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Davo
City Guard
Joined: 03 Sep 2002
Posts: 146
Location: Massachusetts, USA |
| Non-Japanese Console RPGs |
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I think it's safe to say that I'm as big a fan of console RPGs, especially Japanese ones, as anyone. I loved Star Ocean: Till the End of Time, and I've loved all the Final Fantasies, and I've even had a good time slogging through the endless battles in the Dragon Warrior games. I have to say, however, that even I have grown weary of the endless Japanese RPG treadmill of games with the same repetitive story of the disillusioned and angry young man out to save the world from an unstoppable evil. Below is a list of 11 of my favorite console RPGs that operate outside this cliched mold.
1. Shin Megami Tensei--Demon world
2. Fable--Overhyped?--You bet. Still a great game--definitely.
3. Shadow Hearts and Shadow Hearts Covenant--WWI setting with the Wheel of Justice combat system. Very cool.
4. Skies of Arcadia Legends--Air Pirates and ship-to-ship combat--'Nuff said
5. Dark Cloud 2--With Sim-City-lite city building
6. Xenogears--A story that tackles the meaning of existence.
7. Suikoden III--Play the same tragic story from three different points of view
8. Panzer Dragoon Saga--Take on an evil empire on a dying world while fighting on the back of a dragon
9. Summoner 2--A worthy sequel that got no attention
10. Valkyrie Profile--A side-scrolling RPG in which you play a Norse Valkyrie (some people might argue that this isn't really an RPG)
11. Star Wars KOTOR I and II--You didn't really think I would forget these, did you?
That doesn't include great PC ports like Morrowind and Arx Fatalis, action RPGs like Champions of Norrath, and strategy RPGs like Growlanser and Disgaea.
So, what are your favorites, Japanese or non-Japanese?
_________________
Apologize, v.i. To lay the foundation for a future offense.
Backbite, v.t. To speak of a man as you find him when he can't find you.
-- Ambrose Bierce, from The Devil's Dictionary. |
Thu Jan 06, 2005 1:08 am |
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genji
Eager Tradesman
Joined: 11 Dec 2004
Posts: 39
Location: Melbourne, Australia |
Well, right now it's Tales of Symphonia. It's about an angry young man on a quest to save the wor.... no wait, hear me out! It starts off like that, and begins to get more and more complex, with surprising plot twists, combat that never gets boring, likable characters, etc.
Yes, maybe I've seen it all before, but this game makes it all seem new again.
_________________
In dreams I walk with you |
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Thu Jan 06, 2005 1:32 am |
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Davo
City Guard
Joined: 03 Sep 2002
Posts: 146
Location: Massachusetts, USA |
I've really been on the fence about Tales of Symphonia. I played the PSOne "Tales" games and liked them well enough, but I have been skeptical about this one. I'll admit I've had it in my hands a few times and considered buying it. I've also read some positive reviews on sites that I trust. How does it make everything old feel new again?
_________________
Apologize, v.i. To lay the foundation for a future offense.
Backbite, v.t. To speak of a man as you find him when he can't find you.
-- Ambrose Bierce, from The Devil's Dictionary. |
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Thu Jan 06, 2005 2:52 am |
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genji
Eager Tradesman
Joined: 11 Dec 2004
Posts: 39
Location: Melbourne, Australia |
I don't know. I guess I'm just a person who doesn't mind if something doesn't have an original idea in its head, as long as the story is well-told. And it really, really is. I can't say a lot without giving plot secrets away, but I am thoroughly enjoying the story so far, about 35 hours in.
It's quite unconventional for a Japanese RPG, really. There are numerous sidequests that you can do, several romances between the "main" character Lloyd and various other party members. Not to mention 80+ hours of game time. You really get your money's worth.
It's up to you, really. I find Eurogamers reviews to be the most helpful when deciding whether to purchase a game. Their take on it is here.
http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=57080
_________________
In dreams I walk with you |
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Thu Jan 06, 2005 3:27 am |
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Jaz
Late Night Spook
Joined: 20 Jan 2002
Posts: 9708
Location: RPGDot |
I'm neither especially into Japanese console RPGs nor non-Japanese ones, yet most of my favorites in the genre were Japanese mainly because there were hardly any other console RPGs out there at the time. Nowadays more and more genres move to consoles, so they're starting to get even.
Right now I'm on my evil Fable tour while I'm looking forward to Jade Empire.
