The Nintendo Wii may have been a console focused around unique motion inputs, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t have its fair share of traditional experiences. Today we’re specifically talking about role playing games. You know, RPGs. For the past few generations Nintendo consoles have been lacking in this area. With how big of a hit the Wii was in Japan most expected the console would amass a large library of role playing games. Unfortunately that wasn’t exactly the case. There are however some, and some of these are really good. Today we’re going to highlight the ones worth playing. This is our list of the best Wii RPGs of all time. Let’s check it out.
#20. – Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time
Okay so we’re not starting off particularly strong here. Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles was a spin-off to the main franchise originally released on the Gamecube. They followed this up with a few titles on the Nintendo DS and Wii. This one, oddly enough, was released for both. You can even link the two versions of the game together for multiplayer across the systems. Echoes of Time is an action RPG with a focus on multiplayer. You create a character from a handful of different races, and traverse towns and dungeons alike. Combat is entirely real-time and it’s decent. Echoes of Time is not amazing, but the connectivity aspect is really unique. Multiplayer is the only real way to play this one.
#19. – Baroque
Remember Baroque? If you’re like me then probably not. This title was originally released on the Sega Saturn but only in Japan. This is an enhanced remake of said title. Baroque is a rogue-like RPG with distinct gothic/horror elements. The big upgrade in this version is that it displays the action from a third person perspective. Baroque was originally played from a first person perspective only. In my opinion it makes the game much more accessible. Combat is very simple, but at the same time unforgiving. You have to plan out each strike because it could be your last. Baroque isn’t amazing by any means, but it’s still worth checking out. Honestly the Wii just didn’t have a ton of options when it came to RPGs. I promise the good stuff is coming later.
#18. – Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers
The Crystal Bearers took everything we knew and loved about Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles and threw it all away. Square-Enix took a different approach here borrowing more heavily from the action adventure genre. It also makes heavy use of motion controls. Some will love that, but others will hate it. Personally I enjoyed this aspect of the game. Here you play as a youth in an original steam punk based world. Our protagonist is a ‘crystal bearer’ and therefore has special abilities. This gives him the power to levitate objects and even fly. This is where the motion controls come in to play. You must use this ability for combat. You can fling enemies around and even throw objects at them. It’s pretty neat to be honest. This one was absolutely panned at the time of release but I think it’s underrated overall.
#17. – Earth Seeker
Too many RPGs on the Wii were left in Japan. Earth Seeker is one of these. It’s just strange because clearly the userbase was clamoring for some more hardcore titles. Wii Sports can only carry you so far after all. Thanks to a translation patch this one can be enjoyed by anyone. Earth Seeker is an action RPG with sci-fi and post-apocalyptic elements. All of this is wrapped in a cute anime art style. Combat is surprisingly fun. The focus here is on guardian companions. Throughout the game you can bring up to six different little guys with you, and they can be outfitted with weapons made from a really basic crafting system. Earth Seeker is a mildly enjoyable RPG that I think would have found an audience had it been localized.
#16. – Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo’s Dungeon
Lots of Final Fantasy games on this list, right? Square-Enix hit the platform pretty hard with spin-offs, and this one is particularly good. The Chocobo Mysterious Dungeon series was previously established as a rogue-like RPG, and this installment doesn’t buck any trends. It has a cute story and general presentation, but all of this is wrapped up in a very difficult game. As a lone chocobo you traverse deep into dungeons engaging single enemies in very basic combat. The thing is you have limited resources, and your next move may be your last at any point. Even when you perish it’s fun to return to dungeons with different approaches. I’m not the biggest fan of rogue-like games but this one had enough charm to keep my attention. Plus, who doesn’t love chocobos?
#15. – Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and Town of Mirrors
I know I’ve spent a lot of time on this list talking about spin-offs. Well, here’s one more. Swords is based on the storied franchise, but it isn’t your typical Dragon Quest game. For one thing it’s on-rails, and is played from a first person perspective. You can swing your sword using the Wii remote as well as block with your shield via the pointer. Dragon Quest Swords is by no means a traditional RPG, but that’s why it’s so good. The game makes great use of the Wii remote’s unique input methods. Combat is surprisingly fluid. While it’s all motion based it never feels like waggle. Inputs are ready exceptionally well in this title. Best yet is the fact that it’s all wrapped up in a polished coat of Dragon Quest paint. Swords may veer from the standard gameplay of the franchise but it’s a lot of fun.
