This is like asking which is better TPS or FPS, each game does it's own individual thing so uses the one that suits what the developer is going for.

I prefer battle systems like Star Ocean's. Dark Souls, Witcher, etc... Those are not traditional RPGs in my mind, the battle systems are much closer to something you'd see in the Legacy of Kain series, or a MMORPG.

I love turn based, but Star Ocean The Last Hope's battle system is probably the best I've ever had the joy to play.

I prefer turn-based. This way I have more time to actually plan the battle out.

It's just a choice, so neither is "better".

Personally, I prefer tactical over twitch. Even with most action games, I play slowly and with stealth, if that's available. I like surveying the situation and developing a strategy. With RPGs, I like to control the entire party.

From what I've experienced, many twitch RPGs are simplistic in structure and rarely require you to think about battles. I find that boring, to be honest. I like games that engage my brain and not just my reflexes.

You say FF X and Chrono Trigger are somewhere between the two?

Both pure turn-based. xD

The answer will always be neither because it's always going to be a subjective answer.

As much as I liked XCOM, DIsgaea and some of the older FF games, I largely prefer real time combat with most of my games. I just enjoy the fluidity of the combat being in real time, just like how all combat is with wars in our world.

I love real time combat because I get to plan each move within the moment, rather than being given an untold amount of time to strike. I love RTS games for the real time battles and being able to account for other strategies as each battle unfolds, as well as each battle trying to keep me on my toes, which I find to be fun (unless it's a situation where you have a 10% chance to win, then it's hardly ever fun).

I love Real time RPG's for allowing me to explore the world the way I want and when I want. I love being able to hop in and out of battles, to draw them out or end them quickly of my own accord. These days I find myself wanting more ARPG's and RPG's in general that feature real time combat than turn based based on that preference.


There are still some TBS games I do like, but those are far and few inbetween for me.

Nah pure turn-based would never have the enemy interrupt your turn. Older JRPGs and even Pokemon are true turn based systems because when the turn is yours - it's always yours (however frequently that occurs).

The more incentive there is towards timing - the more action oriented the combat really is.

They are both turn-based. Both games rely on stats to determine in what order and how often a character or monster will act. There's no elements of real-time action in either of them.

turn based, hands down, which is why I'm sad there are sooo few AAA budget turn based games (especially JRPGs) these days

I loved both. Just depends on what series it is. I love Golden Sun as a turn based game. I love Kingdom Hearts as a action game(Yeah, yeah. I know.).