What JRPGs are Good?

[I Am The Party]

if you want a classic JRPG any of the first PSX Final Fantasies - VII, VIII, IX
However, if you're after something a bit more original and fresh, try The Last Remnant in 360, best JRPG of this console generation imo

 

[BlackIronGuardian]

Having never played a JRPG, I'd like to throw out the question of is there really a difference? I mean, is there any actual difference from a turn-based RPG like Baldur's Gate and say, the Final Fantasy series?

 

[ckam]

Kingdom Hearts series, Final Fantasy series, SaGa series, Tales of series, Chrono series, The World Ends with You, Golden Sun, and Mario RPG are notable ones.

 

[NeutralDrow]

Having never played a JRPG, I'd like to throw out the question of is there really a difference? I mean, is there any actual difference from a turn-based RPG like Baldur's Gate and say, the Final Fantasy series?

I don't understand. Are you asking if there's a difference between JRPGs and WRPGs (like Baldur's Gate)?

Oh, and Baldur's Gate isn't turn-based.

 

[mad benji89]

i personally have a hard time trying to get into jrpg's most of the games that i have played seem's to have the same type of characters in them for example you always get at least one character who is the comic act within the game either from he's magic blowing up in hes face or from he's constant unwitty puns for example Jansen from lost odyssey and the cool silent type for the hero but then has an experiance that is ment to touch him like for example a girl or somthing maneges to see threw hes dark personality

i just feel that the hole thing is trying to appeal to me but it just seem's to come short and on most games i like to explore and have a look around and gather new weapons and armour but with jrpgs i just feel like am rushing through game and not actaully enjoying it and the levels do seem vast but the vastly empty at the same time and even though u can explore there isnt much point because u will just end up needing to go back on yourself

one other thing that i feel that they could do with out but i know it dose well on many game and many people like it but is the fighting systerm on it where you have to take turns because i think i just have more envolvement with the game if i actaully controll the character as i play and all the moves and states at first glance seem abit out there specially if your new to the genre i think that the rpjs is a marmite situation you either love it or hate it and i can see why people would love it but for thoughs reasons that people seem to go after the games like its the last scotts egg but i just seem to not get along with the genre but i can understand people might like it

 

[Lonko]

Having never played a JRPG, I'd like to throw out the question of is there really a difference? I mean, is there any actual difference from a turn-based RPG like Baldur's Gate and say, the Final Fantasy series?

I don't understand. Are you asking if there's a difference between JRPGs and WRPGs (like Baldur's Gate)?

Oh, and Baldur's Gate isn't turn-based.

It is, actually, but it flows from round to round automatically. You can have it pause between rounds or even between individual actions if you want.

To the person you quoted, there are fairly substantial differences, including, but not limited to:
* JRPGs tend to be turnbased
* JRPGs are generally more linear than WRPGs
* If there are dialogue options, it's uncommon that they will make a substantial difference in JRPGs, if any.
* JRPGs often have a non-customisable party. That is, while a WRPG may let you create your party from scratch, JRPGs often give you specific characters who start out as a certain class and whose class you may or may not later customise.
* JRPGs are far more likely to have random battles.

There's more to it than that, and none of these rules are hard-and-fast (I can think of at least one exception to all of the above), but they are general trends.

 

[NeutralDrow]

Having never played a JRPG, I'd like to throw out the question of is there really a difference? I mean, is there any actual difference from a turn-based RPG like Baldur's Gate and say, the Final Fantasy series?

I don't understand. Are you asking if there's a difference between JRPGs and WRPGs (like Baldur's Gate)?

Oh, and Baldur's Gate isn't turn-based.

It is, actually, but it flows from round to round automatically. You can have it pause between rounds or even between individual actions if you want.

...I'm pretty sure that's called "real time." Just because you have the option of pausing doesn't mean the game takes place in turns.

To the person you quoted, there are fairly substantial differences, including, but not limited to:
* JRPGs tend to be turnbased

Same with any WRPG before the Infinity engine and Baldur's Gate.

* JRPGs are generally more linear than WRPGs

Almost all RPGs are linear. Some just let you take a roundabout route.

* If there are dialogue options, it's uncommon that they will make a substantial difference in JRPGs, if any.

Again, almost all RPGs in general.

* JRPGs often have a non-customisable party. That is, while a WRPG may let you create your party from scratch, JRPGs often give you specific characters who start out as a certain class and whose class you may or may not later customise.

True, though the customizability available in a lot of JRPGs is often downplayed.

* JRPGs are far more likely to have random battles.

I know you know there are exceptions. I just wanted to point out that this is actually becoming pretty rare. Dragon Quest and the Golden Sun games are the main holdouts these days.

