Summary
The DS has one of the best libraries of traditional RPGs out there. Plus, handhelds are a fantastic fit for the genre. That is to say, grinding 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 is less tiresome.
Its successor, theNintendo 3DS, also has a massive library thanks partly to being backward compatible. Nintendo has discontinued the portable, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a ton of great options still. Here are the bestNintendo 3DSRPGs out there, ranked according to their Metacritic scores.
Updated December 1st, 2023, by Michael Llewellyn:The 3DS is a fantastic system for fans of RPGs. While most of the games lacked the triple-A budget of home console RPGs, creativity and rich stories are where the games shined the most. Most fans of RPGs prefer gameplay, world-building, and story over big-budget titles with shallow gameplay and flashy effects. This list is updated to include specifications and more RPGs for fans to play.
Developed by the studio that created theXenobladeseries,Project X Zone 2is a crossover game that features multiple characters from various franchises. It is a dream come true for fans who want to see their favorite characters, fromLeon Kennedy fromResident Evilto KOS-MOS from theXenosaga trilogy,in the same game.
Project X Zone 2 features Capcom, Sega, Namco, and Nintendo characters in a mash-up for the ages, rivaling even theSmash Brosseries for fan service. The tactical combat is fun and accessible but challenging enough to keep players returning for more. However, the interactions between characters in this dream match of diverse characters makeProject X Zone 2a standout title on the 3DS.
Released in 2018,The Alliance Aliveis a traditional JRPG and a spiritual follow-up toThe Legend of Legacy,which also gained a cult following on the Nintendo 3DS after its launch in 2015. Its art design is divisive, butAlliance Aliveis a fun game with an enjoyable combat system and interesting characters.
Fans of theSuikodenseries may be interested to know that the creator of that series, Yoshitaka Murayama, also wrote the scenario forThe Alliance Alive.It never quite reaches the complexity or maturity of that series, but it is still a worthwhile JRPG to dive into. The better version ofAlliance Aliveis available in HD for the PC, PS4, and Switch.
Despite its entry as a handheld spin-off,Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distanceis vital to the series lore. While it is better experienced in one package withKingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue,3DS owners and JRPG collectors may want this gem in their collection.
Next toBirth By Sleep, Kingdom Hearts 3Dis the best spin-off in the build towardKingdom Hearts 3.Even without the HD remaster on home consoles, this entry is one of the best-looking 3DS games on the system and similar to the first two games in the series.
Adirect port of the PlayStation 2 original,Tales of the Abysson the Nintendo 3DS performed flawlessly on the handheld system. Since its original release in 2006,Tales of the Abysshas long been a favorite among fans of theTalesseries.ToAis a perfect port with clean visuals and great character and environment designs. It lacks any 3D features, but as one of the best PS2-era JRPGs, fans who may have missed out the first time should pick this up.
Its release on the 3DS also meant that fans could finally get the game in European regions, as it was never released outside of Japan and the US.ToAarguably has the best character development intheTalesseriesas 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.
Launched in 2012 for the 3DS,Crimson Shroudwas developed by Level 5, the same studio behindNi No KuniandDragon Quest 8.The studio’s past titles show they have a talent for modernizing the classic RPG formula, and withCrimson Shroud,they take it to the next level. This title includes mechanics associated with tabletop RPGs, complete with dice rolls and choices that change the outcome of quests. The biggest downside is that it was only available in the now-defunct 3DS eShop. Hopefully, the Switch get a remaster of this little gem sometime in the future.
207th Dragon 3 Code: VFD
An Imaginative Blend Of Fantasy And Science Fiction
Released in 2018,7thDragon 3 Code: VFDis a JRPG set in the year 2100 after Dragons destroyed the Earth in 2020. The remnants of human civilization have reemerged, and the threat of the dragons has long been forgotten.
The protagonists beat a VR game that simulated an attack from the dragons, making them the perfect candidates for the inevitable next onslaught from the Dragons. The game takes its players on an epic journey through time to defeat the legendary 7th Dragon. The imaginative JRPG transcends the limitations of the 3DS and is a worthwhile entry into the library of any JRPG fan.
Released in 2017,Ever Oasisis an ambitious action-adventure RPG fromthe same team that createdThe Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D.It is an action-adventure game with several mechanics focusing on looking after the Oasis.
There are farming elements, shop building, town management, and more. As the community grows, characters will open up new areas that need exploring. All these elements merge to make the perfect game for short or long bursts on the handheld system.
A spin-off from theHarvest Moonseries,Rune Factoryis a life simulation, farming game, and dungeon crawler all rolled into one, with some relationship mechanics thrown in there for good measure. It is the perfect fit for genre fans, thanks to the drop-in and drop-out features in a handheld system.
One could effortlessly lose themselves for hours playing on their sofa at home or having a quick game on the commute to work. It was also released on home consoles, but, as withHarvest MoonandAnimal Crossing,the handheld is the best way to play the game.
Devil Survivor: Overclockedis an enhanced remaster of the 2009 Nintendo DS original. It is a tactical RPG from Atlas, who created theShin Megami Tenseiseries and its spin-offs, includingPersonaand Career Soft, the studio behind the excellentLangrisserand theGrowlanserseries. Career Soft is now a part of Atlus after being purchased by Index Holdings in 2010.
Like other titles in theSMTseries,Devil Survivoris challenging but fair. Thankfully, the learning curve isn’t steep, and newcomers will adapt to the tactical system early in the story.Overclockedis the definitive version ofDevil Survivor.It features an eighth day that expands on the game’s endings.
Launched in 2015,Stella Glowis a strategy RPG that puts players in the shoes of two young adventurers as they attempt to save the world from a witch hell-bent on turning everyone into crystals. It is a fantasy-based premise that builds toward a surprisingly mature narrative with an excellent ending, featuring twists and turns in the plot that fans will enjoy.
The adventurers must recruit elemental witches to fight against the Witch of Destruction. The variety of the characters creates some genuinely tense points in combat, making for satisfying outcomes when overcoming adversity.Stella Glowis enjoyable because it is easy to pick up without burying the player in needless complexities.
