (PAL/AU/JP only) | 2006 | Namco Tales Studio | A port of what NA territories knew as Tales of Destiny II, with vastly improved load times |
PS3 | Tales of Graces f | 2012 | Namco Tales Studio | Enhanced localization of a JP-only Wii Tales title, very technical combat system, takes place at multiple times through the party's lives |
Vita | Tales of Hearts R | 2014 | 7thChord/Namco Bandai | Remake of a previously JP-only DS title; leveling is done by improving a character's signature weapon, emphasizes air combos and union special attacks in combat |
JP DS | Tales of Innocence | 2007 | Alfa System | You know what to expect here at this point - in addition, doing sidequests for guilds levels them up |
PS2 | Tales of Legendia | 2006 | Namco | Reverts back to the linear combat of earlier entries, about half of the game takes place after the final boss is defeated |
JP SFC | Tales of Phantasia | 1995 | Wolf Team | Mind-bogglingly pretty, a technological marvel for the time |
JP PSX | Tales of Phantasia | 1998 | Namco | Arguably the best way to play the game, despite lack of official translation |
GBA | Tales of Phantasia | 2006 | Namco Tales Studio | First time released in English, with lots of slowdown and heavily compressed voice clips |
GameCube | Tales of Symphonia | 2004 | Namco Tales Studio | Brought the Tales series into the 3D realm for combat, chibi character models belie a twist-heavy story |
Wii | Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World | 2008 | Namco Tales Studio | Lots of elemental affinity manipulation and some monster recruitment mechanics in addition to normal Tales gameplay |
PS3 | Tales of Symphonia Chronicles | 2014 | Bandai Namco | Combined release of the previously JP-only PS2 version of Tales of Symphonia (with additional content) and Dawn of the New World (with a new control scheme) |
Xbox One | Tales of Symphonia Remastered | 2023 | Bandai Namco | Theoretically an upgrade, barely improves visually from the PS3 release and notably does not come bundled with the sequel |
Switch | Tales of Symphonia Remastered | 2023 | Bandai Namco | See XBO |
PS4 | Tales of Symphonia Remastered | 2023 | Bandai Namco | See XBO |
3DS | Tales of the Abyss | 2012 | Namco Tales Studio | Very similar to the original; load times are shorter, some minor changes to quests were made, and shortcuts for battle abilities requires use of the touchscreen |
PS2 | Tales of the Abyss | 2006 | Namco Tales Studio | Back to the 3D combat that Symphonia popularized, a shining example of protagonist character development |
JP DS | Tales of the Tempest | 2006 | Dimps/Namco Tales Studio | A short spinoff title from the mainline series, but plays as you've come to expect; a very polarizing game |
PSP | Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology | 2007 | Alfa System | A crossover Tales game with a customizable main character, the ability to recruit other major characters from the series, and a quest-based format |
Xbox 360 | Tales of Vesperia | 2008 | Namco Tales Studio | It's more Tales, featuring a badass doggo! Lots of missables and a strong overall cast |
Xbox One | Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition | 2019 | QLOC/Bandai Namco | Includes all the content from the previously JP-only PS3 version (new characters and more voice acting, amongst others) |
PS4 | Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition | 2019 | QLOC/Bandai Namco | See XBO |
Switch | Tales of Vesperia Definitive Edition | 2019 | QLOC/Bandai Namco | See XBO |
PS3 | Tales of Xillia | 2013 | Namco Tales Studio | Two separate protagonists with different combat styles (in similar ARPG format to others in the series) gives additional replayability |
PS3 | Tales of Xillia 2 | 2014 | Namco Tales Studio | Direct sequel to Tales of Xillia with a new silent protagonist, lots of debt to manage, and character affection to earn |
