New to JRPGs any recommendations?
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Depends what consoles you've got, but I'd recommend Persona 4/Persona 4 Golden (PS2/PSVita), Xenoblade Chronicles (Wii), Lost Odyssey (Xbox 360) or Ni No Kuni (PS3), and the Pokemon series for Nintendo handhelds.
So a recommendation for each 7th gen console, so plenty to pick from.
So a recommendation for each 7th gen console, so plenty to pick from.
I'm also new to JRPGs, and I'd recommend Persona 3, Persona 4, and Atelier Totori. Also, if you're feeling masochistic, try Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne.
You could try the other Fire Emblem games. I just started Path of Radiance on the Gamecube and it is AWESOME!
If you like Fire Emblem you could always give other tactical RPGs a go. Final Fantasy Tactics was my first and still one of my favourites. It was released on both PS1 (NTSC territories only) and PSP with different translations, but neither translation is especially great. The PS1 version is in moderately broken English and the PSP version is in interminably cheesy faux-Shakespearian. Still, the plot is generally quite good and shines through in spite of the translations.
Speaking of Final Fantasy, that's always a good starting point. Around these parts Final Fantasy IX seems to get the most love. It's a good game and I'd recommend starting with either that, VI or VII. The combat system in most of the Final Fantasy games isn't especially good, though and they have a horrible habit of still having random battles in the build up to dramatic moments that REALLY kills the mood.
For an enjoyable combat system, try the Shin Megami Tensei series. Persona 4 is the most accessible and, to some, best game in the series. For my money Strange Journey on the DS is the best SMT game. Be warned that the different sub-series play very differently in some ways. The "main" games can be compared to Pokemon in that you recruit enemies to fight for you. Except instead of cute animals, they're demons and instead of beating the shit out of them and forcibly enslaving them, you verbally convince them to join you. By contrast, the Persona games have you collecting cards that represent each of the demons and switching them out in battle to use different magic attacks. The whole series is based on an elemental rock-paper-scissors dynamic, with some of them awarding you extra turns for using the right elements at the right time. The storylines are generally quite good, though are somewhat atypical for JRPGs. They're often a fair bit darker, though Persona 4 is an exception, being the happiest game about murder ever made.
Chrono Trigger is one of the best, and most accessible, JRPGs ever. It's got a good plot that doesn't take itself too seriously and is just generally really fun. Fantastic combat system and an awesome soundtrack. Great place to start. Personally I think it's sequel, Chrono Cross, is quite bad but a lot of people really love it.
If you like Fire Emblem you could always give other tactical RPGs a go. Final Fantasy Tactics was my first and still one of my favourites. It was released on both PS1 (NTSC territories only) and PSP with different translations, but neither translation is especially great. The PS1 version is in moderately broken English and the PSP version is in interminably cheesy faux-Shakespearian. Still, the plot is generally quite good and shines through in spite of the translations.
Speaking of Final Fantasy, that's always a good starting point. Around these parts Final Fantasy IX seems to get the most love. It's a good game and I'd recommend starting with either that, VI or VII. The combat system in most of the Final Fantasy games isn't especially good, though and they have a horrible habit of still having random battles in the build up to dramatic moments that REALLY kills the mood.
For an enjoyable combat system, try the Shin Megami Tensei series. Persona 4 is the most accessible and, to some, best game in the series. For my money Strange Journey on the DS is the best SMT game. Be warned that the different sub-series play very differently in some ways. The "main" games can be compared to Pokemon in that you recruit enemies to fight for you. Except instead of cute animals, they're demons and instead of beating the shit out of them and forcibly enslaving them, you verbally convince them to join you. By contrast, the Persona games have you collecting cards that represent each of the demons and switching them out in battle to use different magic attacks. The whole series is based on an elemental rock-paper-scissors dynamic, with some of them awarding you extra turns for using the right elements at the right time. The storylines are generally quite good, though are somewhat atypical for JRPGs. They're often a fair bit darker, though Persona 4 is an exception, being the happiest game about murder ever made.
Chrono Trigger is one of the best, and most accessible, JRPGs ever. It's got a good plot that doesn't take itself too seriously and is just generally really fun. Fantastic combat system and an awesome soundtrack. Great place to start. Personally I think it's sequel, Chrono Cross, is quite bad but a lot of people really love it.
