A Huge Battleship
Member
Dammit, trimming my list down to 10 is killing me.
- Phantasy Star Online - Ludicrously addictiv-- er, compelling. The setting, aesthetics, collectables and the exceptional bosses have kept me engrossed for more hours than I'd care to admit.
- Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne - A fantastically desolate world with the sublime atmosphere so typical of the SMT series.
- Shining Force III - While its mechanics lack the depth of say, Disgaea, I actually find it more enjoyable overall. The combat cutscenes blew me away back in the day.
- Persona 4 - A masterpiece of localisation. Excellent marks across the board, with plot, characters, combat and general game mechanics all being of an impressive standard.
- Eternal Sonata - Aesthetically outstanding, backed up by an engaging battle system (providing you're playing on Encore). Alright, the plot's abysmal, but I perceive the entire thing as I would a dream.
- Dark Chronicle - Bursting at the seams with entertaining stuff to do and find, even if the combat itself is comparatively basic. It really feels as if an absurd amount of care and attention went into this game.
- Breath of Fire V - A uniquely frantic and engaging atmosphere complete with an incredibly underrated battle system. There were so many elements here I'd love to see more regularly in RPGs.
- Shining the Holy Ark - One of only three RPGs I've ever played through to completion more than once (Eternal Sonata and Grandia 2 being the others, discounting PSO). First-person perspective is refreshing and works wonderfully. Immensely satisfying combat.
- Phantom Brave - While the cast/plot isn't NI's finest, in gameplay terms it's the best of their offerings. I remember feeling overwhelmed by the sheer variety in weapons and techniques.
- Star Ocean: Till the End of Time - Plot and characters are garbage, but the game endures by the strength of its battle system. The superb soundtrack also deserves a mention.