We already published the list of best PS Vita games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best PS Vita RPGs of all time.
With amazing titles available, the PS Vita definitely has a great library of RPGs.
So, if you’re a fan of both the PS Vita and 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. Sorcery Saga: The Curse of the Great Curry God
- Release Data: Zerodiv/Compile Heart, 2013
- Genre: Role-Playing » Roguelike
With a story loaded with humor, interesting characters and insane dungeon variety, Sorcery Saga: The Curse of the Great Curry God is an excellent game.
The quirky story will keep you invested and want to see where it goes next.
So, if you like roguelike RPGs this will be a great one for you to try if you haven’t already.
#24. Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth3: V Generation
- Release Data: Felistella/Compile Heart, 2015
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth3: V Generation ends up being its own worst enemy.
A quirky, genuinely funny localization manages to shoot itself in the foot by relying on lazy jokes about breast sizes far too often.
Hyperdimension Neptunia is getting closer to having a genuinely great game in the series, however, Re;Birth3: V Generation is merely decent.
#23. Demon Gaze
- Release Data: Experience Inc./Kadokawa, 2014
- Genre: Role-Playing » Western-Style
It may not be genre defining, but Demon Gaze provides Vita owners with a somewhat entertaining introduction to first-person dungeon crawling.
Despite its imperfections, an array of handy gameplay mechanics coupled with a colorful cast of characters provides just enough intrigue to justify the thirty-or-so hours that you’ll spend level grinding your way through this adventure.
#22. Mary Skelter: Nightmares
- Release Data: Compile Heart, 2017
- Genre: Role-Playing » Roguelike
Mary Skelter: Nightmares has some really interesting features and an impressively dark atmosphere.
While a lot of the mechanics within the dungeons will feel familiar to genre fans, the levels themselves are very well crafted.
There’s also a unique battle system to master and the random element of Nightmares chasing you down dark corridors will definitely get the adrenaline pumping.
#21. Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1
- Release Data: Felistella/Compile Heart, 2014
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1 is a light-hearted RPG that allows you to shut down your brain, without ever losing its challenge.
This makes it an excellent entry point for genre or series newcomers, as even though it’s based upon an older game, it’s been completely overhauled to feel modern and fresh.
#20. Ray Gigant
- Release Data: Bandai Namco Games, 2016
- Genre: Role-Playing » General
Taking a step back from being a hardcore dungeon crawler, Ray Gigant puts one foot firmly into the realm of modern Japanese RPGs, and the result is an accessible experience, perfect for those looking for a gateway into the genre.
A good battle system and an enjoyable story go a long way in making this a rock solid role-playing release.
#19. Stranger of Sword City
- Release Data: Experience Inc./NIS America, 2016
- Genre: Role-Playing » General
Despite its slow start, Stranger of Sword City matures into a compelling dungeon crawling RPG that’s defined by its gritty atmosphere.
Even though it doesn’t bring anything especially new to the genre in terms of gameplay, it’s a cohesive and well-crafted handheld experience, topped off with a setting that practically begs to be explored.
#18. Tokyo Xanadu
- Release Data: Falcom, 2017
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
It would be a mistake to recommend Tokyo Xanadu as a Persona clone.
This is a game which takes a lot of cosmetic inspiration from that series, but anyone who played and loved Persona would find this game vapid and boring by comparison.
That’s because the target audience is the more casual fan looking for a something light.
#17. Freedom Wars
- Release Data: SCE Japan Studio/SCEI, 2014
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Freedom Wars is a solid action RPG that’s put behind bars by a slew of elements that end up lacking.
While none of these flaws ruin the experience, they definitely put a dampener on some of the game’s best qualities, such as its dystopian premise and intense boss battles.
#16. Dungeon Travelers 2: The Royal Library & the Monster Seal
- Release Data: Aqua Plus, 2015
- Genre: Role-Playing » Western-Style
While by no means perfect, Dungeon Travelers 2: The Royal Library and the Monster Seal shows why the Vita is a viable platform.
Featuring great anime style character art and a fun, humorous story, fans of Japanese gaming will be pleased.
With challenging dungeons and tough monsters to out think and defeat, fans of difficult games will also be pleased.
#15. Superdimension Neptune VS Sega Hard Girls
- Release Data: Compile Heart/Idea Factory, 2016
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
If you’re a fan of turn-based strategic battling or just fun RPGs, then Superdimension Neptune VS SEGA Hard Girls is a highly recommended experience.
Surprisingly, given the perceived lack of love and support for the Vita in the West, this is actually a great reason for RPG fans to own Sony’s handheld.
#14. Oreshika: Tainted Bloodlines
- Release Data: Alfa System/SCEI, 2015
- Genre: Role-Playing » General
Oreshika: Tainted Bloodlines‘ story could have done more with its fascinating premise, but the real meat comes in the form of its dynamic gameplay systems, which allow for a great sense of progression.
