The Most Unique JRPG Battle Systems!

[@grahfkarate1799]

Legend of Legaia ! Such an underrated gem. Combat system is like a turn based fighting game with Pokemon mixed in.

[@KhunnieShin]

I was about to comment about Legend of Legia. Definitely should've been in this list.

[@ErekLadd]

@@KhunnieShin I've yet to play it unfortunately! It's in my very very long backlog!

[@Culex22]

I was going to post this as well. Underrated game with a very unique battle system

[@resellingwithjon]

Legaia is sooo satisfying. Get on it Erek, worth pushing something else in the backlog to experience this PS1 gem

[@dharpoon]

Yes. I love the battle system of legend of legaia and xenogears.

[@colbymarklinger9673]

Legend of Dragoon. So satisfying when you can master the harder additions

[@ErekLadd]

Definitely! I loved the timed hits in that game. So good!

[@feiitogaming]

Fantastic video as always. I really enjoyed the turn based combat system in Chained Echoes. The overheat gauge and the swappable characters really added a lot of strategic depth that kept encounters challenging. Really fun stuff!

[@ErekLadd]

Oh yes! I've only played maybe 3-4 hours of that. Really need to restart and experience that one!!

[@LordTenebrum]

Parasite Eve, the first one! I don't know if it's really unique but in my younger days I was blown away by the freedom to move around and have an ATB type turn system. I was so used to turn battle system or ATB from FF, so Parasite Eve was so fresh to play.

[@ErekLadd]

Oh gosh I remember that game! I didn't really enjoy it much but it was really cool to play!

[@ryandavid1277]

Top notch content. I played Grandia later in life, long after my first forray into JRPGs with the original Final Fantasy back on NES. How this system wasn't widely copied by other JRPGs is a constant shock to me. It should have replaced turn based a long time ago. This video deserves a part 2 by the way.

[@ErekLadd]

Grandia is a good one that’s for sure. Grandia II does a great job as well! Some say it’s better than the first game too. Thanks for tuning in!!

[@sladevalen2120]

I 1000% recommend people who like unique jrpg combat systems to look up Eternal Sonata. The main mechanic is that depending on whether you stand in light or shadow in the arena, both you and the enemies get new moves or even new forms entirely

[@jyeo5556]

I really liked your coverage of each different battle system and explanation of each game, thank you for making such a helpful video!

[@ErekLadd]

Thanks!!!! Tried to make it pretty clear for each game.

[@GenerationPixel]

I was starting to worry that you'd left out Grandia, but you pull it out just on time 😘

[@ErekLadd]

I'll always try and mention Grandia whenever I can!! 🤣

[@kingveelatte41]

Great list! In fact, I just found out there is a game called Quest 64 😅

[@ErekLadd]

Give it a shot if you can! It's a fun little adventure!

[@ntrotter1166]

Eternal Sonata, for all its faults, did a cool turn based action system. It added in dark and light mechanics to add some urgency to positioning. There was a gradual introduction of mechanics and the option to go back to a more patient but limited version. Plus, with no magic resource you could technically spam combos all turn . . . But there was a nice risk reward to that too

[@Wolfqueen007]

No Legend of Dragoon? I always loved how it required timed button presses to increase the potency of your attacks, and even had enemy counters when the attacks had three or more combos

[@babyface7440]

you are right

[@ErekLadd]

Definitely love that game and I wanted to cover it but didn’t want to make the video too long. I’ve got a retrospective on it though which covers the game and the battle system! kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5e7XqR9g6mKnJY

[@Wolfqueen007]

@@ErekLadd cool. I'll check that out. I wouldn't be surprised if I've already seen it and just don't remember. 😅

[@nishquikpops]

Nice to see Xenoblade on here! Funnily enough 1 has my least favorite combat in the series but that's only because each subsequent game adds so much depth and polish to the already present systems that were in 1 already. X's Soul voices, 2's blade combos, and 3's fusion arts were all so much fun to play with. Also in 1 Melia was my personal favorite to play as because of how different she was compared to the other 6 party members!

[@ErekLadd]

Yeah each game after had its own twist! X was cool, I liked 3 a lot!! 2 I had a hard time getting into and a lot of other people did as well. I cannot wait to see what’s next for the series!!

[@ZephyrFate]

I'm very surprised Shadow Hearts was left out of this video. The Judgment Ring is about as good as turn-based combat gets.

[@ErekLadd]

I have yet to play that game! Hoping to get to it soon!

[@sixsixjd]

Some great games in here. Im really looking forward to fantasian. A good unique battle system worth mentioning is vagrant story Either way great list 💪

[@ErekLadd]

Yes Vagrant Story! Good choice there. I've only played a few hours but lost interested. I should get back to it!

[@sixsixjd]

@@ErekLadd it's definitely a harder game to play. Recommend emulating and mods they make it feel more like a remaster 💪

[@Postumeartist]

There’s something about sakaguchi where you just know he’s involved. It’s also difficult in a really satisfying way.

[@Olivuhr]

Don’t know if you ever played it but I really enjoyed Eternal Sonata’s battle system. You should definitely give it a try!

[@ErekLadd]

Yes!! I actually had eternal sonata on my list for this video but it’s been sooo long that I’ve kinda of forgotten how it works. I need to replay it!

[@Olivuhr]

@@ErekLadd I have so many good memories on that game! The story is kinda basic I guess but I hade so much fun nonetheless. Love your videos by the way! Keep it up 🔥

[@devinreed21]

Quest 64 was the 1st game I got on the N64 and I loved it. Also, one of my favorite battle systems of all time is Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes. I’ve never played anything like it.

