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[nubbe]

Monster Hunter certainly wasn't an instant hit with me.
It took me several tries from the PSP release to Wii U to get into it.
Like 8 years.

Only reason I got into MH3U on the WiiU was because there was nothing else to play

Now it is one of my favorite games to play both casually and obsessively... depending on the mood.

 

[Korigama]

This... But people have deluded the term RPG that nearly everything is at least part "rpg" anymore.

Basically. Monster Hunter games certainly aren't RPGs, though for some reason they're often classified as such.

-no EXP or leveling up (Hunter Rank =/= levels)
-base stats for your hunter remain the same throughout the game, and are only altered by equipment used and temporarily by meals eaten/items used
-no numbers flying out of the player or enemies when hit

The most RPG-like element of MH3U were the Shakalakas, who actually did gain EXP and level up. It's more of an action-adventure series than anything else (Capcom even classify them as Hunting Action games). Monster Hunter Stories is an actual RPG take on MH, but that one's turn-based rather than an ARPG (and still unconfirmed for release outside of Japan).

 

[The12thGripper]

It's a little sad how half this thread is people recommending games that aren't Action RPGs.

OP: I have nothing else to recommend that someone hasn't recommended. The 3DS is kinda light on Action RPGs. I think someone said Xenoblade but that plays more like an MMO Action RPG. It's an amazing game but don't go in expecting to do some flashy stuff. However, if you have a PSP, Vita or don't mind playing games on PC, you should try out the Ys games if you haven't already. Combat feels great and the music is incredible.

 

[Syril]

It's so weird how few action RPGs there are on it considering the amount there was on the DS, and most of the ones that do exist that aren't ports were all released really early. At least Ever Oasis is being made.

 

[Mephala]

Maybe Inuzama Eleven? It is sports action with RPG elements such as leveling up your team, stats etc. Worth looking into and it is actually quite fun. I generally dislike sports games.

Well my house is cold so I tend to chill on my bed and get my four layers of blankets going and whip out my 3DS.

No i haven't, but I'll check it out!

What about DS games? This opens up suggestions like Lunar Knights, Rocket Slime, Custom Robo Arena. I've heard amazing things about Soma Bringer but it is JP only and needs translation patching which is a bit too much work for me at the moment.

Do you still have your Vita? That would also open up to some more suggestions too.

Basically. Monster Hunter games certainly aren't RPGs, though for some reason they're often classified as such.

-no EXP or leveling up (Hunter Rank =/= levels)
-base stats for your hunter remain the same throughout the game, and are only altered by equipment used and temporarily by meals eaten/items used
-no numbers flying out of the player or enemies when hit

The most RPG-like element of MH3U were the Shakalakas, who actually did gain EXP and level up. It's more of an action-adventure series than anything else (Capcom even classify them as Hunting Action games). Monster Hunter Stories is an actual RPG take on MH, but that one's turn-based rather than an ARPG (and still unconfirmed for release outside of Japan).

The age old RPGs argument.

For what its worth I am fully aware that neither MH nor Kid Icarus are actually ARPGs but they fit the "action" descriptor and are exceptional in that area to the point that I feel it is at least worth considering when there are not a lot to select from on the ARPG front. The most RPG like element of MH to me is the increase in player power through gear. One look at the stats page and I instantly get RPG vibes but I'm not here to argue this.

 

[TheMoon]

The age old RPGs argument.

For what its worth I am fully aware that neither MH nor Kid Icarus are actually ARPGs but they fit the "action" descriptor and are exceptional in that area to the point that I feel it is at least worth considering when there are not a lot to select from on the ARPG front. The most RPG like element of MH to me is the increase in player power through gear. One look at the stats page and I instantly get RPG vibes but I'm not here to argue this.

MH at least can get a pass wearing a fake mustache but KIU really has no business here^^

 

[Opa-Pa]

Not exactly an action RPG either, but since you said you're into musou games (and they're sorta similar), I have to recommend Gotta Protectors, the best eshop-only game you nevet knew

https://youtu.be/b6Apnsrwotc

The game is basically a retro inspired musou with tons of content, fairly simple yet complex and challenging gameplay and lots of charm and humor, not to mention crazy good music.

Here's the OT if you want some impressions.

 

[TriAceJP]

It's a little sad how half this thread is people recommending games that aren't Action RPGs.

OP: I have nothing else to recommend that someone hasn't recommended. The 3DS is kinda light on Action RPGs. I think someone said Xenoblade but that plays more like an MMO Action RPG. It's an amazing game but don't go in expecting to do some flashy stuff. However, if you have a PSP, Vita or don't mind playing games on PC, you should try out the Ys games if you haven't already. Combat feels great and the music is incredible.

I've played all of the Ys games to this point, anxiously waiting for 8 (although I may grab the import if i get more impatient).

Not exactly an action RPG either, but since you said you're into musou games (and they're sorta similar), I have to recommend Gotta Protectors, the best eshop-only game you nevet knew

https://youtu.be/b6Apnsrwotc

The game is basically a retro inspired musou with tons of content, fairly simple yet complex and challenging gameplay and lots of charm and humor, not to mention crazy good music.

Here's the OT if you want some impressions.

Picked this up as soon as I heard about it. Yuzo Koshiro gets my money every time.


I do have a Vita as well. I've exhausted pretty much all of the DS library at this point. Soma Bringer was great, I'd really love another one.

 

[The12thGripper]

I've played all of the Ys games to this point, anxiously waiting for 8 (although I may grab the import if i get more impatient).

Good to hear. I'm very behind on the series myself, only beat Celceta, Seven and Ys 1. I'm really hoping we'll get a surprise localization announcement for Ys 8 soon, the demo (while I didn't understand a single word) was incredible.

 

[Bulbasaur]

Definitely more to what I'm looking for but seems a little basic. I'll look into it and see how people feel about it. Thanks!

It's pretty deep and it's pretty cheap$

 

[Opa-Pa]

Ah, a Vita does make it easier to recommend stuff.

Have you tried Muramasa Rebirth? The Odin Sphere remake? There's also the excellent Samurai Warriors 4 port for musou goodness.

 

[TriAceJP]

Ah, a Vita does make it easier to recommend stuff.

Have you tried Muramasa Rebirth? The Odin Sphere remake? There's also the excellent Samurai Warriors 4 port for musou goodness.

First two yes, haven't tried the Samurai Warriors game.