PS3 | Tales of Zestiria | 2015 | Bandai Namco | Often maligned amongst series fans for being misleading in terms of character marketing, has a battle system that revolves around partnering up |
PS4 | Tales of Zestiria | 2015 | Bandai Namco | See PS3 |
SNES | Terranigma (PAL/JP only) | 1995 | Quintet | Strangely never localized, last in the Quintet ARPG trilogy; spells can only be cast via one-time use items |
PSP | The 3rd Birthday | 2011 | HexaDrive | Third game in the Parasite Eve series, more like a third-person shooter than previous games, mission-based gameplay and lots of NPC possession! |
Vita | The 3rd Birthday (DL only) | 2012 | HexaDrive | See PSP |
PS2 | The Bouncer | 2001 | Dream Factory | Cult-classic 3D beat-em-up with RPG elements |
PSX | The Granstream Saga | 1998 | Shade | ARPG, Successor to the Quintet trilogy, unsettling faceless 3D models |
Wii | The Last Story | 2012 | Artoon/Mistwalker | ARPG with tactical and stealth elements including a cover system and issuing orders to AI party members in real-time |
Saturn | The Legend of Oasis | 1996 | Ancient | Sequel to Beyond Oasis (GEN), similar top-down ARPG gameplay |
Switch | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | 2017 | Nintendo | While not visible, story progress/killing enemies yields XP which in turn makes enemies notably stronger at certain thresholds; eschews the traditional Zelda formula in favor of an open-world approach |
Switch | The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | 2023 | Nintendo | Contains secret XP values that increase with enemy kills, making enemies (and chest loot) stronger as a result; a high emphasis on crafting ingenuity in an open world |
NES | The Magic of Scheherazade | 1989 | Culture Brain | Could get pretty oof in cultural stereotypes, a mix of turn-based and ARPG gameplay |
PS5 | The Nioh Collection | 2021 | Team Ninja | The remastered Nioh and Nioh 2 put together in one package |
Switch | The Princess Guide | 2019 | Nippon Ichi | See PS4 |
PS4 | The Princess Guide | 2018 | Nippon Ichi | An ARPG with obtuse mechanics like praising and scolding the princess you are controlling as well as a steep difficulty curve |
PS4 | The Seven Deadly Sins: Knights of Britannia | 2018 | NatsumeAtari | More of a 3D arena fighter, but does have an Adventure Mode with quests in both musou and duel format to obtain items that enhance character stats |
PS2 | The Sword of Etheria (PAL/JP only) | 2006 | KCET | 3D beat-em-up with a Wizard of Oz theme, heavy emphasis on combo/team-up attacks |
SNES | The Twisted Tales of Spike McFang | 1994 | Red Company Corporation | Super cutesy ARPG |
PS3 | The Witch and the Hundred Knight | 2014 | Nippon Ichi | Isometric ARPG with food management, a wonky camera, and a game-breaking bug, but a delightfully dark cast |
PS4 | The Witch and the Hundred Knight 2 | 2017 | Nippon Ichi | Plays a lot like the first, albeit with a new cast of whimsical characters |
PS4 | The Witch and the Hundred Knight: Revival Edition | 2016 | Nippon Ichi | Adds a new multi-floor dungeon, more weapons/armor, and Metallia as a playable character |
DS | The World Ends With You | 2008 | Jupiter/Square Enix | A fashionable, frantic ARPG that utilizes badges of sorts to determine attack abilities |
Switch | The World Ends With You Final Remix | 2018 | Jupiter/Square Enix | Adds an extra scenario, but incorporates awkward motion/touch controls |
PS4 | The Yakuza Remastered Collection | 2019 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | A bundle containing the remastered versions of Yakuza 3/4/5 (first instance of a physical Yakuza 5 in the West) |
Xbox One | The Yakuza Remastered Collection (DL only) | 2021 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | See PS4 |
