You have not played many rpgs. The skinny boy phenomenon is a recent evolution. In the past most jrpg characters were packed with solid muscle and understandably trained in what they were doing. There is also Valkyrie Profile 1, which is based off of Norse mythology with also adequately buff characters and a unique plot of running around collecting souls.
You have not played many rpgs. The skinny boy phenomenon is a recent evolution. In the past most jrpg characters were packed with solid muscle and understandably trained in what they were doing. There is also Valkyrie Profile 1, which is based off of Norse mythology with also adequately buff characters and a unique plot of running around collecting souls.
Valkyrie Profile <3333333 Admitedly, I've only played the second one, but apart from the non existant lip-syncing and iffy voice acting, I really love it. I really like most of the character's (Alicia's adorable), Lezard is an absolutely fabulous villain, and the battle system is simply the best I've played in any game I can think of. Getting the first one pretty soon, I'm really looking forward to it.
I'm a bit of an FF fangirl, and I've really enjoyed all the one's I've played for various reasons. I'll just list off my favourite's here.
FFVIII - A lot of my favourite characters are in this game (namely Squall, Rinoa and Selphie), and I found all the others more than acceptable. I am officially the only person alive that likes the draw system, too.
FFIX - Zidane is by far the best protagonist of any game, ever. "Ooh, soft." And I found the love story between Him and Garnet was really well done. Oh, and Kuja was awesome, in a sort of lol-ish way.
FFX - I like how it's presented, I haven't seen anything like it on any other game. The ending was gorgeous, and I liked the plot-twists. This is also the only game in which random battle's don't make me want to rip my eyeballs out. Dunno why.
I swear it's only a coincidence that my favourite's in the series are the lovey dovey one's.
Oh come off it; you can safely diss a game that you are certain no one likes. Like Shadow Madness. Have you ever played Shadow Madness? Absolutely terrible, buggy game. People on this forum will not be offended, they will simply have more to talk about.
OK I sorta lied when i said that, AND I didn't want to make my post as long winded as it already was But in all seriousness Most JRPG's that I have played I have enjoyed, very few have gotten on my bad side. BUT if you must know which game I recommend no one ever play due to how terrible it is, it would have to go to Final Fantasy 8 *shudders*.
I found it so insufferable that I am surprised I managed to pretty much beat the game. The story was complete garbage, made very little to no sense, and was so convoluted that it's probably responsible for some JRPG hate no doubt. The characters where so unlikable, I hated ALL of them beyond redemption. I didn't care about anyone, by the time I should care for Squall it was too late, too much bullshit had happened that made me not care. Those Laguna sequences pissed me off and served very little point, and the whole "we used to know each other when we where kids, but smoked some GF and forgot" pushed me over the edge. It had one of the worst stories I have ever experienced in an RPG and I fucking hate it with a fiery passion, I kept playing it, giving it a chance but it never payed off.
Oh but it's not just the terrible ass story that made me hate, but the gameplay was equally terrible. It was so overly and needlessly complex that it just implodes on itself. The draw system was retarded and made fighting more of a chore...A CHORE!!! something combat should NEVER be unless your going out of your way to grind. The alternative means to acquiring magic were equally cumbersome making it not worth it. GF's were pretty overpowered when I played seeing as I could GF spam my way through a good 70-80% of fights. Junctioning was annoying and was so needlessly complex and slow that I could not find any enjoyment from customization.
Seriously aside from the sound track and the graphics, the game was torture, 30 hours I want back of my fucking like. You know how nerve wracking it is to play a game and hating it, only hoping that all this crap will come together, make sense, and pay off only to NOT!? It will forever be the worst FF in my books and is a JRPG that shouldn't be experienced by anyone, it will make you hate JRPG's and realize where some of the stupid stereotypes come from.
Quaidis said:
aebonhawk said:
Jrpgs have never appealed to me. something about skinny boys running around giant with swords and hair that defies gravity puts me off of it.