Chrono Cross or FFVI if you want an oldie but goodie after that FFVII is good although also pretty old now. More recent ones try Xenoblade Chronicles or the Last story for two easy to get into and good JRPGs the Persona 3 and 4 are also good but only if you like reading lots of text and not playing a lot. I would recommend 4 over 3 its just better overall.
Well, for someone new to JRPGs I suggest Persona 3 & 4... But then again, I'd recommend those games to anyone. If you have a PS Vita then get Persona 4: Golden, though, because it adds a lot of tedious-relieving mechanics.
There are the Dark Cloud games, though the second one is known as Dark Chronicle outside of the US.
Nier is good.
For the FF games I'd say that VI and IX are the best in the series, though X had the best combat-system if you ask me.
There are the Dark Cloud games, though the second one is known as Dark Chronicle outside of the US.
Nier is good.
For the FF games I'd say that VI and IX are the best in the series, though X had the best combat-system if you ask me.
If you're not squeamish about graphics, the PS1 was THE golden age of the JRPG.
Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VIII
Final Fantasy IX
Chrono Cross
Xenogears
Final Fantasy Tactics
Persona 2
Suikoden II
I mean just tear your way through the PSN store right now.
(Also if you're into the Big E, the fan translation of the Japan-only Tales of Phantasia remake is a must.)
Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VIII
Final Fantasy IX
Chrono Cross
Xenogears
Final Fantasy Tactics
Persona 2
Suikoden II
I mean just tear your way through the PSN store right now.
(Also if you're into the Big E, the fan translation of the Japan-only Tales of Phantasia remake is a must.)
Disgaea: SRPG and grinding
Available on PSN
Odin Sphere: Gorgeous artwork and side scroller
Available on PSN
Demon's Souls: Action RPG and difficulty
Available on PSN
Chrono Trigger: Classic Square and use of turn-based battle
Available on PSN
Persona 3: Social mechanics and extensive story
Available on PSN
Azure Dreams: Roguelike and monster raising
Available on PS1 and Nintendo DS
That will give you a diverse palate of some of the various flavors of JRPGs. Avoid just playing Final Fantasy of Shin Megami Tensei series games as that will give you a very narrow picture. Take note that most classic JRPG cliches are from Square. That's not to say Square is incompetent. Their Super Nintendo and PS1 games are almost all great. Parasite Eve 1, Nier, and Valkyria Chronicle are good as well, but they're pretty unique and aren't good introductions as they might color your expectations.
Available on PSN
Odin Sphere: Gorgeous artwork and side scroller
Available on PSN
Demon's Souls: Action RPG and difficulty
Available on PSN
Chrono Trigger: Classic Square and use of turn-based battle
Available on PSN
Persona 3: Social mechanics and extensive story
Available on PSN
Azure Dreams: Roguelike and monster raising
Available on PS1 and Nintendo DS
That will give you a diverse palate of some of the various flavors of JRPGs. Avoid just playing Final Fantasy of Shin Megami Tensei series games as that will give you a very narrow picture. Take note that most classic JRPG cliches are from Square. That's not to say Square is incompetent. Their Super Nintendo and PS1 games are almost all great. Parasite Eve 1, Nier, and Valkyria Chronicle are good as well, but they're pretty unique and aren't good introductions as they might color your expectations.
The Dragon Quest series is amazing and very popular in its native Japan (moreso than Final Fantasy). Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King is probably the best JRPG I ever played... on the PS2. Some other games that rank just as high are the Tales of... series (i.e. Tales of the Abyss), the Persona series (i.e. Persona 4, great game) and on a classier note you have Shadow Hearts, Suikoden, Star Ocean and Wild Arms.
Being rather new to JRPGs myself, my favourite so far is probably Valkyria Chronicles. Unfortunately that's only for PS3, so if you don't have one you're out of luck there. I did also like Final Fantasy XIII, but that was mostly due to the music and the fighting system, as well as beautiful visuals. I'm currently playing Lost Odyssey and enjoying it quite a bit. I also have both Persona 3 and Persona 4, but I haven't started those yet as I'll be playing them together with a friend as neither of us have played a Persona game before. Unfortunately that means I can't pass a verdict on that series yet, but considering the near universal praise they get I don't think I'll be disappointed. 
YES. Odin Sphere. Amazing game. Thank you for mentioning it, I don't see it pop up enough.Midnight Crossroads said:
Hunting a monster trying to avenge your parents' deaths only to return home to a destroyed village and kidnapped love interest?Austin Howe said:
That was all kinds of innovation for me. lol
Though in retrospect it did get to explore some other themes, being so bloody long.
