The 10 Most Underrated RPGs of the Last Decade, Ranked
Some stellar RPGs have arrived over the last decade, but their brilliance made 10 absolute gems easy to miss.
The RPG genre continues to captivate gamers with its compelling narratives, memorable characters, and exploration of deep themes. Despite the prevalence of high-profile releases, several underrated RPGs slipped under the radar over the past decade. This article explores ten such games that deserve greater recognition.
Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, initially released in 2004 in Japan, experienced a delayed localization in 2011 with Xseed Games. The game later received a PC port in 2014, and now, Falcom has released a remake blending action and turn-based combat, retaining the engaging world and epic scale of its predecessors. The sequel to Trails in the Sky was also released earlier this year, garnering praise from dedicated players.
Harvestella, an action-RPG from Live Wire, takes the classic farming concept and intertwines it with RPG elements, providing a unique experience. Players can manage a farm while interacting with a village called Lethe and partaking in rich RPG activities like cooking, crafting, and fishing. The game's deep RPG elements and intriguing storyline make it a hidden gem for fans of the genre.
Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk is another underrated RPG that deserves attention. Originally released on PlayStation Vita in Japan in 2016, the game was later localized for North America on Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC. It casts players as a magical book with the power to summon puppet soldiers, offering an intriguing story and engaging combat and exploration. A sequel, Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society, followed in 2020.
Despite being published by Square Enix, The DioField Chronicle failed to capture the attention of many RPG enthusiasts. The game, developed collaboratively by Square Enix and Lancarse, features a rich plot exploring the consequences of war and free-flowing combat that combines real-time strategy with tactics. The game's character art was produced by Isamu Kamikokuryo, known for his work on Final Fantasy 12, making it a must-try for fans of the genre.
In the mystical world of Shin Mikado Academy, confined by a demonic mist, students must defeat monsters by venturing into an Otherworld. Monark, developed by Lancarse, takes players on this thrilling adventure, battling monsters and overcoming challenges. Although some criticized the game for grinding, Monark's systems and abilities shine through, offering a dark scenario with a somber soundtrack that fans will appreciate.
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