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JRPG Masterpieces
January 5th, 2016, 07:29
I'm sure there are many topics like this, but none on this board yet 
And it'll be useful to me personally. I'm rather new to JRPGs (started playing them about 2 years ago), so I'm looking for "must play" games, preferably the classics, as time-confirmed masterpieces. Right now Lunar, Grandia, Xenogears, and old Final Fantasy games are on my list.
Post away which games you consider classics and why they're "must plays" (if you post reasons, it will be more interesting for others to read your list). And if you can, please mention if they have any of these done exceptionally well: story\plot, characters, writing (this is for me, as I'd prefer games which shine in these areas).
And it'll be useful to me personally. I'm rather new to JRPGs (started playing them about 2 years ago), so I'm looking for "must play" games, preferably the classics, as time-confirmed masterpieces. Right now Lunar, Grandia, Xenogears, and old Final Fantasy games are on my list.
Post away which games you consider classics and why they're "must plays" (if you post reasons, it will be more interesting for others to read your list). And if you can, please mention if they have any of these done exceptionally well: story\plot, characters, writing (this is for me, as I'd prefer games which shine in these areas).
Devout Priestess of RPGs
| +1: |
January 5th, 2016, 07:43
Excellent thread. 
-Chrono Trigger (SNES, Nintendo DS) - Possibly the best RPG ever made. Chrono Trigger shook up the entire genre and changed the way games were made forever. 10/10 on story, characters, writing, music, and art. It succeeds everywhere.
-Persona 4 Golden (PS Vita - original on PS2) - A JRPG that's amazing all around. Whether it's a dungeon crawler you're looking for, or fun combat, or distinctive characters brimming with personality…even a dating sim. P4G has it all.
(I know you're familiar with this one, but I wanted to list it anyway)
-Fire Emblem: Awakening (Nintendo 3DS) - The familiar tactical wargame setup of Fire Emblem comes back, but this time with an even richer story, better art, and better score. The choices you make - and your character interactions - will shape the future.
-Final Fantasy Tactics (PS1, PSP) - My personal favorite Final Fantasy game. This game pioneered the job system that Final Fantasy would be known for. An excellent score, a somber story, and challenging party management and combat.
-Valkyria Chronicles (PC, PS3) - It's been argued that this isn't an RPG at all, and that it's a tactical wargame. I think it's got strong enough RPG elements to fall into our category. This game follows Squad 7, commanded by Lt. Welkin Gunther and Sgt. Alicia Melchiott, through the war to defend Gallia against the invading Imperial army. The party management and character interaction, to me, define it as an RPG.
-Ys: The Oath in Felghana (PC) - If you're looking for a heart-pounding, eye-twitching hack-and-slash action RPG, look no further. Ys does it better and faster than Diablo, though maybe without a lot of Diablo's depth.
-Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky (PC, PSP) - You already know all about this one. A Steampunk fantasy tale with a long playtime, plenty of depth, excellent story, and a world you'll enjoy living in.
-Secret of Mana (SNES) - Another immortal classic from the SNES. It's an action RPG, and it doesn't move with the speed of Ys, but you could argue that it's got a far richer story, way more character development, and loads and loads of heart.
(I'll edit my post as more titles come to mind)
-Chrono Trigger (SNES, Nintendo DS) - Possibly the best RPG ever made. Chrono Trigger shook up the entire genre and changed the way games were made forever. 10/10 on story, characters, writing, music, and art. It succeeds everywhere.
-Persona 4 Golden (PS Vita - original on PS2) - A JRPG that's amazing all around. Whether it's a dungeon crawler you're looking for, or fun combat, or distinctive characters brimming with personality…even a dating sim. P4G has it all.
(I know you're familiar with this one, but I wanted to list it anyway)
-Fire Emblem: Awakening (Nintendo 3DS) - The familiar tactical wargame setup of Fire Emblem comes back, but this time with an even richer story, better art, and better score. The choices you make - and your character interactions - will shape the future.
-Final Fantasy Tactics (PS1, PSP) - My personal favorite Final Fantasy game. This game pioneered the job system that Final Fantasy would be known for. An excellent score, a somber story, and challenging party management and combat.
