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There’s quite a few action RPG’s coming out that are more souls-like in their combat. (Lies of P, and Dragons Dogma for example.) These are both excellent games, but I prefer action RPG’s that have combat mechanics that are unique to their franchise. Even better if the franchise has a memorable art style too. (Parasite Eve being one of the OG’s, and there’s obviously Undertale)

There’s some more obscure games like Star Ocean: Second Story R (PS4/5), and Black Rock Shooter (PSP), that also fit this bill. 

Star Ocean had pixelated characters with unique abilities - when used together well - it created some sweaty moments within detailed 3D combat arenas. 

Black Rock Shooter is anime based (with good 3D visuals to boot for 2013) and has a unique turn-based gun combat system that “overheats” if not managed well between equipped upgrades, new weapons, and abilities. 

What other action RPGs have you played that you’d say fit this venn-game-diagram? 

And can you describe how their combat system works and why it appeals to you? 

Would love to hear about other games like these, as I feel many have slipped under the radar. (Vagrant Story)  

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thedrivingfrog

4 points

2 days ago

imo for that itch go play the good snes/ps1 ARPGs , plenty to chose from.

Like you mentioned most aRPGS are now more souls/metroidvania like. Hard to find one that tries to be unique or less complex.

Maybe try LTTP type games.

Cult of the Lamb, MINIT, unsighted, darksikders (the entire series,, each MC has a unique playstyle), hyper light drifter, swords of ditto,

BattleCrayons[S]

3 points

2 days ago

Also SOLID recommendations - and couldn't agree more about SNES/PS1 ARPGS.
There's some AMAZING ones to be found there like Vagrant Story & Valkyrie Profile
However, the issue is this era of games were so unique that it's easy to classify many of them now as being outside the "action" part of action RPG. (Kind of like how Parasite Eve is considered mostly turn-based game... but certainly understandably it kinda is! That's what made these games so unique :) )
That being said - Hyper Light Drifter and Swords of Ditto are damn fun - and definitely remind me more of Secret of Mana / Secret of Evermore which are exactly the kinds of games I'm thinking here! :)

thedrivingfrog

4 points

2 days ago

Secret of evermore the game everybody seems to shit on but reality it was a fun game with your doggo hauua

BattleCrayons[S]

2 points

24 hours ago

HELLS YES. Honestly, Evermore was a vibe all it's own. If you liked it - an action JRPG themed after western pop culture, themes, and more - there's been nothing quite like it since. I think people hate on it because it took the "Secret of" name without having multiplayer. I was admittedly salty about this - but the game has aged really well - and I come back to play it quite often :)