Summary
The PlayStation 5 has slowly but surely amassed a library of amazing games that are breathtaking to play. From video games that push the boundaries of graphical prowess to quirky titles with unique gameplay loops, the PS5 has it all and then some.
One thing fans have noticed in this generation is that turn-based combat games are finally making a comeback. This is a source of joy for many fans who felt that this genre was being left in the dust by modern developers who prioritized real-time combat loops over everything else.
It’s a shame thatMarvel’s Midnight Sunsdidn’t sell too many units. The writing of this game was on the weaker side, butthe amazing tactical combatmore than made up for it.
Given how much people love theXCOMseries, it’s easy to see whyMarvel’s Midnight Sunswas expected to excel in this regard. The deck-building component adds a refreshing bit of strategy to the combat that is accessible enough for fans to enjoy, especially if they felt that theXCOMgames were a bit too hard.
Yakuza: Like a Dragonwas a major genre shift for the series, andInfinite Wealthcontinues this new turn-based tradition. There are more jobs for players to mess around with, and combat mechanics have been tightened just enough to alleviate some of the frustration that could arise from enemy positioning.
All these changes helpInfinite Wealthstand out as a PS5 game with excellent turn-based combat. It helps that the story expands Ichiban’s likable character while also giving some closure to Kiryu at the tail end of his journey as a yakuza veteran.
Persona 3 Reloadis an excellent remake that lets fans enjoy a modernized version of the title that helped thisSMTspinoff series become Atlus' most popular IP. Tartarus' random floors feel just varied enough for exploration to not feel like a slog, with the additional bells and whistles addressing some of the biggest criticisms from the original title.
The stylish interface and faster combat pace all contribute to helpingPersona 3 Reloadstand out as one of the best turn-based RPGs fans can get their hands on for the PS5. The story takes a while to get serious but will leave fans emotionally devastated, given the amount of time they’ve spent with a lovable cast of characters.
Shin Megami Tensei 5is one of the best JRPGs that is as challenging as they come.TheSMTseries is known for its high difficulty, and such is the case with the fifth mainline entry.
However, it’s also one of the more accessible entries in the series that slowly introduces its gameplay systems, with Atlus deeming this game fit for an updatedVengeancerelease that allowed PS5 players to get their hands on this incredible turn-based JRPG. Amassing an army of demons and laying waste to the enemies in the player’s path will never not be engaging.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33is a game that came out of nowhereand established itself as one of the best turn-based RPGs of all time. The game combines real-time inputs with turn-based combat to reward both reactive and tactical play.
The unique world focuses on the journey of an expedition group hoping to take out the Paintress, a supernatural being that has, once a year, erased people above a certain age, with every year counting down.Expedition 33’s excellent storytelling and rewarding combat make it one of the best PS5 games players can get their hands on.
Atlus surprised everyone with their work on a new IP set in a high fantasy world.Metaphor: ReFantaziomanages to feel like an old-school JRPG that’s not bogged down by most typical fantasy tropes.
The combat rewards forethought as players do everything in their power to stack up as many extra turns as possible. Getting the jump on enemies and smashing them to bits never fails to be engaging and isa huge part of what makesMetaphor: ReFantazioso special.
Octopath Traveler 2is a massive improvement over its predecessor and one of the best turn-based JRPGs ever made.The narrative structure for every protagonistdoesn’t feel too similar, the combat is vastly improved, and exploration is more rewarding than ever.
The amazing boss battles, fantastic music, and beautiful HD-2D visuals combine to makeOctopath Traveler 2a feast for JRPG fans. Players looking for an old-school game in the genre will love this polished and beautiful title that will keep them busy for hours on end.
Baldur’s Gate 3is one of the greatest video games ever made, wowing fans with its amazing role-playing goodness, lovable characters, andan outstanding tactical turn-based combat system. There’s a reason why fans can’t stop going gaga over this Western RPG.
Larian Studios somehow managed to make a worthy successor to one of the greatest role-playing franchises of all time. The sheer number of ways a player’s journey can diverge based on their actions is incredible and a huge part of what makesBaldur’s Gate 3so special.