Xbox Series | The Yakuza Remastered Collection (DL only) | 2021 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | See PS4 |
PSX | Threads of Fate | 2000 | Square | Two-scenario ARPG with unconventional stat-increasing mechanics |
Vita | Threads of Fate (PSone Classics) | 2012 | Square | See PSX |
PS3 | Threads of Fate (PSone Classics) | 2011 | Square | See PSX |
PSP | Threads of Fate (PSone Classics) | 2011 | Square | See PSX |
PS3 | Time and Eternity | 2013 | Imageepoch | Strange, oft-criticized game with an offbeat anime-hybrid art style, dating-sim elements, and a single party member; repetitive gameplay |
Vita | Tokyo Xanadu | 2017 | Falcom | ARPG with a modern setting; rock-paper-scissors-like enemy weaknesses require quick party member swapping, linear dungeons |
PS4 | Tokyo Xanadu eX+ | 2017 | Falcom | Contains new post-game content and side stories |
JP Mega Drive | Tougi-Ou: King Colossus | 1992 | Sega | Another Ys wannabe |
Switch | Touhou Shoujo Tale of Beautiful Memories (DL only) | 2022 | The N Main Shop | A pixelated ARPG/turn-based hybrid featuring characters from throughout the long-running series |
Vita | Toukiden 2 | 2017 | Omega Force | Features an open world map for story mode, adds a grappling hook-like mechanic, small helpers to gather items for you, all on the pretense of hunting demonic monsters |
PS4 | Toukiden 2 | 2017 | Omega Force | See Vita |
Vita | Toukiden: Kiwami | 2015 | Omega Force | Contains the entirety of the original game and adds more weapons, monsters, and story content |
Vita | Toukiden: The Age of Demons | 2014 | Omega Force | Koei Tecmo's Monster Hunter clone; targeting specific body parts of demons to collect particular spoils is crucial to attribute improvement |
PS4 | Toukiden Kiwami | 2015 | Omega Force | See Vita |
Xbox 360 | Transformers: Devastation | 2015 | PlatinumGames | Think Bayonetta, but with Autobots! Upgradeable/synthesizable weaponry and stat increases |
PS4 | Transformers: Devastation | 2015 | PlatinumGames | See 360 |
PS3 | Transformers: Devastation | 2015 | PlatinumGames | See 360 |
Xbox One | Transformers: Devastation | 2015 | PlatinumGames | See 360 |
JP SFC | Treasure Conflix | 1996 | Squaresoft | A Satellaview-only game with soft RPG elements (upgrading your airship's parts to use in dogfights) where you hunt for treasure and sell it at auction |
PS4 | Trials of Mana | 2020 | Xeen/Square Enix | Brings the game into 3D, adds new difficulty levels, gives characters abilities for buffs, adds an extra class tier, among many other QoL changes |
Switch | Trials of Mana | 2020 | Xeen/Square Enix | See PS4 |
PS3 | Trinity: Souls of Zill O'll | 2011 | Omega Force | ARPG with 3 different playable characters that can be switched between on the fly, first of its series to be localized |
PS4 | Trinity Trigger | 2023 | FuRyu | See PS5 |
Switch | Trinity Trigger | 2023 | FuRyu | See PS5 |
PS5 | Trinity Trigger | 2023 | FuRyu | Harkens back to classic ARPG design with Secret of Mana-styled ring menus and mascot companions that also serve as weaponry |
PS2 | Tsugunai: Atonement | 2001 | Cattle Call | Broken up into various quests rather than one fully linear experience- not all quests revolve around combat |
PS4 | Utawarerumono: ZAN | 2019 | Aquaplus | A musou-like adaptation of Mask of Deception, stripping away a lot of the story in the process |
PSP | Valhalla Knights | 2007 | K2 | Combat takes place in real-time with instant character switching but is a tad clunky, job system/subclassing confers abilities onto party members |
Vita | Valhalla Knights (DL only) | 2012 | K2 | See PSP |
PSP | Valhalla Knights 2 | 2008 | K2 | Not much different from the first at all, cumbersome spell systems and mission structure with bland environments |
