There are countless JRPGs that will remain forever classic to fans, and that’s because they are lean without a lot of bad content slowing players down. Chrono Trigger is one example, along with Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. Both SNES JRPGs are short and easily replayable, no matter how old they get.
Western RPGs have some pretty stellar modern and classic examples out there, too. Just because games don’t waste the time of players with bad pacing doesn’t mean they are short. From expansive RPGs to shorter adventures, these Western-made RPGs will hit the spot every time, and they are fine counters to the JRPG classics.
Undertale
Short, Sweet, And Passive
Undertale is not like most RPGs as it subverts what players are expected to do: kill monsters. While it can be played like a turn-based RPG, it’s much more enjoyable to talk through encounters and to dodge attacks while random monsters and bosses struggle with what they want.
It’s a silly RPG that is the full package, from great writing, music that could rival Mozart, a good battle system, and a short runtime. It’s even more incredible knowing that it’s an indie game with primarily one creator, Toby Fox, behind the whole thing, with a little side help here and there.
Baldur's Gate 3
A Lengthy Game Of Choices
Baldur's Gate 3 is a lengthy game and one that encourages players to replay it, but it never drags thanks to excellent pacing. Players can customize their character and then go on an adventure through tactical combat and dialogue choices. There is no one way to solve a scenario, from goblins raiding a village to a village hidden amongst a dangerous fog.
Decisions will affect the story and party members, making the outcomes unique to each player who decides to pick up the controller or keyboard and have themselves an adventure set within one of the greatest RPG franchises of all time: Dungeons & Dragons.
Costume Quest
Gimme Candy!
Costume Quest is a turn-based RPG from Double Fine, which is set during Halloween. When a group of goblins starts stealing the core party’s candy, they follow them back to their world to try to get their loot back. Combat relies on imagination for the class system, as different costumes can turn these kids into robots, ninjas, knights, and more.
It’s a short game with an equally great DLC add-on, and a sequel that is fun to play through every spooky season. It doesn’t do anything new for the genre, but the simplistic story can provide players with some nice, wholesome nostalgia.
Mass Effect 2
The Reapers Strike Back
Mass Effect 2 gives off Star Wars: Episode 5 - The Empire Strikes Back energy as the dark middle chapter, which is why it’s a good recommendation beyond any other entry. It’s a more confident sequel for BioWare, as they improved a lot of the interface and battle system.
Players can make decisions, being morally good or rebellious, collect party members who are well-written, and participate in squad-based, cover shooting antics. The shooting and power selection feel better, and there’s something just so entertaining about a narrative following the idea of putting the band back together to save the galaxy from cosmic entities wishing to wipe out everything.
South Park: The Stick Of Truth
The Kids Are Back In Town
South Park: The Stick of Truth is almost like Costume Quest, as it features a bunch of kids playing pretend, but the big difference here is the swearing. Players can customize their own South Park kid and form alliances with classic characters to save their imaginary kingdom from forces wishing to steal the titular Stick of Truth.
It’s a good turn-based RPG with active elements that manages to also be a good nostalgia trip through decades of South Park lore and jokes. Finally, at long last, an amazing South Park game was made.
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This article originally appeared on GameRant and is republished here with permission.