Oh yes, and did you know Mortal Kombat: Deception features an adventure/RPGish single player mode? Though it's quite shallow and serves mainly to train moves and as a vehicle to tell the prologue to the pure beat'em up part of MKD, it's very entertaining nevertheless... you (a not quite so angry young man who still tries to save the world(s) on behalf of the Elder Gods  ) get to travel six realms, get to find important items as a main quest and tons of minor quests of the fed-ex variant (and some others). Plus, there's quite a neat plot twist.
This game kept me busy for a few weeks, but right now little complexity is all I can bear when it comes to games.
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Jaz |
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Thu Jan 06, 2005 8:24 am |
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Davo
City Guard
Joined: 03 Sep 2002
Posts: 146
Location: Massachusetts, USA |
Genji--Thanks for the info on Tales. I've read several reviews of this game since yesterday and nearly all agree that this is a really great game. I think I'm putting it on my list for future impulse purchases.
Jaz--I've been intrigued by that Mortal Kombat title. Doesn't it also have a Tetris style game and a Battle Chess game? Somehow I lost track of this one in the slew of games that I bought over the past three months. By the way, I know what you mean about wanting to play games that aren't all that complex. Last year I finished law school, took the Massachusetts bar exam, passed the exam (thus becoming a lawyer  ), and started a job as a law clerk. A law clerk is a lawyer who assists a judge with legal research and written opinions. I spend all day researching and writing, so by the end of the day I'm looking for a little mindless fun. Mortal Kombat Deception sounds like a good choice. Have you tried Galleon? It's not an RPG per se, more of a Tomb Raider/Zelda-type title, but it's a lot of mindless fun.
_________________
Apologize, v.i. To lay the foundation for a future offense.
Backbite, v.t. To speak of a man as you find him when he can't find you.
-- Ambrose Bierce, from The Devil's Dictionary. |
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Thu Jan 06, 2005 2:16 pm |
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DzD
Unknown
Joined: 12 Mar 2002
Posts: 7140
Location: Sweden |
I just got a console, so I'm not that experienced on the RPG front. But I still want to say that my favourite RPG must be KotOR 2. 
Oh, and I'm also looking forward to Jade empire, it seems to be a very good game.
_________________
There once was a youngster, DzD
Whose avatars numbered infinity
But I must admit
His latest, a hit
Cuz the Little One's a mystery to me
Written by - dteowner |
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Thu Jan 06, 2005 3:37 pm |
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Davo
City Guard
Joined: 03 Sep 2002
Posts: 146
Location: Massachusetts, USA |
DzD--Sounds like you got an X-Box. If that's true, Sudeki is a pretty good Japanese-style RPG for the X-Box. There are few RPGs on the X-box, Japanese or otherwise. If you've never really played any Japanese console RPGs, then it isn't likely you'll find the stories and settings cliched. I'm just a little over-exposed; I've played hundreds of console RPGs over the past decade.
Fable is also a great game. Just ignore the hype and any criticism focusing on the game's failure to live up to the hype.
Star Wars KOTOR is great (and this from someone--me--who HATES the movies).
Jade Empire does look fantastic, doesn't it?
Some cool action-RPGs on X-Box include Dungeons and Dragons Heroes, the Baldur's Gate Dark Alliance games, the Bard's Tale, and Kingdom Under Fire (more of a tactical/strategy/action/RPG hybrid).
If you got something other than an X-Box, well, sorry to blather on for so long.
_________________
Apologize, v.i. To lay the foundation for a future offense.
Backbite, v.t. To speak of a man as you find him when he can't find you.
-- Ambrose Bierce, from The Devil's Dictionary. |
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Thu Jan 06, 2005 4:05 pm |
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Jaz
Late Night Spook
Joined: 20 Jan 2002
Posts: 9708
Location: RPGDot |
@Davo: if you like mindless fun, MKD is well worth its money; I'm both a sucker for beat'em ups and Tetris-style games, so I spent some time playing those. The battle chess/Archon type game is pretty nice as well, but I spent far more time with the adventure.
It's more a Zelda-like adventure than an RPG as well, but except where dictated by the main storyline you can choose whom to train with (and thus acquire their skills), how to treat people you meet etc. Your character doesn't have stats which change - before you solve the main quest, you'll fight as the last person whose training you successfully absolved. After you finish, you'll fight as a random character (yes, you can play on afterwards.. in fact, there are some side quests which can be solved after the main quest only). Needless to say you'll have to play the Konquest mode (that's what it's called) if you want all the extra characters, costumes and special moves for both arcade beat'em up as well as the puzzle fighter game.
