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OPM picks 20 essential Playstation RPG's
- Thread starter Brandon F
- Start date
I liked BoF3 better than 4. I've replayed 3 at least five times while I only played 4 once. As cool as Scias is, I liked Rei, Garr and, to some extent, Peco better. Everyone else in 4 was lame. I thought the character and dragon customization was better in 3 as well as the story. I guess I'm in the minority on this. 
SolidSnakex
Member
My list
Playstation
Lunar
Lunar 2
Grandia
FF8
Valkyrie Profile
Persona
Persona 2
Vagrant Story
Arc the Lad 2
Suikoden 2
Dragon Warrior 7
Tactics Ogre
Alundra
Tales of Eternia
Brave Fencer Musashi
Breath of Fire 4
Playstation 2
Shin Megami Tensei Nocturne
Digital Devil Saga
Breath of Fire Dragon Quarter
Disgaea
Playstation
Lunar
Lunar 2
Grandia
FF8
Valkyrie Profile
Persona
Persona 2
Vagrant Story
Arc the Lad 2
Suikoden 2
Dragon Warrior 7
Tactics Ogre
Alundra
Tales of Eternia
Brave Fencer Musashi
Breath of Fire 4
Playstation 2
Shin Megami Tensei Nocturne
Digital Devil Saga
Breath of Fire Dragon Quarter
Disgaea
The dragon customization in 3 was sweet, but that's about all the game had going for it. If Capcom combined 2's shaman combos for side characters, 3's gene splicing, 4's combat and dungeons and minigames, and the series's town buiilding, they could come up with a really good game. There have been some good ideas spattered about the series....
But instead they just went into deep left on DQ. Which was cool. But no idea where they'll go from there.
But instead they just went into deep left on DQ. Which was cool. But no idea where they'll go from there.
Brandon F said:
Monster Rancher 3 is the worst in the series. I sank thousands of hours, and I am not exaggerating one tiny bit, into MR1 and MR2. (Incidentally, I only found OA, and hence GA, through a spam post on a Monster Rancher board.) But I played MR3 for about 4 hours, then the superior MR4 for about 20 hours, before shelving them forever...
Anyway..
FF7
FF8
FFT
Chrono Cross
Chrono Trigger (hey, it IS available)
Breath of Fire III
Suikoden II
Xenogears
Monster Rancher 2
Grandia
Grandia II (DC version's better of course)
Skies of Arcadia (ditto)
Kingdom Hearts
Xenosaga I & II
And that's about it... there are a lot of highly regarded RPGs I didn't enjoy at all.
Neutron Night
Banned
That list is a joke.
I would definately get a Legend of Dragoon 2 just for the graphics, though. The first game was a work of art, too bad the gameplay and story sucked.
I would definately get a Legend of Dragoon 2 just for the graphics, though. The first game was a work of art, too bad the gameplay and story sucked.
Do The Mario
Unconfirmed Member
No FF5/6 and Grandia for PSone! :lol
Dragona Akehi
Retired
I had a feeling before I clicked upon this thread, that there would be absolutely nothing of value.
I was right-- and wrong. Folken and Alex have provided enough entertainment to partially forget about what a craptacular list that was. I mean shit, do those people even like RPGs at all?
I was right-- and wrong. Folken and Alex have provided enough entertainment to partially forget about what a craptacular list that was. I mean shit, do those people even like RPGs at all?
Three. One of them is a woman who only looks like a man.
PS. Even though I am plainly being a cock, you have to admit, an unsettling percentage of those 20 games feature that exact character. It's not even an archetype. I'm always more impressed when RPGs do something really weird or original with the format.
It doesn't matter so much in a (first person) shooter, since the shooter is ostensibly "you."
Alex Anderson
Member
Tabris said:
If Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is an RPG, then so are Mario Tennis GBC and Hot Shots Golf PSP. YOU LEVEL UP AFTERALL!!1111
CurseoftheGods
Banned
That list is missing the best rpg ever made. Haters can stuff it. Chrono Cross' soundtrack alone warrants it a spot in that list.
Shouta
Member
That OPM list is awful awful awful.
There is no "Arc IV" technically. Arc: Twilight of the Spirits isn't numbered and the upcoming Arc: End of Darkness is a off shoot of that game.
