There are countless JRPGs that will forever remain classics for fans, and that's because they're lean without too much bad content slowing players down. Chrono Trigger Here's an example Super Mario RPG: The Story of the Seven Stars. Both SNES JRPGs are short and easily replayable, no matter how old.
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Go slow or fast, beeline for the next quest or spend a moment exploring: these RPGs encourage you to play as fast as you want.
Western RPGs have some pretty stellar modern and classic examples out there. Just because games don't waste players' time with poor pacing doesn't mean they're short. From elaborate RPGs to short adventures, these Western-made RPGs will hit the spot every time, and they're good counters to JRPG classics.
Undertale
Short, sweet, and passive
Undertale Not like most RPGs because it subverts what players are expected to do: kill monsters. While it can be played like a turn-based RPG, it's a lot of fun talking through encounters and dodging attacks while random monsters and bosses struggle with what they want.
It's a silly RPG that's the complete package, from great writing, music that can rival Mozart, a good battle system, and a short runtime. It's even more incredible to learn that this is primarily an indie game behind the whole thing, with one creator, Toby Fox, with a little side help here and there.
Baldur's Gate 3
A long game of choices
Baldur's Gate 3 A long game and it encourages players to replay it, but it never drags due to the excellent pacing. Players can customize their character and then go on an adventure through strategic combat and dialogue options. From goblins raiding a village to a village hidden in a dangerous fog, there's no way to resolve the scenario.
Decisions affect the story and party members, making outcomes unique to each player who decides to pick up a controller or keyboard and find themselves on an adventure set within one of the greatest RPG franchises of all time: Dungeons and Dragons.
Costume Quest
Gimme Candy!
Costume Quest is a turn-based RPG from Double Fine, which is set during Halloween. When a group of goblins start stealing the core party's candy, they follow them back to their world to try to get their loot back. Combat relies on imagination for the class system, as different costumes can transform these kids into robots, ninjas, knights and more.
It's a short game with equally great DLC add-ons, and a fun sequel to play in every horror season. It doesn't do anything new for the genre, but the simple story can provide players with some nice, wholesome nostalgia.
Mass Effect 2
The Reapers Strike Back
Mass Effect 2 gives Star Wars: Episode 5 – The Empire Strikes Back Energy as a dark mid-chapter, so this is a better recommendation than any other entry. This is a more convincing sequel for BioWare, as they improved the interface and battle system a lot.
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Players can decide to be morally good or rebellious, gather well-written party members, and participate in squad-based, cover-shooting antics. The shooting and power selection feel great, and there's something very entertaining about the story that follows the idea of putting a band together to save the galaxy from cosmic entities that want to wipe out everything.
South Park: The Stick of Truth
The Kids Are Back In Town
South Park: The Stick of Truth is almost like Costume QuestBecause it shows a bunch of kids acting out, but the big difference here is the swearing. Players can customize their own South Park kid and form alliances with classic characters to protect their fantasy kingdom from forces that want to steal the Stick of Truth.
It's a good turn-based RPG with active elements that manages to be a good old trip from decades ago. South Park Stories and jokes. Finally, at long last, a wonderful South Park The game was made.
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Stealth-based cyberpunk
Deus Ex: Human Revolution There are open-ended gameplay solutions, mostly revolving around stealth. In the cyberpunk world, players can mod their hero Adam Jensen with various cybernetics, which can aid him in exploration and combat. Hacking skills can get players through doors or vaults, while good lungs can prevent outgassing.
Good gun and melee skills can lead to combat when it is needed. There are dialogue options as well, but the real fun of this stealth RPG is figuring out the best path forward for players with available upgrades, and each mission is like a rewarding puzzle.
No one saves the world
A job-based Zelda
No one saves the world Upstairs is more like crazy Zelda An adventure in which the protagonist's husk is given great powers to transform into various humans and animals. There is a skill tree, which is similar to a class system that players can level up. Archers and knights are good in combat, while rats can go through small holes.
Part action-adventure game, part Metroidvania, players are going to be sucked into this strange world, which never ceases to entertain, although the basic concept is nothing new. what No one saves the world It does, it does very well for an indie game.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Become a Jedi
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Decades old, but this remains another classic from BioWare. Players get to create their basic character before venturing into the Jedi Experience, where they seek to cure their dementia. It was one of the first games that gave players control to explore a galaxy far, far away, including going to Tatooine for a drink or traveling to Kashyyyk to hang out with some Wookiees in the jungle.
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Loot isn't everything in these RPGs that place a heavy emphasis on your classes, skills, and other abilities.
Compared to today's game world, they were small areas to explore, which were huge for players in the early 2000s. Outside fanning out Star WarsThe battle system was engaging, it allowed players to customize their character however they wanted, and the overall writing might be some of the best in the franchise.
Children of Morta
An RPG Roguelike
Children of Morta The greatest strength lies in telling the story of a family, the Bergsons, who are assigned to live above caves where there is great darkness. It's a good setup, for any top-down action roguelike. Combat is fast, fluid, and each member of the family behaves differently. Linda is an expert with her bow, while Mark is strong with his fists.
There's also co-op, which is always nice to see in a roguelike, although the balance is better than most, thanks to the RPG elements. When players return home, they can learn a few moments about the family, and see how they grow, as well as upgrade them for the next battle. Finally, players will feel like they belong too.
Transistor
Talking RPG swords
Transistor One of the forgotten gems from Supergiant Games, released in 2014, before the hype surrounding it Hades Finally emerged. It is a turn-based RPG set in a cyberpunk world where players can equip a talking sword that can incorporate chip-like skills.
In combat, players are free to run around and dodge attacks, and then on their active turn, players can freeze time, plan their movements and attacks, and then restart time to watch Red, the heroine, go through all of those planned moves. It's an interesting battle system that's hard to learn, and the story is hard to put together, the mystery is exciting and well worth the chase. Transistor.
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