Summary
- iPhone 16 enables high-quality RPG gaming experience.
- Ported RPGs like Jade Empire offer great stories.
- Titles like Slay the Spire provide challenging gameplay.
Many people scoff at the idea of gaming on a phone, but this is a dated mentality that doesn't do justice to the immense processing power people carry in their pockets. Some of the best RPGs around can be enjoyed on the cutting-edge hardware of the iPhone 16 without any issues.
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Fans who don't mind playing on a smaller screen will love the sheer amount of quality games that can be enjoyed on their iPhone. Some of the best RPGs around have been ported to the iPhone and can be played comfortably with touch controls.
8 Jade Empire
An Underrated BioWare Game That Deserves More Love
Jade Empire
- Released
- April 12, 2005
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- BioWare
- Publisher(s)
- Microsoft Game Studios
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- Platform(s)
- Xbox (Original), PC, Android, iOS
It's a shame that more people don't talk about Jade Empire, given how BioWare was growing into a legendary studio when they released this title. This Wuxia RPG lets players switch stances and use powerful martial arts moves to deal with their enemies.
This, coupled with a great story and memorable characters, ensures that fans will have a great time with Jade Empire. The fact that this AAA RPG works on an iPhone is mind-blowing and shows just how far portable hardware has come since this title's release.
7 Slay The Spire
A Deckbuilding RPG That Became All The Rage
Slay the Spire
- Released
- January 23, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Mega Crit
- Publisher(s)
- Humble Bundle
- Genre(s)
- Roguelike, Deckbuilding
- Platform(s)
- Android, iOS, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
One of the most compelling and important roguelike deckbuilding games ever made, Slay the Spire is a title that will grab a player's attention in no time. Players control one of four possible heroes as they strive to reach the top floor of a spire and beat the many bosses that stand in their way.
Along with the tactical gameplay, fans will enjoy a story with Lovecraftian influences that has some sinister insinuations. All of this can be enjoyed on an iPhone 16, as long as players don't mind being extra careful when choosing cards from a stacked hand.
6 Stardew Valley
A Charming RPG With Everything From Farming To Relationship-Building
Stardew Valley
- Released
- February 26, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
Stardew Valley is one of the most zen experiences fans can subject themselves to. The relaxing gameplay loop of tending to a farm and befriending the residents of the village makes for a great time.
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This game is perfect for a pick-up-and-play experience, making it a fun game players can check out on their iPhone 16 whenever they have the time to spare. Players who want to enjoy a relaxing video game that doesn't punish them for the simplest mistakes will have a blast with Stardew Valley.
5 Final Fantasy Tactics: The War Of The Lions
Arguably The Best Final Fantasy Spin-Off Game Ever Made
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions
- Released
- May 10, 2007
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix, Tose
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- Tactical
If players want to challenge themselves while being immersed in a rich medieval fantasy setting, then Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions is the perfect game for them. This title immerses players in a web of political and regal intrigue as players find themselves caught in a tense civil war.
Players can always whip out their iPhone and take part in a battle or two whenever they have the time to spare. Given how challenging this game can be at times, players should know what they're in for if they decide to give the updated release of Final Fantasy Tactics a shot.
4 Dragon Quest 8: Journey Of The Cursed King
One Of The Best Games In The Series That's Surprisingly Fun On The iPhone
Dragon Quest 8: Journey of the Cursed King
- Released
- November 15, 2005
WHERE TO PLAY
Dragon Quest 8 is one of the greatest video games ever made and one of the PS2's classics. Even if the mobile release may lack certain features, it's easily the most accessible way to check out this masterpiece in recent times.
The classic gameplay of Dragon Quest feels great to play as players are whisked on the adventure of a lifetime. It's deceptively compelling to pick up this game, grind out some story progress, and put the iPhone down until players find more time to spare.
3 Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic
One Of The Best BioWare Games Ever Made
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
- Released
- July 15, 2003
WHERE TO PLAY
One of BioWare's greatest games, Knights of the Old Republic, is still hailed by many as the best Star Wars video game that fans can get their hands on. The game respects the source material and lets players enjoy a story that is, for many, better than the one shown in the movies, which is high praise indeed.
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Players with an iPhone 16 can choose to play this game on the go, as long as they don't mind the small screen. The title's immersive qualities are still off the charts and will leave players with their jaw on the floor when one of gaming's greatest plot twists rears its head.
2 Final Fantasy 6
Many People Hail This Title As The Best Mainline Entry In The Series
Final Fantasy 6
- Released
- October 11, 1994
WHERE TO PLAY
Out of all the Final Fantasy games available on the App Store, Final Fantasy 6 is easily the best one of the lot. The Pixel Remaster of this game also enhances the difficulty, ensuring that fans who lamented the easy gameplay will love the enhanced challenge of this port.
Players won't be punished if they clock in a few minutes in this title, letting them grind out some levels or make progress in a challenging dungeon. The magical shift to the World of Ruin isn't lost on the iPhone and ensures that players will have a great time with this incredible JRPG.
1 Chrono Trigger
A Generational JRPG That Is Still Talked About Fondly
Chrono Trigger
- Released
- March 11, 1995
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- Platform(s)
- SNES, PlayStation (Original), PC, Nintendo DS, Android, iOS
The fact that Chrono Trigger is still held as the gold standard of JRPGs that many games try to emulate to this day is a testament to the game's legendary appeal. The legendary trio of Akira Toriyama, Yuji Horii, and Hironobu Sakaguchi collaborated to develop a JRPG that was genre-defining and continues to wow fans.
It's easy to see why players seeking out a quality RPG on their iPhone 16 will love what this title has to offer. Chrono Trigger's encapsulating story and amazing time-travel hijinks are something that will keep fans entertained till the end of this well-paced and unforgettable adventure.
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