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[DunDunDunpachi]

UPDATE: The full list of 20 has been revealed:

1. Chrono Trigger
2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
3. NieR: Automata
4. Final Fantasy VII
5. Okami
6. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
7. Final Fantasy X
8. Pokémon Red/Green/Blue/Yellow
9. Dragon Quest V
10. Xenogears
11. Vainglory
12. Suikoden II
13. Mother 2 (Earthbound)
14. Splatoon 2
15. Tactics Ogre
16. Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G (Monster Hunter Freedom Unite)
17. Kingdom Hearts
17. (tie) Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
19. Final Fantasy XV
20. Final Fantasy XI
20. (tie) Pokémon Diamond & Pearl

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The Heisei Era is nearing its end-date of April 30th, 2019. Famitsu reached out to its readers to weigh in on the best games of the era (Sun, Jan 8, 1989 – Tue, Apr 30, 2019).

Reported by Siliconera.

Below are the top-3 best Heisei period games as voted by 7,158 Famitsu readers:​

​

#3 NieR: Automata (205 Votes) – By Square Enix, released on February 23, 2017 (Heisei 29) for the PlayStation 4.​

​

Comments from readers on NieR: Automata:​

​

“No game has ever moved me as much.” (Male, teens)​

“This game made me understand feelings that can’t be described by words.” (Female, 20s)​

​

​

#2 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (209 Votes) – By Nintendo, released on March 3, 2017 (Heisei 29) for the Nintendo Switch and Wii U.​

​

Main-Day​

​

Comments from readers on The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild​

​

“It felt as if I were living in this land called Hyrule.” (Male, 20s)​

“The wonders of being able to go as far as the eyes can see.” (Female, 50s)​

​

​

#1 Chrono Trigger (230 Votes) – By Square Enix (Then Square), released on March 11, 1995 (Heisei 7) for the Super Famicom​

​

Comments from readers on Chrono Trigger:​

​

“It’s a masterpiece with everything from story, scenario, and music that has yet to fade.” (Male, 30s)​

“Going on an adventure beyond time with Crono (protagonist) and the others is a memory that I’ll never forget for the rest of my life.” (Female, 30s)​

Interesting to see two relatively new games on the list, juxtaposed against good ol' Chrono Trigger. The complete list of 20 reader-nominated 'Best games of the Heisei Era' has not yet been leaked but will (obviously) be included in the issue of Famitsu.

What are your thoughts? Do all three of these games belong in the pantheon of Best Games of All Time, or do you consider Famitsu's readers to be filthy casuals?

 

[kunonabi]

I personally hated BotW and I still dont get the Nier fascination. It wasnt bad but it wasnt this life changing event for me like it was for everyone else. Chrono Trigger was fantastic but no.1 is a bit high for my blood.

 

[Graciaus]

3 amazing games but that's way to long of a time period to only pick 3 titles. I'd have trouble narrowing it down to 100 never mind 3.

 

[Heimdall_Xtreme]

Where is Gravity rush 1 and 2?

 

[Pejo]

It's hard to disagree with #1, but the other two I think are being valued way too highly just because they're recent. At least Nier has the trifecta of gameplay/story/music, but even then I wouldn't list it top 3 of that era.

Really surprised that they got so few votes in general, isn't Famitsu still pretty big in Japan?

 

[Nymphae]

“This game made me understand feelings that can’t be described by words.” (Female, 20s)

Give me a break

 

[BigBooper]

Never played CT.

I kind of feel BOTW was only such a big hit because so many Nintendo fans are only Nintendo fans and this was the first huge, modern open world Nintendo game.

Nier, I didn't love. I had no interest in the repetitive gameplay design.

 

[Vader1]

I’m not really into Chrono Trigger or Nier Automata, and BotW is pretty good but it would be more a contender for Top 20 for me than Top 3.

 

[Angry_Megalodon]

I agree with Nier and Zelda being among the very best this gen. The ending E of NA is something you don't see often. Nor the music. And it also has the best cosplay material of the gen, too.

Chrono Trigger is some nostalgia fueled thing, but ok.

 

[Nymphae]

Chrono Trigger is some nostalgia fueled thing, but ok.

Yeah it's only nostalgia making that game great

 

[Angry_Megalodon]

Yeah it's only nostalgia making that game great

I didn't say that. My point is that it's way easier to glorify (fairly or not) games that made an impact in the old days that the ones from current or previous gen.

 

[Nymphae]

I didn't say that.

Apologies, but your remark to me read like you were saying it was only included because of nostalgia.

My point is that it's way easier to glorify (fairly or not) games that made an impact in the old days that the ones from current or previous gen.

I mean, I guess, even though 2/3 of the list are games released in the past few years. CT easily holds it's own when you get into the nitty gritty though, nostalgia only makes that game that much better.

 

[Mista]

#1 Chrono Trigger (230 Votes) – By Square Enix (Then Square), released on March 11, 1995 (Heisei 7) for the Super FamicomComments from readers on Chrono Trigger:“It’s a masterpiece with everything from story, scenario, and music that has yet to fade.” (Male, 30s)“Going on an adventure beyond time with Crono (protagonist) and the others is a memory that I’ll never forget for the rest of my life.” (Female, 30s)

This made me smile :’) Chrono Trigger will always be in my heart forever

Also this:

Where is Gravity rush 1 and 2?

