Theres quite alot of different types of Japanese RPGs that all have different types of gameplay and battle systems so I would recommend that the OP doesn't just stop at one or two games but tries out different types.
It gets even more varied when you start to add in Arpgs, Trpgs and Dungeon Crawlers from Japan as they are usually quite different to their western counterparts
I'ld recommend the OP atleast try out the Ys, Carpe Fulgur's games & the sega megadrive RPGs on steam. Is FF7 on steam or just Capcom's digi store?
Persona 3 and 4. Wonderful, excellent games. They can be a bit serious at times, but they are just great.
Also, I'd like to recommend Disgaea. It's pretty hilarious and over the top, but there's a lot of grinding; the max level is 9999.
Tales games are good. Tales of Symphonia's a good entry level JRPG, but Tales of Graces is my favourite. Tales of the Abyss is similar to Symphonia, and it's really good.
Square Enix makes some good stuff; Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasies 4, 6, 7, 9 and Tactics, and to a lesser extent Super Mario RPG. Speaking of Super Mario RPG, the spiritual successor Paper Mario is really good. Kingdom Hearts is kind of a JRPG, and if you would consider it such, I would recommend them, as well.
Pokémon is an RPG made in Japan, but it's become so popular in the west that people don't really consider it a JRPG. If you haven't, play Pokémon.
You can find 3 indie JRPGs on Steam. Recettear: An Item Shop's Tale, Chantelise, and Fortune Summoners. I bought them during the Steam Summer Sale, and they were totally worth it.
Some decent-but-not-great JRPGs I own are Atelier Totori and Wild ARMs 5. Haven't played much of Wild ARMs, but Atelier Totori's kind of charming. Look it up, though; this isn't one that I'd wholeheartedly recommend like the others, and you should decide for yourself whether or not to get it.
I know you've already said it but unless you are willing to emulate you are going to have about 10 JRPGs. There is a reason they were originally called Console RPGs. Also you are going to have be more specific about brooding as people on the internet seem to think Cloud is emo even though he is far from it.
On that note I'd recommend FFs 6-9 if you want to emulate. FF 7 was rereleased on PC. Obviously go into the game throwing the hype out the window or you won't enjoy it and think it will be this Jesus game. That is only via Squaresoft's store.
To anyone who isn't big into JRPGs or just CRPGs in general, I tend to recommend Chrono Trigger. It's probably the most forgiving, accessible JRPG I've ever played. Also, it doesn't have one of those incomprehensible pseudo-psychological plots that the genre is so fond of. Save the world, use time travel and plot device items to do it. Simple enough.
Also, to play all of those SNES era RPGs (and the PS1 era ones)... there are PS1 re-releases of all the major 16-bit Squaresoft releases (here [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Final_Fantasy_Chronicles]'s the one with Chrono Trigger in it)... and there's a little emulator called ePSXe floating out there that will let your PC play the discs. Since there are no ROMs involved, I'm pretty sure that's completely legal, too. Just buy the games and there's no need to buy a system to play 'em on.
May I suggest Dragon Quest 8 for the PS2 and Golden Sun and Golden Sun: The Lost Age for the GBA. They both seem to pretty much fit the bill of what you're looking for. Especially in the globe-trotting and structured narrative area.
I'd like to add that both Dragon Quest 8 and Golden Sun both get you into the gameplay quite early without being drug on.
* No angsty characters. Characters (excluding the villains of course) must be cheerful, especially the protagonist(tragic past is fine as long as he/she doesn't brood)
* Companions are not required but Very welcome, as long as it doesn't get too crowded
* A globe trotting adventure with a well structured narrative
* Gameplay isn't really an issue. I wouldn't mind if it was purely text based like the pokemon games
There's not a PC Version, but if you wanna play JRPG's you might have to remedy that anyway, so I'm gonna just go ahead and say this:
Final Fantasy 9.
A phenominal cast, especially the main 3 leads. And the lead is easily the most cheerful wise-ass bastard to ever lead a final fantasy game, yet he has some genuine emotional moments. Cool, well developed female characters as well, and of course, Vivi. He's a bit angsty...but in a realistic, well paced way. He's a little contemplative kid, and is really relatable on many levels.
