Best Licensed RPGs You Need To Play

Licensed games, especially in the RPG genre, often face skepticism. Being tied to existing franchises, they typically receive less investment and creative freedom compared to original titles. Nevertheless, many manage to deliver enjoyable experiences, even if they don’t always reach the same level of depth as traditional games in the genre.

Related

10 Underrated Isometric RPGs You Probably Missed, Ranked

Discover unique games like Atom RPG, Arcanum, and Solasta. These underrated isometric RPGs offer rich stories and deep mechanics for RPG fans.

Fortunately, there are exceptions that defy this trend. Among the best licensed RPGs, there are titles that not only capture the essence of the franchises they represent but also offer engaging mechanics and captivating narratives. The key lies in balancing authentic references to the original material with strong game systems, creating an experience that appeals to both series fans and RPG enthusiasts.

10

Magic Knight Rayearth

One Of The Best RPGs Made For The Sega Saturn

• Platform: Sega Saturn
• Developers: Working Designs, Sega, Overworks
• Publishers: Sega
• Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG

Combining fantasy and magic, the adaptation of the famous CLAMP manga arrived on the Sega Saturn, bringing an adventure filled with JRPG and Isekai elements. In Magic Knight Rayearth, Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu embark on a mission to save the kingdom of Cephiro, dealing with monstrous creatures, intriguing puzzles, and enjoyable turn-based battles.

Even with simple visuals, the vibrant atmosphere and focus on the protagonists’ friendship create a unique charm. Each knight takes on a distinct role within the group, ensuring variety in combat and exploration. The progression of abilities and the faithful adaptation of the original material make this version a cult favorite for JRPG enthusiasts and fans of the CLAMP universe.

9

Marvel’s Midnight Suns

An Unusual Combination Of Tactical RPG And The Marvel Universe

Great Marvel heroes rarely come together in a tactical game, but this premise comes to life by uniting Doctor Strange, Blade, and other well-known names on a dark mission. In Marvel’s Midnight Suns, players assume the role of a new protagonist, combining strategic planning with a supernatural narrative amidst twists that put the world’s fate at stake.

Also, interactions between iconic characters lead to special missions that strengthen bonds, which in turn can enhance abilities during battles. This social component sets the title apart from many other licensed games, adding depth without losing the action-packed essence of Marvel. With intricate mechanics and a mystical storyline, this tactical RPG stands out as a bold and successful venture.

8

The Lord Of The Rings: The Third Age

A Turn-Based RPG In Middle-Earth

Turn-based combat and an epic setting rarely fail to excite, especially when inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s famous saga. In The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age, players dive into the War of the Ring, controlling original characters who cross paths with iconic figures, enhancing the Middle-earth experience.

Although it does not replicate every detail of the central plot, the title succeeds in capturing the grand atmosphere of the franchise, emphasizing exploration and character development. Each battle requires careful planning, resulting in intense confrontations with trolls, orcs, and mythical creatures. This blend of strategy and fidelity to the universe makes the experience rewarding for dedicated fans.

7

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot

Incorporating RPG Elements Into Goku’s Journey Worked Out Perfectly

Dragon Ball is renowned for its frenetic fighting games, but Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot deviates slightly from this formula, offering an RPG experience in a semi-open world. Here, players relive iconic moments from the anime, from battles against legendary foes to exploring well-known areas, creating an immersion in Akira Toriyama’s universe.

Related

Dragon Ball: 10 Weakest Saiyan Characters, Ranked

Saiyans like Goku and Broly set the bar really high, but not every member of the Saiyan race are super-powerful, such as these weaker members.

The combat system is more agile than traditional RPGs, yet it delivers attribute progression and skill enhancements. This combination allows for an authentic retelling of the story, incorporating mechanics that value both strategy and action. As a result, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot stands out as a pleasant surprise among licensed RPGs.

6

South Park: The Stick Of Truth

The Best Licensed RPG In This Franchise

Despite having numerous games, few manage to capture the essence that South Park: The Stick of Truth holds in relation to the animated series. With irreverent humor, satire, and cultural references, the title feels like an original episode, with its cut-out aesthetic enhancing the show’s charm. Throughout the adventure, each joke reinforces the city’s comedic atmosphere.

