The DS has one of the best libraries of RPGs out there. Plus, handhelds just work out better for the genre. That is to say, it’s easy to grind out some levels in something turn-based while catching up on the latest binge-worthy series rather than slogging it out in front of a console.
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Its successor, the 3DS, also has a massive library thanks in part to the portable being backward compatible. Now that the system is being discontinued by Nintendo, there has never been a better—or, probably, cheaper—time to pick up one of these little miracles. Here are the very best RPGs out there, ranked by Metacritic. Also of note, only one title per series was used to keep things more diverse.
Updated by Michael Llewellyn on March 29, 2021: When the PlayStation 2 was succeeded by the PlayStation 3, most gamers were expecting that system to take its place as the number one console for RPGs. History would prove that wasn’t the case, however, and it fell to handheld systems instead. The beauty of the handhelds meant that developers could make RPGs without needing a triple AAA budget to compete with bigger games like Final Fantasy. It also meant that developers could focus on the story while also tapping into a bit of nostalgia at the same time with games that echoed those classics.
15 The Alliance Alive – Metascore 74
Released in 2018, The Alliance Alive is a traditional JRPG and a spiritual follow up to The Legend of Legacy which also gained a cult following on the Nintendo 3DS after its launch in 2015. Its art design won’t be for everyone but it’s a fun game with a good combat system and interesting characters.
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Fans of the Suikoden series may be interested to know that the creator of that series Yoshitaka Murayama also wrote the scenario for The Alliance Alive. It doesn’t quite reach the complexity or maturity of that series but it’s still a worthwhile JRPG to dive into.
14 Tales Of The Abyss – Metascore 75
A direct port of the PlayStation 2 original, Tales of the Abyss on the Nintendo 3DS performed perfectly on the handheld system. Since its original release in 2006, Tales of the Abyss has long been a favorite among fans of the Tales series.
Its release on the 3DS also meant that fans could finally get the game in European territories as it was never released outside of Japan and the US. Its protagonist Luke grows from a spoiled rich and frankly unlikeable boy to a full-blown hero by the end of the game. It has a great battle system, a likable supporting cast, an excellent script, and a lengthy story.
13 7th Dragon III Code: VFD – Metascore 76
Released in 2018, 7th Dragon III Code: VFD is a JRPG set in the year 2100 after Dragons destroyed the Earth in 2020. The remnants of civilization have managed to rise up again and the threat of the dragons have long been forgotten.
The game’s protagonists manage to beat a VR game that simulated the attack from the dragons making them the perfect candidates for the inevitable next attack from the Dragons. The game takes its players on an epic journey through time to defeat the legendary 7th Dragon. It’s a very imaginative JRPG that transcends the limitations of the 3DS and a worthwhile entry in any JRPG fan's library.
12 Ever Oasis – Metascore 76
Released in 2017, Ever Oasis is an ambitious action-adventure RPG from the same team that created The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D. It’s an action game that also features a variety of different gameplay elements that focus on looking after the protagonist’s Oasis.
There are farming elements, shop building, town management, and more. As the player’s community grows more character will be introduced opening up new areas that need exploring. All these elements come together to make the perfect game for short or long bursts on the handheld system.
11 Yo-kai Watch 3 - Metascore 80
Games can either have an increasing effect or a degrading one over time with sequels. With the third entry in a formulaic series like Yo-Kai Watch, one would assume reviews would go down over time.
While every main game on 3DS has similar scores making the increase or decrease in numbers not too important, it is worth noting that this is apparently the best one. Catching ghosts instead of Pokémon in the real world has its appeal!
10 Persona Q: Shadow Of The Labyrinth – Metascore – 83
Released in 2014, Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth is an old-school JRPG in the style of the Etrian Odyssey games. It brings together characters from both Persona 3 and Persona 4 in a way that doesn’t just feel like a throwaway spin-off title but another worthwhile chapter in the saga.
