THe harcore SMT fans be TRIGGERED when he said that the Persona games run on the Press Turn System (I mean, the 1 more system is based on the Press turn system, but still not the same)
One game I would add would be Child of Light. It’s super short compared to others but I love how unique their turn based combat felt with the action bar. It felt a bit more dynamic and urgent yet still had the strategy in place. I think Grandia did it before but I never played it myself.
While it's not revolutionary by any means, Lufia: The Legend Returns on GBC does have a unique evolution of the row system seen in other games such as Final Fantasy; your party is on a 3 x 3 grid and one member per column can go per turn. If the front characters die, you lose. Not my favourite part, however it does have a point. If you are ambushed (which is something you can manoeuvre around in dungeons) your formation is rotated by 90 degrees, which if you have an empty column you can't take as many actions and you are more vulnerable to game over. 11:34 also is that some Delay Lama I hear??
That's the only Lufia game I have played. While it's definitely not the greatest RPG ever made, I did find myself enjoying the unique combat. The song you can hear is 'The Store Lady & Old Man' from Mana Khemia.
@@BawesomeBurf I think Lufia II has the better combat, although Lufia I is faster due to the way turns are handled. re: the music, I'm pretty sure that fake vocal synth they're using is a VST called delay lama, look it up on youtube it's hilarious
I don't consider Valkyrie Profile 2 to be turn based because you're not really taking turns, you have free movement and the enemy moves when you move. I consider it to be more of an action RPG since it has an emphasis on timing your attacks. I guess you could say that sort of functions like a turn based RPG... but without the turns. It has the same elements of strategy but I'd say it's mixed in equally with action. With all that said though, it is my favourite combat system ever.
Yeah, it is a bit of a hybrid battle system. I guess I consider it turn-based because the first game definitely was, and this feels similar to me, just with 3D movement added in. I also look at stuff like Valkyria Chronicles, which again, has clear turns but also real-time 3D movement and enemies that act when you enter their attack range.
lots of good games in here. you are right turn base RPGs are not really a dated game play style as long as they can elevate it or make it quick and snap
Personally, I don't have an issue with just plain old standard turn-based combat, even though I kinda made fun of Dragon Quest at the start. It's always great when developers experiment with the formula and get away from 'Press X To Win' mechanics. Outside of Golden Sun, most of these games cannot be conquered by just hitting X repeatedly.
Most of the games in this list are in my "need to play" list. Some of them already tried but haven't finished yet. I would add the Shadowhearts for some reason I enjoy the ring system.
Great video man! I like turn base combat a whole lot as well! Highlights for me are Trails of Cold Steel 2, Persona 5 and Final Fantasy 10 combat systems.
Final Fantasy X features my favorite combat in the series. It probably would have made the list if Mana Khemia didn't exist. That game plays like an evolved version of FFX's system.
Thank you for mentioning Golden Sun (and PDS too)! Extremely underrated: excellent balance, customization, visuals and pacing in the battles! Spent as much time in the arena as I did in the actual game. As far as battle systems go, one I never see represented is the Megaman Battle Network/StarForce series. And battles are the thing that they are the best at. Battle Network 5 and 6 particularly have the best, most dynamic, customizable, strategic yet engaging battle systems I have ever played. Another one I recommend is "Super Robot Wars Original Generation Saga Endless Frontier EXCEED". There's really nothing like it.
I'm not a big fan of the Megaman series, but I did see a review of one of the Battle Network games and it looked really cool. Is that Super Robot game a spinoff? I've played a few games in the main series and really enjoyed them. Love the completely over the top attack animations.
@@BawesomeBurf Yeah, it's a spinoff. Just got fan translated a few days ago and I've been playing it in a flash cart. The previous Endless Frontier is already localized, it came out 2008. I own it but heard it's really expensive online. But yeah both the Endless Frontier ds games are really unique. The first takes a while to get into but once you do, it has one of the best combat systems. Battle Network is a spinoff, so is STar Force. Even if you don't like Megaman, they are still really enjoyable. But don't expect them to have anything to resemble a good story, it's all about the combat system. I also only recommend the later in the series: Battle Network 5 and 6, and Star Force 3. This because it's very clear their systems were very iterative, and got better by every game that was coming out. Battle Network 5 is honestly one of my favorite games by merit of the battle system alone.
