We already published the list of best DS games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best DS action RPGs of all time.
With amazing titles available, the DS definitely has a great library of action RPGs.
So, if you’re a fan of both the DS and action RPGs, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Naruto: Path of the Ninja
- Release Data: TOSE/Tomy Corporation, 2007
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Naruto: Path of the Ninja isn’t something that diehard RPG fans will enjoy.
It’s formulaic, it’s repetitive, and it’s technically a GBA game running on the DS.
However, it still manages to deliver enough of the franchise’s atmosphere to fans who want to play through the story on the go.
#24. Mega Man Star Force: Leo
- Release Data: Capcom, 2007
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Mega Man Star Force is a game that appeals to the extremes.
Battle Network loyalists will find what they love here, and gamers ignorant to the style and feel of Battle Network games could also find an RPG worth playing.
But everyone else in between is going to be bored with the title.
#23. Mega Man Star Force: Pegasus
- Release Data: Capcom, 2007
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
This game, when all is said and done, is mostly the same as Mega Man Battle Network.
If you did not like the Battle Network series, you aren’t going to like this game.
To reiterate, Mega Man Star Force, despite all the changes they have made to the Battle Network formula, still feels, plays, and looks like its ancestor.
#22. Mega Man Star Force: Dragon
- Release Data: Capcom, 2007
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
If you have one or two Mega Man Battle Network games under your belt and still have the itch, you’ll appreciate the minor improvements that this new game brings to the table.
If you didn’t like the previous games, or if the last one you played was enough, then Mega Man Star Force probably isn’t for you.
#21. Spectrobes
- Release Data: Jupiter Corporation/Disney Interactive Studios, 2007
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
The fossil excavation is a unique and well done element and is really the most enjoyable part of the game, especially since the rest of Spectrobes is easy enough to beat in a weekend.
All in all, as a scavenger simulation, Spectrobes absolutely succeeds, but scouring every inch of planet after digital planet will quickly wear thin for most people.
#20. Blue Dragon: Awakened Shadow
- Release Data: Tri-Crescendo/Bandai Namco Games, 2010
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Like many of its other aspects, Awakened Shadow‘s graphics are on par with other similar RPGs on the DS.
The 3D sprites are small and colorful but lack detail, though the frequent animated cutscenes are a little prettier and show the characters better.
Yet despite some flaws, it’s a reasonably fun experience that successfully gets just enough right to stay enjoyable.
#19. Away: Shuffle Dungeon
- Release Data: Artoon/AQ Interactive, 2008
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Away has an interesting premise, nice visuals, great audio, and an original take on an established genre.
However, that original take isn’t strong enough to carry the player throughout the entire game, and eventually the gimmick wears thin.
Still, there will be gamers out there that will be won over by Away‘s high production values and charm.
#18. Children of Mana
- Release Data: Nex Entertainment/Square Enix, 2006
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Children of Mana features one key characteristic of the Mana series: excellent presentation.
The graphics are gorgeous, and the soundtrack is easily one of the very best on DS.
Ultimately, Children of Mana is an excellent game in its own right, bringing dungeon crawling to a new level on Nintendo DS.
#17. Pokemon Ranger
- Release Data: HAL Labs/Nintendo, 2006
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Pokemon Ranger isn’t quite as versatile or elaborate a game design as the classic Pokemon RPG, but it’s a nice diversion that introduces new characters and themes to the familiar universe established in the classic series.
All in all, it’s a solid, albeit linear, adventure with some cool DS mechanics.
#16. Kingdom Hearts Re:coded
- Release Data: Square Enix, 2011
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
On one hand, it tells a story that will be confusing to newcomers and too familiar to fans, with some frustrating gameplay elements.
For anyone willing to overlook these, it’s a highly enjoyable game with a unique gameplay and an engaging storyline, and is worth a try for fans.
#15. Lost Magic
- Release Data: Taito Corporation/Ubisoft, 2006
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Lost Magic is a game that combines some of the best features of action RPGs and real-time strategy games, and then throws a Pokèmon-style monster collection into the mix.
The result is a thoroughly enjoyable game that, although not without a few flaws and frustrations, starts well and simply gets deeper and better as you spend more time with it.
#14. Spectrobes: Beyond the Portals
- Release Data: Jupiter Corporation/Disney Interactive Studios, 2008
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Spectrobes: Beyond the Portals does a lot of things right.
