The Best RPGs on the Nintendo 3DS (According to Metacritic)

Highlights

• The Nintendo DS has a great library of traditional RPGs, making it a perfect fit for the genre.
• Project X Zone 2 is a crossover game featuring characters from various franchises, offering a fun and accessible tactical combat experience.
• The Alliance Alive is a compelling JRPG with enjoyable combat and interesting characters, and it serves as a spiritual follow-up to The Legend of Legacy.

The DS has one of the best libraries of traditional RPGs out there. Plus, handhelds are a fantastic fit for the genre. That is to say, grinding out some levels in something turn-based while catching up on the latest binge-worthy series rather than slogging it out in front of a console is less tiresome.

Its successor, the Nintendo 3DS, also has a massive library thanks partly to being backward compatible. Nintendo has discontinued the portable, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a ton of great options still. Here are the best Nintendo 3DS RPGs out there, ranked according to their Metacritic scores.

Updated December 1st, 2023, by Michael Llewellyn: The 3DS is a fantastic system for fans of RPGs. While most of the games lacked the triple-A budget of home console RPGs, creativity and rich stories are where the games shined the most. Most fans of RPGs prefer gameplay, world-building, and story over big-budget titles with shallow gameplay and flashy effects. This list is updated to include specifications and more RPGs for fans to play.

25 Project X Zone 2

A Tactical RPG With Tons Of Crossovers

Developed by the studio that created the Xenoblade series, Project X Zone 2 is a crossover game that features multiple characters from various franchises. It is a dream come true for fans who want to see their favorite characters, from Leon Kennedy from Resident Evil to KOS-MOS from the Xenosaga trilogy, in the same game.

Project X Zone 2 features Capcom, Sega, Namco, and Nintendo characters in a mash-up for the ages, rivaling even the Smash Bros series for fan service. The tactical combat is fun and accessible but challenging enough to keep players returning for more. However, the interactions between characters in this dream match of diverse characters make Project X Zone 2 a standout title on the 3DS.

24 The Alliance Alive

A Compelling JRPG From The Creator Of Suikoden

Released in 2018, The Alliance Alive is a traditional JRPG and a spiritual follow-up to The Legend of Legacy, which also gained a cult following on the Nintendo 3DS after its launch in 2015. Its art design is divisive, but Alliance Alive is a fun game with an enjoyable combat system and interesting characters.

Fans of the Suikoden series may be interested to know that the creator of that series, Yoshitaka Murayama, also wrote the scenario for The Alliance Alive. It never quite reaches the complexity or maturity of that series, but it is still a worthwhile JRPG to dive into. The better version of Alliance Alive is available in HD for the PC, PS4, and Switch.

23 Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance

A Compelling Side Story For Fans Of Kingdom Hearts

Despite its entry as a handheld spin-off, Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance is vital to the series lore. While it is better experienced in one package with Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, 3DS owners and JRPG collectors may want this gem in their collection.

Next to Birth By Sleep, Kingdom Hearts 3D is the best spin-off in the build toward Kingdom Hearts 3. Even without the HD remaster on home consoles, this entry is one of the best-looking 3DS games on the system and similar to the first two games in the series.

22 Tales Of The Abyss

A Fan Favorite With Brilliant Character Development

A direct port of the PlayStation 2 original, Tales of the Abyss on the Nintendo 3DS performed flawlessly on the handheld system. Since its original release in 2006, Tales of the Abyss has long been a favorite among fans of the Tales series. ToA is a perfect port with clean visuals and great character and environment designs. It lacks any 3D features, but as one of the best PS2-era JRPGs, fans who may have missed out the first time should pick this up.

Its release on the 3DS also meant that fans could finally get the game in European regions, as it was never released outside of Japan and the US. ToA arguably has the best character development in the Tales series as its protagonist, Luke, grows from a spoiled, rich, and frankly unlikeable boy to a full-blown hero by the end of the game. It has a great battle system, a likable supporting cast, an excellent script, and a lengthy story.

21 Crimson Shroud

A Fantastic Blend Of Tabletop and JRPG Genres

• Metascore: 76
• Launched: 2012
• Developer: Level 5

Launched in 2012 for the 3DS, Crimson Shroud was developed by Level 5, the same studio behind Ni No Kuni and Dragon Quest 8. The studio’s past titles show they have a talent for modernizing the classic RPG formula, and with Crimson Shroud, they take it to the next level. This title includes mechanics associated with tabletop RPGs, complete with dice rolls and choices that change the outcome of quests. The biggest downside is that it was only available in the now-defunct 3DS eShop. Hopefully, the Switch get a remaster of this little gem sometime in the future.

