Late to the PS3 party - looking for JRPG (or other turn-based) recommendations

[Tastum]

I know this kind of thread isn't so useful to others, but after poking around the web I still felt like I needed to ask other gamers directly.

I've primarily been a PC gamer since the PS1 era, but before that I really loved the classic JRPGs - Chrono Trigger, FF6, that kind of thing. I started becoming disinterested in the genre after games like FF8 and Chrono Cross, although I really enjoyed Tactics Ogre and Final Fantasy Tactics.

However, I've been enjoying a lot of JRPGs on the DS, 3DS and PS2 lately which suggests I may have been missing something all those years. Specifically, the games that really grabbed my attention are:

Devil Survivor (I liked the first one better than the second)
Disgaea - GRIND INTO INFINITY!
Etrian Odyssey - the crushing difficulty and the well-designred nature of the dungeons just sucks me in
Persona 3 & 4 - the RPG gameplay is actually kind of weak but the story more than makes up for it
Rune Factory - I've sunk a shocking number of hours into RF4, in fact, more than any other game on my 3DS. The synergy between farming/social sim/RPG is surprisingly good.
Fire Emblem Awakening
Also XCOM on PC

Anyway, I finished up my Bachelor's and have a little money to play with, and I noticed a PS3 can be had cheaply and you can buy new copies of well-received games on Amazon for under $20, so this looks like an ideal time to scratch that JRPG itch. I'm looking for suggestions for JRPGs, especially strategy RPGs. I'm already planning to buy these games below, so I'm looking for others that might have fallen off the radar over time:

Valkyria Chronicles
Disgaea 3 & 4
Ni no Kuni
Journey
Catherine
Persona 5 upon release

Finally, I should note that I have no interest in the Tales series (sorry, I tried to enjoy them but I just can't), the Atlier series or modern Final Fantasy titles.

 

[Eclipse Dragon]

snip

What exactly did you like about Crono Trigger and FF6 that you didn't like about FF8 and Chrono Cross?

I ask because Ni No Kuni isn't like Catherine, Disgaea, Persona or SMT games, aside from the battle system, it's very traditional, however I'm not sure if it's traditional in a way in which you'd like. It may bring back FF6 nostalgia, but then again, it may remind you of what you didn't like about later FF games, depending on what that is exactly.


Although not on the PS3, I would suggest looking into

Bravely Default (3DS)
Shin Megami Tensei IV (3DS)

and if you can still find and play PS2 jrpgs
Digital Devil Saga 1 and 2
Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne

 

[Tastum]

snip

What exactly did you like about Crono Trigger and FF6 that you didn't like about FF8 and Chrono Cross?

I ask because Ni No Kuni isn't like Catherine, Disgaea, Persona or SMT games, aside from the battle system, it's very traditional, however I'm not sure if it's traditional in a way in which you'd like. It may bring back FF6 nostalgia, but then again, it may remind you of what you didn't like about later FF games, depending on what that is exactly.

That's a good question, and somewhat difficult to answer.

For FF8 I think the best way to put it is the story was a convoluted mess and the straight-laced traditional gameplay did little to support it. FF6's story might have been pretty barebones but it was easy to follow and the characters were very likeable. It also didn't insist on 15 minute cutscenes for special abilities - FF6's combat might be traditional but it's very streamlined and therefore enjoyable. Still I was 16 or so at the time I made that judgment, so it might not be the best.

I can forgive a game with less story but excellent gameplay (Etrian Odyssey) or vice versa (Persona) but being weak on both is a non-starter.

As far as Ni no Kuni goes, I was hoping Studio Ghibli magic would be enough to get me attached to the story. At $20 it's worth the gamble.

Of the two 3DS games you listed, I already have SMT IV. Its gameplay is quite good but I had a hard time connecting with the characters, and dropped somewhere in Tokyo. However, I was distracted with school at the time and I'm probably going to give the game another chance soon. I'm waiting for Bravely Default to go on discount as I played the studio's previous game Final Fantasy - 4 heroes of light and did not like it.

 

[Fox12]

Well, I think the bases have been covered pretty heavily here already. you'll love valkyria chronicle.

After you finish persona 3 and 4, you can find the other Atlus games on psn for about $10.00 a pop. They're much darker than persona, but I think you'd like them. The gameplay is much better, though there's a difficulty curve. Atlus has some very original titles, definitely not traditional. Check out the shin megami tensai series when you have a chance. The story is stronger in the ones before 4. I'd start with nocturne. They also have some 2D side scrollers, like odins sphere.