Great list of games and battle systems right there! I liked how you could target specific body parts in Vagrant Story. One thing I didn't like is how there was no quick way to swap weapons, since some enemies have a strong resistance to certain weapon types.
@@BawesomeBurf i would love each to have a sequel, fixing and improving on each battle system as each one is not perfect, while having a different story as I am starting to get tired of remakes!
Great list. I would just change persona 5 for SMT 4 (best execution of the press turn by far IMO) and Say tgat SaGa frontier is the best turn based battle system i've ever played because of the combo mechanic and how fun the battles are because of it.
i agree with you on grandia 3 and valkery profile 2 this 2 rpg has awsome battel system, i think legend of legaaia ps1 and legaia 2 on the ps2 need to be on this top , this 2 rpgs has a unique system, its like playing an fighting game!!!!well there is batten kaitos origin too!!!
Man Radiant Historia has such a fun battle system l. I always love just passing a bunch if turns and lining my team up JUUUST right in order tkndo the most damage and make the biggest combo j possible can. It never stops being fun and strategic.
I know that game got re-released on 3DS, but I still feel that it's criminally underrated. It has such great combat and music, and I thought the story was fantastic.
Lost Dimension, Valkyria Chronicles and the Trails series are interesting fusions with tactical rpg elements. The former two are more like tactical rpg's. The Trails series more or less have the same system as Shadow Hearts, just without the command wheel. But the system is more developed. In Shadow Hearts it feels like the free movement is an unintended consequence, while in Trails, they make formations into a vital part of the game.
If I ever do a top 10 Tactical RPGs list, Valkyria Chronicles would easily get the number 1 spot. Such a great blend of genres. Not familiar with Lost Dimension. I've been meaning to check out the Trails series for quite some time. Heard really great things about Sky and Cold Steel.
10.) MS Saga: A New Dawn - This is actually one of the few ps2 games that I do not own, but I will definitely find a way to add this game to my collection. The sounds effects in this game are absolutely great, you can really feel the power behind each and every blast. 9.) Panzer Dragoon Saga - A game that I do own, but I still haven't had a chance to play it yet. 8.) Golden Sun - I have both games for the GBA but its still another series i haven't had an opportunity to play yet. 7.) Shadow Hearts: Covenant - I would of scolded you if you didn't put a shadow hearts game on your list. The judgement ring baby, such a great and inventive way to keep you invested in turn based combat. I've only played from the new world, but I often hear that covenant is the best. 6.) Radiant Historia - A game that I own, but I still haven't had a chance to play yet but i hear its hands down the best rpg out of all the rpg's that have been released for the Nintendo DS. I'm really looking forward to giving this one a try. 5.) Persona 5 - A game that I own for my PS4, but i still haven't had a chance to play it but I hear its the best out of all the entries that persona has had. 4.) Xenogears - Thank you for including my favourite game of all time. AP attack spam for the win. 3.) Mana Khemia - I do own this game, but in all honesty I never hear a lot of people talk about this game. I still haven't had a chance to play it yet. 2.) Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria - Just a wonderful game in every sense of the word. I have beaten this game but i still need to complete it. 1.) Grandia III - This game never gets enough love. I know the other games exceed it, but I really love this game and its been one of the most enjoyable games that I've played for the ps2. Thankfully this game has been completed and permanently retired. Jason, a video like this is exactly why your needed on youtube because you have a great mix of popular and obscure choices and its why I love your opinion on a wide variety of subjects. Top Ten JRPG Final Bosses That Live Up To Their Reputation As Being the Final Boss.
The thing I really love about Covenant is how you can customize the Judgment Ring, or even set it to Auto if you don't want to worry about timing. Mana Khemia is great, especially when it comes to combat, but the alchemy aspect of it turns some people off. As far as your suggestion goes, I may get around to it in the future. I'd like to do more top 10 lists. Not gonna make it the main thing on the channel, but they can be fun and I do have some ideas for them.