It’s got an interesting premise, some solid characters, and a unique gameplay mechanic.
Overall, the game looks and controls great for the DS, and it has improved significantly from the first game.
#13. Avalon Code
- Release Data: Matrix Software/Marvelous Entertainment, 2009
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Avalon Code got some stunning visuals, comprises one of the most inventive battle systems to feature in an RPG and has plenty of depth throughout its lengthy duration.
And those prepared to persevere with the game’s flaws will find there is plenty of potential here.
#12. Phantasy Star Zero
- Release Data: Sonic Team/Sega, 2009
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
The amount of enjoyment you’ll get out of Phantasy Star Zero depends largely on how readily you can get together with your friends to go searching for loot.
And if you can get past its issues and accept that it feels a little old, it’s a game that has accessible gameplay, simple action, and vast catalog of items.
#11. Summon Night: Twin Age
- Release Data: Flight-Plan/Banpresto, 2008
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Summon Night: Twin Age is a fun, deep, and lengthy action-RPG that’s perfectly suited to the DS.
The myriad customization options keep things fresh and add replay value, and the story impresses with its writing and presentation.
This game definitely deserves a spot in any RPG fan’s DS library.
#10. Solatorobo: Red the Hunter
- Release Data: CyberConnect2/Bandai Namco Games, 2011
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
It has been crafted with care and in painstaking detail, incorporating a lengthy, well-written story with engaging battle mechanics and an impressive variety of quest styles.
In the end, fans of the genre or those seeking an original, enjoyable experience on their DS should hesitate no longer; get this game.
#9. Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days
- Release Data: h.a.n.d. Inc./Square Enix, 2009
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days stays true to the series by utilizing a variety of popular Disney worlds, an enthralling plot, and classic gameplay freshened up with fully customizable abilities.
Though it has a few minor faults, it remains a charming and rewarding adventure that’s a real treat to play.
#8. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates
- Release Data: Square Enix, 2008
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates isn’t the best Square Enix product on DS, but it’s very impressive nonetheless.
If you’re a fan of past Final Fantasy games and will appreciate the fan service of classic armor types and spells, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates will be an enjoyable addition to your collection.
#7. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time
- Release Data: Square Enix, 2009
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time is a superb game for fans of RPGs as well as anyone eager to explore the unique Wii to DS connectivity offered here.
If you own both consoles, it is recommended picking up the portable version without a shadow of a doubt.
#6. Rune Factory 3: A Fantasy Harvest Moon
- Release Data: Neverland/Marvelous Entertainment, 2010
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
If you’ve played the previous entries, you’ll probably already know you’d enjoy Rune Factory 3.
The new features are bullet points rather than game changers, but it’s the biggest entry in the series so far and a must for fans of farming and fighting.
#5. Lunar Knights
- Release Data: Kojima Productions/Konami, 2007
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
With so much going on in Lunar Knights, you never get tired of the experience, despite the game’s healthy, 10-hour-plus running time.
Although it may be daunting for those who shy away from a challenge, it’s worth the fight and one of the best games of its kind to appear on the DS.
#4. Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin
- Release Data: Konami, 2006
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin is similar to other post Symphony of the Night Castlevania games, but where it stands out is the dual protagonists you control throughout.
Overall, it’s a fun Metroidvania game with plenty of new mechanics that will keep fans of the genre happy.
#3. Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia
- Release Data: Konami, 2008
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia is set after the end of Symphony of the Night and is directed by the Metroidvania master himself, Koji Igarashi.
This game lives up to the reputation. It has a ton of varied locations, and the character sprite work is gorgeous.
Overall, it’s a great game that is just as strong as the previous entries.
#2. The World Ends with You
- Release Data: Jupiter Corporation/Square Enix, 2008
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Whether you’re a fan of the art style or not, there’s still no denying the game’s impressive ability to create an immersive, alive world on Nintendo’s pocket platform, complete with beautiful and inspired music, matchless art design, and pioneering individuality in gameplay.
Games like this come once in a system’s lifetime, and shouldn’t be ignored
#1. Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
- Release Data: Konami, 2005
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
The tactical soul system adds depth to the Castlevania formula, and you can use the souls you collect from monsters into a level editor that you can compete with your friends for the fastest clear time.
Overall, this is one of the best Castlevania games ever made, so you need to play it.
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See also: Best GameCube Games & Best Wii Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which DS action RPG is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!