#14. – Phantom Brave: We Meet Again
One thing the Wii was lacking in was PS2 ports. It seems like this would have been a natural fit especially as far as RPGs go. Unfortunately this wasn’t the case. Thankfully Nippon Ichi did release an enhanced port of Phantom Brave for the platform. Even a title as small as this one is still one of the best Wii RPGs. Phantom Brave was one of the most interesting PS2 strategy RPGs not named Disgaea. This game makes use of the old traditional gridded battlefield. Combat is strictly turn based, but there are some interesting twists. For one thing you can assign phantoms to specific elements of the battlefield. This grants various stat bonuses, and switching these is the key to strategy here. Phantom Brave was good on the PS2, and it’s also a hit on the Wii.
#13. – Fragile Dreams: Farewell Ruins of the Moon
Here’s yet another very alternative style RPG. Fragile Dreams is a heavily anime influenced title wherein you play as a young boy exploring ruins and fighting off ghosts. Mostly though the game is about exploration. It’s a fun and unique world and I was interested in checking out every nook and cranny. Combat is action based and not very fun, but this is not the focus here. Honestly Fragile Dreams is barely an RPG. Regardless the game still gives heavy vibes for the genre. Fragile Dreams is surprisingly entertaining. Just not in a traditional RPG sense. If you’re looking for something just a little bit different then this is a great choice. It also helps that the graphics are pleasant and the soundtrack is memorable. Despite not sticking to the genre norms it’s one of the best Wii RPGs.
#12. – Rune Factory: Tides of Destiny
Rune Factory was an off-shoot of the Harvest Moon franchise that banked heavily on RPG elements. Sure, it still had the basic farming premise that we all know and love, but it this was meatier and more story focused. I absolutely loved the end product. I dare so that the franchise was getting tired at this point, and the RPG elements basically revived it. While Rune Factory began on the Nintendo DS eventually the Wii received two sequels. Tides of Destiny was the last one to be released. This one focused even more on the action RPG elements with a detailed combat system, crafting, and a deep skill system. Unfortunately this comes at the cost of farming. This part of the game has been simplified, but it’s still enjoyable. It may be one of the worst Rune Factory games, but I liked Tides of Destiny.
#11. – Opoona
Sometimes the RPG genre takes itself too seriously. Sometimes I want lighter fare. Not every character has to be dark and brooding, nor does every quest have to involve saving the world. That’s where Opoona comes in. This game doesn’t take itself seriously at all. That’s obvious straight away with the strange art style and colorful cel shaded graphics. While the game appears to be a traditional RPG it’s actually pretty different. It has 3D environments to explore and random encounters, but the combat is semi real-time. You attack foes using a floating orb above your characters heads, and do so either with a button press or by flinging the nunchuk forward. It’s not turn based as combat moves at a continual pace. Opoona is cute, and very charming. The only real drawback is that it’s very simple. If you’re looking for something different than this is a good choice.
#10. – Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World
The subtitle is a little confusing. This should have been called Tales of Symphonia 2 because it’s a direct sequel. There are lots of returning characters, and also many new. It’s clear though that the budget just wasn’t as high as that of the original Tales of Symphonia. Regardless Dawn of the New World is pretty enjoyable. It takes place after the events of the first game and stars two new leads. The combat system has been upgraded fairly significantly. It’s still real-time and action based, but is more technical than the previous iteration. It lands somewhere between Tales of the Abyss and the Tales of Destiny remake in terms of function. In other words battles are a lot of fun here. Motion controls are present, but kept to a minimum. What holds this one back is the fact that it feels like a spin-off than proper full budget sequel.
#9. – Final Fantasy IV: The After Years
This will be the only Wiiware game that makes this list. Final Fantasy IV is my favorite video game of all time. I was beyond ecstatic when Square-Enix announced they would be releasing the previously Japan-only sequel worldwide. Despite the big jump in hardware the After Years is still completely two dimensional, and features the same active time battle system as the original. The game takes place several years after the conclusion of Final Fantasy IV. You play as Ceodore, the son of Cecil and Rosa (the main characters of Final Fantasy IV). That’s only in the beginning though. The game is episodic following many of the old cast members (who meet plenty of new characters) and everyone comes together in the end to save the world. This is a seriously underrated game, and easily one of the best Wii RPGs.
#8. – Super Paper Mario
The announcement of Super Paper Mario was all hype. It had been decades since we last saw an original 2D platformer based Mario title. This was going to be it, and with a healthy dose of RPG elements to boot. Unfortunately things didn’t work out quite like we had hoped. Don’t get me wrong. Super Paper Mario is a great game. It just wasn’t as fantastic as it should have been. The core mechanic behind this title is that you can flip the world from 2D to 3D. You’ll need to do so to get past many obstacles. The RPG elements come in to play in the way you fight foes. While this is a platformer they each have stats, certain weaknesses, etc. There’s also a bestiary to track all of this, and stats running in the background while you play. Mario even gets stronger as you defeat more enemies.
