37 Melee games like Recettear: An Item Shop's Tale that you should try

✓ If you enjoyed Recettear: An Item Shop's Tale, expect deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and combat magic

≠ Where it differs: brings turn-based strategy, combat tactical and visual 2d, while skipping deep simulation

✓ Same family of action JRPGs: deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and action RPG combat

≠ Where it differs: brings adventure storytelling, strong narrative focus and visual third person, while skipping deep simulation

✓ Fits the action JRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and action RPG combat

≠ Stands apart with adventure storytelling, punishing difficulty and visual third person, while skipping deep simulation

✓ Both are action JRPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and action RPG combat

≠ Stands apart with adventure storytelling, strong narrative focus and open world exploration, while skipping deep simulation

✓ Fits the action JRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and action RPG combat

≠ Where it differs: brings adventure storytelling, strong narrative focus and linear, story-driven structure, while skipping deep simulation

✓ Same family of action JRPGs: deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and action RPG combat

≠ Stands apart with adventure storytelling, shooter and strong narrative focus, while skipping deep simulation

✓ Fits the action JRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and action RPG combat

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, strong narrative focus and punishing difficulty, while skipping deep simulation

✓ Both are action JRPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and action RPG combat

≠ Stands apart with adventure storytelling, strong narrative focus and dark, oppressive atmosphere, while skipping deep simulation

✓ Same family of action JRPGs: deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and action RPG combat

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, strong narrative focus and combat tactical, while skipping deep simulation

✓ Fits the action JRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and action RPG combat

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, strong narrative focus and open world exploration, while skipping deep simulation

✓ Fits the action JRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and action RPG combat

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, dark, oppressive atmosphere and strong narrative focus, while skipping deep simulation

✓ Fits the action JRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and action RPG combat

≠ Where it differs: brings adventure storytelling, strong narrative focus and open world exploration, while skipping deep simulation

✓ Like Recettear: An Item Shop's Tale, it's known for deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and cozy, relaxing feel

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, puzzle design and fighting mechanics, while skipping deep simulation

✓ Same family of action JRPGs: deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and action RPG combat

≠ Stands apart with strong narrative focus, visual 2d and visual pixel, while skipping deep simulation

✓ Both are action JRPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and action RPG combat

≠ Stands apart with precision platforming, adventure storytelling and Metroidvania exploration, while skipping deep simulation