3DS | 7th Dragon III Code: VFD | 2016 | The only game in the 3rd-person dungeon crawling series to make it to the west, keeps party customization and turn-based combat intact |
3DS | Castlevania II: Simon's Quest (VC) | 2014 | See NES |
3DS | Crystal Warriors (VC) | 2013 | See GG |
3DS | Inazuma Eleven GO: Light/Shadow (PAL only) | 2014 | Set 10 years after IE3, there are now evil soccer overlords and spirits you can summon during matches to enhance special moves |
3DS | Infinite Dunamis (DL only) | 2016 | Better writing than your average Kemco game, has a sci-fi setting, tries to spice up the turn-based format with turn manipulation |
3DS | Legend of the River King (VC) | 2013 | See GBC |
3DS | Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey | 2019 | Reworks special moves, upgrades aesthetics, and adds a new side story based on Bowser Jr.'s doings during the game |
3DS | Mario & Luigi: Dream Team | 2013 | Overworld platforming and timing-affected turn-based combat with a heavy emphasis on Green Mario and the crazy things his dreams can do |
3DS | Mario Tennis (VC) | 2014 | See GBC |
3DS | Monster Combine TD (DL only) | 2015 | Essentially a Plants vs. Zombies clone, but the monsters you can use for defense are randomly selected from a deck; XP can be earned to hold more monsters in said deck |
3DS | Pokemon Rumble World | 2015 | 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 |
3DS | Puzzle & Dragons Z + Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition | 2015 | A collection of two puzzle/RPG hybrid games where you level up your monsters and unleash their skills using time-limited match-3 gameplay |
3DS | Rune Factory 4 | 2013 | The farming/dungeon exploring/marriage sim returns; crafting new equipment is essential to improving stats, your child can also join you in combat |
3DS | Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse | 2016 | A follow-up to/alternate timeline story in the same world as SMT IV, makes some QoL changes to the gameplay loop from its predecessor |
3DS | Yo-kai Watch | 2015 | Level-5's charming Pokemon-like franchise; demons are discovered in the "real" world, befriended, collected, and used in battle, combat occasionally involves minigames |
Dreamcast | Skies of Arcadia | 2000 | Standard combat and ship battles! |
DS | Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow | 2005 | Metroidvania direct sequel to Aria of Sorrow with a more anime design aesthetic, requires the stylus to draw symbols |
DS | Inazuma Eleven 2: Blizzard/Firestorm (PAL only) | 2012 | Play soccer to save the world from being destroyed by aliens! |
DS | Rondo of Swords | 2008 | An SRPG where you have to run a route through enemies to engage them in combat |
DS | Rune Factory 2: A Fantasy Harvest Moon | 2008 | Grow your farm and level up, and befriend monsters to hire them as farmhands! |
DS | Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 | 2012 | Plays largely the same as the first, but adds a social system to influence the ending |
GameCube | Mega Man X Command Mission | 2004 | Dungeon Crawler |
GameCube | Phantasy Star Online Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution | 2004 | Grid-and-turn-based card battling system, because that was the style at the time |
GameCube | Tales of Symphonia | 2004 | Brought the Tales series into the 3D realm, chibi character models belie a twist-heavy story |
GameCube | Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Falsebound Kingdom | 2003 | It's an RTS/turn-based RPG hybrid with Yu-Gi-Oh characters. I don't make the rules here. |
GB+GBC | Great Greed | 1993 | Everything is named after food, otherwise a slightly weird environmentally-themed JRPG |
GBA | Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories | 2004 | The first of many, many side stories- takes place between KH I and II, uses a card battling system |