Another great art that was made into a video game. Deserves more recognition

 

[Sqorin Hammerfarf]

I personally hated BotW...

Admitting that in public is like admitting you got a sexually transmitted disease from licking toilet seats. It might be true, but people are going to have questions about your taste.

 

[K1Expwy]

Automata and BotW are great, but those votes are pretty dismissive of the last 30 years, or even recent memory.

 

[Ozrimandias]

Sorry, but....

WTF is Heisei Era.
I have no idea.

 

[DunDunDunpachi]

Sorry, but....

WTF is Heisei Era.
I have no idea.

A feature of the local calendar.

 

[pramod]

7000 is a surprisingly meager sample for a poll like this. Isnt Famitsu supposed to be huge?

 

[K1Expwy]

Sorry, but....

WTF is Heisei Era.
I have no idea.

Japan has their own calendar (they also use the Gregorian MMDDYYYY) and a special name to reflect when each emperor takes the throne. Heisei Era is shorter than usual because the current emperor is retiring (the previous emperor and era, Showa, lasted from 1926 until his passing in 1989). The time periods have a lot of meaning (kind of like "oh man the '60s amirite"), and Japan is currently reflecting on fashion and events and other stuff since 1989.

edit: already answered, oh well

 

[Later Alligator]

#1 is what it should be. CT is the greatest game ever made

need to go back and replay it for the 100th time on my train commute

 

[kunonabi]

Admitting that in public is like admitting you got a sexually transmitted disease from licking toilet seats. It might be true, but people are going to have questions about your taste.

I havent cared what other people since like elementary school. Besides, I'm one of the few vocal Other M fans so I'm already an electronic leper as it is.

 

[EverydayBeast]

BOTW to a certain degree, the question is how is it any better than OOT? Who did so much in the 90s on a less powerful console.

 

[Ozrimandias]

Japan has their own calendar (they also use the Gregorian MMDDYYYY) and a special name to reflect when each emperor takes the throne. Heisei Era is shorter than usual because the current emperor is retiring (the previous emperor and era, Showa, lasted from 1926 until his passing in 1989). The time periods have a lot of meaning (kind of like "oh man the '60s amirite"), and Japan is currently reflecting on fashion and events and other stuff since 1989.

edit: already answered, oh well

Thanks....i understand now and...agree. Chrono Trigger is one of the best RPG of All time (FFVI second to me)

 

[Geki-D]

Nier Automata was a good game, but I wouldn't put it at the top of anything. Besides maybe hottest main character.

“No game has ever moved me as much.” (Male, teens)

Yeah, I bet it moved you teen male. I bet it moved you through a whole box of tissues. And i ain't talking about emotional tears.

 

[Northeastmonk]

Chrono Trigger is by far one of the greatest 2D JRPG's ever created. I don't think Squaresoft/Square-Enix could make a better 2D game. Seiken Densetsu 3 maybe.

BOTW to a certain degree, the question is how is it any better than OOT? Who did so much in the 90s on a less powerful console.

That's true. At the time, Ocarina of Time was on a whole other level. BOTW was really good, but the dungeons felt like they were created by the same architect.

Times change. People who may have absolutely adored OOT or Chrono Trigger could no longer be part of the equation. Look at how many copies of Final Fantasy 7 were sold. Will the remake or another Final Fantasy ever come close? You could have gathered 7,000 people where they gamed during this era and not that one. Some people hate the way certain tech looks, so they go for the game with better graphics or controls.

Was the reveal for Ocarina of Time less exciting as Breath of the Wild? You were already hyped over the Spaceworld tech demo that was suppose to be the real game. The Zelda that never came out for the Wii U.



I was super excited to get Breath of the Wild. But then you also had to craft your food, your weapons would break, and the game was a straight shot to the end.

Nier: Automata is good, but I feel like running through the area. I don't try to absorb a lot of emotions along the way. I can say its an awesome game though.

 

[blackjon24]

While Chrono trigger is unquestionably a masterpiece without any faults I feel like nier automata and breath of the wild don't really belong in the conversation even though I enjoyed both.

The reason why is simple

Nier Automata - Route B
Breath of the wild - Weapon breaking

These blemishes will forever hold these back for me

 

[blackjon24]

Where is Gravity rush 1 and 2?

Why do you think such highly of this series? I enjoy gravity rush but I personally don't think it does anything exceptional in terms of gameplay. Very cool world and music though

 

[Psajdak]

I played Chrono series years after their initial release.

Wonderful games.

 

[Trojita]

I see Japan is a country of culture.

 

[Sqorin Hammerfarf]

I kind of feel BOTW was only such a big hit because so many Nintendo fans are only Nintendo fans and this was the first huge, modern open world Nintendo game.

