Some of the greatest video game mascots of all time have eventually branched out into different genres like RPGs. Mario and Sonic are two big examples, but there are so many others. A mascot RPG is essentially a spinoff taking established characters, often in a crossover context, and repurposing them for a grand adventure.
Sometimes the experiments work out, and other times things get more complicated. The following games will be ranked based on the quality of the RPG, from visuals to mechanics to the story. While they could be seen as gimmicks at first, these games have now become as iconic as something like The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim.
Super Robot Wars Y
Anime Mecha Unite
Super Robot Wars Y is the latest game in the franchise, which started on the Game Boy in 1991. The big gimmick is combining various anime franchises into one massive tactical RPG, featuring flashy animations where fan service takes precedence, and the story serves as an afterthought.
There are various Gundam series like Mobile Suit Z Gundam, Mobile Fighter G Gundam, and Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz. Some non-Gundam franchises include Macross, Getter Robo, Code Geass, and, most strange of all, Godzilla. It may not have a stacked list of the best mecha anime around compared to other entries, but Super Robot Wars Y is at least easily accessible.
Project X Zone 2
A Tactical Crossover
Project X Zone 2 is another tactical RPG, combining gaming franchises from Sega, Bandai Namco, and Capcom. Some franchises include Yakuza, Tekken, Mega Man, and many others. Most units come in pairs, although some solo units can join a pair.
When combat is initiated, players can create combos almost like a fighting game and try to do the most damage in a set amount of time. A classic pair includes Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield from Resident Evil, for example. The challenge level is relatively well-balanced, but the battles do take a long time.
Mega Man Battle Network 3 (Blue/White)
Super Fighting Digital Robot
Mega Man Battle Network 3 was the first game to implement a Pokemon-style separation of versions, including a Blue and White edition. While content differed between versions, it was more of the same. Lan, a child, could send is NetNavi, MegaMan.EXE, into the digital world.
In dungeons, players could encounter monsters, transitioning things to a 2D arena wherein players could choose various attacks from chips, randomly loaded into their deck. This game, and the rest of the Mega Man Battle Network games, helped prove that Mega Man, as a franchise, could work as an RPG.
World Of Final Fantasy
Pokemon Hearts
World of Final Fantasy is a crossover Final Fantasy game, but the two original characters, twins Lann and Reynn, look a lot like original characters that would appear in Kingdom Hearts. The two jump into a magical world where all of the Final Fantasy properties exist in one place.
It’s a turn-based RPG where the twins can catch monsters and either ride them or balance them on their heads in battle. It is essentially a Pokemon clone, but a bit more sophisticated than most monster-catching RPGs. The best part is meeting fan favorite characters like Cloud from Final Fantasy 7or Lightning from Final Fantasy 13 and witnessing them look absolutely adorable in chibi form.
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
XCOM In The Mushroom Kingdom
Mario is one of the biggest mascot characters of all time, so naturally, there needs to be at least two Mario-based RPGs on the list. Most of his RPGs are turn-based, but Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is a little different because it has more in common with XCOM than Final Fantasy.
Mario and his regular crew of friends are joined by the Rabbids from the Rayman universe, who are big fans of the Mushroom Kingdom, so they dress like Mario, Luigi, and Peach, just to name a few. Each character gets a different weapon in battle, like Mario has a laser blaster, and taking cover in between attacks and movement is important. It’s not as hard as XCOM or most strategy games, thankfully, but it will give players a decent challenge.
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This article originally appeared on GameRant and is republished here with permission.
