Best Action JRPGs For Fast-Paced Combat

JRPGs are widely recognized for their rich narratives and turn-based combat, but some titles stand out by introducing more dynamic gameplay, challenging the genre’s traditions. This approach combines JRPGs with fast combat and 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.

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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.

10

Granblue Fantasy Relink

Intense Game With An Excellent Post-Game

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Granblue Fantasy Relink

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Franchise

Granblue Fantasy

Released

February 1, 2024

Developer(s)

Cygames

Publisher(s)

XSEED

Featuring frenetic gameplay from start to finish, the combat in Granblue Fantasy: Relink is 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 of Granblue 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 a party with other characters, which contributes to the combat maintaining this more intense pace.

9

Neo: The World Ends With You

A Fast-Paced JRPG For Those Who Also Enjoy Action

Although one of the main strengths of NEO: The World Ends with You is the unique style the 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 solidifying NEO: The World Ends with You as one of the best action-oriented JRPGs available.

8

Star Ocean: The Second Story R

A Real-Time Action JRPG With Deep Strategies

The combat in Star Ocean: The Second Story R is 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 the Tales of games, 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.

7

Xenoblade Chronicles 3

A Game For Those Who Enjoy Having Many Active Characters In The Party

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Xenoblade Chronicles 3

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Released

July 29, 2022

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

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One of the main features of Xenoblade 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.

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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 of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is also well-crafted, delivering a satisfying result in all aspects.

6

Tales Of Vesperia

Being A Fast-Paced JRPG Is The Series’ Trademark

Real-time and fluid combat is the franchise’s hallmark, and in Tales of Vesperia players 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.

5

Dragon’s Dogma 2

One Of The Great References In Fast-Paced JRPGs

Few games offer combat as fun and frenetic as Dragon’s Dogma 2, since it blends elements of action-oriented JRPGs with 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 of Dragon’s Dogma 2 is highly varied, as each class chosen by players provides 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.

4

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

The Remake Made Changes To The Game’s Turn-Based Combat

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Released

February 29, 2024

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

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In the late 90s, the game was one of the great references among Turn-based JRPGs, but for the remake of Final 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, the fights 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.

3

Ys 8: Lacrimosa Of Dana

Frenetic Combat That Encourages Precision

Combat in Ys 8: Lacrimosa of Dana is 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.

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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.

2

Kingdom Hearts 2

Game Offers One Of The Best Combats In The Series

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Kingdom Hearts 2

Action RPG

Hack and Slash

Systems

Franchise

Kingdom Hearts

Released

March 28, 2006

Developer(s)

Square Enix

Publisher(s)

Square Enix

Although the blend of franchises that compose the Kingdom Hearts universe 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.

1

Nier Automata

Action JRPG With One Of The Best Combats Ever Created

Developed by PlatinumGames, Nier: Automata offers 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 of Nier: Automata excels by offering freedom for players seeking to customize their strategies without compromising the gameplay’s frenetic pace.

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