Persona 3: FES (if you don't mind AI party members, interesting story & enjoyably colorful cast)
Persona 3 Portable if you can't play FES
Xenoblade Chronicles (Western-styled RPG: The JRPG)
Valkyria Chronicles (Strategy RPG that boasta a pretty interesting war story)
Tales titles in general (RPGs with Fighting Game combat)
Persona 4\Persona 4: Golden (never played it, but basically a better Persona 3 to an extent apparently)
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door (Great combat, hilarious, yet interesting plot, and, in my opinion, one of the best RPGs on the Gamecube, and the magnum opus of the Paper Mario series)
Ys: The Oath in Felghana (combat that, while repetitive, is quite enjoyable)
Persona 3 Portable if you can't play FES
Xenoblade Chronicles (Western-styled RPG: The JRPG)
Valkyria Chronicles (Strategy RPG that boasta a pretty interesting war story)
Tales titles in general (RPGs with Fighting Game combat)
Persona 4\Persona 4: Golden (never played it, but basically a better Persona 3 to an extent apparently)
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door (Great combat, hilarious, yet interesting plot, and, in my opinion, one of the best RPGs on the Gamecube, and the magnum opus of the Paper Mario series)
Ys: The Oath in Felghana (combat that, while repetitive, is quite enjoyable)
Skies of Arcadia, hands down. JRPG goodness in its purest form. Available on the Dreamcast or the Gamecube.
Another good JPRG is Lunar: The Silver Star for the SegaCD or its excellent remake on the PS1. If you can find them, they are delightful.
Another good JPRG is Lunar: The Silver Star for the SegaCD or its excellent remake on the PS1. If you can find them, they are delightful.
Chrono Trigger is available for the DS, I believe. Is the DSi compatible with GBA games or is that when they dummied that feature out? If it IS compatible, you can also get Final Fantasy I-VI excluding III, though 3D remakes of II and IV are available on DS. Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey is also available for the DS. Final Fantasy Tactics is available on the PSP. Dragon Quest IX is well reviewed and on the DS, but I haven't played it myself.bak00777 said:
The only Xbox 360 JRPGs I've played are The Last Remnant, Infinite Undiscovery and Blue Dragon. I hated all of them. I hear Lost Odyssey is very, very good, though, so maybe you could look into that?
Personally I think Chrono Trigger is the ideal starting point for JRPGs. It has a nice, fun plot, great combat and awesome music.
I'll try to stick with some stuff that's easy to find these days...
Chrono Trigger, absolute classic, available for iOS, DS, PSN... pretty much everything.
Final Fantasy 6, another consummate classic from the SNES Era, available primarily on PSN but there's a GBA version out there as well.
Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions, probably has one of the best stories ever put together by Square, available on iOS and the PSP through the PSN.
The World Ends With You is probably the best "new" squaresoft game in ages, available on DS and iOS.
Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together feels like Mass Effect in a hand held form... lots of meaningful choices expressed through Gameplay as well as "menus". Only available on the PSP via PSN at the moment.
Persona 4 is a Dungeon Crawler/Dating Sim/Monster Collector/Murder Mystery Story and is highly recommended. Available on PSVita and PS2. Also Persona 3, though not as good, has the same elements and is still quite entertaining.
Radiant Historia is a fun time travel RPG for the DS developed by members of the Persona Team. Good story, good gameplay... pretty much just worth playing.
Chrono Trigger, absolute classic, available for iOS, DS, PSN... pretty much everything.
Final Fantasy 6, another consummate classic from the SNES Era, available primarily on PSN but there's a GBA version out there as well.
Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions, probably has one of the best stories ever put together by Square, available on iOS and the PSP through the PSN.
The World Ends With You is probably the best "new" squaresoft game in ages, available on DS and iOS.
Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together feels like Mass Effect in a hand held form... lots of meaningful choices expressed through Gameplay as well as "menus". Only available on the PSP via PSN at the moment.
Persona 4 is a Dungeon Crawler/Dating Sim/Monster Collector/Murder Mystery Story and is highly recommended. Available on PSVita and PS2. Also Persona 3, though not as good, has the same elements and is still quite entertaining.
Radiant Historia is a fun time travel RPG for the DS developed by members of the Persona Team. Good story, good gameplay... pretty much just worth playing.