UFO 50is a fantastic collection of excellent games. It features titles that belong to every genre. But given that there are fifty of them being sold at the typical cost of one indie game, it would be logical to expect it wouldn’t include any RPGs. Well, friend, as the title of this list would suggest, you’d be dead wrong.
UFO 50 has three true RPGs. I’ll delve into all three of these games and give you my take on what makes them great, and which of the three is the best of ‘em. However, I’ve also included three honorable mentions. These are titles that aren’t RPGs, but that incorporate RPG elements (or belong to genres that are often tethered to RPGs).
As a disclaimer, it is worth noting that all three of the core RPGs provide very different experiences and are of a pretty high quality. So, there are no real losers here.Every game on this list is pretty damn cool.
Honorable Mentions
Some Choice RPG-Like Experiences For Your Consideration
As I already stated in the intro, UFO 50 only has three real RPGs, but there are games that feel like they incorporate RPG elements. So, while these games aren’t RPGs in the strictest sense, they all incorporate certain elements that should make them at leastsomewhatappealing to most RPG fans.
Attactics
Attactics, on the other hand, feels likePlants Vs. Zombies, but with some RPG accouterments. One of the big additions, and really the reason it makes this list, is the ability for your troops to level up as they defeat enemy troops. You don’t have any control over what troop will deploy, instead, you need to utilize what you are given to the best of your ability.
There is a bit of aFire Emble-esque element present as well, as certain troops act as hard counters to others. It is more puzzle game than RPG, but it has enough of that RPG spice to make my list of honorable mentions.
Avianos
Avianos is a Grand Strategy game. The emphasis here is very clearly on strategy, but it does sharea lot of similarities with the Dragon Force titles, whichareRPGs. Additionally, as you pray to different gods, you will level up their blessings, so there is a progression system of sorts.
Of the three games I included as honorable mentions, I think this is the loosest. However, I do feel like the Grand Strategy genre has been tethered to the RPG genre for long enough that this one deserves a mention. Especially since it is such an enjoyable game to play.
It is worth noting that Avianos does just feature a single player campaign. It also has versus play as well!
Porgy
Among the honorable mentions, I stand by Porgy being the most worthy of praise.Porgy is a Metroidvania that features a simple, yet extremely fulfilling, upgrade system. As you improve your submarine, you will be able to venture deeper into the vast ocean and acquire even more upgrades. Porgy isn’t a true RPG, but I feel like most Metroidvanias are at least RPG-adjacent. And hey, RPG or not, it is afantasticgame.
Divers
Dungeon Crawler? More Like Dungeon Swimmer!
Divers is what happens when you crossthe underwater section from the first TMNT gameon the NES (but with tighter control) withDragon Quest. There is also just apinchofMetroidthrown in for good measure. Unlike the other two pure RPGs included in this collection, the combat engine here utilizes a true turn-based combat engine.
One of Divers’ most prominent elements, is how incredibly opaque the game is. I was an hour into the game before I could figure out how to use my healing potion (you just equip it like it is a weapon). However, that does give the game a real sense of mystery and intrigue. There is also a hefty emphasis on elemental affinities (it is the anti-Final Fantasy 16 in that regard).
There are mysteries abound, and you need to be extremely diligent, as your equipment will wear down over time. So, you will need to return to your home base regularly. This also gives the game a certain push-your-luck element. Ultimately, Divers is a fun little dungeon crawler that has a pretty fun exploration element. This may be the lowest-ranked RPG of the bunch, but don’t get it twisted; if you like dungeon crawlers, this is still a pretty enjoyable experience.
Valbrace
The Child Of Punch-Out And Eye Of The Beholder
Valbrace is a classic-style dungeon crawler. When you are working your way through Valbrace’s labyrinthine world, the game is played in first person: it is a lot like Eye of the Beholder, or one of theGrimrock games. However, once you are confronted by one of this dungeon’s denizens, you will enter into an action-based combat scenario. These encounters will have you face off against enemies in a similar style to something like Crossed Swords. If you aren’t familiar with that particular title, thinkPunch-Out, but with swords.
I have a sneaking suspicion that this will be a favorite game among UFO 50 players. And for good reason, this is an excellent dungeon crawler with a fantastic style of combat that just feelsgreat. On top of that, you’ll find that there are a ton of fun traps and puzzles spread throughout each level of Valbrace’s central dungeon. Of the three RPGs, this is the least traditional of the bunch. However, it is brilliantly crafted, and I’m sure it will find a ton of fans to sing its praises (I’m one of them).
Grimstone
A Rootin'-Tootin' RPG
I’m not going to mince words here: Grimstone is a top-shelf title. It manages to have one foot in the past, featuring the type of aesthetic and streamlined story you’d encounter in a classic 8-bit game, while also injecting some modern mechanics into the fold. This is best exemplified by the combat. Grimstone has a turn-based combat engine that incorporates a timing minigame that feels pretty similar to what you’d find in the Shadow Hearts games (though here it is a bar instead of a ring). It isn’t hard to land an attack, of course, but if you want to get a critical you will have to come dangerously close to missing. It is a fantastic system that allows for sublime moments of heroism (or folly).
Additionally, the different characters come packing their own novelties and quirks. One character learns attacks by talking to animals found on the world map or in dungeons. Another starts fairly weak, but as you progress through the game, gains access to powerful spells that will buff the entire party. And it is all wrapped in aSpaghetti Western aesthetic. We may not have received a new Wild Arms game in a decade or so, but I found that Grimstone was able to scratch a similar itch.
Grimstone is a very old-school style of RPG. So, it can, at times, be a touch cruel. Youwillalso probably want to grind a little here and there to ensure you are strong enough to work your way through dungeons and such, so, if you don’t like grinding, this won’t be the RPG for you. I suspect that Grimstone will not be for everyone, but playing through this one sent me back in time, and I relished every second of it. This is the traditional RPG fan’s RPG, and if that sounds like you, I think you’ll have a great time with it.
