Summary
Role-playing gamesare one of the broadest genres in video games, covering a variety of sub-genres. Because progression is such an important part of role-playing games, it’s extremely common for RPGs - especially older games andmore traditional CRPGs- to have a variety of equipment that players can find and equip.
It’s not uncommon for action RPGs, for example, to grant players hundreds of weapons over the course of any one playthrough. However, this can result in min-maxing and less accessible gameplay, as players will often have to strategize a competent build in order to comfortably beat the game. These games, however, while potentially light on certain RPG systems,give players - and their party members - access to just one weapon.
This grim-dark,party-based RPGtasks players with delving into dangerous dungeons packed with horrifying creatures, depicted in a stark and stylized esthetic.Darkest Dungeonfeatures elements of management, both in and out of combat, as well as a system for stress that adds a great deal of depth to each encounter.
Player parties inDarkest Dungeonare made up of four characters at any one time, put together from the player’s larger roster of heroes. Despite there being plenty of class combinations for players to experiment with, each class only has a single weapon that can be upgraded throughout the game.
Blasphemousis adark and brutalside-scrolling action-platformer that combines elements of the Metroidvania and RPG genres to offer a unique experience. Despite being primarily a Metroidvania, the game’s Soulslike combat and systems for character customization and progression should appeal to fans of certain action RPGs.
Blasphemousfeatures a variety of RPG systems that help to keep players engaged throughout the game’s runtime. Unlocking new abilities and upgrading the player’s one and only weapon - the Mea Culpa (a powerful sword) - are the primary ways that players progress, but the game also features a variety of collectible relics to keep things interesting.
Thisturn-based RPGtakes place in a bright and colorful bug kingdom named Bugaria, and features a visual style and gameplay loop that takes inspiration from games such asPaper Mario.Bug Fablesis a simplistic RPG with a focus on exploration and narrative, but features party-based combat encounters that are frequently engaging.
Each character inBug Fableshas a variety of unique skills, but are themed around one method of attack. For example, Leif uses magic to attack enemies, while Kabbu uses their horn, and Vi uses a boomerang.
This combination of action RPG and Roguelike genres is a fast-paced, combat-focused game that tasks players with battling through various distinct zones anddefeating challenging bosses. Despite having a Roguelike structure,Ravenswatchallows players to level up their character throughout each run, but lacks any form of equipment customization.
This makesRavenswatchfeel more streamlined, while still allowing for different strategies based on each player’s choices. While perhaps not a true, traditional RPG,Ravenswatch’saction-RPG combat and variety of characters will likely appeal to many RPG fans.
This underwater adventure takes equal inspiration from colorful 3D platformers and challenging Soulslikes to provide a fun andaccessible RPG experiencewith combat reminiscent ofDark Souls.Another Crab’s Treasureis a bright and lighthearted adventure, with a variety of distinct environments and memorable boss fights.
The player’s only weapon inAnother Crab’s Treasureis their trusty fork, but this weapon can be upgraded throughout the game using “Stainless Relics.” Despite this simplicity,Another Crab’s Treasuremanages to maintain an engaging combat system with its variety of mechanics and shells to equip.
This game from Supergiant Games, the developers of games such asBastionandHades, takes place in the unique futuristic world of Cloudbank.Transistorfeatures a unique combat system that blends turn-based gameplay with real-time action, allowing for an experience that’s both fast-paced and strategic.
Transistoris a linear action RPG with plenty of progression in place to make the game feel rewarding throughout. However, players are only given one weapon to combat enemies - the Transistor itself. This massive, personified sword can be equipped with various “functions”, which grant the player unique combat abilities. This results in a deep and strategic system that’s streamlined enough to be accessible.
This Soulslike is a step awayfrom developer From Software’susual game design, with the most notable departure from their traditional gameplay being the lack of multiple weapons. In theDark Soulsgames, while some players may keep the same weapon throughout most of the game, it’s not uncommon to find and equip new ones. However,Sekirois focused entirely on using a single katana.
This focus on one weapon allowsSekiro: Shadows Die Twiceto be an experience that’s even more about mastery than FromSoft’s previous titles. Furthermore, the game’s well-crafted and intuitive combat system makes for a challenging experience with plenty of room for skill expression, resulting in a rewarding gameplay loop.