#7. – Rune Factory Frontier
This was the first console release of the Harvest Moon spin-off, and one of the best installments to boot. Rune Factory Frontier recycles a lot from the original Nintendo DS game. This includes most of its mechanics as the characters and general premise. It’s not a full remake though as the story is different as are the environments. The biggest upgrade in the move from handheld to console is without a doubt the graphics. They’re now fully 3D (instead of just the character models). The combat engine is also significantly more smooth. I loved traversing deep into dungeons to fight enemies in this game. Of course there’s also the farming, and you know what? That’s solid too. Rune Factory Frontier is without a doubt one of the meatiest games on the Wii. Now if only something could be done about those dang Runeys.
#6. – Pandora’s Tower
Near the end of the Wii’s lifespan Nintendo sought to release a string of more traditional games. They were trying to bring in hardcore gamers. Pandora’s Tower was one of these such releases. Here you’re tasked with climbing a large tower through a series of different environments, but that’s easier said than done. This place is loaded with enemies, puzzles and traps. Combat is strictly real-time. One of the unique gameplay elements is the main character’s primary weapon. It’s similar to a whip. You aim it with the pointer controls and with the action button swing to strike. This tool isn’t just used for battle however. It’s also how you climb and interact with the environment in general. Pandora’s Tower is a little repetitive, but the excellent level design and fun gameplay do a lot of heavy lifting here.
#5. – Arc Rise Fantasia
This game was done dirty. It’s one of the few traditional and completely original RPGs on the Wii. Making use of a combat system similar to that of Grandia (but different enough to not be a copy) battles are a ton of fun. Arc Rise Fantasia also shares similarities to the Tales of series using skits to flesh out the characters and scenario. So what went wrong? The localization. This game features some of the most atrocious voice acting I’ve ever experienced. Not a single performance is elevated above terrible. Every single line is delivered with the all the personality and character of a wet paper bag. I genuinely can’t think of an RPG with worse acting. It’s a shame really because it’s a fun and charming story to follow. The combat system is also highly rewarding and the game in general is a lot of fun to play.
#4. – Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn
The Fire Emblem franchise has been going hard for decades now. One of the best traditional sequels within it is Radiant Dawn. Rather than focusing on motion controls and gimmicks this is just straight up hardcore Fire Emblem. For better or worse. This is actually a sequel to Path of Radiance on the Gamecube. It picks up three years after the last installment concluded, and shares many locations and characters with its predecessor. The story is okay. That’s the thing about Fire Emblem; plot is always an afterthought. I don’t mind because the gameplay is so good. Radiant Dawn uses the classic turn based strategy battle system wherein you move characters across a grid to do battle against enemies. Specific weapons have strengths and weaknesses to others, and it’s all about balancing your team. Radiant Dawn is extremely well designed, and one of my favorite strategy RPGs of all time.
#3. – Sakura Wars: So Long My Love
Despite being the first game in the series localized for English audiences this is actually the fifth installment. Sakura Wars: So Long My Love was an attempt to revitalize the franchise. It moves away from the settings of the last games and instead takes place in a steampunk version of an alternate New York City. You play as a member of the Japanese army sent to bring life back to a squad of fighters who ride mechs to battle demons and save mankind. Oh, and they perform plays. That’s their cover, you see. The battle system features real-time movement but is turn based at heart. It’s also very challenging. The difficult battles are softened by the story focus outside of battle. This is basically a dating sim. When you’re not fighting enemies you’re wooing women. It’s filled with anime tropes, but I love Sakura Wars: So Long My Love.
#2. – The Last Story
After leaving Squaresoft Hironobu Sakaguchi (the creator of Final Fantasy) founded his own company to release RPGs during the HD era. While this started with a few Xbox 360 RPGs eventually they picked up development on the Wii by releasing the Last Story. This game was amazing, and seriously one of the best Wii RPGs out there. This one is more action based than his previous efforts, but that doesn’t hold it back. The game also has a lot of adventure elements as well as some stealth mechanics thrown in for good measure. It also helps that the production values are through the roof for a Wii title. Not only is the game long, but it has some of the best graphics on the system as well. The voice acting is also really good and makes the already interesting storyline even better.
#1. – Xenoblade Chronicles
In terms of sheer scope there is no bigger Wii game than Xenoblade Chronicles. At a time when RPGs were becoming more and more claustrophobic this one featured environments that were absolutely huge in scale. It also had a very charming and interesting story, unique setting, and a great combat system. The game itself takes place on a world atop two giant, but long dormant robots which were at war with one another. You play as a young man named Shulk who, through a series of action packed events, receives the legendary sword Monado. This leads him on a quest to stop the perpetual war between the various colonies atop these two titans. Combat is fully real-time and works well. You have a party of different characters that all act freely during battle. If you are planning to play just one RPG on the Wii let it be this one.