Creating each new generation feels incredibly rewarding as they carry on the will of their doomed family, which makes it a difficult title to put down.
#13. Atelier Escha & Logy Plus: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky
- Release Data: Gust/Koei Tecmo Games, 2016
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
For those who haven’t tried the game, you’ll learn to fall in love with the absolutely brilliant combat system and amazing soundtrack.
While Ayesha was a good primer and Shallie was a bit of a disappointment, Atelier Escha & Logy Plus hits that sweet spot of giving players everything they want and surround them with very likeable characters.
#12. Tales of Hearts R
- Release Data: 7thChord/Bandai Namco Games, 2014
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Tales of Hearts R starts strong, and only gets better as it progresses.
The cast may not be the best in the series, and the random encounters do feel a bit dated, but this is an overall top-notch production.
If your Vita’s barely touched over the past few weeks, then this is the blood that’ll bring your system back to life.
#11. Soul Sacrifice
- Release Data: SCE Japan Studio/SCEI, 2013
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Soul Sacrifice offers a consuming fantasy adventure set in a desperately dark world.
The presentation isn’t always as polished as you’d expect from a first-party release, but the perverse art direction makes up for it.
If you’re in the market for something a little different, this title maybe will do.
#10. Shiren the Wanderer: The Tower of Fortune and the Dice of Fate
- Release Data: Spike Chunsoft/Aksys Games, 2016
- Genre: Role-Playing » Roguelike
After you finished this game, you’ll be reminded that Shiren the Wanderer is one heck of a game.
You’ll get the most out of it if you’re the type who likes tough dungeon crawlers with a retro feel, but even if you’re only mildly interested in the genre, this game has enough to get you hooked.
#9. Atelier Ayesha Plus: The Alchemist of Dusk
- Release Data: Gust, 2015
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Atelier Ayesha Plus: The Alchemist of Dusk offers the perfect start for aspiring pharmacist.
However, while its features are vastly improved over titles in the previous trilogy, its combat system is outshined by Escha & Logy.
Thankfully, for those playing exclusively on the Vita, this issue can be cast aside, and you’ll find an in-depth storyline with lots of character development here.
#8. The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel
- Release Data: Falcom, 2015
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel feels like a JRPG from a lost era.
If you have fond memories of playing JRPGs decades ago then this might just take you back.
It doesn’t do much new but by being old-school it is different enough these days to make it an enjoyable experience with likeable characters and deep customization options.
#7. Atelier Shallie Plus: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea
- Release Data: Gust/Koei Tecmo Games, 2017
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Atelier Shallie Plus: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea is great way to wrap up the trilogy.
This is a perfect choice for someone looking to try their hand at a JRPG, but still offers enough meaty battle challenges and huge crafting possibilities for devout fans of the series.
#6. Muramasa Rebirth
- Release Data: Vanillaware/Marvelous AQL, 2013
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Muramasa Rebirth perfectly blends beauty and brawn, providing an experience that, while artistic in aesthetic, packs an unforgiving punch.
Combining 2D platforming, hack and slash action, and RPG elements, this title is sure to appeal to a broad variety of gamers looking for an adventure that is both accessible for long grinds or quick sessions.
#5. Atelier Rorona Plus: The Alchemist of Arland
- Release Data: Gust, 2014
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Atelier Rorona Plus: The Alchemist of Arland should be part of your collection if you’re an RPG fan.
With its unique gameplay and likeable characters, it’s one of the most charming examples of the genre on Vita.
And if you don’t have a Vita? Go get one.
#4. The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II
- Release Data: Falcom, 2016
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
If you didn’t play the original game and are interested in diving into Trails of Cold Steel II right away, go back and play its predecessor first.
And if you did play and enjoy the original, know that this second entry is just more of the same great thing, and it’s guaranteed for you to have a good time.
#3. Soul Sacrifice Delta
- Release Data: SCE Japan Studio/SCEI, 2014
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Soul Sacrifice Delta deals with many of the issues with the vanilla version of Sony’s dark fantasy game, and also elevates its gameplay mechanics and lore to a higher level.
If you were a fan of the original, this is definitely worth the double dip, and you’ll have lots to do in addition to the usual monster hunting.
#2. Ys: Memories of Celceta
- Release Data: Falcom, 2013
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
The Ys games are a well-established franchise in the JRPG space.
Ys: Memories of Celceta builds upon this legacy but really doesn’t change much about previous games.
Where Ys surmounts its competition is in its quaint, almost dated approach to the genre with a storyline, score, and art style that evoke older JRPGs.
#1. Persona 4 Golden
- Release Data: Atlus, 2012
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Persona 4 Golden is the definitive edition of the game.
As the protagonist, you assemble a team of your fellow classmates to solve the mystery of the murders occurring in your small Japanese town.
With top notch artwork and amazing soundtracks, you have what is easily one of the best games not only on the Vita but of all time.
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which PS Vita RPG is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