There's more to it than that, and none of these rules are hard-and-fast (I can think of at least one exception to all of the above), but they are general trends.

Hence why I tried not to point out those exceptions. However, the exceptions to those trends are becoming more common, and they're quite often the better examples of the genre.

 

[Lonko]

Having never played a JRPG, I'd like to throw out the question of is there really a difference? I mean, is there any actual difference from a turn-based RPG like Baldur's Gate and say, the Final Fantasy series?

I don't understand. Are you asking if there's a difference between JRPGs and WRPGs (like Baldur's Gate)?

Oh, and Baldur's Gate isn't turn-based.

It is, actually, but it flows from round to round automatically. You can have it pause between rounds or even between individual actions if you want.

...I'm pretty sure that's called "real time." Just because you have the option of pausing doesn't mean the game takes place in turns.

Baldur's Gate utilises the AD&D combat system, where gameplay is divided into rounds and turn order is based on initiative rolls. When you give someone an order, they'll carry it out during their next turn. In terms of the game engine, it's turnbased, although it is most often played out in realtime, which is to say there is no pause in the real world between turns, unless you turn on the autopause mode. Speaking solely in terms of the game engine, it's a turnbased game, whereas Diablo II or Oblivion, for example, is realtime as every individual acts instantaneously.

You could make a case for this actually being realtime combat, in fact I believe it is referred to as quasi-realtime, but because the combat is divided into discrete phases resolved sequentially rather than as-it-happens, I consider it to be turnbased.

I haven't played very many recent JRPGs, unless you count FFTA2 (which would fulfil the same requirements as Tactics Ogre anyway, so I doubt it really counts as "recent" for these purposes), so I'm not sure how much what I said really applied. However, I stand by them on the grounds that they're all relative; while all RPGs are ultimately linear (except possibly tabletop games, and even that depends on your GM), JRPGs (as far as I'm aware) rarely even give you the illusion of choice beyond some flavour-text and perhaps some alternate endings (I should point out that I consider this a point in favour of JRPGs as I despise the illusion of choice prevalent in so many WRPGs that I've played). WRPGs, on the other hand, more often have considerable benefits to choosing one dialogue path over the other.

In retrospect, I should probably take back the turnbased comment regarding JRPGs though, considering that while every WRPG I can name is either realtime or turnbased in the sense of Baldur's Gate or Neverwinter Nights (which also used initiative-based quasi-realtime), there's plenty of JRPGs with systems like Chrono Trigger's.

I cede the point on random battles, though.

 

[NeutralDrow]

Having never played a JRPG, I'd like to throw out the question of is there really a difference? I mean, is there any actual difference from a turn-based RPG like Baldur's Gate and say, the Final Fantasy series?

I don't understand. Are you asking if there's a difference between JRPGs and WRPGs (like Baldur's Gate)?

Oh, and Baldur's Gate isn't turn-based.

It is, actually, but it flows from round to round automatically. You can have it pause between rounds or even between individual actions if you want.

...I'm pretty sure that's called "real time." Just because you have the option of pausing doesn't mean the game takes place in turns.

Baldur's Gate utilises the AD&D combat system, where gameplay is divided into rounds and turn order is based on initiative rolls. When you give someone an order, they'll carry it out during their next turn. In terms of the game engine, it's turnbased, although it is most often played out in realtime, which is to say there is no pause in the real world between turns, unless you turn on the autopause mode. Speaking solely in terms of the game engine, it's a turnbased game, whereas Diablo II or Oblivion, for example, is realtime as every individual acts instantaneously.

You could make a case for this actually being realtime combat, in fact I believe it is referred to as quasi-realtime, but because the combat is divided into discrete phases resolved sequentially rather than as-it-happens, I consider it to be turnbased.

I haven't played very many recent JRPGs, unless you count FFTA2 (which would fulfil the same requirements as Tactics Ogre anyway, so I doubt it really counts as "recent" for these purposes), so I'm not sure how much what I said really applied. However, I stand by them on the grounds that they're all relative; while all RPGs are ultimately linear (except possibly tabletop games, and even that depends on your GM), JRPGs (as far as I'm aware) rarely even give you the illusion of choice beyond some flavour-text and perhaps some alternate endings (I should point out that I consider this a point in favour of JRPGs as I despise the illusion of choice prevalent in so many WRPGs that I've played). WRPGs, on the other hand, more often have considerable benefits to choosing one dialogue path over the other.

In retrospect, I should probably take back the turnbased comment regarding JRPGs though, considering that while every WRPG I can name is either realtime or turnbased in the sense of Baldur's Gate or Neverwinter Nights (which also used initiative-based quasi-realtime), there's plenty of JRPGs with systems like Chrono Trigger's.