GBA | Medabots AX: Metabee/Rokusho | 2003 | Much more of a fighting game, but you do level your robots to fight them in real-time |
Genesis | New Horizons | 1994 | AKA Uncharted Waters: New Horizons; hope you like boats! Better sound on SNES than this version |
Genesis | Ys III | 1991 | Plays like the other releases, but with arguably better music and game balance |
JP FC | Ganbare Goemon Gaiden: Kieta Ougon Kiseru | 1990 | Humorous turn-based game set in medieval Japan |
JP FC | GeGeGe no Kitarou 2: Youkai Gundan no Chousen | 1987 | Based off the spooky anime of the same name |
JP FC | Last Armageddon | 1990 | A post-apocalyptic attempt at subverting the traditional fantasy themes of the time- playing as a cast of highly detailed monsters |
JP Game Gear | Madou Monogatari A: Doki Doki Vacation | 1995 | Arle stops the bad man from cutting down the forest to build an amusement park! In first-person! |
JP Game Gear | Megami Tensei Gaiden: Last Bible | 1994 | Monster collecting with a bit of kiddie MegaTen flair |
JP GB+GBC | Shin Megami Tensei Devil Children: Kuro no Sho | 2000 | First game in the Devil Children series (the accompanying other version is untranslated), a monster-collector where demon partners can be used to help traverse the overworld |
JP PC Engine | Gai Flame | 1990 | Sci-fi turn-based strategy said to be an inspiration for the Langrisser series with giant robots! |
JP PSP | Digimon Adventure | 2013 | Tells the story of the first anime series through 3-on-3 Digimon battles, also features a relationship system |
JP SFC | Dai-3-Ji Super Robot Taisen | 1993 | First in the series to have a branching storyline |
JP SFC | Daikaijuu Monogatari | 1994 | Hidden characters and adorable sprites! |
JP SFC | Dragon Ball Z: Super Saiya Densetsu | 1992 | Combo of two of the FC DBZ games, still with card-based battles |
JP SFC | Heracles no Eikou IV: Kamigami Kara no Okurimono | 1994 | A multitude of different avatars to play as, each with its own attributes and perspectives on storyline events |
JP SFC | Madou Monogatari: Hanamaru Daiyouchi Enji | 1996 | Extremely unconventional attack and leveling system, but cookies are currency and it's cute! |
JP SFC | Metal Max Returns | 1995 | Remake of Metal Max, naturally much prettier but more difficult |
JP SFC | Neugier: Umi to Kaze no Koudou | 1993 | An almost-localized ARPG with attacks that can level up, a rather short game overall |
JP SFC | Romancing Saga | 1992 | A very sandboxy JRPG; multiple playable characters, non-linear in fashion |
JP SFC | Tactics Ogre | 1995 | Epic storyline, lots of important choices to make - even at the very beginning of the game! |
JP SFC | Ys IV: Mask of the Sun | 1993 | Non-canonical to the Ys series after the release of Memories of Celceta |
JP Vita | The Legend of Heroes: Sora no Kiseki the 3rd - Evolution | 2016 | Final game in the Liberl arc albeit with a different protagonist; plays like the previous games; Evolution version adds new artwork/scenarios |
JP Wii | Takt of Magic | 2009 | Successor to LostMagic (DS); a ARPGRTS focused on using motion controls to cast spells |
N-Gage | Xanadu Next | 2005 | Isometric ARPG gameplay with a clunky class-switching system of sorts and a different story than the PC version |
N64 | Harvest Moon 64 | 1999 | Inherit a farm, level up your tools, and manage time wisely! |
Neo Geo Pocket | Dark Arms: Beast Buster | 1999 | 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 |
NES | Ghost Lion | 1992 | Amazing cover art, unique summon-based battle system |
PS2 | .hack Part 1: Infection | 2003 | ARPG that tries to mimic early MMO features |
PS2 | .hack//G.U. Vol. 3//Redemption | 2007 | The ARPG/false MMO series continues, with a bit of shmup involved |
PS2 | Dynasty Tactics | 2002 | Romance of the Three Kingdoms-themed SRPG |
