Uploaded March 2022 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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I love turn-based combat. Most of the time. But there are plenty of pain points that all kinds of games with turn-based combat keep running into. Fixing those points doesn't have to mean changing what makes the style great. Let's talk about some common game design problems turn-based combat games run into and how you can make JRPGs, tactics games, and more the best they can be.

Featuring:
Pokemon
Final Fantasy V
Super Mario RPG
Mario and Luigi: Paper Jam
Unlimited SaGa
Persona 5
Shin Megami Tensei V
Bravely Default 2
Grandia 2
Child of Light
Radiant Historia
Return to PopoloCrois
Tactics Ogre
Dragon Quest XI
Fire Emblem
Final Fantasy VIII
Chrono Cross
Disgaea

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Design Doc on Twitter: twitter.com/Warbot400

#rpgs #jrpg #gamedesign