Summary
JRPGs are widely recognized for theirrich narratives and turn-based combat, but some titles stand out by introducing more dynamic gameplay, challenging the genre’s traditions. This approach combinesJRPGs with fast combatand classic elements, creating engaging experiences that attract players who prefer a faster pace, moving away from the slower battles found in many games of the genre.
A good fast-paced JRPG balances frantic action with traditional mechanics, offering plenty of action without sacrificing a deeper narrative. The accelerated combat pace, combined with moments of exploration and story development, provides an exciting and innovative experience, ideal for those seeking deep immersion without giving up the adrenaline.
Featuring frenetic gameplay from start to finish, the combat inGranblue Fantasy: Relinkis among the best for players seeking JRPGs with fast combat, as amidst battle attacks, it’s still possible to combine colorful special abilities. These visual effects, though intense, perfectly match the game’s anime aesthetic.
Although the main story isn’t the focus ofGranblue Fantasy: Relink, the title shines in the endgame, offering a vast number of combat-filled missions to challenge adrenaline-loving players. Additionally, it’s possible to assemble aparty with other characters, which contributes to the combat maintaining this more intense pace.
Although one of the main strengths ofNEO: The World Ends with Youis the unique stylethe art direction brings to the title, the game also features perfect combat for players who enjoy button-mashing. This is because it combines frantic battle action with an excellent soundtrack, in addition to requiring some strategy from the characters.
The use of pins to activate different protagonist abilities is fun, while the Beatdrop system encourages creative and well-timed combos among the party to maximize damage. Additionally, there are various options to customize the game’s characters, offering different build choices and also solidifyingNEO: The World Ends with Youas one of the best action-oriented JRPGs available.
The combat inStar Ocean: The Second Story Ris fluid and real-time, allowing free movement across the battlefield. With up to four active characters, the system combines basic attacks and special abilities, encouraging team coordination to maximize damage and effectively control enemies.
Additionally, the combat system offers mechanics such as stun-locking and advanced combos, similar to theTales ofgames, but without the same complexity. Moreover, the diversity of classes and customizable abilities provides a highly customizable experience for players, where character synergy is crucial for the game’s most challenging encounters.
One of the main features ofXenoblade Chronicles 3’s combat system is the number of active party members players can have during gameplay, with up to 7 characters joining to face enemies. This makes combo sequences and other combat elements visually impressive for players.
Thus, the Nintendo Switch exclusive uses these mechanics to create intense battles, maintaining the trilogy’s essence, which heavily focuses on JRPGs with fast combat, and also brings improvements over its predecessors. The story ofXenoblade Chronicles 3is also well-crafted, delivering a satisfying result in all aspects.
Real-time andfluid combat is the franchise’s hallmark, and inTales of Vesperiaplayers enjoy continuous gameplay with the battle environment, allowing quick switching between characters to exploit enemy weaknesses. Each team member has exclusive abilities that complement each other, promoting diversified strategies.
The system evolves as the game progresses, introducing new techniques and combinations that enhance battles and make them more enjoyable. Additionally, character customization allows adapting combat to preferred playstyles, whether focused on powerful attacks, support, or crowd control. This flexibility makes the fights engaging and challenging, keeping players always involved.
Few games offer combat as fun and frenetic asDragon’s Dogma 2, since it blends elements of action-oriented JRPGswith the ability to scale enemies, identifying various weak points across their bodies. This results in quick and dynamic battles, where excellent reflexes are necessary to challenge numerous formidable monsters.
Furthermore, the gameplay ofDragon’s Dogma 2is highly varied, aseach class chosen by playersprovides a different approach to combat. This allows extensive experimentation with different combos during battles, especially as vocations evolve and each one’s fighting style changes accordingly.
In the late 90s, the game was one of the great references among Turn-based JRPGs, but for the remake ofFinal Fantasy 7, Square Enix was bold, tweaking the formula of one of the best games ever produced by the developer and making it more action-oriented JRPGs. In the end, it was the right choice, as combat is one of the game’s best aspects.
Here, thefights are quite fast-paced for a JRPG, especially considering how they were in the original game, with players moving characters across the battlefield and performing attacks. Additionally, the animations of both protagonists and allies are well done, making the experience even more satisfying.
Combat inYs 8: Lacrimosa of Danais fast and dynamic, testing reflexes in fluid battles against visible enemies on the map. The system allows instant character switching, each specialized in different damage types, and the game promotes an intense rhythm as abilities consume SP, quickly replenished through basic attacks.
Meanwhile, the Flash Guard and Flash Dodge mechanics reward precise dodges and blocks, offering temporary invulnerability, critical damage, and slow-motion effects. This fast-paced combat style delivers an engaging experience, featuring unique bosses and various difficulty levels, perfect for fans of action-oriented JRPGs.
Although the blend of franchises that compose theKingdom Heartsuniverse is exotic, it is undeniable that the game offers some excellent mechanics, especially the second installment, which features some of the best combats ever created in the entire series. The developers successfully evolved the dynamics of its predecessor, delivering an excellent title among fast-paced JRPGs that performed exceptionally well throughout the entire adventure.
Here, Sora’s skill set is well-crafted, with combos that keep all of the character’s physical combat satisfying and fluid. Additionally, utilizing the character’s Drive Forms is also enjoyable, as they allow the protagonist to transform into something even more powerful,aiding in tougher battles, especially in the Final Mix version.
Developed by PlatinumGames,Nier: Automataoffers some of the most fluid and engaging combats among fast-paced JRPGs. Although it may seem simple initially, the battle system conceals a depth that rewards players who explore its possibilities. Weapon combinations, pod abilities, and customizable chips allow for dynamic and stylish combos, maintaining fast and visually impactful action.
Furthermore, combat emphasizes reflexes and precision, with dodges timed correctly and attacks chaining moves in sequence, highlighting the identity of action-oriented JRPGs. While the narrative and soundtrack are standout features, the combat system ofNier: Automataexcels by offering freedom for players seeking to customize their strategies without compromising the gameplay’s frenetic pace.