Are you going to do 50 playthroughs of Valkyrie Profile 2 with 11 runs of the Seraphic gate? Because if you want to 100% complete it, you'll need to. Good luck with that.
absolutely agreeing on that! I NEVER PLAYED ANYTHING SO UNIQUE AND FUN! =) I mean legaia 2 was a bit of a letdown... but i played through both like 10 times because of the battle system... why have never someone tried it again? =(
I'd have put Shin Megami Tensei IV and Final Fantasy X somewhere, but I love these kinds of analyses, especially when they include some of the more obscure stuff
Final Fantasy X was very close to making the list. I love how it is so fast-paced, but you can take your time if you need to. It's a shame that the series never used that battle system again.
I would have put Final Fantasy X in there, but Mana Khemia took that great combat and made it even better. I do like all the old turn-based FFs, but there are better combat systems out there IMO.
How in the hell are you gonna make a top 10 turn based video and not include Xcom, Divinity, Fallout 2, Dragonfall OR The Banner Saga? No western RPGs mentioned.
Well I don't really play Western RPGs too often, and I also wanted to keep Tactical RPGs off the list since they play quite different. Haven't played any Xcom games, but I did play through Rebelstar a few years ago and loved it. Really cool to use guns, grenades, and taking cover instead of the typical swords and sorcery stuff. Did just check out a review for Divintiy, and combat does indeed sound interesting. Might have to pick it up.
Turn based forever. They get the idea that turn based is "outdated" because they can be harder to develop, and usually are works of passion whereas actions games can be a "mass produced commodity"...At least that has become the thinking of the newer final fantasy developers. Yet why is it, then, that action games with very few exceptions get quickly forgotten, while even 16 bit JRPGs and RPGS that are turn based are still timeless classics people reference 20 and even 30 years after they came out? Because those who think this way only care about quick bucks, and the creators of intricate turn based games with expansive stories, ect care about art (and making a buck on the side). I would take the later over the former any day. I dont even think action RPGs are RPGs. Traditional turn based games are how you make a timeless classic, so long as they put heart into it.
I don’t think they’re harder to develop necessarily, just different. Action RPGs have a lot more moving, simultaneous parts that have to be coded, whereas turned based can get large with status effects and turn order and such. Action RPGS became more common as technology improved. It’s a little silly to say action RPGs are quickly forgotten. The same could be said about turn based games. I didn’t know half the games on this list TBH and I love turn-based RPGs. There are many famous and influential Action RPGs: the Tales franchise, Dragon Age Origin, KOTOR, Witcher III, etc. I chuckle at the idea you have that action RPGs aren’t true RPGs. They still are, just a different kind. The most important part of an RPG is generally the story, combat, and characters. Action RPGs just have a different kind of combat.
I don't have a ton of experience with the series. Have only played a few hours of Platinum and Fire Red. I did enjoy the combat in both, but not enough to knock any of these off the list.
Pokemon is bare bones as hell and super easy, doesn't warrant inclusion if you ask me, and I say that as someone who has played every game since the start (and not sure why I continued post-gen 4, since it's only gone downhill for the most part)
THe harcore SMT fans be TRIGGERED when he said that the Persona games run on the Press Turn System
(I mean, the 1 more system is based on the Press turn system, but still not the same)
Oh man I looked for a good Mech Turn Based RPG for years (other than Front Mission) and could not find it! Great video as always!
Try vanguard bandits
Check out Ring of Red.
One game I would add would be Child of Light. It’s super short compared to others but I love how unique their turn based combat felt with the action bar. It felt a bit more dynamic and urgent yet still had the strategy in place.
I think Grandia did it before but I never played it myself.
Thank you for the time stamps provided. This is a great list.
Thanks! Wish I had more videos I could add timestamps to, but I don't have a ton of 'list' content.
@@BawesomeBurf Its cool. I learned about a lot of great RPG series.
Great review! Especially loved the Phantasy Star IV music at the end. Such an under rated OST in my opinion.
