Summary
One of the best things about games in theJRPGandRPG genresis their versatility and the world of possibilities they offer. While some can focus solely on combat and action, others can take a different direction and opt for mystery-solving, exploration, and, of course, lots of dungeon crawling that will have players spending hours trying to navigate through dark places.
JRPGs and dungeons seem to go hand in hand, as many titles feature this type of area, forcing players to think outside the box and work on their patience to, slowly but surely, find a way out of the claustrophobia-inducing spaces. For players who enjoy such titles, here are some of thebest JRPGsthat focus on dungeons.
Offering an intricate dungeon-crawling experience,Etrian Odyssey Nexusallows players to embark on a journey through a series of labyrinths and dungeons that present unique environmental hazards, lots of enemies and head-scratching puzzles that will keep them entertained for hours. The game also features complex party systems that allow players to choose from a wide range of classes, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Etrian Odyssey Nexusfeaturesturn-based combatthat requires players to plan their strategic moves carefully to ensure victory and take the least amount of damage from their enemies. While the game innovates greatly and implements a few elements of its own, it also retains various key aspects that have made its predecessors successful, making this title ideal for both newcomers and veterans of the franchise.
One of the greatest aspects ofPersona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth, is that it brings together characters fromPersona 3andPersona 4and puts them in a dungeon crawler setting. Combining several traditional elements of thePersonafranchise with tactical exploration, the game has more than enough content to provide players with hours of fun. Each character has unique abilities that can work in players’ favor depending on how and when they’re used.
In addition to the various dungeons and areas to explore, the game also features great character interactions and dialogues that add another layer of complexity to the storylines available, as well as stylized 3D graphics that help the narrative have a considerably more powerful delivery.
Set in the depths of a dimensional anomaly in Antarctica known as the Schwarzwelt,Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Reduxis arguably one of the best dungeon-crawling JRPGs thanks to its story and game mechanics. Players will take onthe role of The Protagonist(also known in Japan as Tadano Hitonari), who’s been tasked to explore the mysterious southern realm. Each level of the game has dangerous enemies, treacherous traps, and several branching pathways that offer many challenges and several possibilities to explore.
To add another layer of complexity to this title, there’s a strong focus on strategic combat, resource gathering and management, and overall tactical planning that requires players to carefully consider every step they take.Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Reduxwill put players to the test and provide them with a challenging experience that is demanding but also fair and entertaining.
Standing out thanks to its deep character customization options and complete class system,Dungeon Travelers 2: The Royal Library & The Monster Sealoffers players several labyrinthine dungeon designs that never disappoint. As Fried Einhard, players will have to hunt down several monsters who have escaped and gone into vast underground labyrinths to hide. As players progress through the story and delve deeper into more complex dungeons, they will face increasingly harder challenges and enemies that will put their patience and skills to the test.
Thanks to the game’s non-linear design, players can choose to avoid certain bosses andfocus on treasure huntinginstead if they prefer. On top of its great game mechanics,Dungeon Travelers 2: The Royal Library & The Monster Sealalso featuresa beautiful anime art stylewith lots of humor that helps lighten the mood and provides the game with an overall lighthearted tone, even when some serious moments will keep players on their toes.
As the final chapter inthe mainPhantasy Starseries,Phantasy Star 4: The End of the Millenniumoffers a great dungeon-crawler experience that fans of the genre will certainly love. Set in a future where the fictional Algol Solar System is on the brink of being destroyed by the evil plans of Zio, “The Black Magician”, players will walk in the shoes of Chaz Ashley and his companions. This game offers a welcome change of pace when it comes to dungeon crawling, thanks to its futuristic setting.
Players will have to explore different areas as they make their way through hordes of dangerous enemies, environmental hazards, and various puzzles designed to put their patience and problem-solving skills to the test. Blending Sci-Fi and a few Fantasy elements,Phantasy Star 4: The End of the Millenniumis a timeless classic that every dungeon crawler lover should play at least once in their lifetime.
