Summary
Role-playing games come in many different flavors, from action games featuringtwitch gameplay, to more relaxing RPGs that let the player consider their actions turn by turn. And then there are a whole host of games that mix and match game mechanics to create something unique.
When it comes to turn-based RPGs, some games includecombat mechanicsthat take speed into consideration in some way. This could be to decide who has the next combat turn, how easily attacks are dodged, and a host of other reasons. In these games, agility and movement can be a key component of a build.
Set in apost-apocalypticversion of Colorado,Wasteland 3puts the player in control of a team of Desert Rangers. The game is renowned for its excellent storytelling, level of customization, and the need to think strategically.
Speed plays a huge part in this game. It impacts the distance that can be moved in a turn, how often a Ranger gets to perform an action, and a host of other combat mechanics. Put simply, high speed results in more action points, and more action points mean more tactical choices available.
Fire Emblem: Awakeningis aturn-based RPGwith combat taking place on a grid. The game features permadeath, so the stakes for losing in combat are high. Speed is more than a stat in this game, it drives several core combat mechanics.
High speed is needed to be able to make double attacks, which are highly beneficial. But speed also has an impact on other factors, such as the ability to evade and dodge incoming damage. Put simply, high speed means a better chance of surviving in combat.
The Banner Sagarevolves around a story that is heavily influenced by Norse mythology. The art style reflects this inspiration as well. Speed is important, with combat taking place turn by turn on a grid.
Speed has a direct impact on turn order. However, each faction takes its own turn in the correct sequence, it is only within the player’s turn where speed comes into play. Higher speed means higher combat initiative, which can be used to manipulate turn order as well. Speed-based builds can be very powerful tactically.
Octopath Travelertakes traditional RPG elements, but adds modern graphics. This JRPG requires the player to think strategically on multiple levels, and this includes understanding how combat initiative can be a deciding factor in an engagement.
Speed has a direct impact on combat initiative, and also contributes towards accruing Boost Points. These points can be saved up, and then used to fire off a heavy devastating attack on opponents. High speed also gives the player a better chance of being in a position to interrupt a boss, and break enemy defenses.
Divinity: Original Sin 2doesn’t have a stat named speed, it has an equivalent stat named wits, which is essentially the same. There are two ways that this wits stat directly impacts the turn-based combat in this game. Firstly, it gives higher combat initiative, meaning an earlier turn in combat, and secondly, it gives a higher crit chance.
This is a game in which combat initiative can have a massive impact, due to the dynamic nature of combat, including disabling enemies and saving allies. Put simply, the more speed, the easier it is to control the battlefield inDivinity: Original Sin 2.
Final Fantasy Xupdated the combat system used in previous games in the franchise, with the new CTB (conditional turn-based battle) system. In this new system, speed is an important factor. Primarily, speed influences turn order, and its impact is visible on-screen at all times during combat.
Turn order is important, as an early turn can be used for an ability that could stop an enemy from attacking, for example. Some characters that have very high speed can even get inmultiple attacksright at the start of a battle inFinal Fantasy X.
Persona 5 Royal is a turn-based RPG that really adds some dynamism to the combat mechanics. Two innovative combat features have been added to this game. Firstly, the “1 More” system, which works by giving the player another turn if they hit aweak spoton an enemy. Secondly, the “Baton Pass” system, allows the player to pass the extra turn on to a different team member if they wish.
Speed is used to work out who acts first in combat, which is critical for setting up ambushes and for using tactical abilities during boss fights. In some cases, a well-built, fast team member can decimate enemies right at the start of an encounter in this game.
Chrono Triggertakes the top place on this list because speed is intricately interwoven into the combat mechanics at almost every level. With its ATB (active time battle) system, speed determines when each character takes their turn.
This is an important consideration in boss battles, with fast characters being able to counter incoming attacks or interrupt bosses more often. The duel and triple techs also rely on speed, enabling characters to queue up combo abilities, which can be absolutely devastating when used correctly inChrono Trigger.
