Nintendo surprised its fans with a stealth presentation of aNintendo Direct Miniin March of 2020, which highlighted some interesting titles players could look forward to in the coming months. One notable example in the showcase was a lush remaster ofXenoblade Chronicles. Fans got a detailed look at the gorgeous, spruced-up visuals, along with an epilogue journey for Shulk and company.
This revamp added to the growing franchise — already riding a high with the vibrant, imaginativeXenoblade2 —reminding gamers what made the series so special. Following this was the renownedthirdgame in the trilogy, solidifyingXenobladeas a staple RPG franchise. Naturally, a wave of similar ARPG epics on Switch and elsewhere have followed, which add their own charming twists while tapping into that deep-yet-accessibleXenobladecharm.
Updated July 08, 2025, by Stephen LaGioia:Monolith Soft’s anticipated third mainline game in the APRG series Xenoblade was released to stellar reviews and fan esteem. This will soon be followed up by the Definitive Edition of the overlooked mech-based Xenoblade Chronicles X on Switch. Xenoblade 3’slush locales of the warring Aionios, emotional plot with dynamic characters, and addictive tactical combat have kept fans playing for weeks and months on end. Yet, this fun, imaginative experience will doubtless leave some yearning for similar titles beyond this and the upcoming X. Luckily, there are many gems to choose from on Switch and elsewhere.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdomsuperbly blends elements of classic, modern, and 2000s puzzle-heavyZelda, while sprinkling in new traits. The modern traits ring particularly true when it comes to the stylish, quasi-claymation art style, and the use of the game’s title character Zelda as its lead.
The latter has been ironically rare, other than a couple of mediocre CD-i games which most fans would rather forget — and keep far away from the fantasy series' rich, expansive lore. With its close-up, top-down perspective and cute visuals,Echoes of Wisdomlooks simple on its colorful surface. Yet there’s much to unearth, solve, and fight through in this 20-hour adventure.
In addition to more traditional combat, Zelda can progress and survive by creating ‘echoes’ that imitate monsters and objects — and utilize her object-dragging ‘binding’ ability. These distinct features, along with a slew of items and assets to use, move, and summon,Echoes of Wisdommakes for a dynamic, memorable journey. Often, the experience feels akin to a virtualtoy box full of ‘things’ to tinker with, a laBreath of the WildorMinecraft.
Take the foundation andretro-future themes ofFallout New Vegas, addMass Effect’s sci-fi techandBorderlands’zany satire, and this hidden gem from Obsidian is the result. While clearly drawing influences from various sources,The Outer Worldsfeels quite distinct.
The game stresses carving one’s own path and choosing factions in a divided corporate dystopia on the verge of chaos. Players emerge from being cryogenically frozen, and set forth to make their way in this rough-and-tumble society. A hodgepodge of power-hungry CEOs, troopers, and outlaws reside in diverse planet biomes that offerloadsof goodies to play with, fight with, pawn, and steal.
The game balances fun action with loads of RPG depth and malleability — sprinkling in concepts like weapon mods and a time-slowing feature that yields spot-on headshots. The core campaign is fairly short, but a plethora of content is crammed within — and with near-endless branching outcomes and customization, playersrarelyget the same result or experience when playing twice.
This charming, vibrant romp is both a worthy homage to classic JRPGsanda modern indie epic that explores a few unique avenues. 2022’sChained Echoespartly draws from theOctopath Travelerschool of fusing classic and modern role-playing. At the same time, the game leans more on quicker pacing and action a laZeldaandSecret of Mana.
While utilizing turn-based battles, the game tightens things up with quick movement and removes random encounters. It features a rewarding ‘Overdrive’ meter in battles to liven things up and add some depth. Further customization comes by way ofskillleveling rather than an all-encompassing level-up system, making this 35-hour odyssey feel more personalized and organic.
The eleventh mainline installment ofDragon Questis a high watermark in this storied series, with a charming narrative and rewarding gameplay that tastefully blends the old with the new. The game party adheres to that retro JRPG style fans love, with (partly) linear exploration, turn-based battles, personalized classes, and stylized visuals. At the same time, Square Enix revitalizes the formula with some modern twists and extra features.
