Monolith Soft has become one of the most respected game developers in theRPG genre, known for its ambitious world-building, deep narratives, and innovative battle systems. From its early collaborations to the Xenosaga and Xenoblade Chronicles series, the studio has consistently pushed the boundaries of storytelling and gameplay mechanics.
While it gained mainstream recognition under Nintendo, Monolith Soft’s influence spans multiple franchises, including strategy crossovers and classic JRPGs. Whether exploring vast open worlds or engaging in tactical battles, these games showcase the studio’s signature creativity and design excellence. Here are the best games developed by Monolith Soft.
Monolith Soft contributed to the Super Robot Wars franchise, a long-running tactical RPG series that brings together mecha anime icons from different universes. While the franchise was developed primarily by Banpresto, Monolith Soft played a role in titles like Super Robot Wars OG Saga: Endless Frontier, adding fast-paced combat mechanics and character-driven storytelling to the series.
Unlike traditional grid-based tactical combat, Endless Frontier introduced a combo-based battle system, blending turn-based strategy with real-time action mechanics. It also featured original characters and crossover appearances, further expanding the Super Robot Wars universe. For fans of mechs, tactical depth, and ambitious storytelling, Monolith Soft’s contributions to the series stand out as unique and engaging.
8Soma Bringer
An Action RPG That Never Left Japan
Soma Bringer was an ambitious Nintendo DS action RPG developed by Monolith Soft that, unfortunately, never received an official release outside Japan. Despite this, the game is considered a hidden gem among RPG fans, with fluid real-time combat, deep customization, and an engaging multiplayer mode.
The story revolves around a world powered by Soma energy, where players take control of different characters to unravel the mysteries of a hidden conflict. With multiple playable protagonists, co-op functionality, and a deep class system, the game feels like a precursor to later Monolith Soft RPGs. Though it never achieved mainstream recognition due to its lack of localization, Soma Bringer’s ambitious combat and storytelling make it one of Monolith Soft’s most interesting works.
The Project X Zone series brings together characters from Capcom, Sega, and Bandai Namco in a massive strategy RPG crossover. Monolith Soft co-developed these games, combining grid-based tactical gameplay with real-time action combat, making them stand out from traditional strategy RPGs.
Players command teams of legendary characters, including Ryu from Street Fighter,Dante from Devil May Cry, and Jin Kazama from Tekken, in fast-paced battles where timing and combo execution are just as important as positioning. While the series prioritizes fan service and spectacle, its strategic depth and exciting battles make it one of Monolith Soft’s most unique and entertaining projects.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a fantastic installment in the Xeno series, and it follows Rex and Pyra as they seek to save their world from destruction. The engaging characters, gorgeous world, and compelling RPG mechanics make this an adventure worth playing.
Being divisive at launch, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 has since earned a passionate fanbase thanks to its emotionally charged story and memorable cast. Set in a world of titanic beasts and floating continents, it leans into anime tropes more heavilythan its predecessor, with mixed results. The combat system, while deep, can feel overwhelming early on, and the gacha-style Blade system isn’t for everyone.
However, the narrative builds toward a highly impactful finale, and the Torna: The Golden Country expansion elevates the experience with a more focused structure. For players who invest the time, Xenoblade 2 offers a payoff that sticks with you.
While Xenoblade Chronicles X shares its name with the main Xenoblade series, it is a standalone game with a heavier focus on exploration, sci-fi themes, and mecha combat. Released originally for the Wii U, the game features one of the largest open worlds in gaming history, filled with towering alien creatures, diverse biomes, and deep character customization.
Unlike its predecessors, Xenoblade Chronicles X lets players pilot massive Skells (mechs), adding aerial combat and high-speed traversal. The game’s storytelling is more open-ended, allowing for player-driven exploration and world-building rather than a linear narrative. Despite being overlooked in the past due to the Wii U’s limited audience, Xenoblade Chronicles X remains one of the most ambitious RPGs Monolith Soft has ever developed.
Released for the GameCube, Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean and its prequel, Baten Kaitos Origins, are cult-classic RPGs known for their gorgeous visuals and innovative card-based battle system. Developed by Monolith Soft and tri-Crescendo, these games combined deck-building mechanics with turn-based strategy, offering a combat experience unlike anything else at the time.
Instead of using traditional attack commands, players build decks of cards (Magnus) that determine attacks, abilities, and even items. The story follows a mysterious world where people live on floating islands, exploring themes of fate, betrayal, and destiny. The recent remaster has introduced the game to new audiences, proving that its gameplay mechanics and storytelling remain just as engaging today as they were in 2003.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 ties together elements from the first two games while establishing a new world shaped by eternal war. With its dual-protagonist setup and themes of mortality and purpose, it brings a level of emotional maturity that surprised even longtime fans.
The combat system blends previous mechanics into a refined whole, and the class-based party customization adds depth without overwhelming newcomers. Side content is some of the best in the series, offering fully voiced quests and well-developed characters. Xenoblade 3 stands as both a culmination and a fresh beginning, making it a standout in Monolith Soft’s legacy.
Before the Xenoblade Chronicles series, Monolith Soft created Xenosaga, a three-game sci-fi RPG saga that drew inspiration from philosophy, religion, and deep existential themes. The series followed Shion Uzuki and the android KOS-MOS as they unraveled cosmic mysteries, battled alien threats, and explored the nature of consciousness.
With cutscenes rivaling full-length movies, a complex turn-based battle system, and a rich, detailed lore, Xenosaga was one of the most ambitious RPG series of the early 2000s. While the series never saw itsplanned six-part completion, it remains highly influential, setting the groundwork for the themes and mechanics found in later Monolith Soft titles. For fans of deep storytelling and sci-fi world-building, Xenosaga is a must-play.
The original Xenoblade Chronicles remains the most balanced, tightly designed, and narratively powerful entry in the studio’s history. With its vast, interconnected world built on the bodies of fallen titans, it captured a sense of scale and wonder few RPGs ever achieve.
Shulk’s journey is both personal and cosmic, and the supporting cast brings emotional resonance to a story full of twists, philosophical questions, and memorable confrontations. The real-time combat, quest structure, and exploration set a new standard for modern JRPGs. Whether in its original or Definitive Edition form, Xenoblade Chronicles is a landmark RPG worth revisiting.