Visually, it's sub-standard (the non-fighting part of Konquest mode - reminded me a bit of Redguard), but you learn a bit about MK lore, and it's - as I said - quite entertaining.
My time is very limited, too, so mindless fun games are the best course of action for me, too  .
Oh right, Galleon sounds like fun indeed, I guess I'll check it out.
@DzD: Davo's right, Fable is very, very entertaining and well worth a try.
_________________
Jaz |
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Thu Jan 06, 2005 4:26 pm |
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DzD
Unknown
Joined: 12 Mar 2002
Posts: 7140
Location: Sweden |
Well, I got a X-box and a PS2, I'm just more of a computer player. Fable was released about the same time I got my X-box, so of course I bought it. And unlike most people I was uneffected by the hype since I didn't even know the game existed until I read one of Jaz' posts some time ago.
I'll take a look at the other games you suggested, I'm in serious need of new games.
_________________
There once was a youngster, DzD
Whose avatars numbered infinity
But I must admit
His latest, a hit
Cuz the Little One's a mystery to me
Written by - dteowner |
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Fri Jan 07, 2005 11:48 pm |
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Davo
City Guard
Joined: 03 Sep 2002
Posts: 146
Location: Massachusetts, USA |
@DzD--Well, there are a LOT more RPG options on the PS2. Here are a few PS2 suggestions that you can probably pick-up for under $20.
1. Final Fantasy X is an excellent place to start and you can probably pick it up for less than $20 U.S. It is a very long game with about 80 hours of gameplay if you want to uncover every last secret on your own.
2. Final Fantasy X-2--Semi-sequel to Final Fantasy with an all-women team of characters.
3. Dark Cloud 2--I saw this at my local EB the other day for $10. A great game.
4. Kingdom Hearts--Think of this as a Final Fantasy RPG in Disney-themed worlds.
5. Wizardry--Kind of like the PC versions but with a lot more emphasis on story.
6. Shadow Hearts and Shadow Hearts Covenant--A sixth bonus selection--these are great games set in a very surreal version of WWI Europe.
If you want to spend more than $20, try these.
1. Star Ocean: Till the End of Time--Long game with a surprisingly innovative real-time battle system.
2. Shin Megami Tensai--An RPG developed by Atlus USA set in a world overrun by Demons and NOT for children. Any game by Atlus or Working designs is usually a good bet.
3. Lord of the Rings: The Third Age--A little on the lame side (too few enemy types) but the graphics are awesome, the battle system is fun, and this is a great game for Tolkien fans.
4. Front Mission 4--You may be able to get this one for less than $20. It's a Giant Mech Tactical RPG. Very involving and lengthy.
5. Growlanser: Generations--Two tactical RPGs for the price of one: I'm a big Working Designs fan (they developed the game for the U.S.). There's a lot of game here for $50.
Next, my list of five great non-RPGs that I think RPG fans will appreciate
1. ICO--An adventure game with amazing graphics and a poignant story of a doomed boy saving a haunted princess.
2. Psi-Ops--Story driven adventure game (although the story is not so good) in which you play a soldier with psychic powers that include exploding other people's heads.
3. Second Sight--Similar to Psi-Ops except the story is very good and the main character's psychic powers have a larger focus on stealth.
4. Drakan--Sequel to the PC game. Lots of story and dragon combat. Combat and movement is a bit like Zelda or Tomb Raider.
5. Everquest: Champions of Norrath: A great action-based RPG with a lengthy quest, cool worlds, and the option to play on-line.
Five PSOne games--Don't forget that your PS2 is backwards-combatible with PSOne games.
1. Final Fantasy IX--The best of the PSOne Final Fantasy games with a very traditional fantasy setting
2. Final Fantasy VII--Set in more of a futuristic industrial setting
3. Final Fantasy Tactics--A LONG game that represents the best and lengthiest of tactical console RPGs.
4. Xenogears--A mech-based Sci-Fi/Fantasy RPG with strong religious overtones. Very interesting and unique.
5. Wild Arms or Wild Arms 2--Western (U.S. Cowboy Western) themed Japanese RPGs. Some people hated them, but I thought they were fun and the music was great.