20 7th Dragon 3 Code: VFD

An Imaginative Blend Of Fantasy And Science Fiction

• Metascore: 76
• Released: 2016
• Developer: Imageepoch

Released in 2018, 7th Dragon 3 Code: VFD is a JRPG set in the year 2100 after Dragons destroyed the Earth in 2020. The remnants of human civilization have reemerged, and the threat of the dragons has long been forgotten.

The protagonists beat a VR game that simulated an attack from the dragons, making them the perfect candidates for the inevitable next onslaught from the Dragons. The game takes its players on an epic journey through time to defeat the legendary 7th Dragon. The imaginative JRPG transcends the limitations of the 3DS and is a worthwhile entry into the library of any JRPG fan.

19 Ever Oasis

Released in 2017, Ever Oasis is an ambitious action-adventure RPG from the same team that created The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D. It is an action-adventure game with several mechanics focusing on looking after the Oasis.

There are farming elements, shop building, town management, and more. As the community grows, characters will open up new areas that need exploring. All these elements merge to make the perfect game for short or long bursts on the handheld system.

18 Rune Factory 4

A Farming Sim And Dungeon Crawler Similar To Harvest Moon

A spin-off from the Harvest Moon series, Rune Factory is a life simulation, farming game, and dungeon crawler all rolled into one, with some relationship mechanics thrown in there for good measure. It is the perfect fit for genre fans, thanks to the drop-in and drop-out features in a handheld system.

One could effortlessly lose themselves for hours playing on their sofa at home or having a quick game on the commute to work. It was also released on home consoles, but, as with Harvest Moon and Animal Crossing, the handheld is the best way to play the game.

17 Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor: Overclocked

A Challenging Tactical RPG Set In The SMT Universe

Devil Survivor: Overclocked is an enhanced remaster of the 2009 Nintendo DS original. It is a tactical RPG from Atlas, who created the Shin Megami Tensei series and its spin-offs, including Persona and Career Soft, the studio behind the excellent Langrisser and the Growlanser series. Career Soft is now a part of Atlus after being purchased by Index Holdings in 2010.

Like other titles in the SMT series, Devil Survivor is challenging but fair. Thankfully, the learning curve isn’t steep, and newcomers will adapt to the tactical system early in the story. Overclocked is the definitive version of Devil Survivor. It features an eighth day that expands on the game’s endings.

16 Stella Glow

A Fantasy RPG With A Compelling Narrative

Launched in 2015, Stella Glow is a strategy RPG that puts players in the shoes of two young adventurers as they try to save the world from a witch hell-bent on turning everyone into crystals. It is a fantasy-based premise that builds toward a surprisingly mature narrative with an excellent ending, featuring twists and turns in the plot that fans will enjoy.

The adventurers must recruit elemental witches to fight against the Witch of Destruction. The variety of the characters creates some genuinely tense points in combat, making for satisfying outcomes when overcoming adversity. Stella Glow is enjoyable because it is easy to pick up without burying the player in needless complexities.

15 Yo-kai Watch 3

An Entertaining Spin On The Pokemon Genre

Games can either have an increasing effect or a degrading one over time with sequels. With the third entry in a formulaic series like Yo-Kai Watch, one would assume reviews would go down over time. However, it is quite the opposite.

While every main game on 3DS has similar scores, making the increase or decrease in numbers not too important, it is worth noting that this is the best in the series. Catching ghosts instead of Pokemon in the real world has its appeal!

14 Dragon Quest 7: Fragments Of A Forgotten Past

The Definitive Version Of Dragon Quest 7

After finding a home on the Nintendo DS with a trilogy of remakes of Dragon Quest 4: Chapters of the Chosen, Dragon Quest 5: Hand of the Heavenly Bride, and Dragon Quest 6: Realms of Revelation, the adventures continued on the 3DS with a remake of the PS1 classic Dragon Warrior 7.

Dragon Warrior 7 is a lengthy title, and the 3DS remake is no different. However, the pacing is improved thanks to some quality-of-life conventions. The seventh entry in the Dragon Quest series maintains its traditional and beautiful fairytale adventure feel that few other JRPGs are losing their quests to be darker and edgier.

