Explore 10 More Fun-Filled JRPG Worlds!
Digimon is a worldwide phenomenon that touched the hearts of many people since the late-90s. Digimon World is among many of the franchise’s gaming series that captured many fans’ hearts. This game allows players to connect themselves with Digimon on a personal level. With its stellar monster-taming and raising mechanics, colorful worlds, and fun storytelling, fans always get excited when a new entry in the series gets released.
If you’ve finished playing Digimon World and are looking for alternatives – fret not! We’ve combed through the archives and saved you the hassle with our top 10 picks.
Of course, for all the games we’ve reviewed, we’ve also added a handy link, so you can check out our full thoughts on that and see if it’s something you want to invest your time in.
So without further ado, we present 10 games to check out if you’re looking for a game like Digimon World.
Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness
Pokémon games can be hit or miss with fans nowadays. While some games instill fans with joy, others aren’t getting attracted to the franchise as it is currently. This is due to the game’s jump to 3D not living up to many’s expectations. Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness was released at a time when 3D Pokémon games weren’t the norm.
It delivers a gripping narrative, a likable cast, and an astonishing world design. It involves players needing to defeat evil organizations and battling trainers with Pokémon who’ve turned to the darkness. Unlike mainline Pokémon games, this one involves you stealing evil Pokémon (Shadow Pokémon) from trainers and purifying them.
It maintains the same turn-based gameplay fans loved from the mainline series, though. After you purify the game’s Shadow Pokemon, you can train them. The game also has connectivity with some GameBoyAdvance Pokémon titles like the Pokémon FireRed and Emerald versions. If you’re looking for a game with a riveting plot, great OST, and fun turn-based gameplay, Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness is worth your time.
Yo-kai Watch (Franchise)
Yo-kai Watch may not be as popular as it once was, but that hasn’t prevented fans from rooting for its return. This game once provided Pokémon with some great competition. It’s another fun monster-taming and battling game. It’s filled with monsters that are more aligned with Japanese myths and legends. However, later entries introduce creatures that feel western-inspired.
The story is full of fun mysteries and engaging lore for fans to analyze. The franchise gradually gets better over time and introduces more vast terrains for players to investigate. In it, players team up with a goofy ghost named Whisper and must resolve citizens and Yo-kai issues along the way. The turn-based gameplay is exciting and provides fans with a refreshing spin.
Digimon World fans who’re looking for another great monster-taming franchise to play should dive into Yokai Watch.
Lost Odyssey
Many gamers would pair Xbox with shooter games. Many titles they release fall in that category like Halo and Gears of War. However, there was a time when Xbox fans wanted some old-fashioned JRPGs to play on the system. Their prayers were answered when Lost Odyssey was released on the Xbox 36o in 2007.
Spearheaded by Hironobu Sakaguchi, Lost Odyssey is a JRPG with a large open-world setting. The world’s brimming with enemies to slay and weapons for players to get their hands on. As players get further into the game, they’ll unlock new locations, items, and story beats that will make them smile. The game includes a nifty system that lets players enhance their battle strength and attire.
The game’s slow pacing isn’t for everyone. Nonetheless, Losy Odyssey builds up to a satisfying conclusion. With its strategic and unique approach to turn-based gameplay and gripping narrative, Digimon World fans will admire this Xbox 360 gem.
Shin Megami Tensei V
Shin Megami Tensei V is a mature JRPG with monster-taming elements. Its narrative is well-written and features several twists that will leave Digimon World fans’ speechless and invested. Those who adore the Digimon World title’s epic battles and monster variety will find this game’s demonic creatures’ designs and capabilities incredible.
In it, players control a high school student who is in the middle of a post-apocalyptic event. It’s a war between demons and gods. By taming demonic comrades and developing your fusion powers, you must save this world from mass destruction. The game’s plot plays out better than any synopsis you’d find online. Everyone from its side characters to its protagonist is fleshed-out.
The game features turn-based gameplay but implements some unique mechanics to make things refreshing. The game can be difficult over time, so it’s best to level up your party early before tackling the game’s challenging bouts. If you’re looking for a difficult game with an engaging storyline, play Shin Megami Tensei V.
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin
With how popular monster-taming games have become, it made sense for this monster-slaying franchise to switch gears. Monster Hunter Stories is a spin-off series developed by Capcom. Instead of joining a party of four on a hunt to murder monsters, you’ll find yourself teaming up with monster companions to lay waste to hostile monsters and cunning riders.