PSP | Valhalla Knights 2: Battle Stance (DL only) | 2010 | K2 | Adds handy warp points, more customization options, more quests, more monsters, and cuts the maximum party size down from 6 to 4 |
Vita | Valhalla Knights 2: Battle Stance (DL only) | 2012 | K2 | See PSP |
Vita | Valhalla Knights 3 | 2013 | K2 | Similar sort of ARPG as its predecessors, only with a party of 7 and a very antiquated view on the objectification of women |
Wii | Valhalla Knights: Eldar Saga | 2009 | K2 | ARPG with a lot of similarities to Monster Hunter and a job system |
Vita | Valkyria Revolution (DL only) | 2017 | Media.Vision | Abandons the previously established canon of the series and tries to adopt a more action-based format with some tactical elements still in play |
Vita | Valkyrie Drive: Bhikkhuni | 2016 | Meteorise | Less apologetic and even more lewd, another beat-em-up by the Senran Kagura creator with questionable transformations |
PS5 | Valkyrie Elysium | 2022 | Soleil/Square Enix | A side game (but not really) that leans far, far, far more heavily into action than RPG elements, with a skill tree to upgrade stats and general disappointment for fans of the series |
PS4 | Valkyrie Elysium | 2022 | Soleil/Square Enix | See PS5 |
JP FC | Valkyrie no Bouken: Toki no Kagi Densetsu | 1986 | Namco | Minimal text, starring Namco's famous valkyrie |
PS2 | Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria | 2006 | Tri-Ace | Similar combat and dungeon exploration as the first game, but with no time limits or pressure to release Einherjar |
Saturn | Virtual Hydlide | 1995 | T&E Soft | Remake of the first Hydlide, with the best framerate known to man |
GameCube | Virtua Quest | 2004 | Sega-AM2/Tose | An ARPG starring a lame kid who has to enslave the souls of Virtua Fighter characters to become cool |
PS2 | Virtua Quest | 2005 | Sega-AM2/Tose | ARPG with a main character so lame, he has to capture the souls of the Virtua Fighter characters to become cool |
PSP | Warriors of the Lost Empire | 2007 | Platinum Egg | A fairly mindless hack-and-slash ARPG with some very questionable enemy AI |
Vita | Warriors of the Lost Empire (DL only) | 2012 | Platinum Egg | See PSP |
Xbox 360 | Way of the Samurai 3 | 2009 | Acquire | See PS3 |
PS3 | Way of the Samurai 3 | 2009 | Acquire | A Sengoku-era ARPG with 22 different endings; weapons gain XP and lead to learning skills, many butterfly effect-type decisions to make |
PS3 | Way of the Samurai 4 (DL only) | 2012 | Acquire | Another iteration of the samurai sim taking place during the last days of the shogunate; skills can gain XP in order to become stronger and unlock higher tiers |
PS3 | White Knight Chronicles: International Edition | 2010 | Level-5/SCEJ | Attempts to be a MMO/JRPG hybrid with customizable avatar; doesn't really succeed at it, repetitive combo-based combat system |
PS3 | White Knight Chronicles II | 2011 | Level-5/SCEJ | Puts a coat of polish over the first game's systems, but does little to improve them; the disc also includes a copy of the first game with the reworked battle system |
Xbox Series | Wild Hearts | 2023 | Omega Force | Basically Monster Hunter with less campy characters, less monster variety, and a bigger emphasis on the use of tools/traps during hunts |
PS5 | Wild Hearts | 2023 | Omega Force | See XS |
NES | Willow | 1989 | Capcom | Yes, based off the 80's movie with Warwick Davis and Val Kilmer. Solid ARPG gameplay! |
3DS | Witch & Hero (DL only) | 2013 | FK Digital/Flyhigh Works | An overly simplistic game where you as the hero defend the the titular witch by repeatedly bumping into waves of enemies to kill them, level up, rinse, and repeat |
Switch | Witch & Hero (DL only) | 2019 | FK Digital/Flyhigh Works | See 3DS |
3DS | Witch & Hero II (DL only) | 2016 | Flyhigh Works | A new hero and witch to control, both at the same time; gameplay is otherwise unchanged |
