Many role-playing games feature familiar, turn-based combat systems where players choose from basic actions like attack, defend, magic, or items. While this setup can be enjoyable, a truly engaging system needs to be more than just functional; it must be snappy, satisfying, and prevent battles from dragging on. A select few JRPGs manage to elevate this simple format into an experience that players savor for dozens of hours, often because their battle systems are remarkably well-balanced or simply fun to break.
Chrono Trigger (1995)
This 1995 classic offers a compelling twist on party composition. Chrono Trigger's double- and triple-tech abilities are powerful skills that depend on the combination of characters in the party and their unique traits. For instance, a party strong against ice or water might consist of Crono, Marle, and Frog, while Robo and Ayla could be better suited for focusing on physical attacks. This blend of real-time action and turn-based strategy was innovative for its time and still holds up today.
Final Fantasy Tactics (1997)
Final Fantasy Tactics revolutionizes the job system, offering 33 distinct classes that characters can master. This flexibility allows for unique combinations, such as a white mage proficient with axes or a swordsman capable of spells that manipulate time. The game's grid-based strategy demands that players leverage these fluid character builds to overcome punishingly tough encounters, requiring a precisely constructed squad for each significant fight.
Persona 4 (2008)
Atlus's dungeon-crawlers, including Persona 4, build their turn-based combat around exploiting enemy strengths and weaknesses. Enemies might be vulnerable to specific elemental magic or types of physical attacks. Conversely, players must manage their party's resistances. Successfully hitting a weakness results in an extra turn and can lead to a devastating All-Out-Attack if all enemies are downed. This mechanic is crucial for survival, particularly within Persona 4's lengthy dungeons.
Final Fantasy 7 (1997)
While the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy offers a modern combat experience, the original's Materia system provides a highly customizable and potentially game-breaking approach. Materia allows players to break free from rigid character roles by linking abilities. For example, combining Final Attack with Phoenix can guarantee party revivals, and pairing Counter with 4X Cut can lead to devastating counter-attacks. These combinations, while capable of trivializing difficult fights, offer a deep sense of player agency and discovery.
EarthBound (1994)
Shigesato Itoi's EarthBound features a basic turn-based system with several standout elements. The game allows players to automatically skip low-level encounters while still earning rewards, a feature that streamlines gameplay. Additionally, Jeff's unique rocket items, such as the Big Bottle Rocket and Multi-Bottle Rocket, are powerful consumables essential for boss fights, encouraging strategic resource management. Finally, the rolling HP meter, which displays damage over time, provides a brief window to heal critically wounded party members, adding a thrilling element of risk and reward to combat.