This game offers turn-based gameplay that some will feel torn about. It implements aspects of traditional Monster Hunter games into its gameplay regarding weapon effectiveness but can feel like a slog to get through. The animations are stunning and beautiful, though. You’ll be enamored by the over-the-top attacks these monster riders and their companions pull off in the game.
Some areas can be explored fully, but most of the game contains enclosed spaces for players to travel through. The game includes monster-raising and breeding aspects that Digimon World fans will find familiar and fun. If you’re okay with the game’s slow-paced battle system and can appreciate it for its graphical fidelity and lovely narrative, you’ll have fun with this one.
Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker
With how popular Pokémon and Digimon are, it made sense for their grandfather of RPGs to step into the whole monster-taming fad. In it, players traverse a world with a monster companion to battle hostile creatures. The game became popular enough to warrant several releases, including Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker on the Nintendo DS.
This game took the series into 3D and is regarded as one of its best entries. The game’s protagonist wants to become the most famous monster “scout” in the world. He’ll encounter ruthless pirates and cunning rivals that’ll challenge him. This game features no-random encounters but contains some fabulous battles with great animations. If you’re looking for a fun JRPG with colorful environments, addictive gameplay, and an incredible soundtrack, check out Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker.
Secret of Evermore
Secret of Evermore is an action RPG set in the magical world of Evermore. A boy and his pet dog will explore Evermore’s four key areas. Each environment has a different theme that fans will enjoy. One will have players venturing through a Prehistoric-centric locale filled with dinosaurs and cavemen. Another will have you encountering robots in a futuristic space station.
The boy’s dog plays a strong role in your adventure. For example, he can turn into anything that fits each area’s theme. This gives the player a reason to grow attached to the canine outside of its adorability. This game’s battle system adopts real-time combat and features the Ring-menu system found in Square’s other games like the Mana series.
This makes combat feel smooth and has an exceptional leveling system. If you love Digimon World for its characters and world, you’ll enjoy what Square delivers in Secret of Evermore.
Monster Rancher 1+2 DX
Square and Capcom aren’t the only companies who wanted a slice of the monster-taming action. Koei Tecmo created a fun creature-collecting simulation game that’ll bring fans back to their childhood days of befriending and training Digimon. Monster Rancher 1+2 DX is jam-packed with content from Monster Rancher 1 and 2.
In it, players can tame, compete, and grow unique monsters. There are many ways to train these monsters as your goal is to make them the strongest beasts imaginable. The game boasts incredible online functionality, which allows you to acquire new monsters and compete against friends and strangers across the world.
The monsters have quirky designs and likable personalities. Like Digimon, many people won’t adore every creature’s design, but they’re all imaginative. The game’s graphics aren’t as great as the beautiful visuals you’d find in Digimon World but there are exceptions. The DX version is equipped with a new monster-generating system, making it simple to acquire the game’s rarest beasts. If you can withstand this game’s difficulty curve, then you’ll have a blast battling friends’ beasts in this game.
Coromon
Indie developers have tried their hand at making monster-tamer titles too. Coromon is an excellent monster-collecting and battling JRPG with incredible beasts, great animations, and great music worth listening to. In it, players travel to Velua, a world filled with menacing organizations, magical creatures called Coromon, and many mysteries to solve.
During your expedition, you’ll develop close connections with your captured Coromon. You’ll endure countless bouts with rival trainers, merciless bosses, and other wildlife. The game contains over 100 Coromon for you to collect. Each is defined by their traits, skills, and elements. You can also compete with friends online to see who is the best trainer in the world.
Give this game a shot if you want to experience a well-written monster-taming indie game with incredible gameplay and marvelous graphics.
Nexomon (Series)
Nexomon not only has a name that rhymes with Digimon, but fans will have just as much fun with this one. This game offers fun characters and awesome monster designs that stand out. These characters echo the magic fans had for the first generation of Pokémon and Digimon, respectively. This game’s storyline revolves around the game’s protagonist embarking on a Nexomon collecting journey.
They’ll meet over 300 Nexomon, rival tamers, and an evil squadron of foes aiming for world domination. You’re tasked with defeating any tamer and evildoer who stands in your way. It’s a simple premise that will gravitate to everyone who enjoyed the classic Pokémon titles. However, the game has some darker elements that’ll appeal to Digimon fans.
Nexomon’s follow-up title Nexomon Extinction is even better than the original game. It introduces a tale with better twists, stat balancing, and characters. Therefore, Digimon fans should have a genuinely swell time with this game.
So there we have it, our 10 video game picks to keep you busy after playing Digimon World.
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!