Platformers and RPGs could not be more different in terms of gameplay. The former is made to be fast-paced and engaging, while the latter tends to be slower and more immersive. Even with this in mind, there are designers who have had ideas to combine these two genres in one game.
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It can take some time to adjust, but once you do, it's easy to see how parts of both of these genres could mix well. It's still a combination that needs further exploration, but certain titles have managed to hit the sweet spot in having a platformer base with RPG mechanics.
10 Cave Story
There are titles that clearly showcase all the time and effort that went into making a unique experience. Cave Story presents a powerful journey about a robot that wakes up in a cave with no memory of how or why. Armed with only a pistol, he needs to traverse the various caves, fighting against hostile creatures and trying to save the various residents within.
The RPG side of things comes into play in terms of the quests and the open-ended elements of the story. You're also able to collect a number of weapons that gain strength as they earn XP. Additionally, there are items to improve how you navigate, progress through missions, and improve your stats.
9 Super Paper Mario
The Paper Mario series gained attention for being a line of Mario games that are almost exclusively RPG-focused. It wasn't until the release of the Wii that Nintendo decided to make it more like the mainline Mario games. Super Paper Mario was mainly to show off the visually appealing mechanic of swapping between a 3D and 2D plane.
This allowed you to experience two different kinds of platforming, but that's not all. Mario and his enemies still had HP, and he could equip badges as well as change the pixel sprite follower in order to gain new abilities. Mario also got to team up with several other companions who all brought their own skills to the table.
8 Underhero
The classic game story follows a chosen hero to slay a great evil and slay the world. This involves slaying so many minions, and so little thought is given to them. Underhero takes advantage of that by putting you in the role of one of the main villain's minions. Their destiny is changed when they gain an item that's meant to be wielded by the hero.
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They then go on to complete the hero's quest through exploration and platforming. In addition to this, they take part in turn-based battles complete with consumable items that they can collect and gear that they can equip as they level up their stats.
7 Dust: An Elysian Tale
Sometimes a game has many elements of a drama fantasy anime without even trying. Dust: An Elysian Tale is one of these games, and it makes it work. As the amnesiac hero known only as Dust, you are quickly joined by a talking sword and the sword's even more talkative guardian. With their help, you'll go on a platforming adventure to end an upcoming war and save a dying race.
As you hack and slash your way through enemies and bosses, you'll gain XP to raise your level and improve your stats. You'll also find tons of consumable items to use in a pinch, magic attacks with different forms, and equipment to strengthen your attacks and give extra protection.
6 SteamWorld Heist
A breakout series ended up being SteamWorld, a universe centered around steam-powered robots. Starting off as a platforming game involving digging and mining, it expanded to other genres, including RPGs. While SteamWorld Quest is almost pure RPG, SteamWorld Heist includes a platforming aspect.
As the captain of a space-faring crew, you're able to visit different areas and explore them through running and jumping. When it comes to battles, however, it's still a 2D platform environment with a turn-based RPG system. You can take several companions into battle, each with their own stats to improve, skills to learn, and weapons to wield.
5 Monster Sanctuary
Thanks to Pokemon, monster catching and training have become popular gaming concepts. While not all of them receive shining praise, there are those that provide an interesting and refreshing alternative. One of them is Monster Sanctuary, where you play as a monster trainer navigating a huge fantasy world.
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While you can do plenty on your own, you won't get far unless you have a wide range of monsters on your team. The RPG comes into play when you need to fight and tame monsters while also making sure that they have everything they need to be the strongest and most effective.
4 Child Of Light
Some games are so artsy that it's normal to get distracted by the visuals. A game of such beauty is Child of Light which looks like you're playing through a fantastical children's book with painted art. The game follows the story of Aurora, a princess transported to a magical land where she needs to collect enough power to save this world and her own.
She can run, jump, climb, and eventually fly across the realms to complete her goal. As she does, she'll meet a huge cast of companions who will fight alongside her whenever she battles. Enemies and bosses will be a turn-based affair, and you'll need to gain enough experience and helpful items to successfully reach and win the final fight.
3 Rogue Legacy
When the roguelike and roguelite genres first appeared, they rocked the world. They started with titles like The Binding of Isaac and Spelunky, only to be followed by other enjoyable games like Rogue Legacy. Your goal is to explore an ever-changing castle to reach the riches within and the power in the inner chamber.
You need to jump around, evade traps, use your skills, and swing your weapon to dispatch the enemies you encounter. The RPG comes as you're setting up between runs. You get to choose the heir that determines your starting class, traits, and stats. After that, you can talk with the various NPCs outside the castle to buy items, and improve your weapons and armor.
2 Wuppo
Certain games seem so weird on the surface that the only way to understand them is by playing. That's the case with Wuppo, an oddball epic adventure. The game follows a nameless ball with legs called a Wum after they get thrown out of the hotel where they're staying. The game follows their journey to find a new place to live and ends up getting involved in an even greater story.
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Platforming is how you get around, but the RPG is the core of progression. Your stats are determined by the items you use and the hats you wear. The turret you carry is your main weapon, and there are several varieties and ways to alter your shots. On top of that, you'll need to visit many key NPCs, and gather multiple quest items and gear in order to advance.
1 Sundered: Eldritch Edition
The eldritch theme will never not be creepy, which is why you'll hope for a reliable way to defend yourself against it. Thankfully, Sundered gives you a lot to work with as you wander around a labyrinth, fighting disturbing monsters and bosses. The goal is to cover as much ground as possible, so you can unlock new routes and make progress.
Your character is quite agile, but she must also power up for the dangers ahead. By fighting and collecting, you'll be able to return to the RPG hub of the game. There you can purchase new abilities, equip Charms you've found, and raise your stats to make your character more resilient and powerful in combat.
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