-Valkyria Chronicles (PC, PS3) - It's been argued that this isn't an RPG at all, and that it's a tactical wargame. I think it's got strong enough RPG elements to fall into our category. This game follows Squad 7, commanded by Lt. Welkin Gunther and Sgt. Alicia Melchiott, through the war to defend Gallia against the invading Imperial army. The party management and character interaction, to me, define it as an RPG.
-Ys: The Oath in Felghana (PC) - If you're looking for a heart-pounding, eye-twitching hack-and-slash action RPG, look no further. Ys does it better and faster than Diablo, though maybe without a lot of Diablo's depth.
-Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky (PC, PSP) - You already know all about this one. A Steampunk fantasy tale with a long playtime, plenty of depth, excellent story, and a world you'll enjoy living in.
-Secret of Mana (SNES) - Another immortal classic from the SNES. It's an action RPG, and it doesn't move with the speed of Ys, but you could argue that it's got a far richer story, way more character development, and loads and loads of heart.
(I'll edit my post as more titles come to mind)
--
Author of Mary, Everything and the Flapper Covenant series.
staff editor and columnist, RPGWatch.com
Twitter: cassieyorke87
IG: cassieyorke1921
Author of Mary, Everything and the Flapper Covenant series.
staff editor and columnist, RPGWatch.com
Twitter: cassieyorke87
IG: cassieyorke1921
Last edited by Aubrielle; January 5th, 2016 at 07:53.
Noveliste
| +1: |
January 5th, 2016, 07:46
I would plug the Suikoden series (2 is generally considered the best), Final Fantasy Tactics, SHining Force (1&2) and Chrono Trigger.
Breath of Fire is another popular series, as it SMT/Persona.
If you like FFT, check out Tactics Ogre & the Disgaea series.
Breath of Fire is another popular series, as it SMT/Persona.
If you like FFT, check out Tactics Ogre & the Disgaea series.
Keeper of the Watch
| +1: |
January 5th, 2016, 08:01
My all time favorites are the following.
I own them all & others I didn't add due to all the typing & copy pasting.
Edit: Sorry Elel I don't have time to write a description about every game.
Spoiler – PsOne JRPG's
Spoiler – PS2 JRPG's
Spoiler – PS3 JRPG's
Spoiler – Xbox 360 JRPG's
Spoiler – Nintendo Wii JRPGs
I own them all & others I didn't add due to all the typing & copy pasting.
Edit: Sorry Elel I don't have time to write a description about every game.
--
“Opinions are like assholes, everybody's got one and everyone thinks everyone else's stinks.”
“Opinions are like assholes, everybody's got one and everyone thinks everyone else's stinks.”
Last edited by Couchpotato; January 5th, 2016 at 08:25.
Jaded Old-Timer
| +1: |
January 5th, 2016, 10:56
Top thread.
FFX - Cheesy? Yeah. Linear? Yep, that too. But it's also supremely atmospheric, wonderfully emotional, has a great story with a few nice twists and interesting + fun gameplay.
Phantasy Star 4 - Still holds up today as a superbly paced and enjoyable JRPG. The comic style cut-scenes between very likeable and interesting characters add loads to the game, and there always seems to be a surprise in store along the way.
FF7 - Need I say anything?
FF5 - An often overlooked game, 5 is superb IMO. The job system adds loads to it, and the dungeons, story, world and characters are all top notch.
Shadow Hearts: Covenant - Rarely featured on these lists, SH:C is an astoundingly immersive and atmospheric game, which finds this unbelievably amazing balance between a dark & serious story, and really silly cheeky-daft humour. The combat is quality with a very fun ring system, and the characters are all excellent and memorable. What also really makes this game stand out is it's connection with our actual world. You travel the globe, and encounter aspects of history and characters from real life. It just really adds to the game.
It does lose it slightly towards the end, and it does become a tad easy, but it's still a very underrated, overlooked game which in my eyes is a masterpiece.