You mentioned journey. You may like Ico and shadow of the colossus, if you havent played them yet. They have a similar feel to them, and have been rereleased in HD. Also play dark souls/demon souls. These aren't really what I would consider JRPGs, but they seem like they'd be right up your alley. They're modern classics, and can't really be missed.

I'll be honest though, outside of Atlus, the JRPG market has been hurting this generation. Look into final fantasy type-0 and final fantasy 15 for future titles. Square looks ready to make a possible come back, but I've been burned too many times before.

 

[Leemaster777]

You've really covered your bases in terms of JRPGs, but if you're looking for Turn Based RPGs that came out last gen, then you really need to check out South Park: Stick of Truth. Seriously, if you do, or at any point, have loved South Park, this is THE best game to feature it. Ever.

It doesn't even feel like you're playing a game sometimes. It just feels like you're playing an episode of South Park. A really, really good episode.

 

[Rozalia1]

No PSP/Vita? If you can Wild Arms XF is a great "tactics" style game on it, and one of my favorites.
Failing that you could always get Wild Arms 4 which was the first of the games to use the grid style system. 3 is to me a better game but its as traditional in its combat as they come so that puts off some people today. 5 also exists but 4 just beats it completely.

Catherine isn't really a JRPG so perhaps you're also into those games commonly called JRPGs when they ain't? If so than look into the Yakuza games on the PS3. Drakengard 3. Oh and NIER.

I'll be honest though, outside of Atlus, the JRPG market has been hurting this generation. Look into final fantasy type-0 and final fantasy 15 for future titles. Square looks ready to make a possible come back, but I've been burned too many times before.

I'd say not so much anymore. Plenty of JRPGs coming now, in fact I'm flooded by them. Got so many to play, and not enough time to do it.

 

[The_Blue_Rider]

Id wholeheartedly recommend Eternal Sonata, its a very pretty game with an interesting combat system. The game isnt terribly difficult but it is rather fun, with an interesting story.

Also make sure you level up all the members of your party, because the game will force you to use some of them at certain points, and it will be incredibly painful if you get forced to use a character you never bothered to put levels into

 

[List]

Dragon's Dogma is always a safe choice for jrpg/action
you should wait for the pc release of valkyria chronicles, it might be better.

if you still have your ps2 maybe you'll like front mission's series

 

[Tastum]

Ha, I totally forgot about South Park. I'll give that one a spin, and take a look at Eternal Sonata and Dragon's Dogma. Dark Souls I picked up for PC but haven't played yet.. need to fix that soon. I also still have access to a PS2 (it's my tenant's so limited time only) so I'll give Nocturne a go. I've heard it's punishingly difficult - sounds good to me!

Yeah, I'm aware Journey and Catherine aren't JRPGs, I was just listing which PS3 games I plan to buy immediately.

Thanks for the advice everyone - I'm really looking forward to this bargain bin best-of tour.

Edit: they're still making Wild Arms games? I remember really enjoying the first one on the PSX, for its soundtrack if nothing else. I'll have a look at that too. No Vita - I'm keeping an eye on it for next year but buying a whole bunch of full price games would strain my budget pretty bad.

 

[Marik2]

Get Demons Souls

The story and atmosphere is better than Dark Souls imo

 

[Zeras]

Did you ever get into Legend of Dragoon (PS 1)? Good combat system, characters and story.

 

[Auron225]

Seeing as it hasn't been mentioned yet; have you ever tried the Kingdom Hearts franchise? It is definitely more kid-friendly than most JRPGs (particularly the first one) but they can get serious enough at times and all-in-all they can be great fun.

They released an HD collection of the first few titles last year for the PS3 and are soon releasing the second set of HD titles (also for PS3). The two combined will contain every game out so far aside from the actual newest game on the 3DS.

Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD (out already)
Kingdom Hearts 2.5 HD (coming out very soon)

EDIT: You know what, while I'm here, can I pose a question of my own on JRPGs?

A PS2 title called Radiata Stories recently caught my eye. Does anyone know if it's any good? It does cost a bomb now but I just wanna know if it decent enough. Story? Gameplay? Characters?

 

[joest01]

Demon's Souls definitely.

And sticking with From software, give Enchanted Arms a spin. Its got a bit of a different spin on grid based strategy.

If you are willing to invest in a borderline MMO crack experience try White Knight Chronicles. The second game includes the first. I haven't logged on in a while but I have a feeling there is still a community out there.