While it's not revolutionary by any means, Lufia: The Legend Returns on GBC does have a unique evolution of the row system seen in other games such as Final Fantasy; your party is on a 3 x 3 grid and one member per column can go per turn. If the front characters die, you lose. Not my favourite part, however it does have a point. If you are ambushed (which is something you can manoeuvre around in dungeons) your formation is rotated by 90 degrees, which if you have an empty column you can't take as many actions and you are more vulnerable to game over.
11:34 also is that some Delay Lama I hear??
That's the only Lufia game I have played. While it's definitely not the greatest RPG ever made, I did find myself enjoying the unique combat.
The song you can hear is 'The Store Lady & Old Man' from Mana Khemia.
@@BawesomeBurf I think Lufia II has the better combat, although Lufia I is faster due to the way turns are handled.
re: the music, I'm pretty sure that fake vocal synth they're using is a VST called delay lama, look it up on youtube it's hilarious
Great video, will be using this to make better gameplay in my own game
I don't consider Valkyrie Profile 2 to be turn based because you're not really taking turns, you have free movement and the enemy moves when you move.
I consider it to be more of an action RPG since it has an emphasis on timing your attacks.
I guess you could say that sort of functions like a turn based RPG... but without the turns. It has the same elements of strategy but I'd say it's mixed in equally with action.
With all that said though, it is my favourite combat system ever.
Yeah, it is a bit of a hybrid battle system. I guess I consider it turn-based because the first game definitely was, and this feels similar to me, just with 3D movement added in. I also look at stuff like Valkyria Chronicles, which again, has clear turns but also real-time 3D movement and enemies that act when you enter their attack range.
lots of good games in here. you are right turn base RPGs are not really a dated game play style as long as they can elevate it or make it quick and snap
Personally, I don't have an issue with just plain old standard turn-based combat, even though I kinda made fun of Dragon Quest at the start. It's always great when developers experiment with the formula and get away from 'Press X To Win' mechanics. Outside of Golden Sun, most of these games cannot be conquered by just hitting X repeatedly.
@@BawesomeBurf neither Golden Sun really.
Most of the games in this list are in my "need to play" list. Some of them already tried but haven't finished yet. I would add the Shadowhearts for some reason I enjoy the ring system.
The Judgment Ring is so much fun. Really wish that series would come back.
Great video man! I like turn base combat a whole lot as well! Highlights for me are Trails of Cold Steel 2, Persona 5 and Final Fantasy 10 combat systems.
Final Fantasy X features my favorite combat in the series. It probably would have made the list if Mana Khemia didn't exist. That game plays like an evolved version of FFX's system.
I actually really enjoyed the FFX combat scheme. Sphere grid was great as well.
Interesting list. Skies of Arcadia and earlier Suikoden series would have made the top of my list that's non-Final Fantasy related.
Thank you for mentioning Golden Sun (and PDS too)! Extremely underrated: excellent balance, customization, visuals and pacing in the battles! Spent as much time in the arena as I did in the actual game. As far as battle systems go, one I never see represented is the Megaman Battle Network/StarForce series. And battles are the thing that they are the best at. Battle Network 5 and 6 particularly have the best, most dynamic, customizable, strategic yet engaging battle systems I have ever played.
Another one I recommend is "Super Robot Wars Original Generation Saga Endless Frontier EXCEED". There's really nothing like it.
I'm not a big fan of the Megaman series, but I did see a review of one of the Battle Network games and it looked really cool.
Is that Super Robot game a spinoff? I've played a few games in the main series and really enjoyed them. Love the completely over the top attack animations.
@@BawesomeBurf Yeah, it's a spinoff. Just got fan translated a few days ago and I've been playing it in a flash cart. The previous Endless Frontier is already localized, it came out 2008. I own it but heard it's really expensive online. But yeah both the Endless Frontier ds games are really unique. The first takes a while to get into but once you do, it has one of the best combat systems.
Battle Network is a spinoff, so is STar Force. Even if you don't like Megaman, they are still really enjoyable. But don't expect them to have anything to resemble a good story, it's all about the combat system. I also only recommend the later in the series: Battle Network 5 and 6, and Star Force 3. This because it's very clear their systems were very iterative, and got better by every game that was coming out.
Battle Network 5 is honestly one of my favorite games by merit of the battle system alone.
