Summary
Licensed games, especially in the RPG genre, often face skepticism.Being tied to existing franchises, they typically receive less investment and creative freedom compared to original titles. Nevertheless, many manage to deliver enjoyable experiences, even if they don’t always reach the same level of depth as traditional games in the genre.
Fortunately, there are exceptions that defy this trend. Among thebest licensed RPGs, there are titles that not only capture the essence of the franchises they represent but also offer engaging mechanics and captivating narratives. The key lies in balancing authentic references to the original material with strong game systems, creating an experience that appeals to both series fans and RPG enthusiasts.
While Dungeons & Dragons has many licensed games, its prominence as a major video game franchise - alongside other tabletop RPGs - means it was excluded from this list to focus on other RPGs.
10Magic Knight Rayearth
One Of The Best RPGs Made For The Sega Saturn
Combining fantasy and magic, the adaptation of the famous CLAMP manga arrived on the Sega Saturn, bringing an adventure filled withJRPG and Isekai elements. InMagic Knight Rayearth, Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu embark on a mission to save the kingdom of Cephiro, dealing with monstrous creatures, intriguing puzzles, and enjoyable turn-based battles.
Even with simple visuals, the vibrant atmosphere and focus on the protagonists’ friendship create a unique charm. Each knight takes on a distinct role within the group, ensuring variety in combat and exploration. The progression of abilities and the faithful adaptation of the original material make this version a cult favorite for JRPG enthusiasts and fans of the CLAMP universe.
Great Marvel heroes rarely come together in a tactical game, but this premise comes to life by uniting Doctor Strange, Blade, and other well-known names on a dark mission. InMarvel’s Midnight Suns, players assume the role of a new protagonist, combining strategic planning with a supernatural narrative amidst twists that put the world’s fate at stake.
Also,interactions between iconic characterslead to special missions that strengthen bonds, which in turn can enhance abilities during battles. This social component sets the title apart from many other licensed games, adding depth without losing the action-packed essence of Marvel. With intricate mechanics and a mystical storyline, this tactical RPG stands out as a bold and successful venture.
Turn-based combat and an epic setting rarely fail to excite, especially wheninspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s famous saga. InThe Lord of the Rings: The Third Age, players dive into the War of the Ring, controlling original characters who cross paths with iconic figures, enhancing the Middle-earth experience.
Although it does not replicate every detail of the central plot, the title succeeds in capturing the grand atmosphere of the franchise, emphasizing exploration and character development. Each battle requires careful planning, resulting in intense confrontations with trolls, orcs, and mythical creatures. This blend of strategy and fidelity to the universe makes the experience rewarding for dedicated fans.
Dragon Ballis renowned for its frenetic fighting games, butDragon Ball Z: Kakarotdeviates slightly from this formula, offering an RPG experience in a semi-open world. Here, players relive iconic moments from the anime, from battles against legendary foes to exploring well-known areas, creating an immersion in Akira Toriyama’s universe.
The combat system is more agile than traditional RPGs, yet it delivers attribute progression and skill enhancements. This combination allows for an authentic retelling of the story, incorporating mechanics that value both strategy and action. As a result,Dragon Ball Z: Kakarotstands out as a pleasant surprise among licensed RPGs.
Despitehaving numerous games, few manage to capture the essence thatSouth Park: The Stick of Truthholds in relation to the animated series. With irreverent humor, satire, and cultural references, the title feels like an original episode, with its cut-out aesthetic enhancing the show’s charm. Throughout the adventure, each joke reinforces the city’s comedic atmosphere.
This makes every battle and interaction even more hilarious, as missions parody RPG elements and mock pop culture stereotypes. Players become part of the madness, especially when iconic characters appear with absurd dialogues and unexpected situations. Additionally,The Stick of Truthoffers engaging progression, blending game mechanics with the irreverence thatSouth Parkis known for.
Blending horror and science, this classicsurvival horror game with RPG elementssurprises by being based on Hideaki Sena’s novel, released in Japan in 1994. InParasite Eve, the story continues the novel’s events, placing police officer Aya Brea against a mysterious force capable of manipulating human cells.
Combining cinematic storytelling with strategic mechanics, the game offers an active battle system that contrasts with other RPGs of its time. The plot delves into biological mutations and dark conspiracies, maintaining constant tension. The setting, coupled with Aya’s gradual skill development, makes the experience rich in detail and memorable for genre fans.
Although it is amassive franchise with many games, it took time for a large-scale Harry Potter adaptation to appear in video games. For a long period, these titles were adapted versions of the movies or smaller mobile games. However, the release ofHogwarts Legacyin 2023 changed this scenario, taking players into the Wizarding World on an epic adventure.
Hogwarts Legacystands out as one of the best licensed RPGs ever produced because the game effectively conveys the feeling of exploring various familiar settings for Harry Potter fans, ranging from the castle to surrounding regions. Additionally, the game is not confined to specific characters or other elements, creating a 1890s setting that works exceptionally well.
TheStar Warsfranchise is one of the largest and most iconic in pop culture. While the films explore the Skywalker family saga, other derivative products deeply expand this universe, introducing new characters, conflicts, and eras. This wealth of stories is a key factor in keeping the franchise relevant for decades.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republicis not only one of the best licensed games but also a landmark in the RPG genre. Developed by BioWare, the title combines an engaging narrative, memorable characters, and impactful choices. It continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest RPGs ever created, masterfully and creatively expanding theStar Warsuniverse.
TheKingdom Heartsseries is one of the most unique ever created. At first glance, the combination of Disney characters with those from Final Fantasy might seem odd, but the collaboration delivered one of the best licensed RPGs ever made.Kingdom Hearts 2, for example, is considered a standout in the franchise, particularly for its dynamic and agile combat.
In this game, players assume the role of Sora, fighting darkness andprotecting light across Disney worlds. These worlds represent fragments of a main universe that was shattered by an ancient war. As players progress through each new setting, different characters like Simba or Mulan join the mission, making the game an unlikely but highly effective combination.
Instead of creating an entirely new story or attempting a direct adaptation of the books, CD Projekt Red took a bold and effective approach inThe Witcherseries by expanding Andrzej Sapkowski’s saga. They continue the events from the books and deliver an exciting conclusion to Geralt of Rivia’s story inThe Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
The third installment also highlighted CD Projekt Red’s growth as a developer. After releasing two games focused on a more niche audience,The Witcher 3established itself as a milestone in RPGs, reaching an even broader audience. For genre fans, this work is almost mandatory, ensuring a memorable and innovative experience in Geralt’s universe.