You have not played many rpgs. The skinny boy phenomenon is a recent evolution. In the past most jrpg characters were packed with solid muscle and understandably trained in what they were doing. There is also Valkyrie Profile 1, which is based off of Norse mythology with also adequately buff characters and a unique plot of running around collecting souls.
Got that for my PSP, the combat is AWESOME, and I love how the main story is more like a compilation of stories, like some sort of chronicles of valhalla/midgard.
There is also Valkyrie Profile 1, which is based off of Norse mythology with also adequately buff characters and a unique plot of running around collecting souls.
Valkyrie Profile <3333333 Admitedly, I've only played the second one, but apart from the non existant lip-syncing and iffy voice acting, I really love it. I really like most of the character's (Alicia's adorable), Lezard is an absolutely fabulous villain, and the battle system is simply the best I've played in any game I can think of. Getting the first one pretty soon, I'm really looking forward to it.
I need to warn you that Valk Prof 1 and 2 are dramatically different. 2 took a generic rpg LotR approach with a touch of VP1 (as well as keeping some of its well-loved characters such as Lezard), while 1 is extremely unique amongst rpg playability. You will need to see a walkthrough or get a strategy guide for 1 to get the best ending, as it is impossible to attain on your own.
I wish I had a larger vocabulary since it would help me describe how much Skies of Arcadia: Legends means to me as a great game and being the only JRPG I ever completed and loved so much that I played another full round of it.
But, I shall try.
First off, I would list the Legend of Zelda series as favorite JRPGs, but there's the problem of it not being one in the first place. I refuse to acknowledge that the Legend of Zelda series is a JRPG, let alone an RPG. From what I understand, what differentiates RPGs from games where you play the role of a character (which is every game) is the former's central gameplay mechanic: its leveling system. Besides Zelda II, the series hasn't delve too deep into this idea and focuses more on being given better weapons and more health, which is something found in every game akin to it: the action/adventure.
That said, why Skies of Arcadia: Legends? And why "Legends" specifically? Well sadly, unless I decide to test my nostalgia senses and play it again, I don't have a concrete answer. Skies of Arcadia is complex, and not the kind of "need a CliffNotes or local fan who is fluent in Moogle to understand little more than the basic plot" complex. What I mean is that there is no large, core mechanic or theme that stands out as a sort of Mecca that I would have to bow down to every few hours a day. Every little thing that made it stand out was flawed and 'typical'. The combat looked nice, but was tedious, redundant, and random. The sailing/exploration aspect made for a nice sidequest but also had the problem of random battles (frequently against the cheap, cowardly, strangle-one-if-it-didn't-always-dodge Loopers) that made Point A-B travel a chore. Also, the characters were likable but some were more of your tried and true anime-styled, depth lacking NPCs.
But now you are rolling yours eyes at me as I beat around the bush, failing to make my point. If Skies of Arcadia was another hour-munching, fixed-path JRPG... what make it so good? Well, in a statement that is bound to come back later to bite my hairy, white-boy buttocks, it had depth. Mind you, I have played few JRPGs because of how time-consuming they can be, (a petty argument) playing like a cliched-ridden anime with more length than three Inuyasha storylines stapled together with the charm of a 4Kids dub produced by a child pornographer. Skies of Arcadia succeeded by doing what other animes failed at: keeping me engaged. The story had plenty of twists and memorable moments that segued gracefully into each new part.
Next, the above-mentioned shortcomings, while noticeably, were made up for greatly. The characters, from main to minor, are all memorable in their own ways. The lead protagonist, Vyse, isn't some effeminate boy who hasn't grown out of his train bra or a moody emo kid with large, gimmicky weapon. Can't say that his role was groundbreaking: coming of age youth out to avenge his destroyed home and ends up saving everyone in the world. Maybe it's the balance of what he is with what he isn't that made him good.