My list (including SRPGs)
Playstation (Including Japanese games I've played):
Growlanser
Valkyrie Profile
Grandia
Persona 2 Sin/Punishment (I count this as one game)
Suikoden II
Vagrant Story
Tear Ring Saga
Tactics Ogre
Star Ocean: 2nd Story
Dragon Quest 4 Remake
Tales of Eternia
Brigandine
Playstation 2: (Including Japanese)
Dragon Quest 8: The Sea, The Sky, The Earth, and the Cursed Princess
Growlanser IV: Wayfarer of the Time
Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter
Wild Arms 3
Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne
Final Fantasy X
Grandia Xtreme
Shadow Hearts 2
There's a few that almost make that list (Tales of Destiny for example) but just fall short or get trumped by the above.
There is no "Arc IV" technically. Arc: Twilight of the Spirits isn't numbered and the upcoming Arc: End of Darkness is a off shoot of that game.
My list (including SRPGs)
Playstation (Including Japanese games I've played):
Growlanser
Valkyrie Profile
Grandia
Persona 2 Sin/Punishment (I count this as one game)
Suikoden II
Vagrant Story
Tear Ring Saga
Tactics Ogre
Star Ocean: 2nd Story
Dragon Quest 4 Remake
Tales of Eternia
Brigandine
Playstation 2: (Including Japanese)
Dragon Quest 8: The Sea, The Sky, The Earth, and the Cursed Princess
Growlanser IV: Wayfarer of the Time
Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter
Wild Arms 3
Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne
Final Fantasy X
Grandia Xtreme
Shadow Hearts 2
There's a few that almost make that list (Tales of Destiny for example) but just fall short or get trumped by the above.
Jared Goodwin
Member
Brandon F said:
What the fucking fuck?
Oops. Didn't mean to leave Dark Cloud 2 or FFT on there.
Shouta
Member
I like SO3 but WA3 is executed so much better overall and has much better characters as well as better writing up until the messy last 1/4 or 1/3 of the game. SO3's few mechanical problems and lack of full second half really sort of knock it down a bit.
I like DDS but it's way overrated. Combat in DDS is like Nocturne without all the varying monsters and difficulty. The story in DDS1 isn't all that great either to be honest. It's a nice premise and sample but wholly unsatisfying as a standalone game. DDS2 will fill it out but there could've been a bit more time spent in the DDS world to give more mystery and fleshing to the characters.
I like DDS but it's way overrated. Combat in DDS is like Nocturne without all the varying monsters and difficulty. The story in DDS1 isn't all that great either to be honest. It's a nice premise and sample but wholly unsatisfying as a standalone game. DDS2 will fill it out but there could've been a bit more time spent in the DDS world to give more mystery and fleshing to the characters.
I do agree completely with you on DDS1, but I still got more satisfaction out of it than SMT. I got really bogged down in the demon management to the point of burnout. DDS carved a comforting progression flow that kept me continually satisfied. SMT seemed to have a lot more interesting stuff going on though for sure compared to DDS. I was somewhat underwhelmed by the plot and "cliffhanger" ending, but still look forward to the sequel.
WA3 and SO3 is a tough call, each had issues, but enough charm to carry through. SO3 nudges it I think.
I would argue that PS2 overall has a glut of really average RPG's to pick from compared to PS1, it's like you really have to justify overlooking some serious faults for some of these games to make such a list. PSX still exists on a different pantheon. I am curious how perception will change this fall when the new wave arrives.
(Keep in mind I've not played GXtreme, Growlanser, or SH2 yet)
WA3 and SO3 is a tough call, each had issues, but enough charm to carry through. SO3 nudges it I think.
I would argue that PS2 overall has a glut of really average RPG's to pick from compared to PS1, it's like you really have to justify overlooking some serious faults for some of these games to make such a list. PSX still exists on a different pantheon. I am curious how perception will change this fall when the new wave arrives.
(Keep in mind I've not played GXtreme, Growlanser, or SH2 yet)
Alex
Member
Comparing life cycles, I'd say the Playstation 2 handily beats out the original Playstations RPG library through sheer diversity alone. Let alone the fact that the bulk quality is much higher.
What matters will be the late '05/'06 lineup, yeah, because it's the generations twilight, and that's always when the bulk of RPG's hit. Valkyrie Profile, Vagrant Story, Chrono Cross, Persona 2, Tales of Eternia, Dragon Warrior VII, etc were all in this upcoming time period last generation.