FFX - Cheesy? Yeah. Linear? Yep, that too. But it's also supremely atmospheric, wonderfully emotional, has a great story with a few nice twists and interesting + fun gameplay.
Phantasy Star 4 - Still holds up today as a superbly paced and enjoyable JRPG. The comic style cut-scenes between very likeable and interesting characters add loads to the game, and there always seems to be a surprise in store along the way.
FF7 - Need I say anything?
FF5 - An often overlooked game, 5 is superb IMO. The job system adds loads to it, and the dungeons, story, world and characters are all top notch.
Shadow Hearts: Covenant - Rarely featured on these lists, SH:C is an astoundingly immersive and atmospheric game, which finds this unbelievably amazing balance between a dark & serious story, and really silly cheeky-daft humour. The combat is quality with a very fun ring system, and the characters are all excellent and memorable. What also really makes this game stand out is it's connection with our actual world. You travel the globe, and encounter aspects of history and characters from real life. It just really adds to the game.
It does lose it slightly towards the end, and it does become a tad easy, but it's still a very underrated, overlooked game which in my eyes is a masterpiece.
--
“All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a Thousand Enemies, and whenever they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you, digger, listener, runner, prince with the swift warning. Be cunning and full of tricks and your people shall never be destroyed.”
“All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a Thousand Enemies, and whenever they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you, digger, listener, runner, prince with the swift warning. Be cunning and full of tricks and your people shall never be destroyed.”
Sentinel
| +1: |
January 5th, 2016, 13:45
Ogre Tactics: Let us cling together - One of my absolute favourite games, or at least close to it. Complicated branching storylines with multiple endings… some of the bad ones are more interesting than the good ones. A lot of really fun tactical battles, and it is also one of the first games where your characters could turn on you and go over to the other side based on your decisions!
Valkyrie Profile - Very interesting and unique story, and some of the most beautiful moments in gaming. Unfortunately combat gets a bit repetitive towards the end.
Phantasy Star Series - Not sure if it should be a masterpiece or not, but very enjoyable anyhow.
EDIT how could I forget:
Star Ocean - The original, is the best out of the ones I tried.. brilliant game.
Tales of Phantasia - The original and probably best tales game.
Might add some more later as I think of them.
Valkyrie Profile - Very interesting and unique story, and some of the most beautiful moments in gaming. Unfortunately combat gets a bit repetitive towards the end.
Phantasy Star Series - Not sure if it should be a masterpiece or not, but very enjoyable anyhow.
EDIT how could I forget:
Star Ocean - The original, is the best out of the ones I tried.. brilliant game.
Tales of Phantasia - The original and probably best tales game.
Might add some more later as I think of them.
Last edited by GothicGothicness; January 5th, 2016 at 14:56.
SasqWatch
| +1: |
January 5th, 2016, 14:11
My personal favorites:
- Suikoden 3: Great story told from 3 different perspectives.
- Gladius: My favorite tactical RPG of all time.
- Final Fantasy X.
- Persona 3 & 4.
- The whole Atelier/Mana Khemia series (I love crafting, and no other games have such a rich and deep crafting system).
- Shadow Hearts 2 (1 & 3 are also good, but 2 was the crown piece).
- Star Ocean 3.
- Suikoden 3: Great story told from 3 different perspectives.
- Gladius: My favorite tactical RPG of all time.
- Final Fantasy X.
- Persona 3 & 4.
- The whole Atelier/Mana Khemia series (I love crafting, and no other games have such a rich and deep crafting system).
- Shadow Hearts 2 (1 & 3 are also good, but 2 was the crown piece).
- Star Ocean 3.
Last edited by wolfing; January 5th, 2016 at 18:47.
Dalek SasqWatch
| +1: |
January 5th, 2016, 17:26
Phantasie star should very much be a master piece, especially if you are talking about the originals. They had so much character.
FFX is defiantly as well, playing the HD version now.
I also really enjoy the Star Ocean games, Persona owned me on a psx sim last year….many hours spent on that…good game.
FFX is defiantly as well, playing the HD version now.
I also really enjoy the Star Ocean games, Persona owned me on a psx sim last year….many hours spent on that…good game.
