The DS has one of the best libraries of RPGs out there. Plus, handhelds just work out better for the genre. That is to say, it’s easy to grind 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.
Its successor, the 3DS, also has a massive library thanks in part to the portable being backward compatible. Now that the system is being discontinued by Nintendo, there has never been a better—or, probably, cheaper—time to pick up one of these little miracles. Here are the very best RPGs out there, ranked by Metacritic. Also of note, only one title per series was used to keep things more diverse.
10 Yo-kai Watch 3 (80)
Games can either have an increasing effect or a degrading one over time with sequels. With a third entry in a formulaic series like Yo-Kai Watch, one would assume reviews would go down over time.
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 apparently the best one. Catching ghosts instead of Pokémon in the real world has its appeal!
9 Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan (84)
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.
The only difference here is that Etrian Odyssey is evolving, while similar games in the genre mostly stick to traditional gameplay mechanics. It’s hard to grow a series without trying new things.
8 Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey (84)
This is a remake of the third Mario and Luigi game from the DS. That alone is reviewed as one of the best, and it still remains true for this versios, as well. It’s just that this port doesn’t do much new besides some extra quests which don’t add much to really make it a better game. Extras aside, the core turn-based time attack RPG combat feels as fresh as ever. Plus, Bowser finally got his own adventure.
7 Shin Megami Tensei IV Apocalypse (84)
The original Shin Megami Tensei IV got an 83, while its sequel did only slightly better. Both games are highly regarded as some of the deepest RPGs on not just the 3DS, but consoles everywhere.
The reason why the sequel may have reviewed better is due to its story and overall tweaking of the mechanics. Like Etrian Odyssey, this game wasn’t afraid to double-down on the hardcore, as well as open their gates for new players.
6 Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology (85)
Radiant Historia is another port from the DS to the 3DS. Unlike Mario and Luigi, not much was changed with the graphics. The big bonus here is that it added some stuff to make the journey easier.
This game is all about time travel. Can’t make it past an event? There must be something in the timeline that can affect this outcome. It was a bit tricky to deduce the solutions without a guide before, but this enhanced port makes it a tad simpler.
5 Dragon Quest VIII (85)
This port comes all the way from the PS2. That said, the graphics are basically on par with the original, although perhaps a bit brighter. Either way, the cel-shading art style still makes it look great.
Besides the obvious boost in portability, making it easier to grind and multitask, it also added a fast-forward button to make battles go by faster. Every remake, port, or remaster should add this feature.
4 Bravely Default (85)
Bravely Default sn’t even a remake and it not only has a fast-forward feature, but a meter controlling random battles. Want to get into combat with every literal step, or want none at all?
The choice is up to the player. For all intents and purposes, this was a reboot of Final Fantasy in all but name. Other RPGs should have learned their lesson from the innovative steps this release took.
3 Xenoblade Chronicles 3D (86)
At the time, getting Xenoblade Chronicles to run on the 3DS was impressive. There is now a better version to play, and it’s portable, as well: the Switch remaster from this year. There isn’t much one loses between both ports other than that the 3DS version does use Amiibo. Ports and remakes aside, whatever version one picks up, even the Wii original, they are surely in for the time of their lives.
2 Pokemon Y (88)
A few notes about this Pokémon entry. One, the Pokémon X version got an 87. Pokémon Sun/Moon got 87s, as well, so this entry is almost tied with some of the other games on this list. What makes this generation stand out, though, as the better pick to grab on the 3DS is its innovations.
The series has come a long way since, but this is the first new-generation game for the 3DS, and it added a lot. Play it for the historical value as well as to catch ‘em all.
1 Fire Emblem: Awakening (92)
Fire Emblem: Awakening is not only the best-reviewed RPG on this list, but it’s also among the top ten highest-ranking 3DS games overall on Metacritic. Speaking of series learning to invite new players in, this game was the king at that thanks to its casual mode.
Because of that, along with a laundry list of other innovations, this series exploded. If not for the right decisions made, it was almost the final game in the series similar to Final Fantasy’s fate and Square.
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