There are a lot of games out there with brilliant combat systems, especially RPGs, but sometimes they are too dense to easily learn. Infinite Space is a good combat example on the DS that has spaceship tactical combat, and where players place their crew members will affect what they can do. Killer7 is a complex third-person and first-person hybrid from the GameCube generation with a lot going on between the seven different killer personalities.
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Think RPGs only reward maxed-out builds? Think again. From Nioh's stances to Monster Hunter's weak points, precision and timing rule in these games.
Those are just some examples, but the other ten are even more complex for a multitude of reasons. They aren’t unplayable by any means, and it’s not like NO ONE has been able to figure out these combat concepts. They’re just not something everyone has been able to master.
Monster Hunter Wilds
A Deep Learning Curve
Monster Hunter Wilds
- Released
- February 28, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Capcom
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
Monster Hunter Wilds, and the other Monster Hunter games, are some of the most complicated action RPGs around. Players have fourteen weapons to choose from, each with their own significant learning curve, from the Switch Axe to the Bow.
New to this game are the weak points, which are easy enough to exploit for most weapons, but then there are also Power Clashes to finish off combos. With basic attacks and learning when to dodge, players can get by, especially with more skilled players helping them out with the online co-op.
Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy
Just Be Brave
Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy
- Released
- March 22, 2011
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- Fighting
Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy is a PSP fighting game starring various protagonists and villains from Final Fantasy. It’s a 3D arena fighter and also an RPG, as players can equip gear before combat. When characters start a battle, they will have a set of Bravery Points and HP. By attacking the other player, they can steal Bravery Points to make their attacks stronger.
When one player has enough, they can break through and start damaging HP, which may sound easy, but it never seems to be a one-for-one numbers game. Along with the hard-to-pull-off moves for each character, this is no Street Fighter, but button mashers can still get lucky.
The World Ends With You
Double The Screens, Double The Headache
The World Ends With You
- Released
- July 27, 2007
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo DS, Switch, Android, iOS
The World Ends With You is a unique action RPG for the DS in so many ways, one of them being the Pin system. On the bottom screen, the main character, Neku, can equip Pins with different abilities that can be activated with different touch-based prompts, from quick slashes to dragging the stylus around.
On the top screen, Neku’s partner, which will change between chapters, can be controlled with the D-Pad and face buttons. Anyone who owned a DS knows this setup was counterintuitive, but luckily, anyone who ignored the top screen was mostly okay, as there were ways to automate the partner.
Disgaea: Hour Of Darkness
A Little Off The To
Disgaea: Hour of Darkness
- Released
- August 27, 2003
WHERE TO PLAY
Disgaea: Hour of Darkness is the first game in the tactical RPG series, first appearing on the PS2. At its core, the game is like other tactical RPGs with a class system, equipment, and a grid-based map. On the grid, colored geodes could affect stats, like lowering defense on blue squares, which could be deactivated, but keeping track of how one geode affects another could turn into a headache.
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Players could also pick up allies or enemies and toss them around. Items had mini-dungeons players could traverse to level them up, and there was a court system that allowed players to essentially cheat. Playing Disgaea: Hour of Darkness like a normal tactical RPG will work out mostly okay in the end, but it may require extra grinding.
Resonance Of Fate
Slick As Heck And Hard To Master
Resonance Of Fate
- Released
- January 28, 2010
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Tri-Ace
- Genre(s)
- JRPG, Fantasy, Narrative
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, PC
Resonance of Fate has one of the coolest-looking battle systems in any turn-based game, and this has been true for over a decade now. Unfortunately, it can be hard to direct the three party members to perform their high-octane moves correctly without punishment. The three party members, consisting of mercenaries Zephyr, Vashyron, and Leanne, all wield guns.
During turns, players can play it safe and stay still, popping off some shots, or they can run and gun. Performing action moves while on the go can do more damage, but if party members or enemies run across that character’s planned route, it will be messed up. It takes a long time just to get comfortable enough not to completely loose let alone have a grasp on things fully.
Patapon
March To The Beat
Patapon
- Released
- December 20, 2007
WHERE TO PLAY
Patapon is a rhythm-based RTS that started on the PSP, wherein players are a god who can control cute little soldiers who all fall into different weapon classes. Different drumbeats will alter how these creatures will perform, from marching to attacking to retreating.
Because this all works based on rhythm, it can be tricky to keep a cool head in the middle of a losing fight. Remembering what beat does what in a hectic battle can cause the group to lose rhythm and thus be harder to control, leading to a lot of mission failures. The remaster made things a bit easier, but even then, it’s not an RTS or rhythm game anyone can handle.
Project X Zone 2
A Tactical Fighter
Project X Zone 2
- Released
- February 16, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- Tactical, RPG
Project X Zone 2 is another tactical RPG that moves characters on a grid, but it’s even wackier than Disgaea: Hour of Darkness because it is a crossover RPG between Sega, Bandai Namco, and Capcom characters. Most units come in pairs, like Jill and Chris from the Resident Evil series, and instead of just attacking on the map, gameplay will shift to a 2D screen wherein players get a set amount of energy to attack the enemy as much as possible.
It’s almost like a fighting game as players can learn to chain combos together, especially if characters pick up a third side character for their unit. The most basic line of attacks will work if players can’t grasp the combo system, but battles will last much longer.
Romancing SaGa: Minstrel Song
No Hand Holding In This RPG
Romancing SaGa: Minstrel Song
- Released
- October 11, 2005
- ESRB
- t
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
Any game in the SaGa series could be nominated, as they are not turn-based RPGs for everyone. Romancing SaGa: Minstrel Song is perhaps one of the more complicated ones and fitting since a recent remaster was released. Players can choose between eight different characters who each start in different areas with various setups, some harder than others.
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For example, Gray will start with a party while Sif does not, making encounters more challenging at first. Characters will level up based on what they do, so attacking could increase power, while getting hit could increase HP. Randomly, a new skill can be learned in battle, too. As progression is randomized with no meters, it can be a lot to take in, and that’s not even mentioning the lack of guidance or the overcomplicated magic system. Grinding, crossing fingers, and hoping for the best could be enough to get players by.
Kid Icarus: Uprising
A Difficult Control Scheme
Kid Icarus: Uprising
- Released
- March 23, 2012
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Sora Ltd.
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo 3DS
Kid Icarus: Uprising was the 3DS return of the franchise, which last saw a game on the Game Boy. There were two types of gameplay styles in the game, which switched evenly enough. Some segments had players control the hero, Pit, in on-rails flying segments akin to Star Fox, shooting down enemies with his bow and various other power-ups.
There was ground combat as well, with hack-and-slash gameplay akin to Kingdom Hearts. The ground controls were fine, but the air-based controls were cramped on the 3DS as players had to control Pit with the analog stick and the stylus, and no one position ever felt comfortable. With a generous difficulty slider, players could make these levels a breeze in exchange for less loot.
Kunitsu-Gami: Path Of The Goddess
A Samurai RTS
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
- Released
- July 19, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Capcom
- Genre(s)
- Action, Strategy
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
Like Patapon, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess has RTS DNA in it, meaning it can be complex to strategize in battle. Set in a fantastical version of feudal Japan, players need to guard a priestess through stages as demons pour out of gates. Players can attack these demons alone or by summoning random class-based units to help.
Ince it is a third-person game, and some maps can be bigger, it can be hard to keep track of every action, all while guarding the priestess. Every mission is essentially a protection quest, and if the priestess takes too much damage before she can seal the gates, it’s Game Over. With grinding for upgrades and patience, players can make headway, but it is by no means easy.
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