Random order,
Resonance of fate
eternal sonata
last remnant
baten kaitos
Shadow hearts
Mother 3
Vagrant story
Grandia
Valkyrie profile
Great list of games and battle systems right there! I liked how you could target specific body parts in Vagrant Story. One thing I didn't like is how there was no quick way to swap weapons, since some enemies have a strong resistance to certain weapon types.
@@BawesomeBurf i would love each to have a sequel, fixing and improving on each battle system as each one is not perfect, while having a different story as I am starting to get tired of remakes!
Great list. I would just change persona 5 for SMT 4 (best execution of the press turn by far IMO) and Say tgat SaGa frontier is the best turn based battle system i've ever played because of the combo mechanic and how fun the battles are because of it.
Awesome video man!
i agree with you on grandia 3 and valkery profile 2 this 2 rpg has awsome battel system, i think legend of legaaia ps1 and legaia 2 on the ps2 need to be on this top , this 2 rpgs has a unique system, its like playing an fighting game!!!!well there is batten kaitos origin too!!!
Haven't played much of Legaia yet, but I do remember it having a cool battle system.
Man Radiant Historia has such a fun battle system l. I always love just passing a bunch if turns and lining my team up JUUUST right in order tkndo the most damage and make the biggest combo j possible can. It never stops being fun and strategic.
I know that game got re-released on 3DS, but I still feel that it's criminally underrated. It has such great combat and music, and I thought the story was fantastic.
Lost Dimension, Valkyria Chronicles and the Trails series are interesting fusions with tactical rpg elements. The former two are more like tactical rpg's. The Trails series more or less have the same system as Shadow Hearts, just without the command wheel. But the system is more developed. In Shadow Hearts it feels like the free movement is an unintended consequence, while in Trails, they make formations into a vital part of the game.
If I ever do a top 10 Tactical RPGs list, Valkyria Chronicles would easily get the number 1 spot. Such a great blend of genres. Not familiar with Lost Dimension. I've been meaning to check out the Trails series for quite some time. Heard really great things about Sky and Cold Steel.
10.) MS Saga: A New Dawn - This is actually one of the few ps2 games that I do not own, but I will definitely find a way to add this game to my collection. The sounds effects in this game are absolutely great, you can really feel the power behind each and every blast.
9.) Panzer Dragoon Saga - A game that I do own, but I still haven't had a chance to play it yet.
8.) Golden Sun - I have both games for the GBA but its still another series i haven't had an opportunity to play yet.
7.) Shadow Hearts: Covenant - I would of scolded you if you didn't put a shadow hearts game on your list. The judgement ring baby, such a great and inventive way to keep you invested in turn based combat. I've only played from the new world, but I often hear that covenant is the best.
6.) Radiant Historia - A game that I own, but I still haven't had a chance to play yet but i hear its hands down the best rpg out of all the rpg's that have been released for the Nintendo DS. I'm really looking forward to giving this one a try.
5.) Persona 5 - A game that I own for my PS4, but i still haven't had a chance to play it but I hear its the best out of all the entries that persona has had.
4.) Xenogears - Thank you for including my favourite game of all time. AP attack spam for the win.
3.) Mana Khemia - I do own this game, but in all honesty I never hear a lot of people talk about this game. I still haven't had a chance to play it yet.
2.) Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria - Just a wonderful game in every sense of the word. I have beaten this game but i still need to complete it.
1.) Grandia III - This game never gets enough love. I know the other games exceed it, but I really love this game and its been one of the most enjoyable games that I've played for the ps2. Thankfully this game has been completed and permanently retired.
Jason, a video like this is exactly why your needed on youtube because you have a great mix of popular and obscure choices and its why I love your opinion on a wide variety of subjects.
Top Ten JRPG Final Bosses That Live Up To Their Reputation As Being the Final Boss.
The thing I really love about Covenant is how you can customize the Judgment Ring, or even set it to Auto if you don't want to worry about timing. Mana Khemia is great, especially when it comes to combat, but the alchemy aspect of it turns some people off.
As far as your suggestion goes, I may get around to it in the future. I'd like to do more top 10 lists. Not gonna make it the main thing on the channel, but they can be fun and I do have some ideas for them.