But why the "Legends" port for the Gamecube? Well, this only based on things i've heard. Gamers who have player both versions noted that Legends had less random enemy encounters. Also there were more sidequests to make up for the lack of Dreamcast additions; including a wanted list, additional discoveries, and new battles.
In conclusion, on the surface, Skies of Arcadia's strengths overcame its weakness through having the right amount of depth (between cookie-cutter and mindfuck) thanks to admirable characters, a twisting plot, and being overally epic without having the sort of absurdity and forgettable elements that typically come with the territory.
First off, I would list the Legend of Zelda series as favorite JRPGs, but there's the problem of it not being one in the first place. I refuse to acknowledge that the Legend of Zelda series is a JRPG, let alone an RPG. From what I understand, what differentiates RPGs from games where you play the role of a character (which is every game) is the former's central gameplay mechanic: its leveling system. Besides Zelda II, the series hasn't delve too deep into this idea and focuses more on being given better weapons and more health, which is something found in every game akin to it: the action/adventure.
Zeldas not a JRPG...why would you list it in a thread about JRPG's... Hell it doesn't even come close to sharing the qualities of a JRPG as it's an action adventure game.
First off, I would list the Legend of Zelda series as favorite JRPGs, but there's the problem of it not being one in the first place. I refuse to acknowledge that the Legend of Zelda series is a JRPG, let alone an RPG. From what I understand, what differentiates RPGs from games where you play the role of a character (which is every game) is the former's central gameplay mechanic: its leveling system. Besides Zelda II, the series hasn't delve too deep into this idea and focuses more on being given better weapons and more health, which is something found in every game akin to it: the action/adventure.
Zeldas not a JRPG...why would you list it in a thread about JRPG's... Hell it doesn't even come close to sharing the qualities of a JRPG as it's an action adventure game.
Final Fantasy 6.
The Mother series.
Final Fantasy: Mystic Quest.
Chrono Trigger.
Golden Sun: the Lost Age.
Why? I'll tell you in order.
FF6 had a great story, great villain, and excellent dual world gameplay.
Mother in general had a unique story, funloving characters and worlds that began kiddy and quickly turned into a spawn of demonic proportions and udder misery and despair. Quite a twist.
Mystic Quest was a wonderful beginner RPG, and easy to pick up on.
Chrono Trigger had time travel, giant frogs, dragonball Z art and robots. I don't think I need to go on.
Golden Sun was fun and unique and was such a gem for the GBA at that time.
Edit: OH! And almost forgot. Dark Cloud and Dark cloud 2. Best JRPGs I ever played, simply because it didn't require me to stand still while I fought.
Without a doubt, the Mother trilogy. For those who don't know, the non-Japanese public did get Mother 2, but it had a name change and became EarthBound. Greatest game I've ever played, actually. Wonderful story and gameplay, and it proves that graphics don't matter.
There is also Valkyrie Profile 1, which is based off of Norse mythology with also adequately buff characters and a unique plot of running around collecting souls.
Valkyrie Profile <3333333 Admitedly, I've only played the second one, but apart from the non existant lip-syncing and iffy voice acting, I really love it. I really like most of the character's (Alicia's adorable), Lezard is an absolutely fabulous villain, and the battle system is simply the best I've played in any game I can think of. Getting the first one pretty soon, I'm really looking forward to it.
I need to warn you that Valk Prof 1 and 2 are dramatically different. 2 took a generic rpg LotR approach with a touch of VP1 (as well as keeping some of its well-loved characters such as Lezard), while 1 is extremely unique amongst rpg playability. You will need to see a walkthrough or get a strategy guide for 1 to get the best ending, as it is impossible to attain on your own.
I know everyone says it's better, but if VP2 is comparitively generic, then fuck me it must be the best game ever. Well, VP2's story left something to be desired, and multiple endings are love.
I've only played a few JRPGs. I forget the name of one of em. You basically were invited to do (I think music) at a wedding or ceremony. The twist was every time you got to the wedding the time line got restarted all over again by the man who hired you. You had this one companion named Remy but I can't for the life of me remember the games name.