Switch | Witch & Hero II (DL only) | 2020 | Flyhigh Works | See 3DS |
3DS | Witch & Hero III (DL only) | 2018 | Flyhigh Works | The witch goes back to being stationary, but now you control a second little hero to endlessly ram enemies with |
Xbox One | Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty | 2023 | Team Ninja/Koei Tecmo | See XS |
Xbox Series | Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty | 2023 | Team Ninja/Koei Tecmo | Think Nioh but with a Three Kingdoms coat of paint and more systems to juggle- punishing as always |
PS5 | Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty | 2023 | Team Ninja/Koei Tecmo | See XS |
PS4 | Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty | 2023 | Team Ninja/Koei Tecmo | See XS |
JP SFC | Xak: The Art of Visual Stage | 1993 | Micro Cabin/Tokai Engineering | Ys' cousin, but the story only covers the first half of the first game on MSX |
N-Gage | Xanadu Next | 2005 | Falcom/ScriptArts | Isometric ARPG gameplay with a clunky class-switching system of sorts and a different story than the PC version |
Wii | Xenoblade Chronicles | 2012 | Monolith Soft | I'm really feeling loads of sidequests and ARPG combat! |
Wii U | Xenoblade Chronicles (DL only) | 2016 | Monolith Soft | See Wii |
Switch | Xenoblade Chronicles 2 | 2017 | Monolith Soft | A vast, open world with character designs that lean far closer to anime than its predecesor; some gacha mechanics for unlocking new summonable spirits |
Switch | Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna - The Golden Country | 2018 | Monolith Soft | Serves as both a DLC to XC2 as well as a standalone game; set long before the main game; combat is more dynamic than the main game |
Switch | Xenoblade Chronicles 3 | 2022 | Monolith Soft | Adds a class system to the series' lauded exploration, 6 active party members in combat at once; heavy emphasis on character interaction that works in its favor |
3DS | Xenoblade Chronicles 3D (New 3DS only) | 2015 | Monolith Soft/Monster Games | More or less the same as the original, but changes the HUD a little bit and adds a few bonus modes like a model viewer and jukebox |
Switch | Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition | 2020 | Monolith Soft/Monster Games | Adds an entire epilogue section, cleans up the graphics significantly, and has a lot of QoL improvements |
Wii U | Xenoblade Chronicles X | 2015 | Monolith Soft | Open-world ARPG with a customizable avatar, mechs are available, combat is somewhat complex, story not linked to other Xeno games |
PS2 | Yakuza | 2006 | Amusement Vision | Tons of minigames, ARPG combat, and a badass protagonist; lots of major Hollywood actors in the English voice cast |
PS4 | Yakuza 0 | 2015 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | Money serves as a sort of XP in this prequel to the main series, starring 80's Kiryu and Majima |
Xbox One | Yakuza 0 (DL only) | 2020 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | See PS4 |
PS2 | Yakuza 2 | 2008 | Amusement Vision | Kazuma Kiryu's Kamurocho shenanigans continue with a JP-only voice cast |
PS3 | Yakuza 3 | 2010 | Amusement Vision/Sega | Continues Kiryu's story but takes out a fair amount of content due to rushed localization (hostess clubs, for example) |
PS4 | Yakuza 3 Remastered | 2019 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | Brings back a lot of content (substories/cabaret) originally cut from the western version and streamlines the localization |
Xbox One | Yakuza 3 Remastered (DL only) | 2021 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | See PS4 |
Xbox Series | Yakuza 3 Remastered (DL only) | 2021 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | See PS4 |
PS3 | Yakuza 4 | 2011 | Amusement Vision/Sega | Adds additional protagonists in addition to furthering Kiryu's saga (with tons to do in Kamurocho as always) |
