RPG game with better combat than Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 learned from the best to create an incredible turn-based combat system. In battle, each character has a unique behavior pattern that affects their skills. For example, Gustave can build up energy in his cybernetic arm while Lune can gather elemental energy to enhance her magic. In addition to character differences, players can defend, avoid, or parry enemy attacks. As well as Clair Obscurs battle is, some turn-based role-playing games without doubt it has beat.

This active element of combat makes combat more engaging, even if it's still turn-based at its core. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is undoubtedly a great RPG, but is it really better than the turn-based games that came before it? It can beat these games in some areas, though the battle in the following RPG makes them more accessible than Sandfall's GOTY winners.

Chrono Trigger

An RPG as old as time

Chrono Trigger was ahead of its time in several ways on the SNES, and the battle system was near the top right next to the time traveling aspect. The world map lacked monsters, and players encountered them instead in dungeons. The battles were much faster than other turn-based RPGs at the time, making the combat seem more action-based. Players could bring three party members, who could attack normally or activate skills learned from a level up. Most skills had an area of ​​effect, so if players chose to target the right monster, they could potentially hit multiple enemies.

Eventually, most party members were also able to learn magic. Crono could use electric attacks, and Lucca was attuned to fire. Since no character played the same way, it became important to switch between them during certain story arcs to exploit enemy weaknesses. The best part of the battle system was the double and triple attacks that characters could perform with others. For example, Crono and Frog could crosscut a monster, while Marle and Ayla could perform an ice throwing technique. Chrono Trigger was fast, dynamic and party members mattered in a way that few games have matched even 30 years later.

Final Fantasy 10

The power of calling

Of all the turn-based combat systems in Final Fantasy game, Final Fantasy 10 has one of the best in the PS2 generation. The battles were still randomized at the time, which was a bummer, but at least the battle system had a good flow. In battle, players can have three characters engaged, but at any time they can also switch to their reserves. Each character started out as a unique individual: Lulu was the Black Belly, and Wakka had an edge, for example. Instead of gaining EXP, they would earn AP which they could then use to expand their skill tree-like system, called the Sphere Grid.

With enough patience, each character can eventually be the same. Regardless of class, each character can attack or use any skills/spells. Killing an enemy with an attack that was too strong would create an Overkill, giving players more rewards. Late game items can also unlock higher damage levels, meaning characters can do more than 9999 damage (some Clair Obscur fans are probably familiar with). The best part was Yuna, who was a Summoner/White Mage, who could summon creatures called Aeons into battle. Aeons temporarily replaced all party members, and if they died, Yuna could simply send out a new one. It was almost like an endless supply of party members. Between Aeons, character swaps, and Overkills, there was a lot to love Final Fantasy 10.

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

Let's-A-Go!

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga is the first game in the Mario and Luigi series and was released for the Game Boy Advance. Like its RPG predecessors, the game's turn-based combat was reactive, but the party system was reduced to just Mario and Luigi. In the setting, players control both brothers simultaneously. Eventually they unlock Metroid-like power-ups, such as the ability to glide and go underground, opening up new paths.

In battle, players control Mario's movements with the A button and Luigi's with the B button. This includes choosing attacks as well as defending or countering during the enemy phase. Each special skill uses both brothers, and players must remember a Quick Time Event to increase their maximum potential, from shooting fireballs to kicking turtle shells. Everything in combat is involved, and if players aren't paying attention, they will lose quickly. Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga is a tough RPG, but the combat is still commendable, along with the colorful world Mario and Luigi get to explore between the actual environments, characters, and music.

Valkyria Chronicles

World War Tactics

Valkyria Chronicles is the PS3 turn-based tactical RPG that turned the genre on its head. The game takes place in a less fantastical world, reflecting the darkness of World War II but set on a continent called Europe. Players are part of Squad 7, a volunteer military unit that joined the war effort after their neutral nation was invaded. In combat, players are presented with a variety of objectives, from killing all targets to making it to a certain area of ​​the map.

On the player's turn, they choose any of their units that fall under classes such as snipers, heavy weapons specialists, or even a tank driver. Once a unit is selected, it has an energy meter that determines how far it can travel, which will deplete in real time. This means that units can eventually shoot at them freely, and players can even step on traps if they're not careful. When they want to attack to end their turn, the game will pause, allowing players to manually aim their weapons at a target, which makes a difference. Smart players can set their units to freely counterattack enemies on their turn as well. Valkyria Chronicles is one of the most hectic tactical games of all time, but that's a good thing, because players really have to think about strategy.

A cross between action and turn-based

Metaphor: ReFantazio is the latest game from Persona team at Atlus, which was released for multiple systems, including the PS5. In this fantasy world, players go through trials, usually dungeons, in their goal to become the next king in a kind of race for the throne. Enemies appear on the map, and if they are low enough, players can attack and kill them in real time. For the most part, however, players must participate in turn-based battles by choosing four characters to join their party – although they can be switched mid-battle as in Final Fantasy 10.

There is a class system in the game called Archetypes, which range between RPG standards such as warriors and mages. Archetypes will react differently than other archetypes, meaning they can create double attacks such as i Chrono Triggerbut the beauty is that most archetypes can be equipped by any party member. Experimenting with these Archetype combos, leveling them up to unlock new ones, and using them to exploit enemy weaknesses are all great aspects of Metaphor: ReFantazio's combat system. Additionally, the active actions players can take are pretty revolutionary as well.