13 Persona Q: Shadow Of The Labyrinth

A Dungeon Crawler With Characters From The Persona Series

Released in 2014, Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth is an old-school JRPG in the style of the Etrian Odyssey games. It brings together characters from Persona 3 and Persona 4 in a way that does not just feel like a throwaway spin-off title but another worthwhile chapter in the saga.

Like the Etrian Odyssey, Persona Q has challenging puzzles and a steep learning curve. That does not take away from the fun, however, and there will be a moment when everything will click, and players could potentially lose themselves in it for hours. It is also worth checking out its sequel, Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth, which brings together a dream of characters that features characters from Persona 3, Persona 4, and Persona 5.

12 Etrian Odyssey 4: Legends of the Titan

Modern Spin On The Dungeon Crawling Genre

Etrian Odyssey is another series that is getting better over time. Part of the reason why it keeps getting better reviews is that it manages to stay true to its hardcore, challenging roots while at the same time inviting new players in. It is the turn-based dungeon crawler equivalent to something like Darkest Dungeon.

RELATED: Hidden Gems On The 3DS Every Gamer Needs To Play

The only difference here is that Etrian Odyssey is evolving, while similar games in the genre mostly stick to traditional gameplay mechanics. It is hard to grow a series without trying new things.

11 Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 – Record Breaker

A Remastered Tactical RPG With Expanded Content

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 is an enhanced remaster of the original tactical RPG on the Nintendo 3DS. It features additional content, 3D capabilities, and an expanded story to incentivize fans of the original and appeal to newcomers. Moreover, Devil Survivor 2 is a game that plays out as a singular experience. So, players will not need prior knowledge of the first Devil Survivor to understand the story.

Better still, the Record Breaker content is a campaign that picks up where the events of the original Devil Survivor 2 ended. As a result, fans of the DS original can play Record Breaker as a sequel to the original story. The Shin Megami Tensei themes of a demonic apocalypse, challenging gameplay, and demon recruitment are all present in this grid-based tactical RPG.

10 Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr’s Journey

Step Into The Shoes Of Bowser In This Turn-Based JRPG

Mario and Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story is a remaster of the original game on the DS. That alone is reviewed as one of the best. The Mario titles, from platformers to RPGs, are timeless. This remains true for this reworked version.

The remaster features extra quests that do not add much to the core experience. Extras aside, the core turn-based time attack RPG combat feels as fresh as ever. Plus, Bowser finally got his adventure.

9 Shin Megami Tensei 4: Apocalypse

A Deep And Challenging Entry In The SMT Universe

The original Shin Megami Tensei 4 got an 83, while its follow-up did only slightly better. Both games are regarded as some of the deepest RPGs on consoles everywhere — not just the 3DS.

SMT Apocalypse was reviewed better due to its story and overall tweaking of the mechanics. Like Etrian Odyssey, SMT 4 doubled down on the hardcore but opened its gates for new players thanks to its satisfying gameplay loop.

8 Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology

A Remaster Of The DS’s Best JRPGs

Originally released on the DS, Radiant Historia was expanded and reworked with new character designs and cutscenes for the 3DS in a definitive version. It was developed by a team of members who worked on the Shin Megami Tensei series and Radiata Stories on the PlayStation 2.

The art design and storytelling are reminiscent of those JRPGs, but The Perfect Chronology expanded its content with new scenarios and gameplay mechanics. Few games get the complexities of a time-traveling narrative spot on, but Radiant Historia is easily up there with Chrono Trigger.

7 Dragon Quest 8

This port comes from the PS2. Visually, the graphics are close to the original, although perhaps a bit brighter. Either way, the cel-shaded art design gives the game a timeless cartoon-like aesthetic that translates well to the 3DS system.

Besides the benefits of portability, making it easier to grind and multitask, it also added a fast-forward button to make battles go by faster. The quality of life features improved the pacing, making the randomized fights less frustrating in Dragon Quest 8.

6 Bravely Default

Bravely Default is a throwback to the Final Fantasy games of old. It features a fast-forward mechanic and a meter that manages random battles. Want to get into combat with every literal step or want none at all? It is the choice of the player.

These are the quality-of-life features that should be included in all retro-style JRPGs. The style is reminiscent of the Final Fantasy 4 remake on the 3DS. Though the narrative lacks the impact of FF4, Bravely Default is an enjoyable adventure for fans of the genre.