I cede the point on random battles, though.

I don't really have much to add, I just wanted to add another check mark to my "polite argument with respectful disagreement" chart, which has too few checks on it these days...though on reread, we actually agree more often than not.

Huh, I never knew that about the Baldur's Gate engine. I never got far into the game, personally; I found its style of continuous combat (even with pause) hard to deal with...which is kind of odd, since Planescape Torment never gave me problems.

 

[Lonko]

I don't really have much to add, I just wanted to add another check mark to my "polite argument with respectful disagreement" chart, which has too few checks on it these days...though on reread, we actually agree more often than not.

Huh, I never knew that about the Baldur's Gate engine. I never got far into the game, personally; I found its style of continuous combat (even with pause) hard to deal with...which is kind of odd, since Planescape Torment never gave me problems.

*tick*
That check mark is looking kinda lonesome.

 

[Kelthurin]

The last Remnant is great. For PC mind you. The Xbox release was, quite frankly, crap. Battle was laggy,(On a console, yes.)and there were some minor annoying glitches here and there. Mind you,this is all hearsay from a friend of mine who had it on 360. But then again, he could complain if a chocolate cake had too much chocolate in it.

Now some of the good things are that the maincharacters attire changes through the game. I know, this seems like a ridiculous pro. But seriously, too many JRPG's keep the character wearing the same filthy rags all through the game.

You could gain access to a horde of partymembers. Some unique, and some generic. IE, you aren't stuck with the same 7-8 people all through the game. Although, with the squad systerm TLR uses, you could still use them AND the other unlockable partymembers at the same time.

Achievements. Bleh, I hate them personally. So disgusted with the achievement whores on WoW that feel the need to announce to the guild, or general chat, that they finally kissed all the little critters in the game. Aside from the auto-announce bollocks that I can't seem to get rid of(For my own involuntary, accidental achievements. "You have discovered Scholazar basin!" Yeah..great..that's exactly what I was trying to do. Yeah.)

This has basically left me with a great distaste for the whole abominable system. But hey, if it floats your boat..don't tell me.

Also, FF9 is great, in that the main character actually expresses his like for women.(Cheesy pick-up lines \o/) Unlike other characters in the FF series. Also, the comical design of certain characters make for a really nice change from the more "serious" games in the series, and the utter ridiculousness of them really put emphasis on the Fantasy in the title. The story is great, aswell. But I'm too lazy to say why, and I'm pretty sure I've filled the "More than 3 words about how FF rulz" criteria.

Coming out, I have to say I'm looking forward to FF13(For the first time in FF history, it seems the main character is a woman, and not a blonde/Brunette dude, nice change.), and FF13 versus. Mostly because the main character is an actual badass this time.

 

[JimmieDean]

i personally have a hard time trying to get into jrpg's most of the games that i have played seem's to have the same type of characters in them for example you always get at least one character who is the comic act within the game either from he's magic blowing up in hes face or from he's constant unwitty puns for example Jansen from lost odyssey and the cool silent type for the hero but then has an experiance that is ment to touch him like for example a girl or somthing maneges to see threw hes dark personality

i just feel that the hole thing is trying to appeal to me but it just seem's to come short and on most games i like to explore and have a look around and gather new weapons and armour but with jrpgs i just feel like am rushing through game and not actaully enjoying it and the levels do seem vast but the vastly empty at the same time and even though u can explore there isnt much point because u will just end up needing to go back on yourself

one other thing that i feel that they could do with out but i know it dose well on many game and many people like it but is the fighting systerm on it where you have to take turns because i think i just have more envolvement with the game if i actaully controll the character as i play and all the moves and states at first glance seem abit out there specially if your new to the genre i think that the rpjs is a marmite situation you either love it or hate it and i can see why people would love it but for thoughs reasons that people seem to go after the games like its the last scotts egg but i just seem to not get along with the genre but i can understand people might like it

pick up the Star Ocean games.. I have a feeling you'll like them. They're very different from most JRPGs.. they do the campy comedy acts but usually pretty well. I've actually laughed a few times. The heroes aren't stereotypical and the fighting isn't turn based at all. The combat is definitly the most well done system to me.. its fun and its real time.

 

[LogicNProportion]

Not to mention he has the best villain music ever, no I'm not talking about Dancing mad, the OTHER one. Thats the kind of music that just tells you how evil he is, it fits him so well and even parallels his actual progression through the game. Still sends chills down my spine whenever I hear it...and...sorta makes me want to kill kittens....

Don't forget the laugh! Oh Gods the laugh of a thousand apocalypses!

I also suggest the Digital Devil Saga line and Secret of Mana if you can find it. The Tombas were also godlike!