PS2 | Grandia III | 2006 | Same time and distance-based combat as the first two, disproportionate story pacing but solid nonetheless |
PS2 | Monster Rancher 4 | 2003 | Allows for more customization of your training facilities and adds a major exploration/adventure mode |
PS2 | Monster Rancher EVO | 2006 | Leans more into traditional RPG mechanics than the rest of the series, dumbs some regular Monster Rancher ones down in the process |
PS2 | Mystic Heroes | 2002 | Cutesy Dynasty Warriors-like with magic, more characters than the GameCube version |
PS2 | Stella Deus: The Gate of Eternity | 2005 | SRPG with a similar position-heavy system to Hoshigami: Ruining Blue Earth |
PS2 | Tsugunai: Atonement | 2001 | Broken up into various quests rather than one fully linear experience- not all quests revolve around combat |
PS2 | Virtua Quest | 2005 | ARPG with a main character so lame, he has to capture the souls of the Virtua Fighter characters to become cool |
PS2 | Wild Arms 5 | 2007 | Back to Filgaia's Wild West theme, but maintains the hex system from WA4 |
PS2 | Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Bose | 2005 | Made some changes to the combat system that were largely panned at the time, but otherwise more of the same |
PS3 | Asdivine Hearts (DL only) | 2017 | It's Kemco, so don't expect too much out of it, but it does have a neat character enhancement system |
PS3 | Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk | 2013 | First in the Dusk storyline, lots of endings, lots of alchemy |
PS3 | Chrono Trigger (PSone Classics) | 2011 | See PSX |
PS3 | Deception IV: The Nightmare Princess (DL only) | 2015 | Enhanced version of the original game with an additional playable character and storyline |
PS3 | Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice | 2008 | SRPG shenanigans in the netherworld, with weapon proficiencies, monsters changing into weapons, and stacks of Geo blocks |
PS3 | Disgaea: Hour of Darkness (PS2 Classic) | 2013 | See PS2 |
PS3 | Dungeon Explorer (DL only) | 2011 | See TG16 |
PS3 | Fairy Fencer F | 2014 | Not the most impressive technically, but a solid turn-based positional battle system and a decent cast of characters |
PS3 | Final Fantasy Origins (PSone Classics) | 2012 | See PSX |
PS3 | Harvest Moon: Back to Nature (PSone Classics) | 2011 | See PSX |
PS3 | Hyperdimension Neptunia | 2011 | First in a long series of tongue-in-cheek games about the game industry itself; combat is based upon an AP spending system |
PS3 | Lost Dimension | 2015 | RPG/visual novel hybrid with lots of party betrayal, replayability, and a tactical style of combat |
PS3 | Magus | 2014 | You play as John Wizardington and learn spells/level up in a bland, bad ARPG |
PS3 | Mystic Heroes (PS2 Classics) | 2013 | See PS2 |
PS3 | Threads of Fate (PSone Classics) | 2011 | See PSX |
PS3 | Vagrant Story (PSone Classics) | 2011 | See PSX |
PS3 | Valkyria Chronicles | 2008 | Squad-focused SRPG with real-time troop movement limited by AP, tanks are also controllable (and destructable) |
PS3 | Vanguard Bandits (PSone Classics) | 2011 | See PSX |
PS3 | Wild Arms 2 (PSone Classics) | 2009 | See PSX |
PS3 | Wizardry: Labyrinth of Lost Souls (DL only) | 2011 | Same ol' Wizardry - another difficult first-person dungeon crawler |
PS3 | Wonder Boy in Monster Land (DL only) | 2012 | See 360 |
PS4 | Adventure Academia: The Fractured Continent (DL only) | 2022 | A Class of Heroes spinoff that tries to marry RTS and turn-based strategy gameplay and succeeds at neither |
PS4 | Arc the Lad: Twilight of the Spirits (DL only) | 2016 | See PS2 |
PS4 | Asdivine Hearts II | 2017 | See Vita |
PS4 | Atelier Firis: The Alchemist and the Mysterious Journey | 2017 | Second game in the Mysterious storyline; time limit exists for initial alchemy certification exam, alchemy can be done at a portable atelier |