--
If you don't stand behind your troops, feel free to stand in front.
If you don't stand behind your troops, feel free to stand in front.
SasqWatch
Original Sin 2 Donor
| +1: |
January 5th, 2016, 18:01
For me the must plays are Chrono Trigger, Ogre Tactics, and Final Fantasy Tactics. None of these choices will let you down, and each one will take many hours to fully complete. The Persona and Suikoden series would get honorable mentions from me, as would some more recent games like Valkyria Chronicles and Trails in the Sky. Time will tell if some of the new ones become all-time classics.
SasqWatch
| +1: |
January 5th, 2016, 18:04
Phantasy Star 4 on the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive. Vastly ignored by many.
Sentinel
| +1: |
January 6th, 2016, 04:21
Final Fantasy 7 for sure. There's a reason why it's getting such a huge HD remake.
Shadow Hearts: Covenant. It's got great characters (especially the wrestling guy), good humor, and a really fun battle system. It would be great if this game got an HD release on PC but I think the IP is in the grip of some company that's more into gambling machines than JRPGs now.
Lost Odyssey: Good combat, very good story, and the characters are OK. There's also a bunch of text-only short stories that are surprisingly good.
Last Remnant: Decent story, a few good characters, but the battle system is REALLY fun! Also, it makes folks that try to pull the old "grind for two days in the first battles of the game so all your characters vastly out-level every enemy" trick cry.
Shadow Hearts: Covenant. It's got great characters (especially the wrestling guy), good humor, and a really fun battle system. It would be great if this game got an HD release on PC but I think the IP is in the grip of some company that's more into gambling machines than JRPGs now.
Lost Odyssey: Good combat, very good story, and the characters are OK. There's also a bunch of text-only short stories that are surprisingly good.
Last Remnant: Decent story, a few good characters, but the battle system is REALLY fun! Also, it makes folks that try to pull the old "grind for two days in the first battles of the game so all your characters vastly out-level every enemy" trick cry.
--
The very powerful and the very stupid have one thing in common: instead of altering their views to fit the facts, they alter the facts to fit their views….-- Doctor Who in "Face of Evil"
Last edited by Zloth; January 6th, 2016 at 04:36.
I smell a… wumpus!?
| +1: |
January 6th, 2016, 10:02
The tip-top, mostly so old as to require emulators as I rarely play JRPGs anymore:
Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together is great as others have said, but I have more love for the earlier games in the series, Ogre Battle: March of the Black Queen (SNES), and Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber (N64).
Fire Emblem IV: Seisen no Kofu and Fire Emblem V: Thracia 776 (both SNES). Set in the same world, Thracia 776 actually takes place between the first and second halves of Seisen no Kofu. These games are the origin of my old username RedSocialKnight -- since "SocialKnight" was what the Cavalier was called in a fan-translated ROM for FE IV. The maps are much larger than in the later Fire Emblem games, giving a looser feel to the battles.
And -- can I really be the first one in the thread to include Earthbound in my list?
Also
Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together is great as others have said, but I have more love for the earlier games in the series, Ogre Battle: March of the Black Queen (SNES), and Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber (N64).
Fire Emblem IV: Seisen no Kofu and Fire Emblem V: Thracia 776 (both SNES). Set in the same world, Thracia 776 actually takes place between the first and second halves of Seisen no Kofu. These games are the origin of my old username RedSocialKnight -- since "SocialKnight" was what the Cavalier was called in a fan-translated ROM for FE IV. The maps are much larger than in the later Fire Emblem games, giving a looser feel to the battles.
And -- can I really be the first one in the thread to include Earthbound in my list?
Also
Originally Posted by CouchPotatoSo, all of them, is what I'm hearing.
My all time favorites are the following.
[lists 100 games]
--
"But if it's a battle," he said, "which side is which?"
"If it's a battle," said Lilac.
"But if it's a battle," he said, "which side is which?"
"If it's a battle," said Lilac.