This makes every battle and interaction even more hilarious, as missions parody RPG elements and mock pop culture stereotypes. Players become part of the madness, especially when iconic characters appear with absurd dialogues and unexpected situations. Additionally, The Stick of Truth offers engaging progression, blending game mechanics with the irreverence that South Park is known for.

5

Parasite Eve

A Direct Sequel To Hideaki Sena’s Novel

Your changes have been saved

My List

My Favorite Games
My Played Games
My Games Wishlist

Systems

Released

September 9, 1998

Developer(s)

Square

Publisher(s)

Square

Blending horror and science, this classic survival horror game with RPG elements surprises by being based on Hideaki Sena’s novel, released in Japan in 1994. In Parasite Eve, the story continues the novel’s events, placing police officer Aya Brea against a mysterious force capable of manipulating human cells.

Combining cinematic storytelling with strategic mechanics, the game offers an active battle system that contrasts with other RPGs of its time. The plot delves into biological mutations and dark conspiracies, maintaining constant tension. The setting, coupled with Aya’s gradual skill development, makes the experience rich in detail and memorable for genre fans.

4

Hogwarts Legacy

One Of The Best Licensed Games In The Harry Potter Universe

Although it is a massive franchise with many games, it took time for a large-scale Harry Potter adaptation to appear in video games. For a long period, these titles were adapted versions of the movies or smaller mobile games. However, the release of Hogwarts Legacy in 2023 changed this scenario, taking players into the Wizarding World on an epic adventure.

Hogwarts Legacy stands out as one of the best licensed RPGs ever produced because the game effectively conveys the feeling of exploring various familiar settings for Harry Potter fans, ranging from the castle to surrounding regions. Additionally, the game is not confined to specific characters or other elements, creating a 1890s setting that works exceptionally well.

3

Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic

Remembered As One Of The Best CRPGs Ever Created

The Star Wars franchise is one of the largest and most iconic in pop culture. While the films explore the Skywalker family saga, other derivative products deeply expand this universe, introducing new characters, conflicts, and eras. This wealth of stories is a key factor in keeping the franchise relevant for decades.

Related

Star Wars: Largest Starships, Ranked

Naturally, the Star Wars universe has been home to a great many spaceships. Which among them are the biggest?

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is not only one of the best licensed games but also a landmark in the RPG genre. Developed by BioWare, the title combines an engaging narrative, memorable characters, and impactful choices. It continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest RPGs ever created, masterfully and creatively expanding the Star Wars universe.

2

Kingdom Hearts 2

A Unique Blend Of Disney Characters With Final Fantasy

Your changes have been saved

My List

My Favorite Games
My Played Games
My Games Wishlist

Kingdom Hearts 2

Action RPG

Hack and Slash

Systems

Franchise

Kingdom Hearts

Released

March 28, 2006

Developer(s)

Square Enix

Publisher(s)

Square Enix

The Kingdom Hearts series is one of the most unique ever created. At first glance, the combination of Disney characters with those from Final Fantasy might seem odd, but the collaboration delivered one of the best licensed RPGs ever made. Kingdom Hearts 2, for example, is considered a standout in the franchise, particularly for its dynamic and agile combat.

In this game, players assume the role of Sora, fighting darkness and protecting light across Disney worlds. These worlds represent fragments of a main universe that was shattered by an ancient war. As players progress through each new setting, different characters like Simba or Mulan join the mission, making the game an unlikely but highly effective combination.

1

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

An Exceptionally Well-Executed Licensed RPG

Instead of creating an entirely new story or attempting a direct adaptation of the books, CD Projekt Red took a bold and effective approach in The Witcher series by expanding Andrzej Sapkowski’s saga. They continue the events from the books and deliver an exciting conclusion to Geralt of Rivia’s story in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

The third installment also highlighted CD Projekt Red’s growth as a developer. After releasing two games focused on a more niche audience, The Witcher 3 established itself as a milestone in RPGs, reaching an even broader audience. For genre fans, this work is almost mandatory, ensuring a memorable and innovative experience in Geralt’s universe.

More

10 RPGs That Should Be Ported To The Nintendo Switch 2

Discover 10 incredible RPGs that deserve to be ported to the Nintendo Switch 2, from classic favorites to new-gen titles.