Don't know if its been said, but I highly recommend giving Earthbound a try. It is kind of an old school Snes jrpg, but it is much different from other games in the genre. The battle system, while simple, works well and is easy to use. The real reason this game is great is because it is so unique and weird. It isnt about some spiky haired hero fighting an arbitrary evil lord, It is about a group of kids caught up in a bunch of strange and often humorous situations, ultimately fighting aliens. It is a cult classic for a reason, give it a try.
Final Fantasy VI for reasons that have already been mentioned many times above.
Chrono Trigger for much the same - I loved the DS remake, though I've had a less favorable experience with its sequel, Chrono Cross.
Golden Sun was enjoyable, although I found myself constantly lost in the sequel and trying to round up all of the Djinni monsters.
Skies of Arcadia, for the incredible exploration aspect and well, it had airships! Lots of them! With guns! Also, there was Gilder. Gilder was just pure class.
Kingdom Hearts 2 gets an honourable mention with the exception of the teeth-grinding, head-bashing-on-my-desk Little Mermaid chapter. I'm very VERY thankful it was an optional sidequest, though I was disappointed that I had to bite my tongue and slog through it to pick up the materials to forge the Ultima Weapon.
I'm not entirely certain if it IS a JRPG or just an RPG, yes it's usually blatently obvious but I don't exactly make a point of going and finding out where my games come from.
I say Grandia, and whilst I realise this isn't a thread on simple favourite titles all I can attest to is that this is my favourite; whilst I am an enormous fan of RPG's and more so JRPG's, I haven't played nearly enough of them to fairly call this one "the best", but only to say, it's my favourite.
Few reasons why since you asked for them, firstly I loved the fact that it didn't have random encounters. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the characters even if they were a bit predictable at times. The combat I also enjoyed, because unlike common JRPG's you didn't just stand in one place it take it in turns to run up to an enemy, bonk him on the head and run back into a line. In combat you could move the characters around the (admittedly small) combat area, which I again, thoroughly liked, as it gave a touch more strategy to the fighting.
In most JRPG's I've played I've found it very easy to become very overpowered very fast, making the game very boring.. very. Grandia made it tremendously hard to get overpowered, I never managed it (or of course I just sucked at the game more than I remember)
Like I said, I won't go ahead and call it the best ever, I couldn't know that, nor am I even certain it's from Japan (though it probably is), all I can say is I found it to be the most fun I've ever had with a JRPG and I put it well over all the Final Fantasy's I've played (IV,V,VI,VII,VIII,IX,X). All I can really say is that if you're looking for a fun JRPG/RPG, give it a go, you may just have as much fun with it as I have.
Oh and also the graphics (PS1 game btw), it feels like you're playing a pop-up and I thought that was wicked.
Final Fantasy VI: Why just six? Well...it's the only one I've played so far (besides Tactics, which I oddly didn't like that much). Flaws? Truth be told, I never minded random encounters until I played this game, though it did take a while to reach that point. Merits? Great characterization, of heroes and villains (keep this in mind, it's a trend), not to mention a twist I wasn't expecting (hint: WoB and WoR). Also, wonderfully customizable character combat capabilities. While it does take some grinding, the esper system allows one to control character stat growth (which I never consciously did) and spell learning (which I always did). Even past having characters learn certain must-have spells (Osmose, Rasp, and Cure), one can pick which characters are magic-heavy (for some reason, Locke became a primary spellcaster for me). That's in addition to the unique capabilities each character has, from Edgar's tools, Sabin's blitzes, Relm's ability to copy monster attacks (or control monsters outright). As such, I often found myself drawn into the combat strategy, which by itself more than made up for the random encounters.