[@Sronmars_Den]

I just came across this video randomly, read the title, and my first thought was of Grandia. I was happy to see that it was included here. Its battle system is my favorite of any turn-based RPG that I have played. I'm gonna keep an eye out for Fantasian. 🙃

[@ErekLadd]

Yeah it’s great!! Really blew me away when I first played it. Also definitely keep an eye out for fantasian, it’s lots of fun!

[@retrobrandon]

"Very MMO inspired, IMO" you clever devil, you!

[@ErekLadd]

I try!!!!

[@uppernimbus]

Xenoblade's combat system is something I wasn't sure I'd like when first playing the game, but I'm so glad it's something I came to love pretty quickly. Awesome list of games Erek!

[@ErekLadd]

Yeah it was a bit tricky to figure out at first but once it clicked.. man it was good!

[@jprwilliams1]

Nice list! Surprised not to see the combo system from Legend of Dragoon in here

[@ErekLadd]

Loved that one!! Nearly included it and xenogears but didn’t want to over do it for this video 😂 thanks for tuning in!

[@juanchiapa2882]

Subscribed. Quest 64 had an interesting approach

[@ErekLadd]

Hey thanks! It sure did. Hardest part of the game was actually *seeing* the spirits to upgrade your magic. They're hidden so well on the overworld map!

[@guruthosamarthruin4459]

I think the Legend of Heroes (Trails) series has very unique combat. It revolves around inflicting status ailments and delays, in order to prevent the enemy from even getting turns. In the vast majority of RPGs, status ailments barely even matter.

[@ErekLadd]

That's one series I really need to get into! Have heard nothing but good things.

[@femtrooper]

Love this! Also, I need to give FFXII a chance...still need to try it out!

[@RwnEsper]

Interesting video. If you want a really unusual battle system, try Knights in the Nightmare.

[@ErekLadd]

Sure! I will check it out!

[@RwnEsper]

@@ErekLadd It's a bit hard to come by these days. They recently did remake it for Switch, but no translation so far. I've never played anything quite like it. An RPG/bullet-hell hybrid with touchscreen controls. Great art and music. I didn't love it, but boy does it fit this topic.

[@umbra7603]

FFXII has possibly my favorite gameplay system ever.

[@ErekLadd]

It’s very unique and fun to customize the gambits!

[@radianttrails939]

I'm not sure if you've played the new LoH Trails through Daybreak yet, but super unique combat for sure!

[@ErekLadd]

Not yet! Yet to play a single trails game. Soon though!

[@zerohx77]

Grandia!!!!

[@babyface7440]

one of the best still Legend of Dragoon ;) please make a video

[@ErekLadd]

I have a retrospective on legend of dragoon here! The Legend of Dragoon: Forgotten Gem to Cult Classic kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5e7XqR9g6mKnJY

[@threeswordssama]

I vaguely remember playing Quest 64 back in the day. I might have rented it I think

[@ErekLadd]

I played it as a kid and had zero idea what the heck was going on. Replayed last year for the first time since the 90s and yeah… didn’t age well 😂

[@threeswordssama]

@@ErekLadd That checks out for sure

[@HolyHadou]

Legend of Legaia: Take Tekken + a Turn Based JRPG = Profit Radiant Historia Perfect Chronology: Why hasn't it been rereleased for PC?! Chrono Trigger: Haven't seen anything like it show up other than that one snow based JRPG from RPG Factory. Star Ocean Till The End Of Time: Game allowed for MP based kills and was my favorite Star Ocean combat system. It had so much potential but no one bothered to tap into it.

[@ErekLadd]

Great picks!!

[@andrewkkerr8435]

Mine would be shadow hearts 1&2 and xenosaga 1&3 followed by persona 3 reloaded

[@kaz1122]

Shadow Hearts

[@mechak.7504]

The most unique was the wild arms 4 and 5 hex battle system

[@guruthosamarthruin4459]

Be honest. You only played Arc the Lad because it's so close to your name. ;)

[@ErekLadd]

Haha maybe!!! Actually I found out about the soundtrack first, the arranged one to be specific, then played the game. It's composed by my favorite guitar player and it is soooo good.

[@wizcatcheslightning]

Any chance you’ve played the Ark the Lad for the PS2?

[@ErekLadd]

Nope! Only the first one!

[@wizcatcheslightning]

@@ErekLadd oh man, you gotta check that game out! It’s so double A from what I’ve seen and I love it

[@NightmareOni]

Shadow Hearts?

[@biske85]

Was about to post this too. Didn't think I'd see it in the comments, tbh.

[@ErekLadd]

Haven't played it yet!

[@p00pdragon]

Grandia and quest 64 have to be the most unique here. I’d argue a lot to these are not unique like arc the lad, love the game but it doesn’t have a unique take on strategy rpg. Xenoblade is basically an action mmorpg. Ff12 is a reworked ff11 battle system IMO not making it super unique. Would of loved to see more stuff like parasite Eve, vagrant story, koudelka, or enchanted arms. The weirder stuff that are more experimental.

[@djbawb]

Quest 64 is the best game of all time. I will fight you

[@ErekLadd]

I yield

[@Sronmars_Den]

I'm gonna have to bust out my N64. I only have a few games but I believe I do have Quest 64. Thing is, I never played it. 😅 I'm not even sure how it ended in my hands to be honest. 😝 I might try it sometime in the far future. 😶

[@keymot1491]

Why you doing the gay bear smile on the thumbnail

[@ErekLadd]

You clicked on it though 🐻 😉

[@forbiddensuper2369]

No cassette beasts automatic dislike

[@ErekLadd]

I haven’t even heard of that game 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@forbiddensuper2369]

@@ErekLadd ngl makes sense it came out around the same time as tears of the kingdom so it kinda was overshadowed by that and abunch of other big games