 

[Xanadu84]

I say take a list of JRPGs, and find a quick plot synapse. If you find a story you like, play that. JRPGs tend to, in my opinion, be vehicles for a cohesive and stylized story, and the game play is designed to reinforce a specific artistic vision, rather then give the players the tools to create there own. Its a matter of style.

 

[Bluedemon322]

Kingdom Hearts (both of them)

Kingdom Hearts had awesome gameplay and the end of the first one had me all teary. Although, KH2's Nobody's were retards, i mean why the hell would they piss of Sora if he has the same goal as them....he was killing Heartless anyway. Also, the 1000 heartless battle was epic...if a bit easy.

 

[Lord Beautiful]

Chrono Cross is by far the greatest JRPG I've ever played. I feel this way for many reasons. It's gameplay was spectacular. I have never played with a more enjoyable turn-based combat system. Also, I didn't need to constantly refer to a walkthrough just to find out where to go (I did still need one on occasion, however). The story was complex and endlessly interesting. My only complaint is that it is so complex that after staying away from the game for an extended period of time, I forget exactly how the story went.

And it would be foolish of me to forget its soundtrack, which is the best I've heard in a game. It's even better than that of any movie I can remember.

 

[Delta 088]

Personally, the only good JRPGs I've played are the Kingdom Hearts games, mainly because there was so much Western input into them, and they had a solid foundation (though that's pretty much falling apart with the new titles coming up.)

Otherwise I find JRPGs to be a bit over the top, and also 'too deep,' with way too many (predictable) plot twists, dissapointing endings and alternate universes (i.e. they feel too much like cash cows.)

And they encourage anime fangirl/boys. Enough said.

 

[Devildoc]

Some of my favorites and why:

Final Fantasy IV/II(us):
It's mostly a nostalgia factor as it's the first JRPG I *really* got into. I'd tried Dragon Warrior and the original Final Fantasy before but had never gotten far before I got bored. However Final Fantasy IV (or II as it was known to me at the time) had a story and presentation that at the time was very cinematic and just captivated you and sucked you in. I was 12 when I first played it, and yes other JRPG's have come out with better characters, better combat systems, better stories.. but for it's time.. that was an amazing RPG. I still get a bit choked up in a few key moments during the game's plot.. the opening, when you see the Red Wings raid Mysidia, that epic 16 bit score, you see a dark hero, questioning his actions and loyalties.. then.. when that dark hero becomes a Paladin.. with that fanfare.. I get goosebumps thinking about the first time I heard the fanfare and saw "Cecil became a Paladin!".. and finally, at the end, when your friends all send you their prayers to give you the strength to take down Zeromus.

Final Fantasy VI/III(us):
Yet another amazing story and presentation, this one stands out as being one of the best aging games I've ever had the pleasure of playing. The graphics can still be appreciated, the score is beautiful, the story amazing (it's a story in which you FAIL to save the world, the basis of pretty much every other game in the genre, you FAIL, and watch the world get ruined, and then go back to get Kefka to save what's left), the cast has very distinct characters that are likeable, and probably the most evil villain I've ever squared off against, Kefka.

Secret of Mana:
This game.. was awesome.. for it's time it was one of the first RPG's that had multi-player capability, you could go hack and slash with 2 of your best buds and it was a great time. This game introduced my friends to the RPG genre, which prior to it, they thought all RPG's were boring menu driven games.. not this one though, it was all action. This game also turned me on to the action RPG subgenre, which I prefer over menu based games these days.

Tales of Phantasia:
The first entry in my favorite jRPG series, this game was a technological feat for the SNES, it's a real shame it didn't come over to the US on the SNES and only the watered down GBA port made it overseas. Voice acting (on a SNES Cartridge!), a big world and huge quest with lots of side quests to go on, the synthesis system (well, using rune bottles on items to make new items), and especially the COMBAT SYSTEM just blew everything away. This game and all of the Tales of.. games utilize a combat system that feels kinda like an arcade fighting game. Hacking and slashing, using special moves by inputting button combinations, combos, blocking/defending, it was great...

Chrono Trigger:
Hey, what do you know, some menu driven jRPG's can still be good, this is a prime example, the double/triple tech special system was awesome, time travel is awesome, multiple endings are awesome, New Game+ is awesome, this game pioneered the multiple endings and New Game+ that are now staples of the genre.

Okay and to throw in my current favorite jRPG and have something other than "the classics":

Tales of Vesperia:
This is the Tales of formula... perfected as of today's standards.. beautiful anime style visuals, a freely moving 3d field combat system with the additions of burst artes and fatal strikes, encounter links.. the combat system has never been better. I haven't finished the game yet (just finished Zaude) so I can't comment on the entire story so far, but I'm really enjoying it.