Best 32-bit Action RPGs, Ranked

The late 90s and early 2000s introduced the 32-bit era, with consoles such as the 3D0 Interactive, Sega Saturn, and the Sony PlayStation revolutionizing 3D visuals for a new era. Action RPGs emerged as a dominant force during this revolutionary period, blending fast-paced combat with deep storytelling in ways we’d never seen before.

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From dungeon-crawling adventures to the cherished Metroidvania games that offer intricate exploration, specific action RPGs have defined an entire generation of video games and inspire video game developers today. Nearly thirty years later, they continue to provide enjoyable experiences for all ages, appealing not just to those looking to indulge in nostalgia.

8

Dragon Valor

Hacking And Slashing Dragons Is Simple Fun

• Release Date: December 2, 1999
• Developer: Namco, Now Production
• Publisher: Namco, Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Platform: Sega Saturn

As basic of an action RPG as one can get, Dragon Valor features a character moving from left to right. With the occasional platforming challenge to break up the gameplay of slaying any enemy warrior or monster, there is not much complexity to Dragon Valor. It does introduce some RPG elements, with more emphasis on monitoring health and using currency to upgrade characters.

There is six to seven hours worth of gameplay across the main story of Dragon Valor, with multiple protagonists that deliver a simple yet fun fantasy adventure by Namco. The game was critiqued for its repetitive grind, but also praised for having done what titles like God Of War and Devil May Cry would bring to the table later and heavily improve on.

7

The Legend Of Oasis

If The Legend Of Zelda Merged With Prince Of Persia

• Release Date: July 31, 1996
• Developer: Ancient
• Publisher: Sega
• Platform: Sega Saturn

Many companies have played their hands in trying to replicate the success of The Legend Of Zelda and the developers at Ancient are no different with their prequel to Beyond Oasis. The Legend Of Oasis features the same top-down view, sword-based combat, and a main character traversing dungeons to stop an ultimate evil.

The Legend of Oasis has its unique qualities, including D-pad-based combos for the protagonist, Leon, and a world influenced by Middle Eastern culture and the tales of Arabian Nights. Unfortunately, the game was largely forgotten, as it was exclusive to the Sega Saturn, a 32-bit console that was overshadowed by the PlayStation and Nintendo 64.

6

Diablo

Proof That Big Things Have Small Beginnings

Systems

Released

January 3, 1997

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ // Animated Blood and Gore, Animated Violence

Sometimes going back to the original entry of a famous series can be jarring, which can be said for Diablo. That doesn’t mean it’s bad; it’s more of a testament of how much the Diablo franchise has evolved. The original is still an addictive isometric hack and slash RPG that pits the player in a large gauntlet of demons and monsters to find and destroy the titular demon lord.

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Even with the Hellfire expansion, Diablo has a small roster of character classes: the warrior, wizard, rogue, and the monk. Each of them has their own benefits and detractors worth experimenting with, but the result is a thrilling action game that delivers gothic visuals, horror atmosphere, and iconic foes that would be the start of a beloved Blizzard franchise.

5

Guardian Heroes

Action-Packed Arcade Fun With An RPG Twist

• Release Date: April 24, 1996
• Developer: Treasure
• Publisher: Sega
• Platform: Sega Saturn

Another title for the Sega Saturn, Guardian Heroes resembles your typical side-scrolling brawler like Final Fight or Streets Of Rage, but that is not the case. While it does feature the action-packed gameplay expected from a brawler, it mixes it with RPG elements such as leveling up characters to upgrade their attributes such as: strength, vitality, intelligence, mental protection, agility, and luck.

Guardian Heroes was successful enough that it would spawn a sequel with Guardian Heroes Advance for the Game Boy Advance. The different characters feature different abilities and weapons to appeal to anyone’s personal style, from swords and shields to powerful magic spells.

4

Alundra

The Sega Saturn Had An Underrated Library

Alundra

Systems

Released

April 11, 1997

ESRB

t

Developer(s)

Matrix Software

A main hero crawls through various dungeons to find various mystical talismans to save a fantasy land from an ancient evil named Melzas. Alundra is another attempt at The Legend Of Zelda formula and much like The Legend Of Oasis, it is a mostly effective one, especially with its pixel art style that is reminiscent of JRPGs like Chrono Trigger.

The real-time action combat and exploration closely resemble what is found in The Legend of Zelda games. This similarity showcases the idea that if something isn’t broken, there’s no need to change it. However, the game features a unique setting where the main character enters people’s dreams to battle nightmares, which serve as the equivalent of dungeons.

3

The Legend Of Dragoon

Sony Tried To Take On Final Fantasy

Systems

Released

June 14, 2000

ESRB

T For Teen due to Animated Blood, Violence

When it came to JRPGs, the late 90s had plenty that tried to compete with the Final Fantasy series but ultimately faded into obscurity. The Legend Of Dragoon, developed by Sony Interactive and Japan Studio, is no different, with many of the same gameplay tropes within a fantasy world featuring dragons and magic.

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Over the years since it released in 1996 on the PlayStation, The Legend Of Dragoon has gained a following due to its unique aspects, such as the detailed visuals that gave fans 3D character models before Final Fantasy did it. It also features a more dynamic combat system that uses the classic JRPG turn-based system but introduces quick-time events that, when executed correctly, extend attacks for not only more damage but to keep the player engaged in the gameplay.

2

Mega Man Legends

The Black Sheep Of The Mega Man Series

Released

August 31, 1998

ESRB

e // Animated Violence

Developer(s)

Capcom Production Studio 2

Mega Man Legends drastically changed its gameplay style to be a third-person open-world RPG set on a visually stunning island. This led to immediate backlash from fans of the classic 2D games, but over the years, it has gained love and appreciation for trying to be different, as it delivered various upgrades for Mega Man, many side quests to accomplish, and a memorable story.

The 3D gameplay is not without its quirks that result in a difficult learning curve, but that does not negate the ambitious route that Capcom took with Mega Man Legends. With different dungeons to explore filled with different key items, loot, and bosses, a comparison to The Legend Of Zelda franchise can be made.

1

Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night

The Alucard-Centric Sequel Changed The Franchise Forever

Systems

Released

October 2, 1997

ESRB

T For Teen Due To Animated Blood and Gore, Animated Violence

Often regarded as one of the best Castlevania games, Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night was the first to embrace what is known as Metroidvania gameplay. It mixes 2D sidescrolling action with non-linear levels and RPG progression as Alucard rather than one of the Belmont family. Nearly every mainline Castlevania game that followed took on the same gameplay template.

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night has been re-released on various systems over the years due to its popularity among fans. Initially, it was a defining title for the PlayStation 1, alongside iconic games like Final Fantasy 7 and Crash Bandicoot.

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