PS4 | Beastie Bay DX (DL only) | 2022 | See Switch |
PS4 | Caravan Stories (DL only) | 2019 | Formerly a JP-only mobile MMORPG with gacha hero recruitment mechanics and heavy emphasis on auto-combat |
PS4 | Castlevania Advance Collection (DL only) | 2021 | See XS |
PS4 | Code Vein | 2019 | Think Dark Souls, but more anime and with post-apocalyptic vampires |
PS4 | Doraemon: Story of Seasons (DL only) | 2020 | As the title states, a Story of Seasons game with appearances by Doraemon and his friends where upgrading tools is crucial to farm life |
PS4 | Dynasty Warriors: Godseekers (DL only) | 2017 | See Vita |
PS4 | Fernz Gate | 2018 | See Vita |
PS4 | Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age | 2017 | See XBO |
PS4 | Fuga: Melodies of Steel (DL only) | 2021 | See PS5 |
PS4 | Justice Chronicles (DL only) | 2022 | See 3DS |
PS4 | Kingdom Hearts III | 2019 | A conclusion that leaves more questions than satisfying answers, ARPG gameplay is quite flashy, worlds are bigger but arguably blander |
PS4 | Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk | 2018 | A first-person dungeon crawler with extremely deep levels of party customization; each dungeon has a unique gimmick; dark tones pervade throughout |
PS4 | Legend of Ixtona (DL only) | 2022 | See Switch |
PS4 | Little Town Hero | 2020 | See XBO |
PS4 | Monochrome Order (DL only) | 2019 | See XBO |
PS4 | Scarlet Nexus | 2021 | See PS5 |
PS4 | SD Gundam G Generation Genesis (Asia English) | 2016 | A Super Robot Wars-like game that spans the Universal Century timeline in a highly abridged form; lots of stats for both pilots and mobile suits to manage |
PS4 | Senran Kagura Burst Re:Newal | 2018 | Changes gameplay perspective to 3D (as opposed to the 2.5D of the original), adds more characters via DLC |
PS4 | Super Robot Wars T (Asia English) | 2019 | Balances out the intertwining series focuses more smoothly than V or X, iterates on X's gameplay by adding supporter units |
PS4 | Super Robot Wars V (Asia English) | 2017 | Multi mech-franchise SRPG mashup, this one with a particularly heavy focus on Yamato 2199; has multiple endings and protagonists |
PS4 | Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition | 2019 | See XBO |
PS4 | Yakuza Kiwami | 2017 | 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 |
PS4 | Ys: Memories of Celceta | 2020 | Adds a Japanese voice option, otherwise see Vita |
PS5 | Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends and the Secret Fairy (DL only) | 2021 | A rare direct sequel in the series; refines the gameplay found in its predecessor; lots of research and exploration to do to better your alchemical skills |
PS5 | Record of Lodoss War-Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth- (DL only) | 2021 | A Metroidvania on the shorter side with shallower systems, but nonetheless satisfying elemental attacks |
PS5 | Star Ocean: The Divine Force | 2022 | A return to dual protagonists and the most dynamic combat system in the series to date |
PSP | Alundra (PSone Classics) | 2010 | See PSX |
PSP | Black Rock Shooter: The Game (DL only) | 2013 | ARPG with a ton of shooting (duh) and a mission-based structure |
PSP | Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days | 2009 | Adds characters from Disgaea 3, a story mode focusing on Axel, and other QoL changes brought over from Disgaea 3 |
PSP | Dissidia 012 [duodecim] Final Fantasy | 2011 | Adds more characters and expands the story mode to be party-based, also retells the story from the first game within |
PSP | Dungeon Explorer (DL only) | 2007 | See TG16 |
PSP | Final Fantasy IX (PSone Classics) | 2010 | See PSX |
PSP | Final Fantasy VI (PSone Classics) | 2011 | See PSX |
PSP | Front Mission 3 (PSone Classics) | 2010 | See PSX |