What matters will be the late '05/'06 lineup, yeah, because it's the generations twilight, and that's always when the bulk of RPG's hit. Valkyrie Profile, Vagrant Story, Chrono Cross, Persona 2, Tales of Eternia, Dragon Warrior VII, etc were all in this upcoming time period last generation.
Shouta
Member
Brandon F said:
I didn't have that problem with Nocturne which is probably why I enjoyed it a bit more. That's not to say Nocturne doesn't have its own problems. Anyway, yeah, the Plot for DDS was very underwhelming. There could've been a lot more foreshadowing, subtle development, and etc in DDS that could've really built up excitement for DDS2 but alas, that isn't the case. I mean, I'm not as excited as I could be for DDS2 because of the way the first game just kind of leaves you unsatisfied with what it did.
Bradon F said:
I'd say that there's just a heavier amount of games that just nail it on the PS1 rather than just a glut of average RPGs on the PS2. Most of the RPGs on the PS2 are pretty solid but the ones on the PS are just a whole other level of their own.
I hope so, I just glance at my PS2 shelf and I see very little "YEA THAT GAME WAS BRILLIANT!" More like, "Oh right, yea it was pretty good...."
In 5 years, when my PS2 collection dwindles to the true essentials, I really just see Dragon Quarter, Wizardry, DQ5r, and MAAAYBE FFX as the sole survivors....so far.
In 5 years, when my PS2 collection dwindles to the true essentials, I really just see Dragon Quarter, Wizardry, DQ5r, and MAAAYBE FFX as the sole survivors....so far.
Brandon F said:
...and you really see that many more on the PS1 shelf? In terms of games that nailed it in all aspects I see Chrono Cross, Vagrant Story, FFT, and maybe FFIX, (still haven't played Valkyrie through yet so probably that too). Even then CC suffers from lack of character development, Vagrant Story suffers from repetitive dungeon areas and a mess of a control/menu setup, FFT isn't very balanced, and FFIX's main story could've been better.
It's like when you look back on your 16-bit shelf and see FFVI as a glowing perfection (like I kinda do). Then you really think about it with your current level of game appriciation and criticism and you think "well the 2nd half of the game kinda falls apart plotwise, and the pacing becomes a mess" and so even that isn't so perfect anymore.
I feel that the PS2 rpg library already outdoes the PS1 rpg library and FFXII, KH2, SH3, Grandia 3, ToL are all still on the horizon. There are very few 'perfect' rpgs, but they are plenty of really good A quality ones with some minor flaws.
Also true Bebpo. Add in the cynicism that age and wisdom bring and even I may be confused about what I am blabbering about.
Grandia has been wonderful these past couple days, but as much as I would seemingly prefer to replay FF9 ahead of FFX, those chunky loadtimes and sluggish battles could really be a dealbreaker. Valk Profile has unskippable cutscenes that rival Xenosaga in length, and CC has a framerate that you can count on one hand.
Still, what an era!
Grandia has been wonderful these past couple days, but as much as I would seemingly prefer to replay FF9 ahead of FFX, those chunky loadtimes and sluggish battles could really be a dealbreaker. Valk Profile has unskippable cutscenes that rival Xenosaga in length, and CC has a framerate that you can count on one hand.
Still, what an era!
Erdrick
Member
Shouta said:
Quoted for truth X1000
Man... I gotta start watching Patlabor again. It's such an underratted series, but so very good. The character development is just perfect.
Gotta love the "Death To Shige" cult that showed up in that one episode...
ok, back on Topic:
.hack can go to hell
Legend Of Dragoon can go join it...
The hell with it,
Persona
Persona 2:Eternal Punishment
Valkyrie Profile
Vagrant Story
Brave Fencer Musashi
Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VIII
Final Fantasy IX
Threads Of Fate
Suikoden
Suikoden II
Final Fantasy Tactics
Dragon Quest VII
Lunar
Lunar 2
Tales Of Destiny
Tales Of Eternia
Wild Arms
Vandal Hearts
Azure Dreams
In no particular order.
Just... who in their right mind puts LoD on a list for something other than worst games of all time? For the people's whose first RPG experience was that game... I'm suprised you did not commit suicide on the spot. The game is the epitome of average. At least Dragon Warrior on the NES had an excuse, it was new back then. This... just utter, utter garbage.
Anyone who remembers the GIA (R.I.P.) knows how they felt about that game, and I mirror their thoughts exactly.
Christ... Did I mention LoD is one of the worst games EVER?