Help with Finding an RPG, Please?

[Jolly Co-operator]

EDIT: I forgot to add the PS1 classics I've already played. Sorry about that. I'll add them to the list.

I play on a PS3(The only kind of computer my family owns is a Macbook Pro, so my gaming options for it are limited). It doesn't really have to be a specific type of RPG, as I can get in to any kind (JRPG's, western RPG's, turn-based, real-time, strategic, etc.). I like big worlds, but they don't count for much with me if the combat isn't engaging, with some nice enemy variety (that's the main reason I got bored with Skyrim rather quickly). As for what the world looks like, I enjoy lush, green, even somewhat Tolkien-esque scenery, but I'll accept any kind if the gameplay and/or story make up for it. I like in-depth character creation, but it's not a necessity. This is going to seem pretty vague, but I really like a game that gives a sense of adventure. I really can't think of a more specific way to describe it, and for that I apologize.

Here's a list of ones I've already played (The ones I particularly liked will be bolded, if that makes it easier to pick recommendations).

Dark Souls / Demon's Souls
Skyrim
Oblivion
Fallout 3 / New Vegas
Final Fantasy 13
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Disgaea 4
Dragon Age: Origins (Probably my favorite on this list)
Dragon Age 2
Mass Effect 2 / 3 (I have no interest in playing ME1)
Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
Folklore
Crono Trigger
Final Fantasy 9
FInal Fantasy 7
Final Fantasy 8
Xenogears

I also have a few specific games I'd like feedback on, but feel free to recommend ANY RPG.

Dragon's Dogma
Eternal Sonata
Star Ocean: The Last Hope

I'm sure I probably didn't give very good information to go off of for a recommendation; I'm not really that great at articulating the nuances of a game that I like, I guess. Any recommendations will be appreciated. Also, if you're curious about any of the games that I said I already played, feel free to ask me.

 

[Scrustle]

If you enjoyed Ni No Kuni you might like Tales of Xillia or Tales of Graces f. The Tales series is pretty similar to that. There's also a Tales of Xillia 2 that's probably coming out in the West at some point too.

I've played the demo to Eternal Sonata and I liked that. Obviously it was only a small taste, but it looked gorgeous and the combat system was pretty interesting. Critics seemed to like it too. It's kind of similar to Ni No Kuni and the Tales games as well.

Dragon's Dogma is really good. It was one of my favourite games last year. The graphics aren't amazing in most areas, but the big monsters look great. It's very light on story, but the combat is excellent. It's got a really nice and dynamic action style combat system, and climbing on the larger enemies SotC style is really fun. Enemies have a really good variety too. The pawn system is interesting as well. It's fun to search through everyone's creations to find one that has the type of skills you're looking for. I'd advice you actually look up what those skills do though if you want to make the most of them. And despite them lacking character, I actually found myself quite attached to my pawns. A re-release version of the game (Dark Arisen) is coming out very soon, which has a whole extra island and loads of new content and performance optimisation, so I would go for that.

 

[Tom_green_day]

You could try Monster Hunter. The most recent ones are on Nintendo platforms but they've been on PSP and PS2 as well. They are JRPGs but I don't really like JRPGs and I still enjoyed them, so they're pretty fun. Monster design is amazing too.

 

[Orange12345]

You could check out all the great PS1 games on psn like final fantasy 7-9, ff tactics, xenogears, etc

 

[DocMcCray]

Do you want RPGs or Adventure/RPGs? There is a big difference. Elder Scrolls, et al, are the latter. That I can't help with too much.

For the former, good titles include Skies of Arcadia, Grandia series, Breath of Fire (3 was my favorite), Tales of Evermore and Chrono Trigger to throw out a few.

 

[Garriath]

Edit: D'oh. Missed the PS3 bit. Well, if you feel like playing some fantastic RPG's, I'm sure any modern computer (gaming or otherwise...) can run just about any of these.

Also depends how far willing you are to go back. Baldur's Gate 2 really seems like a no-brainer for you, especially if you enjoyed DA:O so much. If you ask me, the game's aged incredibly well. The hand-drawn backgrounds still look very attractive today, and the rules, though a bit weird, certainly don't get in the way of excellent gameplay. The game doesn't have the "cinematic" feel that a lot of more modern games do, but it more than makes up for it with a fantastic story, excellent characters, and a massive amount of content.

If you're in the mood for a fantastic story, go for Planescape: Torment, though the combat in it sucked ten years ago, and certainly hasn't gotten better.

I'd recommend you stay away from the Neverwinter Nights series; they've got some fantastic mods (and I've heard great things about Mask of the Betrayer) but the main campaigns are some of the most insipid, drawn-out slogs I've ever tolerated in a game.

If you're willing to deal with some older graphics, I'd very, very highly recommend the Knights of the Old Republic series. If you ask me, they've aged a bit worse in the graphic department than BG, but they're also very much in the same vein as DA:O. The second's a bit polarizing (you either hate it or you love it) but the first was pretty amazing back in the day, and I can't imagine it's gotten much worse as time goes on.

Other recommendations would be Jade Empire (another classic Bioware experience, though a bit on the short side) and Alpha Protocol (fantastic in the RPG side of things; you really get to change the story as you please. Pretty sad in the gameplay and polish categories.)

The Witcher 2 also offers a pretty amazing experience. It's one of the best-looking games around, and not only offers a great story, but gives you a lot of flexibility in your role in the story (you can kill major characters or save them, work with whom you please, etc.) The only downside is that your character's fixed, but if you've played and enjoyed Mass Effect, that shouldn't be a problem.