Are you going to do 50 playthroughs of Valkyrie Profile 2 with 11 runs of the Seraphic gate?
Because if you want to 100% complete it, you'll need to. Good luck with that.
@@CynicalGamingBlogTerry309 I like a challenge so we'll see how it goes when I get some free time.
Legend of Legaia on PS1 has one of the best battle systems Ive played
absolutely agreeing on that! I NEVER PLAYED ANYTHING SO UNIQUE AND FUN! =) I mean legaia 2 was a bit of a letdown... but i played through both like 10 times because of the battle system... why have never someone tried it again? =(
I'd have put Shin Megami Tensei IV and Final Fantasy X somewhere, but I love these kinds of analyses, especially when they include some of the more obscure stuff
Final Fantasy X was very close to making the list. I love how it is so fast-paced, but you can take your time if you need to. It's a shame that the series never used that battle system again.
What??? No Final Fantasy, man that defined the turn based genre...
I would have put Final Fantasy X in there, but Mana Khemia took that great combat and made it even better. I do like all the old turn-based FFs, but there are better combat systems out there IMO.
FF? If anything, dragon quest didit
Shadow hearts! 😍😍😍
I’d better see chrono trigger by the end of this video…
Actually Persona doesn't use press turn, it uses the 1 More system, press turn is very different and has a far higher skill ceiling.
Yeah, I goofed up on that one. Still a great battle system though.
Anything like this on PC???
Unfortunately I don't have much experience with PC games.
just emulate
Yeah, The Legend of Heroes Trails of Cold Steel 1-4 are on Steam.
How in the hell are you gonna make a top 10 turn based video and not include Xcom, Divinity, Fallout 2, Dragonfall OR The Banner Saga? No western RPGs mentioned.
Well I don't really play Western RPGs too often, and I also wanted to keep Tactical RPGs off the list since they play quite different. Haven't played any Xcom games, but I did play through Rebelstar a few years ago and loved it. Really cool to use guns, grenades, and taking cover instead of the typical swords and sorcery stuff. Did just check out a review for Divintiy, and combat does indeed sound interesting. Might have to pick it up.
Falta el juego grandia
yep.. grandia 1 and 2 was too easy..
Turn based forever.
They get the idea that turn based is "outdated" because they can be harder to develop, and usually are works of passion whereas actions games can be a "mass produced commodity"...At least that has become the thinking of the newer final fantasy developers. Yet why is it, then, that action games with very few exceptions get quickly forgotten, while even 16 bit JRPGs and RPGS that are turn based are still timeless classics people reference 20 and even 30 years after they came out? Because those who think this way only care about quick bucks, and the creators of intricate turn based games with expansive stories, ect care about art (and making a buck on the side). I would take the later over the former any day. I dont even think action RPGs are RPGs. Traditional turn based games are how you make a timeless classic, so long as they put heart into it.
I don’t think they’re harder to develop necessarily, just different. Action RPGs have a lot more moving, simultaneous parts that have to be coded, whereas turned based can get large with status effects and turn order and such.
Action RPGS became more common as technology improved. It’s a little silly to say action RPGs are quickly forgotten. The same could be said about turn based games. I didn’t know half the games on this list TBH and I love turn-based RPGs. There are many famous and influential Action RPGs: the Tales franchise, Dragon Age Origin, KOTOR, Witcher III, etc.
I chuckle at the idea you have that action RPGs aren’t true RPGs. They still are, just a different kind. The most important part of an RPG is generally the story, combat, and characters. Action RPGs just have a different kind of combat.
Angry birds epic where U at?
what about Pokemon?
I don't have a ton of experience with the series. Have only played a few hours of Platinum and Fire Red. I did enjoy the combat in both, but not enough to knock any of these off the list.
Pokemon is bare bones as hell and super easy, doesn't warrant inclusion if you ask me, and I say that as someone who has played every game since the start (and not sure why I continued post-gen 4, since it's only gone downhill for the most part)
@@cosmosofinfinity
Agree Pokemon is just plain bare bones nothing exciting as i too played post-Gen 4