You go all around the world with varied areas and enemies, beautiful cities, expressive art that's aged very well on the PS1, and the best pacing I've ever seen in an RPG story. I never lost my motivation to keep exploring and pressing on. I dare not spoil a single plot detail, but the scope of the adventure gets bigger and bigger ever hour of gameplay, and the stakes keep getting raised and you truly come to care about the characters. Largely because each personality is so well written.
Add another point to the Persona crowd, I would go with 4, the gameplay is much improved over 3 (which isn't bad, just the way it was designed makes it annoying) and the characters, story, music, everything is just perfect
I've just realized that I've never played a jrpg in my life. This is an intolerable gap in my gaming experience which must be immediately remedied.
SO escapists hit me with your suggestions. Remember I am completely alien to jrpgs (not a big fan of anime either, though I did love the avatar series)
I'll list some stuff I'm looking for in a game I would enjoy:
* No angsty characters. Characters (excluding the villains of course) must be cheerful, especially the protagonist(tragic past is fine as long as he/she doesn't brood)
* Companions are not required but Very welcome, as long as it doesn't get too crowded
* A globe trotting adventure with a well structured narrative
* Gameplay isn't really an issue. I wouldn't mind if it was purely text based like the pokemon games
I really don't want to post any more than that in case I come off as too fussy (I probably do already).
ps. I don't really care if the story or the characters are mature or not, actually the sillier the better. It'd be nice if it was a charming world capable of eliciting a few giggles
pps. eh I should have mentioned this earlier. I play on a pc, so unfortunately console and hand helds are out of the picture. Feel dumb for not stating this beforehand.
Grandia
Wild ARMS 3
Final Fantasy 5, 6, 7, 9, 12
Chrono Trigger
Star Ocean Til End of Time
Kingdom Hearts 1/2
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzanhoa vs. The Soulless Army + the sequel.
Shin Megami Tensei: Lucifer's Call / Nocturne.
Or for something a bit different: Shadow of Memories.
Well, as other posters have mentioned, PC isn't really the platform if you want to play JRPGs. A few have been ported from consoles, but other than that I think you would need to use an emulator (you can find them online) to play the console exclusive ones (i.e. almost all of them).
There are some western made RPGs on the PC that are made JRPG style. The only two I've played are Anachronox and Septerra Core. Anachronox is really zany, but I can't remember how much angst there is. I think the main character is supposed to be a noir-era detective (except in space), so I would guess that he isn't particularly cheery. Overall, the mood of the game is very light and silly, however, and I imagine that if the protagonist is dark and brooding, he was written that way for laughs, rather than in a way that is supposed to be taken seriously. I haven't played the game in so long I really can remember for sure, though.
The other western made JRPG style game that I have is Septerra Core, but it's been so long since I've played it that I really can't remember anything about its tone.
You can get both of these games for cheap from GOG.com if you want to give either a try. Again, these are western made, so they aren't authentic JRPGs, but they do use that genre's mechanics (pretty much how Avatar: The Last Airbender wasn't a true Anime, but was made more-or-less in that style).
Anyway, a few people have recommended Final Fantasy VII since it is both a classic JRPG and available for PC. DO NOT FOLLOW THEIR ADVICE UNLESS YOU HAVE CHANGED YOUR MIND ABOUT ANGSTY CHARACTERS. There are some likable characters in that game, but the protagonist is pretty much the most angsty character ever. He's so angsty that... well there's no way to explain this without a spoiler, which you shouldn't read if you have any intention of playing the game. Just trust me; Final Fantasy VII is a game full of angst.
Thoughout the first part of the game, the protagonist believes himself to be a bad-ass ex-elite soldier. This turns out to be false. He was actually an angsty tag-along, and couldn't cope with his own incompetence, so he goes crazy and creates a fake persona wherein he basically believes he was a bad-ass. At some point the crushing weight of all his emotional baggage leaves him in some sort of catatonic stupor, and you play as some of the supporting characters while he tries to get his shit together. Lamest protagonist ever.