Tales of...: My first recommendation, always, is Tales of Symphonia, which is (to dust off one of my usual phrases) my favorite non-visual novel game of all time. The plot does a good job at throwing one for a loop, and even the plot twists I could guess ahead of time drew me in, because I just loved the character(s) involved. Once again, great characterization for both heroes and villains, and I especially liked the personal growth of the hero characters (with the possible minor exception of Lloyd) and the replayability offered by the game's soulmate relationships (more focus on the character Lloyd grows closest to during the story). I'd say the same thing for the "sequel," since I wound up really liking Emil and Marta. And no, those quotation marks aren't disparaging, Dawn of the New World is more of a sequential side game than a sequel; it's much shorter, both plotwise and timewise, and while characters from the previous game are occasionally available for play, the focus is on the two main characters and a Dragon Quest Monsters style mons system. I'd say similar things for all about Tales of the Abyss...except I'm only a third of the way through the game so far. I still recommend it, and I'd hasten to point out that if you try it, contrary to all expectations, Luke eventually stops being a spoiled, stuck-up, whiny little ***** who acts for all the world like a rich seven year-old child.
He is a seven year old child, granted, but still.
As for the game system, the combat is real-time and in 3D, and does it very well. As well, Dawn of the New World and Abyss take full advantage of the 3D environment by allowing the player to free-run, or move across the entire plane (I think DotNW does it better, but it might just be because Emil is faster than anyone in Abyss except maybe Guy). Abyss offers further in-field strategy with Fonon Field changes (elemental fields that can change certain moves). In each game, the AI controlling your up-to-three partners actually tends to act intelligently, though if you wish, you can have other players control the characters (though since the camera doesn't move for them, it's rather difficult to do).
Baten Kaitos: Both games have rather good stories and characters, though I kinda prefer the story of the first one (not by much, though). The card-based system is a novelty, and one that's very intuitive...in the first game. The second takes a bit of getting used to. The combat system is different in either game; which is better is subject to individual preference. The first game is straight-up turn based, with each character possessing their own deck. The second is semi turn-based, with all three characters sharing a deck, with a timing system similar to FF6, but more complex (simpler actions take less time to recover from), an MP system for special attacks (as opposed to the first game's Finishing moves), and the capability for Relay combos, where characters can continue combos other characters start (<url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onqUV4siPB8>spectacular example.
Other than that, the second game (a prequel) improves almost everything from the first game. The gameworld is easier to navigate, faster to navigate ("hey, this time the main character uses his wings), there's no out-of-combat healing required, and the voice acting is head and shoulders above not just the first game, but <url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He9QHUS36BI>most games in general.
Finally, there's the interesting fact of just who you play. Rather than actually being the main character (Kalas or Sagi), you're a guardian spirit: a spirit from another world who advises the character and makes certain decisions (which influences your relationship). That's right, you're the voice inside the main character's head that only they (and one or two others) can hear. Gameplay-wise, this has two effects, based on your relationship. In the first game, you occasionally get super-powerful elemental attacks. In the second, you affect the next card drawn from the deck (that's right, you are the heart of the cards). Storywise...it's used for two of the best plot twists (one per game) I've seen in any game.
...
Incidentally, for those actually interested, the Tales and Baten Kaitos games don't have random encounters. All monsters are visible from the map, and in three of the games, the position you attack from matters (you can be ambushed from behind in DotNW, Abyss, and Baten Kaitos Origins, and in DotNW, you can ambush monsters).
I'll get around to one of my long-winded quote-covered posts later. It will probably continue my arguement on KH2, as well as include a part about Grandia and Dark Cloud. Right now, however, I need to get down to work. Hopefully this thread will not be on page 5 twelve to twenty four hours from now.
On a side note, I have not played FFVI yet. It's on my to-do list. I'm sure a friend can supply me with a rom, however the said friend is harassing me to use their 'fixed translation' rom of Breath of Fire 2 and replay that game first. Everyone tells me that FFVI is the ultimate cure for cancer, yet I can never get around to it. Is this a game that I should put on top priority, a game where - if I don't play it - a kitten shall die every hour of negligence? Or can I continue holding off on it?
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
