Turn-based RPGs technically started in 2D, but that was due to console limitations. Classics like Chrono Trigger or Final Fantasy 6 aren’t quite 2D RPGs the same way Super Mario World is a 2D platformer. There are a lot of great 2D action RPGs to check out, though, including Dragon’s Crown and the River City Girls games.
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Are there any turn-based 2D RPGs in the more traditional sense? There are indeed, made in both the East and the West, and a good number of them are the best of the best. Across all platforms, 2D gaming fans are going to love these RPGs.
Indivisible
Borrowing From Two Of The Best
Indivisible
- Released
- October 8, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Fantasy Violence, Blood, Suggestive Themes
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Indivisible is an indie RPG where the main character, Ajna, can call forth spirits of the past to aid her in battle. Each character is placed onto a face button in battle, and players can build combos if they time their button presses right.
It’s a similar battle system to Valkyrie Profile on the PS1. The overworld is a 2D-like maze akin to a Metroidvania, complete with traversal powers, so it’s like two great genres were combined into one.
Child Of Light
Another UbiArt Classic
Child of Light
- Released
- April 30, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Ubisoft fans may enjoy exploring 3D RPGs like Tom Clancy’s The Division or Assassin’s Creed Shadows, but they are missing out on a forgotten 2D classic. Child of Light used the UbiArt engine, which also powered Rayman Origins; in other words, it looks like great 2D art.
This haunting tale stars a princess in a crumbling land, where each battle is harder than the last. Every move, from attacks to abilities, has a timer that can interrupt the enemy's turns or be interrupted by enemies. This mechanic adds more strategy to the platforming gameplay.
The Cruel King And The Great Hero
Even Little Girls Can Save Monsters
The Cruel King and the Great Hero
- Released
- June 24, 2021
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
As obscure an RPG company as NIS is, The Cruel King and the Great Hero is one of their most underrated games. The artwork looks like it was drawn using crayons and pencils, giving it a very distinct style. Players control a young girl, Yuu, who gains monster allies as she explores new regions of the world.
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Monsters are misunderstood, and with Yuu’s help, she will bridge the gap between them and humans. Yuu can travel up and down in each area, but the game is still overall in 2D, with areas separated by screens rather than a world map connecting locations.
Miitopia
Look At Mii!
Miitopia
- Released
- July 28, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E For Everyone due to Crude Humor, Mild Cartoon Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Miitopia began as a 3DS RPG before being retooled for the Switch. The game’s big gimmick revolves around player-created Miis who appear as party members and monsters. This made more sense on the 3DS, since it pulled Miis from others who players met on SpotPass to populate the world.
This discrepancy makes the Switch version a lesser experience, but a more accessible one. Either way, Miitopia is a lighthearted RPG designed fully in 2D, with the gameplay being mostly composed of battles without offering many ways to explore environments.
Cris Tales
Time Has Meaning
Cris Tales
- Released
- July 20, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Fantasy Violence, Mild Language
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Cris Tales is one of those modern turn-based RPGs that starts a bit slow, but given time, it will sink its hooks into players. That’s fitting, as the game is a time-traveling RPG that incorporates that theme into battle.
Crisbell, the protagonist, can divide the game's turn-based battles into past, present, or future segments, which will affect enemies. An enemy may be strong in the present, but they may be feeble in the future or a novice in the past. It’s a system that's a bit hard to get used to, but it’s a deep turn-based game with strategic depth that is worth investing in.
SteamWorld Quest: Hand Of Gilgamech
Robots, Dungeons, And Dragons
SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech
- Released
- April 25, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
The great thing about the SteamWorld series is that the developer, Image & Form Games, is always experimenting with genres and settings. SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech is a turn-based fantasy game with card-based gameplay.
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Moves are calculated using cards in battle, but there are also controllable robotic characters, so it’s not exclusively a deck-building game. While not as popular as SteamWorld Dig or SteamWorld Heist, SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech is an underrated gem just waiting to be tackled by 2D fans.
Monster Sanctuary
A PokeVania
Monster Sanctuary
- Released
- August 28, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure
Monster Sanctuary blends Metroidvanias with monster-catching games like Pokemon into something truly innovative. Players can explore and gain items or abilities to help with traversing the environment, a formula typical of Metroidvanias.
When monsters are encountered, battles transition to turn-based mechanics where players can issue orders to their monster party. It’s a shame Game Freak hasn’t tried a Metroidvania hybrid with their Pokemon series yet, as Monster Sanctuary proves it’s a solid genre combination.
Astria Ascending
From Mobile To Console
Astria Ascending
- Released
- September 30, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Fantasy Violence, Suggestive Themes
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Astria Ascending is a unique RPG because it began as a mobile game before being revamped for a bigger console release. It’s also odd because players start with a large number of party members and have to decide who to bring along through trial and error.
With hand-drawn graphics and a vibrant 2D world, this RPG will pop on any system where players engage with it. From battles to exploring, everything found in Astria Ascending is in glorious 2D.
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