Anyway, should you ever have access to a PS 2, PS 3, Vita, PSP, etc. I would agree with the people who have recommended Persona 3 (get Persona 3 FES or Persona 3 Portable; combat is much better) and 4. Currently, Persona 3 is available for PS2 as well as PS3 and PSP/Vita via the PSN. Persona 4 is available on the PS2 and will be available in an enhanced edition, called Persona 4 Gold (or something like that), on the Vita and PS3 in October. While those both have angsty moments, there is plenty of levity as well, and the protagonist is pretty much a blank slate. You get a few dialogue options from time to time, but otherwise just observe the other characters during the story moments, which means that you don't have to be angsty and/or whiny. Overall, I think the games strike a good balance between humor and drama (some of the humorous moments actually have made me fall over laughing).
The only warning I would give is that the games are set at and around a Japanese high school, which your character attends. This means you spend some of your time doing homework and going to after school clubs and the like. I actually found this aspect of the game to be really fun, and it did a great job of immersing you in the setting. The non-combat half of the game being a high school sim probably won't appeal to everyone, however, so you've been warned. Also, the game isn't a globe-trotting adventure. So, maybe it wouldn't be your cup of tea.
ok I managed to find a used tales of symphonia for $35 (the price for a new one was $97!!???)
I also got the dolphin emulator and 2 roms downloaded so going to try this out now. Some amazing suggestions here, I may try the ys series next since its on steam or jump into Xenoblade. Thanks for all the help guys.
Thoughout the first part of the game, the protagonist believes himself to be a bad-ass ex-elite soldier. This turns out to be false. He was actually an angsty tag-along, and couldn't cope with his own incompetence, so he goes crazy and creates a fake persona wherein he basically believes he was a bad-ass. At some point the crushing weight of all his emotional baggage leaves him in some sort of catatonic stupor, and you play as some of the supporting characters while he tries to get his shit together. Lamest protagonist ever.
Thoughout the first part of the game, the protagonist believes himself to be a bad-ass ex-elite soldier. This turns out to be false. He was actually an angsty tag-along, and couldn't cope with his own incompetence, so he goes crazy and creates a fake persona wherein he basically believes he was a bad-ass. At some point the crushing weight of all his emotional baggage leaves him in some sort of catatonic stupor, and you play as some of the supporting characters while he tries to get his shit together. Lamest protagonist ever.
Heh, the main protagonist, Cloud, is one of my favorite characters in Final Fantasy, but since you know that spoiler, I prefer the "real deal", Zack, over him. Tip: If you get to near the end, return to the mansion (you'll know what I mean when you play) and head to the lab for a really good hidden cutscene.
In fact, I'm replaying through FF7 right now to kill time until Guild Wars 2 drops. Modders are working on making a bunch of mods compatible with the new release, but I happened to find an old physical copy of the PC version for $6 at Goodwill
Thoughout the first part of the game, the protagonist believes himself to be a bad-ass ex-elite soldier. This turns out to be false. He was actually an angsty tag-along, and couldn't cope with his own incompetence, so he goes crazy and creates a fake persona wherein he basically believes he was a bad-ass. At some point the crushing weight of all his emotional baggage leaves him in some sort of catatonic stupor, and you play as some of the supporting characters while he tries to get his shit together. Lamest protagonist ever.
Lol, alright. Glad I could help... I guess. Anyway, Final Fantasy VII does have its merits, but you had said you wanted to avoid angsty characters, so I thought I should warn you.
Chrono trigger gets my vote, probably THE greatest RPG ever(imo) it's the game that I would pick if I had to show someone the merits of videogames and could only use 1 game.
Here is the basic story
a boy his inventor friend, a princess, a frog knight, a robot, a cavewoman, and a dark lord team up to travel through time so they can fight an ancient planet destroying alien and somehow it all freaking works and makes actual sense
(spoiler tag in case you have already decided to play and I wouldn't want to ruin a single thing)
this is one of those games that leaves such an impression on you that just hearing a characters music can inspire you
I mean listen to that shit, brings a tear to my eye
Get this game NOW they remade it for the DS so it should be pretty easy to find
As another suggestion, I have not see the Golden Sun series mentioned. the first two games were on the GBA and were absolutely fantastic the third is on the DS and was a bit of a let down, But I would still HIGHLY recommend all of them
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