Action RPG Games Collection
Merging real-time combat with role-playing depth, Action RPGs (ARPGs) deliver character progression through direct player control rather than turn-based systems. The genre gained prominence across arcades, consoles and handhelds.
Key Evolution
- Early Pioneers: Dungeon Explorer (TurboGrafx-16), Ys I & II (PC Engine)- 16-bit Defining: Secret of Mana (SNES), Landstalker (Genesis)
- 3D Breakthroughs: Diablo (PS1), Ogre Battle 64 (N64)
- Handheld Legends: Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (GBA), The World Ends With You (NDS)
Core Mechanics
- Real-time combat: Button-mashing meets stats (River City Ransom NES)- Loot systems: Randomized drops (NeoGeoPocket's Dark Arms)
- Hybrid progression: XP + skill-based (Soul Blazer SNES)
Why Players Love It
From Crystalis' sword magic to Shining Soul II's class builds, ARPGs satisfy both twitch reflexes and strategic planning.🎮All Action RPG Retro Games
1987
Action RPGThe radical sequel to The Legend of Zelda transforms the formula with side-scrolling combat, RPG-style leveling, and magic spells. Link ventures through Hyrule to awaken Princess Zelda from an eternal sleep while preventing Ganon's resurrection.
1987
Action RPGLegacy of the Wizard is an action RPG developed by Nihon Falcom and published by Namco for the NES. Players control four family members with unique abilities to explore a vast dungeon and defeat the dragon Keela. Known for its nonlinear gameplay and challenging difficulty.
1992
Action RPGAn isometric action-adventure game following treasure hunter Nigel as he searches for the legendary treasures of King Nole. Features platforming challenges, puzzle-solving, and real-time combat in a vibrant fantasy world. Notable for its innovative 3D-like perspective on 16-bit hardware.
1991
Action RPGCrossed Swords is a 1991 action RPG arcade game by Alpha Denshi for the Neo Geo MVS. Players engage in first-person sword duels using a unique control scheme combining joystick movements with button presses for attacks and blocks. Notable for its innovative combat system and being one of the few Neo Geo games with RPG elements.
2003
Action RPGThis action RPG covers the Android and Cell Sagas from Dragon Ball Z, featuring 5 playable characters with unique abilities. Players explore open-world environments, complete quests, and engage in real-time combat with signature DBZ moves.
2005
Action RPGA GBA cartridge combining two Dragon Ball action RPGs - Buu's Fury (DBZ finale) and Transformation (GT adaptation). Features character progression, special moves, and transformations from both series.
2002
Action RPGShining Soul is an action RPG developed by Grasshopper Manufacture and published by Sega for the Game Boy Advance. Set in the Shining universe, the game features hack-and-slash gameplay with character customization and multiplayer support via link cable.
2004
Action RPGA dungeon-crawling action RPG featuring 8 character classes, multiplayer support, and randomly generated loot in the Shining series universe.
2004
Action RPGThis GBA installment bridges Kingdom Hearts I and II with an innovative card-based battle system. Sora, Donald, and Goofy explore Castle Oblivion where memories shape reality, encountering both familiar Disney worlds and Organization XIII members.
2001
Action RPGIn the year 200X, Lan Hikari and his NetNavi MegaMan.EXE battle cyber threats in both the real world and cyberspace. This innovative RPG combines card-based combat with real-time action across parallel dimensions.
2001
Action RPGThe second installment in the Battle Network series combines RPG elements with real-time grid-based combat. Lan and MegaMan.EXE face new cyber threats while uncovering mysteries of the net world.
2002
Action RPGThe third installment in the Battle Network series introduces new Navi Customizer systems and over 200 Battle Chips. This Blue Version features exclusive chips and areas not found in the White version, with an expanded internet world to explore.
2004
Action RPGThe fourth installment in the Battle Network series featuring a tournament-based storyline where Lan and MegaMan.EXE compete across three championship brackets to prevent a global catastrophe. Blue Moon version includes exclusive Navis, chips, and scenarios differing from Red Sun.
2004
Action RPGIn this version of Battle Network 5, join ProtoMan's team to liberate the cyberworld from Nebula's control. Features tactical Liberation Missions where you command multiple Navis simultaneously, and the new Chaos Unison system that grants powerful dark abilities.
2005
Action RPGThe final chapter in the Battle Network series pits MegaMan.EXE against the fearsome Cybeast Gregar in a unique blend of real-time strategy and RPG gameplay. Set in a futuristic internet world, players use Battle Chips to customize attacks in grid-based cyber battles.
1995
Action RPGAn action RPG that concludes Quintet's 'Soul Blazer' trilogy. Players control Ark to revive Earth's extinct ecosystems while uncovering a cosmic conflict between light and dark. Features real-time combat and world-building mechanics.
1995
Action RPGA cult classic action RPG following a boy and his shape-shifting dog transported through time to four distinct eras. Features a unique alchemy-based magic system and dynamic enemy scaling.
1993
Action RPGSecret of Mana is an action RPG that follows a young boy's quest to prevent an empire from conquering the world with an ancient airship. The game features real-time combat, a unique ring menu system, and cooperative multiplayer for up to three players.