Thou hast lost an eighth!
| +1: |
January 6th, 2016, 10:08
Originally Posted by HexproneEvery freakin one of them. Sorry I love them all and wont play favoritism.
So, all of them, is what I'm hearing.
--
“Opinions are like assholes, everybody's got one and everyone thinks everyone else's stinks.”
“Opinions are like assholes, everybody's got one and everyone thinks everyone else's stinks.”
Jaded Old-Timer
| +1: |
January 6th, 2016, 10:27
Originally Posted by Zloth
Final Fantasy 7 for sure. There's a reason why it's getting such a huge HD remake.
Shadow Hearts: Covenant. It's got great characters (especially the wrestling guy), good humor, and a really fun battle system. It would be great if this game got an HD release on PC but I think the IP is in the grip of some company that's more into gambling machines than JRPGs now.
Lost Odyssey: Good combat, very good story, and the characters are OK. There's also a bunch of text-only short stories that are surprisingly good.
Last Remnant: Decent story, a few good characters, but the battle system is REALLY fun! Also, it makes folks that try to pull the old "grind for two days in the first battles of the game so all your characters vastly out-level every enemy" trick cry.
Glad to hear some praise for Last Remnants battle system. It took me quite a while to get to grips with, but it was very refreshing when I eventually did. The fact you are influencing combat like a senior officer, as opposed to directly taking control of each individual, adds a nice and fresh feel to it.
--
“All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a Thousand Enemies, and whenever they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you, digger, listener, runner, prince with the swift warning. Be cunning and full of tricks and your people shall never be destroyed.”
“All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a Thousand Enemies, and whenever they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you, digger, listener, runner, prince with the swift warning. Be cunning and full of tricks and your people shall never be destroyed.”
Sentinel
| +1: |
January 6th, 2016, 11:02
Originally Posted by CouchpotatoIn that case, which of them happen to have the strongest plot & best characters\writing? For example, I don't think that Arc the Lad is one of those…
Every freakin one of them. Sorry I love them all and wont play favoritism.
Devout Priestess of RPGs
January 6th, 2016, 11:09
Originally Posted by ElelAlright then here are a few from my long list that have both.
In that case, which of them happen to have the strongest plot & best characters\writing? For example, I don't think that Arc the Lad is one of those…
The Legend of Dragoon
Rebel Galaxy
Suikoden
Suikoden II
Suikoden III
Suikoden IV
Suikoden V
Xenosaga Episode I-III
Shadow Hearts
Shadow Hearts: Covenant
Shadow Hearts: From the New World
Resonance of Fate
White Knight Chronicles
White Knight Chronicles II
Lost Odyssey
Sorry to say I don't only play JRPG masterpieces and prefer variety.
--
“Opinions are like assholes, everybody's got one and everyone thinks everyone else's stinks.”
“Opinions are like assholes, everybody's got one and everyone thinks everyone else's stinks.”
Last edited by Couchpotato; January 6th, 2016 at 11:30.
Jaded Old-Timer
| +1: |
January 6th, 2016, 15:40
I don't think I've seen anyone mention Dragon Quest. I was a big fan of DQ 8, but many of the other titles were quite good as well.
SasqWatch
January 6th, 2016, 19:42
There are some amazing games here - and with the mention of Dragon Quest I don't have anything to add! Just commenting to agree and keep tracking the thread …
--
-- Mike
-- Mike
SasqWatch
January 6th, 2016, 21:44
Originally Posted by fadedcDragon Quest 8 is the only one I've played, and liked it a lot. I hate that it's the only one made for consoles, the rest are for handhelds and I just can't play on those tiny screens.
I don't think I've seen anyone mention Dragon Quest. I was a big fan of DQ 8, but many of the other titles were quite good as well.
Dalek SasqWatch
January 6th, 2016, 21:59
Originally Posted by wolfingPlaying emulators on a bigger tablet helps that significantly. I am using an 8" tablet for DS emulation and it works great. Started up Dragon Quest IV recently and think it's great.
Dragon Quest 8 is the only one I've played, and liked it a lot. I hate that it's the only one made for consoles, the rest are for handhelds and I just can't play on those tiny screens.
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