Role-playing games have a stigma of being long and overly complicated. While that may be true of some games, which favour elaborate battle systems and party mechanics, it’s certainly not all-encompassing of the genre. In fact, sticking with the platform’s drive to be family-friendly, Nintendo consoles are not without the occasional entry-level RPG.
If you’re just starting out in the genre and want to take things easy at first, these seven entry-level RPGs for casual players will deliver an evenly-paced adventure. Many of the core RPG mechanics are simplified and, in some cases, the stories are diluted for a user-friendly romp.
Just because they’re entry-level doesn’t mean they’re not worth playing. On the contrary, the simplicity may help you enjoy the experience more, even for experienced players.
1. Pokemon Sword and Shield
Developer: Game Freak
You can always count on Pokemon games to fill that family-friendly role. They also tend to land well as entry-level RPGs, as players take up the role of a new Pokemon Trainer and set out to prove that they are the very best.
Sword and Shield launched as the first games in Pokemon’s eighth generation, touching on many of the same core mechanics that have been driving the series since its initial release many moons ago. The games feature an open world full of exotic Pokemon to catch, and as a trainer, it’s your job to try and catch ‘em all. While some of the mechanics can be marginally challenging, Game Freak keeps its games on the easier side to appeal to its generally younger audience.
The learning curve is pretty shallow, so even the more difficult aspects, like the unintuitive curry recipes, can be learned after some trial and error. Sword and Shield even allow players to completely forget their past encounters with Pokemon, as discovered weaknesses will remain labelled with each subsequent bout. Put a little time into the game, and you’ll be nabbing those Pokemon left and right.
2. Golf Story
Developer: Sidebar Games
Golf Story is a great RPG for all skill levels. While its mechanics are very easy to get a grip on, and you’re able to progress without pushing yourself too much, mastering this unique RPG does take talent.
If you’re happy with just coasting along, then you’ll definitely enjoy your time as the downtrodden golfer struggling to find his love of the game. The whole game spans eight different courses and is presented from a top-down angle, which is really the game’s only significant challenge. Once you master golfing at such a unique angle—and it won’t take long to do so—the gameplay, which largely consists of clicking a button three times, is a breeze.
While an appreciation and understanding of golf are certainly helpful, Golf Story is charming enough to appeal to a broader audience. Learning how different skills affect the game and shopping for equipment are about as in-depth as things get, and even casual players shouldn’t have an issue working through either to become a more proficient golfer.
3. Snack World: The Dungeon Crawl
Developer: Level-5
Just because a game is bright, colourful, and presented in a cartoonish manner doesn’t mean it’s easy. In the case of Snack World: The Dungeon Crawl, however, that’s precisely the case. This quirky adventure sends players on a quest for revenge against Sultan Vinegar and his henchmen that attacked your village. You can tackle this journey alone or with up to three friends locally or online, adding to what winds up being an easy-going dungeon crawler RPG.
Like any RPG, you’ll have an arsenal of weapons, armour, and skills at your disposal to take down creatures big and small. The combat is very easy to get a hang of, and the user interface is designed to appeal to those unfamiliar with the genre. That’s not to say it’s too simple, though, as later battles will test what you’ve learned in the fair, entertaining, and fluid combat.
If you can get past some of the cutesy content and characters, you’ll enjoy an entry-level RPG with a ton of heart.
4. South Park: The Stick of Truth
Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
It’s worth noting now that “entry-level” does not mean it’s “family friendly.” South Park: The Stick of Truth is anything but. The crass IP it’s attached to does lend to gameplay that’s easy to manage.
The Stick of Truth is a parody of classic tabletop RPGs while delivering a thorough and deep RPG experience. Thankfully, it’s not too tough to get a handle on as you take control of The New Kid and join the show’s classics on a mystical adventure. Turn-based combat gives you the opportunity to study and understand the battlefield. Strategy is key, but don’t be discouraged if it takes a few encounters before you find one that’s effective.
All the expected elements of a fantasy RPG are there, from character classes to magic spells. Unfortunately for younger audiences, so, too, is the series’ signature brand of humour. Heed that “Mature” label, because The Stick of Truth really earns it.
5. Dragon Quest Builders 2
Developer: Square Enix / KOEI TECMO
Dragon Quest Builders 2 is another entry-level RPG that doesn’t take itself too seriously, opting for a more youthful aesthetic that plays into its overall difficulty. Much like Minecraft, you’ll spend a lot of your time using different blocks to create unique structures. It’s maybe a little more rudimentary, but it works as a good way to put your creativity to the test.
Being set in the Dragon Quest universe isn’t key to enjoying Builder 2, so don’t worry if this is the first in the series you’ve tackled. While the game focuses much on the simplistic builder, there’s an epic journey you’ll be embarking on to become the Master Builder.
If you find any part of Dragon Quest Builders 2 a little too difficult, you can join friends online to get a little help. It’s fun to build with others and collaborate on big ideas, but it’s also very easy to get lost in the standalone adventure that captures the charm and whimsy of Dragon Quest.
6. Paper Mario: The Origami King
Developer: Intelligent Systems
Paper Mario builds upon the Super Mario Bros. universe in a most unique way. Not only is it a full-scale RPG, but it also flattens the titular character into a 2D form and pits him against all manner of papery threats. This time, it’s the Origami King that’s wreaking havoc.
The game is a mix of adventure and RPG as Mario takes on classic and new foes in Paper Mario’s turn-based puzzle system. Rather than make it a game of exchanging blows, Intelligent Systems implemented a circular battleground divided into rings. Your goal is to move the rings to line each enemy up and dish out attacks that can clear the board quickly.
The Origami King builds upon an already successful series of games without overcomplicating things. Though puzzle-based, the combat is relatively easy to figure out and you’ll never be lost or confused about how to proceed. Like many Mario games, there’s a quick learning curve and casual players should have no issue tackling this challenge.
7. Collection of Mana
Developer: Square Enix
Okay, so this isn’t one game, but rather three full RPGs that casual and die-hard fans of the genre should sink some time into. Final Fantasy Adventure, Secret of Mana, and Trials of Mana are classics in their own right, and despite being on the older side, they’re still accessible today. In fact, playing them before you tackle a modern RPG may have you appreciating the genre a little more.
The high-quality pixelated adventures are unforgettable, from the black-and-white landscapes of Final Fantasy Adventure to the thrilling-but-manageable combat of Trials of Mana. This collection is also the first time Trials was released in the west.
Unlike some of the games on this list, Collection of Mana is an iconic RPG experience through and through. It’s a wonderful introduction to how the genre evolved, giving casual players some insight into what they’ve been missing all along.
Picking the Right RPG for You
There’s really no wrong choice on this list of the best entry-level RPGs for casuals. Unless, of course, you’re too young for Stick of Truth. Otherwise, each one delivers a different RPG experience while retaining the core essence of the genre. Even the most novice players will be able to dive in and fully enjoy their time while learning a thing or two about what’s sure to become their new favourite genre.
As the title of the article suggests, you can find all of these games on the Nintendo platform, so do stock up on your Nintendo eShop Gift Card from OffGamers here today!
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