The role-playing game genre covers a broad variety of games and sub-genres; from JRPGs like Chrono Trigger to action-RPGs such as Diablo, there are plenty of experiences for all kinds of RPG fans.
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While many RPGs do make use of pixel-art visuals, especially JRPGs, this is becoming less and less common in modern games. Many modern RPGs, save perhaps for a few indie exceptions, especially in the higher-budget space, have made the switch to 3D, whether or not they go for a stylized or realistic look. These modern examples, however, continue to bring to bear the charm that old-school pixel art can offer.
Classics like Chrono Trigger and many entries in the Final Fantasy franchise are well-crafted RPGs with great old-school pixel art. However, in the interest of shining a light on more recent titles, these classics - along with games such as EarthBound and other household names - have purposefully been avoided.
7 Death Trash
A Fresh Take On Old-School Fallout
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: 2021
- Developer(s): Crafting Legends
- Genre: RPG
Death Trash may be in Early Access at the time of writing, but it shows a great deal of promise with its unique post-apocalyptic setting, character design, and real-time combat. Death Trash feels similar to the original Fallout games, though its real-time, action-packed combat is dramatically different.
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The wasteland setting of Death Trash is depicted in consistently impressive pixel art, complete with dark, gritty environments, and fleshy creatures. Due to its Early Access state, Death Trash is a little light on content, but it remains a worthwhile RPG in spite of this. Furthermore, a promising roadmap was shared by the developers in March 2024.
6 Cassette Beasts
A Unique Creature Collector
Cassette Beasts
- Platform(s)
- PC , Switch , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Xbox One
- Released
- April 26, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Bytten Studio
- Genre(s)
- RPG
This creature-collecting indie RPG features a vibrant, colorful 3D world with pixel-art textures and 2D characters. Cassette Beasts takes clear inspiration from games like Pokemon but has a remarkable twist that allows it to stand out on its own.
Cassette Beasts has players recording creatures onto cassettes in order to gain their abilities. Most notably, however, players can then fuse creatures together in battle to create unique forms. These fusions even have their own animations that take full advantage of the game's pixel art style.
5 Eastward
A Charming Post-Apocalyptic RPG
This charming post-apocalyptic RPG features real-time action combat and a beautiful world to explore, depicted with detailed pixel art and smooth animations. The game's setting is both vibrant and creative, despite its post-apocalypse theme, represented brilliantly with stylish pixel art graphics.
Eastward is on the simpler side of RPGs, with a relatively straightforward combat system interconnected with basic puzzles. However, the well-written characters and interesting locations make exploring Eastward a consistently good time.
4 CrossCode
A SNES-Inspired RPG With Real-Time Combat
- Platform(s): PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
- Released: 2018
- Developer(s): Radical Fish Games
- Genre: Action RPG
Taking inspiration from SNES classics, CrossCode features crunchy 16-bit pixel art graphics and a unique sci-fi narrative. Both the character sprites and highly detailed dialogue portraits are lovingly crafted, providing a nostalgic, old-school aesthetic.
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CrossCode's story drives the game's pace, along with a handful of puzzles. However, the real-time action combat keeps things engaging throughout the long playtime. The game's large world and several dungeons also provide a great deal of visual variety, ensuring that the game's fantastic artwork never gets stale.
3 Undertale
A Charming Pixel-Art RPG With Memorable Characters
Although Undertale's pixel art may be an acquired taste, it offers a ridiculous amount of charm, primarily in its various character designs. Each of Undertale's characters is incredibly memorable, often just by their silhouettes. However, Undertale's unique RPG mechanics and writing are arguably its greatest strengths.
Undertale's biggest selling point is the fact that players don't have to kill their enemies. Instead, the game features a mercy system that forces players to engage in a hectic bullet hell in order to survive. With an ensemble cast of quirky characters and multiple endings, Undertale is arguably among the best pixel-art RPGs.
2 Sea Of Stars
Old-School Pixel-Art With Dynamic Lighting
Sea of Stars
- Platform(s)
- PC , PS5 , PS4 , Switch , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Xbox One
- Released
- August 29, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Sabotage
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Taking clear inspiration from games such as Chrono Trigger, Sea Of Stars is a well-crafted old-school RPG with an engaging combat system and a brilliant sense of style. The visually striking retro pixel art has been made with impressive attention to detail, and the modern dynamic lighting only bolsters its appearance.
Despite its visuals being one of its greatest strengths, Sea Of Stars is also a competent RPG with a captivating turn-based combat system. Sea Of Stars features timed attacks similar to games such as Paper Mario, as well as a combo system and multiple damage types that keep players strategizing throughout every encounter.
1 Octopath Traveler 2
A Dense And Richly Detailed RPG
This dense and richly detailed RPG features 2D characters in 3D environments, visualized in a painterly pixel art style. Octopath Traveler 2, like its predecessor, is a fairly old-school RPG. However, it features a unique narrative structure and engaging turn-based combat.
Octopath Traveler features an ensemble cast of characters, each with their own stories, allowing for a unique and non-linear method of storytelling. The game's combat is also a particular standout, requiring careful strategy and the correct use of abilities, as well as the boost system, to be successful. The original Octopath Traveler is also worth playing, preferably before this sequel, though it could be argued that Octopath Traveler 2 improves on its predecessor.
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