Just a few thoughts. Feel free to let me know if you'd like more information on any of these titles.

 

[Mister K]

Check PS1 classics. Surely you'll find something to your liking.
Try Crono Trigger.

 

[neonsword13-ops]

PS3?

Go on the PSN store and pick up Persona 3: FES for $10 in the Classics section.

Ever play a Persona game? They're incredible games from start to finish and can take at least 80 hours to finish. If you're looking for a unique experience with a great, dark story, I'd suggest playing Persona 3: FES.

Here's a video review to kind of introduce you to the game.

 

[Larcenist]

Star Ocean: The Last Hope is a pretty decent game, I've spent many hours playing this game. If you have not played earlier games in the series (Star Ocean 3 specifically) you will most likely enjoy it even more (since you will not have any set expectations). Many of the characters have stereotypical and annoying personalities but the combat system can be made really enjoyable. Should you pick it up make sure to go for the International version though since English dubs just make the game so much more annoying to play (not sure if you can get another version for the PS3 so this might not be a problem). The International version has the option of playing with the Japanese voices.

 

[deathbydeath]

Here, I solved your problem. [http://www.gog.com/catalogue/rpg]

Seriously, though, if your favorite game was DA:O, then you should appreciate many games on the link above. Although, there is a chance that they're too tough/hardcore/number-heavy/boring/thick to get through, especially if you were raised on modern games.

DISCLAIMER: Lines 3-4 were not an insult to the OP, just fair warning. I had that problem myself.

Addendum: Buy and play Deus Ex 1 right now. Seriously, it's far better than HR (which you say you liked), and if you don't then I'll do terrible things to your pet(s).

 

[Morsomk_v1legacy]

Coming to you straight from the ps2 category!
We have Persona 3 and 4!
Dragon Quest 8
Tales of Abyss
Final Fantasy 10
Rogue Galaxy
Suikoden games which I am not really all that familiar with.
Xenosaga 1, 2 and 3
And let us not forget, Kingdom Hearts 1 and 2.

 

[Risingblade]

I think you've pretty much covered all the good rpgs on the Ps3, I can't think of any others that have come out this generation

 

[Jolly Co-operator]

Thanks for the recommendations guys, I really appreciate it.

And thank you, deathbydeath, for the link to GOG.com, which I had completely neglected to check. Unfortunately, most of those games only work on PC, and my family only owns a Mac, but there are still options.

 

[Terrible Opinions]

Really? A PS3 RPG thread and nobody mentioned Valkyria Chronicles?

Y'all are a bunch of terrible jerks.

 

[Larcenist]

Really? A PS3 RPG thread and nobody mentioned Valkyria Chronicles?

Y'all are a bunch of terrible jerks.

I've already been e-slapped countless times for not having played Valkyria Chronicles. I really need to get this game and play it ASAP.

 

[Jolly Co-operator]

PS3?

Go on the PSN store and pick up Persona 3: FES for $10 in the Classics section.

Ever play a Persona game? They're incredible games from start to finish and can take at least 80 hours to finish. If you're looking for a unique experience with a great, dark story, I'd suggest playing Persona 3: FES.

Here's a video review to kind of introduce you to the game.

Thanks, I'll give Persona 3 a shot. It's downloading right now. I really wish they'd add Persona 4 to the PS2 classics on PSN. I've heard such great things about it.

 

[holy_secret]

What about Grandia? Surprisingly fun battle mechanics coupled with hilariously bad voice acting + great story makes for a unique and fun experience

 

[Raine_sage]

If you're wondering about Dragon's dogma... if you really like story heavy games you might not enjoy it. However I liked it and I also liked DA:O too so who knows.

Pros:
Amazingly fun combat
Deep and varied job system suited to multiple play styles
Creative and well animated monster design
Most in depth character creation and customization I've ever seen short of Saints Row 2.
Weapons and Armor are important, but past a certain level mostly cosmetic. Any battle can be won at any level with enough determination and some skill.
Pawn system is innovative way to include a social aspect without it feeling forced.
Lovely scenery with ambient level design, despite being sparsely populated world feels genuinely alive.

Cons:
The game doesn't really tell a story so much as it explores a philosophy. Or more accurately it uses a standard narrative (here's a thing go kill it) and instead of telling a story with each quest instead it pulls everything into an overarching theme. Pretty much every main quest (and a few side quests) will tie into the theme of "what does it mean to have the will to live" in one way or another. Maybe not a "con" exactly but I know it's put a few people off.
Characters, as a result of the above, tend to be a little flat and forgettable.
Enemy spawns are in the same place every time and can get predictable very fast.
Doesn't have a difficulty curve so much as a difficulty spike.
No fast travel options until late game, and even then it's limited.


All in all I'd recommend renting it and giving it a shot. If you enjoy the first five or so hours then you'll probably enjoy it all the way though.

 

[FFP2]

I'm currently playing Eternal Sonata on 360 and I will say this- hands down prettiest game on consoles. It's an explosion of colour. And the music is incredible (Tri-Crescendo developed it).

The combat system is pretty good. I've played Tales of Vesperia and Symphonia and it's kinda similar. The game tends to drag on around certain bits (looking at you, stupid graveyard bullshit) and the English VA is kinda crappy but you can play it with Japanese audio.

The PS3 version has quite a bit of extra content too. I think it's like 3 more party members, a few dungeons and they reworked the story.

It a 5 year old game so the price is cheap. I got mine for 17 pounds.

Do you have a BC Ps3? I don't know what the PS Store has regarding PS1/2 games.