RPGs available on the market are varied,spanning diverse genres and stylesto cater to the multifaceted tastes of players. Gameplay also undergoes significant changes, from epic action games with an emphasis on cinematic narrative to classic JRPGs, beloved by a part of the community.
Another genre that stands out in this space is isometric turn-based RPGs, where players have a certain amount of time to make their choices during combat, emphasizing tactical and strategic elements. Usually accompanied by an isometric camera, there are countless games within this genre, with many excellent highlights available on the market.
ThePersona 2duology, consisting ofInnocent SinandEternal Punishment, highlights deep RPG elements and turn-based combat. Set in a world where rumors come to life, players explore the human mind and its complexities. The isometric camera, later abandoned inmore recent series entries, adds an old-school charm to these isometric RPGs.
Following the classic JRPG format, combat inPersona 2requires caution from players, allowing for combinations of skills and Personas to create powerful attacks. Additionally, in this series entry, all characters can change their summons, offering a unique experience compared to recent series entries.
In the realm of tabletop RPGs,ShadowrunrivalsCyberpunkin the urban fantasy genre. For video games,Shadowrun Returnsstands out as an excellent turn-based RPG. Set in 2054, where magic and technology converge, the player is a shadowrunner in a dystopian Seattle, involved in the search for a mysterious killer in this isometric RPG.
Tactical turn-based combat and a wide variety of characters to choose from allow a strategic approach from players. Additionally, the game features engaging 2D/3D art and a rich narrative, offering a unique experience, especially for fans of the Cyberpunk genre.
The Age of Decadenceis a unique isometricturn-based RPG that explores new limits of the genre. Set in a brutal, magic-free world, the game stands out for its engaging narrative and significant choices. Players can ally with different factions, such as noble houses and professional guilds, each with their own motivations and conflicts.
Difficulty is a central element, requiring careful strategy and planning during combat, reinforcing the idea of a ruthless world where death is easy. With a steep learning curve and real consequences for every decision,The Age of Decadenceoffers a hardcore and rewarding experience for fans of complex isometric RPGs.
A classic of Japanese games,The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zerois a tactical isometric RPG that stands out for its strategic gameplay and deep RPG elements. Lloyd Bannings returns to his hometown to join the Crossbell Police and is assigned to the Special Support Section (SSS), which handles various jobs andhelps those in need.
Through tactical turn-based combat, which requires careful strategy and planning, character customization through Quartz offers various skills and advantages. The story involves corruption and dark secrets in Crossbell, providing an immersive and complex experience for fans of isometric RPGs.
By blending Pixel Art textures in HD-2D with isometric angles, Square Enix achieved incredible results inTriangle Strategy. In this game,despite the story seeming clichéat the beginning, it is well constructed, where players assume the role of Serenoa, who must protect his childhood friend and heir to the throne, Roland.
The game’s combat occurs tactically, where characters must be moved around the environment to find the best positions for attacking enemies while remaining safe. Thanks to a well-crafted script, many of these battles in this isometric RPG are well-produced and breathtaking.
Sharing the same roots asFallout,Wastelandis another franchise that is a landmark in the history of isometric turn-based RPGs.Wasteland 3, by InXile, is set in a post-apocalyptic Colorado, where players take on the role of Desert Rangers trying to regain past influence and power, with choices that affect everything around them.
Despite similarities in setting,Wasteland 3stands out by retaining its tactical combat system. Players must control characters through isometric environments to face enemies in challenging battles, makingWastelandone of the best examples of isometric RPGs on the market.
Long beforebeing produced by Bethesda and becoming an action RPG,Fallouthad a significant influence on isometric turn-based games. The franchise’s original games, especiallyFallout 2, are known for their rich narrative and deep gameplay, offering players an immersive experience with complex moral choices and significant consequences, providing an excellent sense of changing the surrounding environment in response to your actions.
In addition to the engaging story, the turn-based tactical combat system inFallout 2is a standout feature. Players must carefully plan their moves and use a variety of skills and weapons to overcome challenges while managing action points for enough character movements per turn, making this game one of the genre’s most important, as its influence is felt in many subsequent isometric RPGs.
Beyond its historical importance, theFinal Fantasyfranchise has explored various genres through spinoffs. A notable example isFinal Fantasy Tactics, released for the original PlayStation, which combines isometric environments with one of the franchise’s best stories. Tactical, turn-based combat is a major highlight, requiring players to strategize and plan.
The steep learning curve and difficulty spikes challenge players to adapt and overcome complex obstacles.Final Fantasy Tacticsstands out not only for its engaging narrative but also for the depth and complexity of its combat mechanics, making it a timeless classic in the isometric RPG genre.
Larian Studios has a long history with isometric games, andDivinity: Original Sin 2is a prime example of their contribution. This turn-based game, accompanied by an epic narrative and equally interesting characters, made this game one of the company’s most praised releases.
Combat is another highlight ofDivinity: Original Sin 2, which occurs turn-based and tactically, giving players great freedom to experiment with new ways of confronting enemies,combining spells for hazard zones or through alchemy. Fortunately, this freedom also translates to other game elements, such as its deeply rewarding exploration, making it a top-tier isometric RPG.
The major release from Larian Studios in 2023 demonstrated that even with isometric camera angles, it is still possible to create a game that is both visually pleasingandmodern. InBaldur’s Gate 3, players can enjoy an ambitious and massive RPG set in Faerun.
Its combat, inspired by the 5th edition ofDungeons and Dragons, allows for an excellent approach totactical and turn-based mechanics, enabling characters to interact broadly with the environment. Positioning allies in higher locations for an advantage against enemies or pushing foes off cliffs are some excellent strategies that can be implemented here, showcasing the potential of isometric RPGs that allow for deep player choice to impact each encounter.
