Turn-based RPGs with timed button presses

[dunpeal2064]

I love RPGs with timed button presses, but I don't know of too many. I tried searching the web, but with little luck. Here is the list that has been compiled thus far (Thanks to input from Racketeers!):

The Legend of Dragoon
Shadow Hearts series
Mario RPGs
Magna Carta
Lost Odyssey
Gladius
Mother 3
Final Fantasy VIII
Beyond the Beyond

If anyone can suggest titles with mechanics similar to these (especially LoD and SH), it would be greatly appreciated!

[MrPopo]

Lost Odyssey has a mechanic where you hold down a button until right before the hit to do extra damage, but it doesn't feel as good as Mario RPG's timed hits.

[Jmustang1968]

Gladius is a SRPG on PS2/Xbox that does this as well.

[isiolia]

FFVIII has it to a degree with limit breaks.

[BoneSnapDeez]

Mother 3.

Press buttons in time with the music!

[dunpeal2064]

Great recommendations so far!

Lost Odyssey has a mechanic where you hold down a button until right before the hit to do extra damage, but it doesn't feel as good as Mario RPG's timed hits.

I totally forgot about Lost Odyssey, even having played through half the game. I agree that it doesn't feel as good as the Mario RPGs, and doesn't hold a candle to LoD, but its better than nothing!

FFVIII has it to a degree with limit breaks.

This is one I debated adding initially. At first I was just considering Squall, with his basic sword attack and Limit Break. Thinking about Zell's Limit Break, along with the GF's Boost though, I think the game has enough button-press interaction to include it with the others.

Gladius is a SRPG on PS2/Xbox that does this as well.

Had no idea about this one! This is right up my alley, perfect suggestion!

Mother 3.

Press buttons in time with the music!

This... sounds like the greatest thing. I really want to play Mother 3 now. Hell, I push buttons in time to music in almost every game I play!

Another one I forgot about but will add to the list is Magna Carta. I remember it having a wheel that had "X" and "O" button presses you did, similar to Shadow Hearts. It might not be a great game, but it fits what I am looking for, so I'm sure I'll end up playing it eventually.


I'll add these to the list up top. Thanks again for the suggestions so far, and keep em coming!

[ExedExes]

I only know of SMRPG, because it's a damn nice feeling when you can finally nail the timing on the Geno Whirl to do 1-hit kills and it comes in handy when you fight Exor!

[sakicfan84]

Beyond the Beyond has a timed button press system associated with it's combat. Not really shocking that it wasn't the game people thought of first.

[dunpeal2064]

I only know of SMRPG, because it's a damn nice feeling when you can finally nail the timing on the Geno Whirl to do 1-hit kills and it comes in handy when you fight Exor!

Yes! SMRPG is defintiely the reason I love this mechanic so much. Seeing "9999" with Geno was great, trying to hit the 50 Ultra Jumps with Mario was nuts, and even the little things like timing a chain chomp attack felt great. Heck, I would pump fist every time I managed to block an attack that had an odd timing to it.

I don't think I ever pulled it off on Exor, but at that point I usually have the Lazy gear anyways.

Beyond the Beyond has a timed button press system associated with it's combat. Not really shocking that it wasn't the game people thought of first.

Had no idea about this one. Seems like a bare version of SMRPG, but I do like that the button presses can be used in offense and defense.

Thanks! It will be added to the list