That's just the tip of the iceberg for the PS2. There are so many other great games for the PS2 with its PSOne backwards compatibility (try Katamari Damacy, Silent Hill 2, Fatal Frame, Disgaea, Lunar, Lunar II, Tecmo's Deception, Kagero, Clocktower, Parasite Eve, Legend of Mana, Romancing Saga, Suikoden, Suikoden III, Mister Mosquito, Jak and Daxter, Jak II, Jak III, Ratchet and Clank, Sly Cooper, Grand Theft Auto, the Resident Evil games and on and on). You'll likely be limited most by your wallet.
_________________
Apologize, v.i. To lay the foundation for a future offense.
Backbite, v.t. To speak of a man as you find him when he can't find you.
-- Ambrose Bierce, from The Devil's Dictionary. |
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Sat Jan 08, 2005 4:16 am |
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Jaz
Late Night Spook
Joined: 20 Jan 2002
Posts: 9708
Location: RPGDot |
I loved the Wild Arms games (I still have my PS1) and Secret of Mana and Secret of Time (I also still have my SNES, NES, Genesis and Atari 2600)... I would have to dig them out of the attic, though.
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Jaz |
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Sat Jan 08, 2005 9:23 am |
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Davo
City Guard
Joined: 03 Sep 2002
Posts: 146
Location: Massachusetts, USA |
@Jaz--I loved Secret of Mana. My favorite part was flying on the dragon. My least favorite part was spending hours powering up each and every one of my weapons.
There was a semi-sequel released in the U.S. for the SNES called Secret of Evermore. Critics tore into it because it had no multiplayer, but I liked it and thought it got a bad rap. I still have my copy.
I also liked the PSOne sequel, Legend of Mana. A lot of U.S. magazine reviewers tore Legend of Mana apart because it had no multiplayer and they claimed the story was too disjointed. I thought it was a great game; the graphics, which looked like watercolor story book paintings, were gorgeous.
Did you know that Square released a sequel on the Gameboy Advance last year called Sword of Mana? It's quite good, especially of your a Secret of Mana fan. There's no multiplayer, but there are two characters, a boy and a girl, great graphics and a lengthy quest. As a bonus, it a pretty basic game that doesn't require a lot of heavy thinking. Of course, you need a Gameboy Advance (or a Gamecube Gameboy player--my preference-- to play it).
By the way, what's Secret of Time? I never heard of that one. Is it a European only release? Is it related to Chrono Trigger (another GREAT Square game) in any way?
Oh, I also have all my old consoles. I got rid of the ColecoVision a long time ago (dumb), but I still have my NES, SNES, Virtual Boy (Ugh!), Genesis, Sega CD, Saturn, Dreamcast, PSOne, Nintendo64, Gameboy Advance, Nintendo DS, and the entire current generation of consoles (Gamecube, PS2 and X-Box). Don't have the heart to part with them, except for my 3DO, which I sold (and immediately regretted because it had an awesome port of Spacehulk--sigh). I used to have a great handheld from Atari, but I forget the name of it--was it the Lynx? I also used to have a Sega Nomad (portable Genesis) and a Game Gear.
_________________
Apologize, v.i. To lay the foundation for a future offense.
Backbite, v.t. To speak of a man as you find him when he can't find you.
-- Ambrose Bierce, from The Devil's Dictionary. |
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Sat Jan 08, 2005 8:11 pm |
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genji
Eager Tradesman
Joined: 11 Dec 2004
Posts: 39
Location: Melbourne, Australia |
Yes, I played Secret of Evermore to death when I still had a SNES. I really liked having my dog sniff out ingredients for my spell recipies. The GBA game Sword of Mana is actually a port of a Secret of Mana game that didn't get released in the West, I think. It is good, but I much prefer the SNES/PSX Seiken Densetsu 3, the "true" sequel to Secret of Mana (which was actually the second game in the series in Japan). SD3 never got released outside of Japan. Your best bet would be to track down a ROM on the Internet and a translation patch. It was one of the best-looking games on the SNES.
As for Secret of Time, I'm not sure... but he may be referring to Illusion of Time (also known as Illusion of Gaia), an action RPG made by Enix. That one comes highly recommended by me. Also on the Enix front is Terranigma, an action RPG that has you rebuilding the world from scratch, and completing quests to populate it with life.
_________________
In dreams I walk with you |
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Sun Jan 09, 2005 7:13 am |
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Jaz
Late Night Spook
Joined: 20 Jan 2002
Posts: 9708
Location: RPGDot |
Sorry Davo, genji is correct, I meant Illusion of Time - a classical fingerslip because I still thought of Secret of Mana (I am a she, though ).
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Jaz |
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Sun Jan 09, 2005 8:38 am |
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