It wasn't Nintendo's first modern open world game - Xenoblade Chronicles, for example. And Nintendo has been home to games like Legend of Zelda, Dragon Quest, and Mario 64 - all open world games, though probably not by your definition of "modern open world". However, the first modern open world game (Body Harvest) was on the N64, so it isn't like Nintendo fans are unfamiliar with the concept.

The reason BotW was a big hit is because it was a systematic game - like Dwarf Fortress, Minecraft, or GTA 3 - but extremely accessible (maybe more so than GTA3 even), where everything works together in fun and surprising ways, but which creates a new and unique play experience for every player.

 

[Stefan.North]

I can understand Chrono Trigger, it's fantastic game. But other BOTW and Nier, while great games, aren't among top3. Even counting only Japanese

 

[ROMhack]

At the risk of hopefully upsetting everyone, I didn't enjoy Chrono Trigger as much as other JRPGs of that era.

 

[DunDunDunpachi]

At the risk of hopefully upsetting everyone, I didn't enjoy Chrono Trigger as much as other JRPGs of that era.

NARRATOR: And everyone was upset at ROMhack.

 

[ROMhack]

And everyone was upset at ROMhack.

Haha, I know what I'm getting myself in for.

Edit: I'm actually surprised Nier: Automata and BotW ranked so highly. Fine games but must be a younger generation voting?

 

[Verdanth]

Breath of the wild? Righhhhhht.

Metal Gear says hi.

 

[BigBooper]

It wasn't Nintendo's first modern open world game - Xenoblade Chronicles, for example. And Nintendo has been home to games like Legend of Zelda, Dragon Quest, and Mario 64 - all open world games, though probably not by your definition of "modern open world". However, the first modern open world game (Body Harvest) was on the N64, so it isn't like Nintendo fans are unfamiliar with the concept.

The reason BotW was a big hit is because it was a systematic game - like Dwarf Fortress, Minecraft, or GTA 3 - but extremely accessible (maybe more so than GTA3 even), where everything works together in fun and surprising ways, but which creates a new and unique play experience for every player.

Fair enough. I guess I would also say it had widespread appeal, which I wouldn't assume something like Xenoblade would have, but you're right. I don't think people are wrong to like it. I love systemic games too. To me, the systems just seemed shallow.

 

[Danjin44]

I personally very, VERY glad to see NieR Automata.

 

[Werewolf Jones]

Can't really disagree with any of these choices. Japan knows what's up.

 

[brap]

BOTW. The ubisoft game with a zelda skin. Nice.

 

[TheDuskwalker]

Happy to see Chrono Trigger there. When I finally picked up the DS version and replayed it 2 years ago I wasn't expecting it to hold up to my memories, but it did.

Haha, I know what I'm getting myself in for.

Edit: I'm actually surprised Nier: Automata and BotW ranked so highly. Fine games but must be a younger generation voting?

It's very common with Famitsu readers and the new hotness, FFXIII for example did really good with Famitsu reader polls for awhile......

Also don't mistake that for me comparing Nier/BOTW to FFXIII........

 

[LordKite]

I can see how all three of these games are up here. While I personally prefer Final Fantasu VI to Chrono Trigger, Chrono Trigger deserves the spot. I disliked Breath of the Wild because I hate hate hate open world games with poorly defined routes or goals, and while I knew "Go fight 4 sacred beasts then ganon" was the route, it was too Open World for me. Those games burn me out hard, very quickly.

As a complete outlier in this thread, I think Nier Automata is the clearest choice for a new game, especially in a Japanese setting. Nier Automata is my personal game of the console generation, far and above anything anything else that has came out of PC, PS4, Xbone, and Switch. It did make me feel emotions, it was a wild wonderful ride and absolutely worth every iota of time. I even sacrificed my save without backing it up, and felt satisfied doing so. So I'm glad it's getting solid recognition. Interested to see the rest of the list.

 

[ULTROS!]

I'm surprised Monster Hunter isn't there... Or even Final Fantasy X.

 

[DunDunDunpachi]

No Dragon Quest is also kind of weird, ULTROS!

I bet we'll see those show up in the full Top 20 list, though.

 

[Vader1]

BOTW to a certain degree, the question is how is it any better than OOT? Who did so much in the 90s on a less powerful console.

OoT is the much better game imo.

 

[n0razi]

I would switch OoT for BotW, I personally liked MM better but OoT was genre defining

 

[CyberPanda]

nice.

 

[Red Crayon Aristocrat]

Breath of the Wild is certainly one of the best games I've ever played.

And it also has the best cosplay material of the gen, too.

Heh heh, you can say that again.

 

[Lionel Richie]

Can't argue with this list and I'm pleasantly surprised by Automata's inclusion. Automata is the culmination of everything video games having been building up to be for decades. The music, the graphics, the gameplay, the story and holy shit the dialogues, everything comes together perfectly and it's the one game I'd pick as the medium representative. If there was a person out there that never played games and asked me what's the fuss about, I'd point them to Automata and tell 'em to just fucking play it.

It's certainly my favorite game of all time.

 

[Wolfgang Jr]

Great top two choices - haven't played Automata

 

[DunDunDunpachi]

Updated OP with the full list of 20 games.

(Happy to see mah boi DQ5 show up)