PSP | No Heroes Allowed! (DL only) | 2010 | Third game in the Badman series, adds aquatic creatures to the array of upgradable defenses against unwanted heroes |
PSP | Persona 2: Eternal Punishment (PSone Classics) | 2013 | See PSX |
PSP | Valkyria Chronicles 2 | 2010 | Plays a lot like the first, but with a more school-like setting compared to the first game |
PSP | Vanguard Bandits (PSone Classics) | 2011 | See PSX |
PSP | Wild Arms (PSone Classics) | 2007 | See PSX |
PSX | Azure Dreams | 1998 | Roguelike with town building, romancing, and familiar collecting |
PSX | Elemental Gearbolt | 1998 | The only light-gun shooter/RPG hybrid you'll find! |
PSX | Kartia: The Word of Fate | 1998 | SRPG initially localized as a Blockbuster Video rental exclusive, uses cards to manipulate battle |
PSX | King's Field | 1996 | 1st-person dungeon crawler, FromSoftware's second game (this is actually King's Field II) |
PSX | Persona 2: Eternal Punishment | 2000 | Half of the Persona 2 story- the other half wasn't officially localized until years later |
PSX | RPG Maker | 2000 | Included due to presence of sample RPG Gobli's Quest, a short romp with notable difficulty spikes |
PSX | Tales of Destiny | 1998 | First localized Tales title with a similar 2D real-time combat system to its predecessor |
PSX | The Granstream Saga | 1998 | ARPG, Successor to the Quintet trilogy, unsettling faceless 3D models |
PSX | Thousand Arms | 1999 | JRPG with heavy dating sim elements |
PSX | Vandal Hearts | 1997 | Standard SRPG gameplay with non-set classes |
Sega CD | Dark Wizard | 1994 | SRPG with night/day, alignment systems |
Sega CD | Lunar: Eternal Blue | 1995 | Just as charming as the first game, but with a baffling save system (utilizing magic XP as a requirement) |
SNES | Chrono Trigger | 1995 | A shining example of the genre as a whole, a time-travel story done right |
SNES | Dragon View | 1994 | Sequel to Drakkhen, interesting pseudo-3D overworld system |
SNES | Lagoon | 1991 | Dollar-store Ys |
SNES | Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen | 1995 | Epic overarching story with RTS elements |
SNES | Secret of Evermore | 1995 | An ARPG featuring a boy and his dog traveling through different eras; never released in Japan |
Switch | Ambition Record (DL only) | 2022 | See XS |
Switch | Arcade Archives: Valkyrie no Densetsu | 2022 | 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 | Armed Emeth (DL only) | 2021 | See XS |
Switch | Artifact Adventure Gaiden DX | 2019 | Game Boy-like aesthetic with a generally non-linear world; player choices affect game progession in significant fashion |
Switch | Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky DX (DL only) | 2020 | See PS4 |
Switch | Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream | 2022 | See PS4 |
Switch | Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising (DL only) | 2022 | See PS5 |
Switch | Fairy Tail | 2020 | See PS4 |
Switch | Fantasy Hero: Unsigned Legacy (DL only) | 2018 | See Vita |
Switch | Made in Abyss: Binary Star Falling Into Darkness | 2022 | See PS4 |
Switch | Mary Skelter Finale | 2021 | A multi-party fitrst-person dungeon crawler with dense labyrinths and a bonus mode to let you read through the plot of previous entries |
Switch | Mercenaries Wings: The False Phoenix | 2018 | See PS4 |
Switch | Nelke & the Legendary Alchemists: Ateliers of the New World | 2019 | See PS4 |
Switch | Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom - Prince's Edition | 2021 | See PS4, but with all DLC included |
Switch | Orangeblood (DL only) | 2020 | See PS4 |
Switch | Puzzle & Dragons Gold (DL only) | 2020 | A barebones story, dumbed-down mechanics from the regular game, and gacha mechanics galore; seen as a low point in the series |
Switch | Seek Hearts (DL only) | 2020 | See XBO |
Switch | Super Neptunia RPG | 2019 | See PS4 |
