Etrian Odyssey III: The Drowned City (DS)

Etrian Odyssey and its sequel were credited with reviving interest in the first-person dungeon-crawling RPG, and both are well worth seeking out (as are the instalments on the 3DS, we might add).

However, if you had to pick just one on the DS, we'd go for the third offering, which showcases the hook of the franchise – the need to draw your own maps using the touch-screen – as well as some amazing artwork and gorgeous music.

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Radiant Historia (DS)

Developed by Atlus and Headlock, Radiant Historia is a JRPG, with an engaging time-travel hook, brilliantly fun, puzzle-like combat, and a genuinely likeable cast of characters. It also sounds beautiful too. While it’s far from the first adventure to draw on parallel timelines, it smartly integrates its world-hopping gameplay and narrative, and the result is a unique, beautifully-paced experience that’s a joy to play.

The game received an updated 3DS port in 2018 gaining the subtitle Perfect Chronology (which we absolutely loved), but it doesn't feel drastically different to the DS original.

Pokémon Diamond & Pearl (DS)

Alongside Pokémon Platinum (which is an updated version of these two titles), Diamond & Pearl are fan-favourite Pokémon titles, and with good reason – they take the core gameplay seen in the Game Boy and Game Boy Advance outings and spruce it up for a whole new generation of players without losing any charm in the process.

Both have been remade for the Switch, but we'd still heartily recommend the DS originals. There's a good reason so many people love these entries.

Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light (DS)

Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light is certainly an interesting experience when it comes to its unique gameplay mechanics, but the game's overflowing sense of charm and hardcore level of challenge make it an irresistible experience for seasoned RPG fans. The game does simplify many of the traditional RPG elements a bit, but those who'll give it a chance and learn how to put them to good use will likely find a game that's every bit as strategic and challenging as past turn-based RPG offerings, maybe even more so.

At the very least you'll get to experience one of the most engaging Final Fantasy storylines the series has seen, not to mention one of the most exceptional RPGs available for the system.

Luminous Arc 2 (DS)

Luminous Arc II is a clear improvement over its predecessor, with the new "Engage" system and improved interface drawing your eye away from the fact it’s still a straightforward strategic RPG. It may not be part of a classic, well-respected series such as Fire Emblem or Final Fantasy Tactics, but it takes itself far less seriously than either title and is as likely to make you chuckle as hatch a master battle plan. It sounds great and although the graphics could have been achieved on a Game Boy Advance, it’s charming and detailed, and clarity is most important in isometric RPGs.

With well over forty hours of gameplay, multiple endings, online battles, great music and a solid battle system, Luminous Arc II is recommended to anyone after a strategic RPG built to last.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring Of Fates (DS)

Final Fantasy fans really did it have it pretty good with the Nintendo DS – the console is swimming in games from the series. Following on from the GameCube Crystal Chronicles offering, Ring of Fates boasts an enhanced single-player campaign, cute yet attractive visuals, sumptuous music and a captivating storyline.

It's also been somewhat forgotten as the years have passed, which isn't really fair; this is an excellent DS exclusive that's well worth a second look, even today.

Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story (DS)

AlphaDream created a fantastic take on the Super Mario RPG idea years ago with their original Game Boy Advance Mario & Luigi release, but they took the concept to new heights with this third title.

While it would be easy to rave on and on about the game, the best way to sum everything up would be to say this: Bowser's Inside Story is the kind of game that will remind you why you love playing video games in the first place. The game was more recently updated for the 3DS, but this is our preferred version.

Picking 30 of the best RPGs for this list was harder than we thought, but we imagine there are some games missing which you feel deserve a place. As ever, we want to know your thoughts, so drop a comment below to tell us which games you'd have included (and perhaps which ones you'd have taken off).