Just like the Etrian Odyssey, Persona Q has challenging puzzles and a steep learning curve when it comes to battles. That doesn’t take away from the fun, however, and there will be a moment where everything will just click and players could potentially lose themselves in it for hours. It’s also worth checking out its sequel Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth which brings together a dream of characters that features characters from Persona 3, Persona 4, and Persona 5.
9 Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan - Metascore 84
Etrian Odyssey is another series that is getting better over time. Part of the reason why it keeps getting better reviews is that it manages to stay true to its hardcore, challenging roots while at the same time inviting new players in. It is the turn-based dungeon crawler equivalent to something like Darkest Dungeon.
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The only difference here is that Etrian Odyssey is evolving, while similar games in the genre mostly stick to traditional gameplay mechanics. It’s hard to grow a series without trying new things.
8 Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey - Metascore 84
This is a remake of the third Mario and Luigi game from the DS. That alone is reviewed as one of the best, and it still remains true for this versios, as well. It’s just that this port doesn’t do much new besides some extra quests which don’t add much to really make it a better game. Extras aside, the core turn-based time attack RPG combat feels as fresh as ever. Plus, Bowser finally got his own adventure.
7 Shin Megami Tensei IV Apocalypse - Metascore 84
The original Shin Megami Tensei IV got an 83, while its sequel did only slightly better. Both games are highly regarded as some of the deepest RPGs on not just the 3DS, but consoles everywhere.
The reason why the sequel may have reviewed better is due to its story and overall tweaking of the mechanics. Like Etrian Odyssey, this game wasn't afraid to double-down on the hardcore, as well as open their gates for new players.
6 Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology - Metascore 85
Radiant Historia is another port from the DS to the 3DS. Unlike Mario and Luigi, not much was changed with the graphics. The big bonus here is that it added some stuff to make the journey easier.
This game is all about time travel. Can’t make it past an event? There must be something in the timeline that can affect this outcome. It was a bit tricky to deduce the solutions without a guide before, but this enhanced port makes it a tad simpler.
5 Dragon Quest VIII - Metascore 85
This port comes all the way from the PS2. That said, the graphics are basically on par with the original, although perhaps a bit brighter. Either way, the cel-shading art style still makes it look great.
Besides the obvious boost in portability, making it easier to grind and multitask, it also added a fast-forward button to make battles go by faster. Every remake, port, or remaster should add this feature.
4 Bravely Default - Metascore 85
Bravely Default isn't even a remake and it not only has a fast-forward feature but a meter controlling random battles. Want to get into combat with every literal step, or want none at all?
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The choice is up to the player. For all intents and purposes, this was a reboot of Final Fantasy in all but name. Other RPGs should have learned their lesson from the innovative steps this release took.
3 Xenoblade Chronicles 3D - Metascore 86
At the time, getting Xenoblade Chronicles to run on the 3DS was impressive. There is now a better version to play, and it’s portable, as well: the Switch remaster from this year. There isn’t much one loses between both ports other than that the 3DS version does use Amiibo. Ports and remakes aside, whatever version one picks up, even the Wii original, they are surely in for the time of their lives.
2 Pokemon Y - Metascore 88
A few notes about this Pokémon entry. One, the Pokémon X version got an 87. Pokémon Sun/Moon got 87s, as well, so this entry is almost tied with some of the other games on this list. What makes this generation stand out, though, as the better pick to grab on the 3DS is its innovations.
The series has come a long way since, but this is the first new-generation game for the 3DS, and it added a lot. Play it for the historical value as well as to catch ‘em all.
1 Fire Emblem: Awakening - Metascore 92
Fire Emblem: Awakening is not only the best-reviewed RPG on this list, but it’s also among the top ten highest-ranking 3DS games overall on Metacritic. Speaking of series learning to invite new players in, this game was the king at that thanks to its casual mode.
Because of that, along with a laundry list of other innovations, this series exploded. If not for the right decisions made, it was almost the final game in the series similar to Final Fantasy’s fate and Square.