An impressive amount of customization during combat allows players to strategize and gain an edge, for instance. Players can also move about in a 3D space when fighting, giving a more fluid, immersive feel alaXenoblade Chronicles. Random encounters are also axed this time around, and, in a neat addition, retro RPG fans can turn up their nostalgic sensibilities with a sprite-based 2D mode.
RPG fans on Switch were pleasantly surprised following theearly 2022 unveiling of a restored adventure for Super NES. For the first time, Western gamers would be able to play this wondrous journey through time, with the inventive JRPGLive Alive. In it, players will visit settings ranging from the Old American West to Imperial China and a metropolitan future.
On the surface, there’s seemingly little this love letter to classic RPGs shares in common withXenoblade, as its premise is more akin toChrono Trigger. Yet, fans of the Monolith epic should appreciate the similarly lush, diverse settings and great character development, as well as some addictive, rewarding combat that’s deep yet accessible.
With such a vast, imaginative universe to draw from, it’s no surprise there’s been a slew ofStar Warsgames over the years, some of which have been better than others. Yet, two decades after its initial release,Knights of the Old Republicstill reigns supreme when it comes to games based on George Lucas' phenom IP.
Despite its age,KOTORwas years ahead of its time. With its dynamic progression, interplanetary locales, and a plot-driven campaign that lets players pick their path, this is BioWare at its finest.KOTOR’s thematic sci-fi-fantasy fusion—and an engaging, cinematic experience—should succeed in drawingXenobladefans.
But, like that game, it’s the combat that shines through in the end here. Fluid, fast, and dynamic, the 3D battle system masterfully blends tactical gameplay with real-time action.
While still largely unknown in the West, this imaginative franchise has a long and rich history behind it, quietly building its repertoire over decades. This catalog—which includes some particularly rich, lengthy journeys—may prove intimidating for many to dive into. Yet, the eighth mainYsgame is often regarded for its more universal appeal and inventiveness.
With a self-contained island setting and simple premise, along with unique quasi-survival gameplay,Ys VIIImarks a great time to jump on board. At the same time, there’s plenty of involved, fast-paced combat for both newcomers andYsvets to appreciate. For those who can get over a few small technical issues and lengthy dialogue sessions, Nihon Falcom’s game is a treat—andan often overlooked ARPG.
It’s quite easy to drawXenobladeandTalescomparisons. After all, both are fantastical JRPGs that blend linearity with sandbox elements and bring tactile combat that’s exciting and deep. As far as Bandai Namco’s series goes, it’s hard to find a better way to experience this franchise than an enhanced version of one of its best games,Vesperia.
The game offers a unique, whimsical cast, a deep, semi-open world to explore, tons of quests, and a distinct lineup of humans and creatures to square off with.Vesperia’s battle system manages to be evenmorefrantic thanXenoblade, feeling not unlike a fighting romp laced with spells and special abilities.
can somewhat be looked at as the Xbox 360’s version ofXenoblade. Not only did they both shine as rare JPRG gems on their platforms, but the gameplay shares similar qualities too. Players have a vast, vibrant fantasy world to explore, an enthralling story, and various charming characters with an array of rewarding moves.
Thedeep, exciting combatalso holds parallels—with its blend of action and tactical turn-based mechanics.Eternal Sonataalso stresses a range of different skill combos and chains, along with timed blocks that keep the intensity at a fever pitch. This majestic, melodic RPG should be music to the ears ofXenobladefans.
Similar to Monolith Soft’s game, Capcom’sDragon’s Dogmabalances WRPG lore and open-world sensibilities with creative Japanese mythos. The intense real-time combat should very much translate to those who liked the chaotic combat ofXenoblade, as it tootreads that line between strategy and action.
Much like the skills inXenobladeand the vast Blade system in the sequel,Dragon’s Dogmakeeps the combat fresh and in-depth with various unique classes and skill sets that can be adjusted according to each opponent. The game also stresses skirmishes with massive beasts, as is the case with many ofXenoblades’s beasts and Unique Monsters that require players to grind out wins.