Switch | Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris (DL only) | 2022 | See XBO |
Switch | The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel IV | 2021 | See PS4 |
Switch | Voice of Cards: The Forsaken Maiden (DL only) | 2022 | See PS4 |
Vita | Atelier Shallie Plus: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea | 2017 | Adds all DLC, new costumes, superbosses, and brings over characters from other Atelier games to flesh out the story |
Vita | Chrono Cross (PSone Classics) | 2012 | See PSX |
Vita | Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair | 2014 | Mostly a visual novel/murder mystery/courtroom sim, but also features XP to give you levels and skill points to equip abilities to use in trials |
Vita | Fate/Extella: The Umbral Star | 2017 | A Fate-skinned musou; serves as a sort of sequel to Fate/Extra |
Vita | Favorite Dear: Enkan no Monogatari (PSone Classics) | 2013 | See PS3 |
Vita | Front Mission 3 (PSone Classics) | 2012 | See PSX |
Vita | Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 1 | 2014 | Reworks the script and expands the storyline, removes some characters while adding others, borrows elements from later entries to improve QoL |
Vita | Parasite Eve (PSone Classics) | 2012 | See PSX |
Vita | Toukiden: Kiwami | 2015 | Contains the entirety of the original game and adds more weapons, monsters, and story content |
Wii | Dokapon Kingdom | 2008 | No gameplay changes as compared to PS2, but better graphics and easier multiplayer |
Wii U | Breath of Fire II (VC) | 2013 | See SNES |
Wii U | Mega Man Battle Network 4: Blue Moon/Red Sun (VC) | 2015 | See GBA |
Wii U | Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia (VC) | 2016 | See DS |
Xbox 360 | Dragon's Dogma | 2012 | Western-styled ARPG with monster grappling, a customizable avatar, and additional customizable helper |
Xbox 360 | Enchanted Arms | 2006 | Fairly mediocre turn-based JRPG with some grid-based tactical elements to combat |
Xbox 360 | Half-Minute Hero: Super Mega Neo Climax | 2011 | Takes away some gameplay variety from the original PSP game, but adds an option to use an anime artstyle |
Xbox 360 | Zoids Assault | 2008 | SRPG featuring the long-running Zoids franchise and a lot of washed-out color palettes |
Xbox One | Asdivine Cross (DL only) | 2021 | See 3DS |
Xbox One | Asdivine Dios (DL only) | 2019 | See Vita |
Xbox One | Asdivine Saga (DL only) | 2021 | See XS |
Xbox One | Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night | 2019 | Iga doing what Iga does (arguably) best: Metroidvanias; it's not Castlevania, but it's about as close as you'll get these days |
Xbox One | Demoniaca: Everlasting Night (DL only) | 2022 | See XS |
Xbox One | Final Fantasy VIII Remastered (DL only) | 2019 | See PSX, but with some QoL changes |
Xbox One | Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age | 2019 | Incorporates the elements from the previously JP-only International Zodiac Job system, which features multiple license boards and QoL changes |
Xbox One | Kingdom Hearts III | 2020 | See PS4 |
Xbox One | Sephirothic Stories | 2019 | All the visual charm of a PS2 game on more modern systems; enemies are visible as opposed to random encounters, otherwise same old Kemco |
Xbox One | Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town | 2021 | See Switch |
Xbox Series | Alphadia Genesis 2 (DL only) | 2021 | Kemco is at it again, cribbing a battle style somewhat akin to Bravely Default; sprites while exploring and PS2-level graphics during fights |
Xbox Series | Dead Rising (DL only) | 2020 | See PS4 |
Xbox Series | Demoniaca: Everlasting Night (DL only) | 2022 | A metroidvania that wears its mature themes on its sleeves (to an occasionally lewd degree) |
Xbox Series | Dragon Quest Builders 2 | 2021 | See PS4 |
Xbox Series | Ruinverse (DL only) | 2020 | See Switch |