PS4 | Yakuza 4 Remastered | 2019 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | Cleans up the localization and has a major character recast from the original due to real-world legal proceedings, otherwise is very similar |
Xbox Series | Yakuza 4 Remastered (DL only) | 2021 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | See PS4 |
Xbox One | Yakuza 4 Remastered (DL only) | 2021 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | See PS4 |
PS3 | Yakuza 5 (DL only) | 2015 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | Has 5 controllable protagonists total and takes place over 5 different cities, uses a more enhanced graphics engine than other PS3 games in the series |
PS4 | Yakuza 5 Remastered | 2020 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | Minimal changes from the original overall, most notably a reworked localization |
Xbox Series | Yakuza 5 Remastered (DL only) | 2021 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | See PS4 |
Xbox One | Yakuza 5 Remastered (DL only) | 2021 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | See PS4 |
Xbox One | Yakuza 6: The Song of Life | 2021 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | See PS4 |
Xbox Series | Yakuza 6: The Song of Life | 2021 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | See PS4 |
PS4 | Yakuza 6: The Song of Life | 2018 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | Final game in Kiryu's saga, only one playable protagonist and fighting style, experience is divided into multiple types to level stats |
PS3 | Yakuza: Dead Souls | 2012 | Sega | Non-canonical spinoff taking place after Yakuza 4; 4 playable protagonists and reduced exploration ability (on account of there being zombies everywhere) |
PS4 | Yakuza Kiwami | 2017 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | A retelling of the story of the first Yakuza in the Yakuza 0 engine, using Japanese dialogue rather than a dub and adding a system where Majima can ambush you anywhere |
Xbox One | Yakuza Kiwami (DL only) | 2020 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | See PS4 |
PS4 | Yakuza Kiwami 2 | 2018 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | A retelling of Yakuza 2, adding minigames seen in other series entries as well as prequel chapters (and more Majima) |
Xbox One | Yakuza Kiwami 2 (DL only) | 2020 | Ryu ga Gotoku Studio | See PS4 |
3DS | Yo-kai Watch Blasters: Red Cat Corps/White Dog Squad | 2018 | Level-5 | An ARPG that acts as a bit of a Ghostbusters parody and a sequel to Yo-kai Watch 2; orbs are collected during missions to level up the team of Yo-kai and buy items |
JP FC | Ys | 1988 | Falcom | Adol bumps into the enemies to slay them |
Vita | Ys: Memories of Celceta | 2013 | Falcom | Considered by Falcom to the the real Ys IV; still an ARPG, has party members with a variety of attack types, parrying can reduce damage taken and enable counterattacks |
PS4 | Ys: Memories of Celceta | 2020 | Falcom | Adds a Japanese voice option, otherwise see Vita |
PSP | Ys: The Ark of Napishtim | 2006 | Falcom | Closer to the original PC Japanese version than the PS2 version was; also adds some extra quests; very long and frequent loading |
PS2 | Ys: The Ark of Napishtim | 2005 | Falcom | Technically Ys VI; Adol can jump now, so that's cool |
PSP | Ys: The Oath in Felghana | 2010 | Falcom | Remastered version of Ys III, taking gameplay elements from Ys VI and expanding the storyline with extra scenes |
Vita | Ys: The Oath in Felghana (DL only) | 2012 | Falcom | See PSP |
Master System | Ys: The Vanished Omens | 1989 | Falcom/Sega | Some dungeon areas are horizontally flipped, but is otherwise generally similar to the original release |
Turbografx-CD | Ys Book I & II | 1990 | Falcom | Another way to experience the glory of Adol? Ys, please! |
