Best RPG Battle Systems

[Edge7]

I felt like what Tales of Graces did well the Tales of Destiny Remake did better... but that's a game that never crossed the pond, so I wouldn't expect people to talk about it.

It's an honorable mention in the thumbnail, but I've always enjoyed Valkyrie Profile 2's battle system. While I prefer the original game as a whole more, the sequel made combat a lot more interesting.

Though it isn't perfect, I like the idea of Chrono Cross's Element system, specifically the idea you start with a set number of magic charges and unlock more as combat goes on. Stronger spells cost more charges, and the set of spells a character possesses is completely up for customization. It's a shame combat feels so incredibly tedious in that game.

Beyond that, I agree with the previously mentioned games, particularly Grandia, SMT3, Vagrant Story, FFXII and X.

Would we count the original Parasite Eve as an "Action RPG?" if not, I really enjoy combat in that game as well.