PSP | Ys I & II Chronicles | 2011 | Falcom | Mostly the same as previous versions, but with a new soundtrack option as well as newly done character portraits |
Vita | Ys I & II Chronicles (DL only) | 2012 | Falcom | See PSP |
JP FC | Ys II | 1990 | Falcom | Adds magic to Adol's repertoire |
Genesis | Ys III | 1991 | Telenet/Falcom | Plays like the other releases, but with arguably better music and game balance |
Turbografx-CD | Ys III: Wanderers From Ys | 1991 | Falcom/Alfa System | It's sidescrolling Ys- that's all there is to it |
JP FC | Ys III: Wanderers From Ys | 1991 | Falcom | Changes the battles to be side-scrolling rather than top-down and allows Adol to swing his sword/jump |
SNES | Ys III: Wanderers From Ys | 1991 | Falcom/Advance Communication | Similar to the FC version, but with cleaner graphics and arguably worse hit detection |
JP SFC | Ys IV: Mask of the Sun | 1993 | Tonkin House | Non-canonical to the Ys series after the release of Memories of Celceta |
JP PC Engine | Ys IV: The Dawn of Ys (CD) | 1993 | Hudson Soft | Technically different from the Ys IV on SFC/other consoles |
Switch | Ys IX: Monstrum Nox | 2021 | Falcom | See PS4 |
PS4 | Ys IX: Monstrum Nox | 2021 | Falcom | Carries over a lot of gameplay elements from Ys VIII; Adol's most story/character-heavy tale yet; features new movement mechanics for world traversal |
PS5 | Ys IX: Monstrum Nox | 2023 | Falcom | See PS4, but with cosmetic DLC included |
PS4 | Ys Origin | 2017 | Falcom | See Vita |
Vita | Ys Origin | 2017 | Falcom | An Ys without Adol as the protagonist! Has 3 different protagonists and takes place as a strictly interior dungeon crawl, goes back to hack-and-slash spirtes |
Switch | Ys Origin | 2020 | Falcom | See Vita |
Xbox One | Ys Origin (DL only) | 2018 | Falcom | See Vita |
PSP | Ys Seven | 2010 | Falcom | Adds party members to the regular Ys formula, in addition to making weapon types (slashing, blunt) determine an enemy's susceptibility to them |
Vita | Ys Seven (DL only) | 2012 | Falcom | See PSP |
JP SFC | Ys V: Ushinawareta Suna no Miyako Kefin | 1995 | Falcom | Only game in the series to have never been localized (hopefully this will change?) |
Vita | Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana | 2017 | Falcom | Adol in ARPG action again, with a settlement-building mechanic and up to 3 party members in combat |
Switch | Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana | 2018 | Falcom | See PS4 |
PS5 | Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana | 2022 | Falcom | See Vita, with some slightly enhanced visuals |
PS4 | Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana | 2017 | Falcom | Has more dungeons and forms for Dana than the Vita version, at the expense of some costumes |
JP PSP | Yuusha 30 Second | 2011 | Marvelous | All episodes play like Hero 30 of the original game, but adds more QoL features like leveling outside missions |
JP Wii | Zangeki no Reginleiv | 2010 | Sandlot | Mission-based structure; free-running in stages and lots of emphasis on motion controls to attack, enemies drop mana that can be used to level up various weapons |
GBA | Zelda II: The Adventure of Link | 2004 | Nintendo | See NES |
NES | Zelda II: The Adventure of Link | 1988 | Nintendo | A side-scrolling Zelda game with XP and leveling? Surely this must be (an) Error! |
Switch | Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (NSO) | 2019 | Nintendo | See NES |
Wii U | Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (VC) | 2013 | Nintendo | See NES |
JP FC | Zoids: Chuuou Tairiku no Tatakai | 1987 | Microids | Standard non-combat exploration with shooter-style combat and experience gain behind the scenes |
JP FC | Zombie Hunter | 1987 | Hi-Score Media Work | Not the greatest side-scrolling ARPG, but it does have synthesized voices |