Top 10 Rpgs

Role Playing Games, also known as RPGs are a very important genre to me, easily one of the most vast and diverse. Definitely one of my favorite genres personally and loved by many. They mix well with almost any other genre due to their seemingly lax requirements to be labeled rpg. Some elements that make up an rpg are things such as:

• Menus for changing gear/items/tactics and more.
• A leveling up system to strengthen your character.
• Having a main character and a party (usually 3-4) they fight alongside.
• A world that is traversed on foot/vehicle/other mode of faster transportation such as teleportation or flight.
• Towns/cities to buy/sell/trade aforementioned equipment and items from shopkeepers and other npcs(non playable characters) of other professions that can also assist in your journey, like inn keepers to rest your party and blacksmiths to forge weapons and armor.

Of course those are just a few similarities between RPG games that I've taken notice of, and isn't to be taken as a guarantee. Some games incorporate other ideas of course and some people would prefer not to label with just one name.

That being said let's jump right into the list. Here's some of my favorites in the genre.

Possible spoilers ahead

1. Saga Frontier 2

 

Developed by: Squaresoft

Released: 1999 Japan, 2000 in NA.

Platform: PlayStation

A childhood favorite of mine, probably my all time favorite RPG or at least for the PlayStation system. The negatives I can find in the game are quite few so I'll start with them. First being the actual gameplay could be longer, a lot of time is spent reading dialogue between the characters and not enough time spent playing them (Not a huge negative since the game is very story driven, but people not used to rpgs might not feel the same). Second, the seemingly random time jumps that make you have some characters available for short periods of time while others are there for quite longer. Also the character's age at a given time has an effect on their stats(not inherently bad, it's pretty innovative.) Thirdly, one of the methods of learning techniques is pretty interesting but it can be quite bothersome unless you've previously played and remember how or you're checking up online how to do them. Based on that you might think I'm being hard on it, but no other problems for it are really there. The fighting style is a nice spin on the regular turn based system found in other RPGs. The soundtrack is one of the best for any video game I've ever played hands down. Every song just seems to fit so well within the confines of the event taking place. The characters are diverse and you'll find yourself spending hours just thinking about them and how they're connected to one another, I know I sure did. The main characters in particular feel extremely relatable even though their stories are so dramatic and surrounded in mystery. Recommended to any RPG fan, and for anyone who played the first Saga Frontier but didn't like it much(like myself)this is a big improvement all around.

2. Legend of Mana

 

Developed by: Squaresoft

Released: 1999 in Japan, 2000 in NA.

Platform: PlayStation

 When I think of RPG this is easily one of the first ones that comes to mind. A classic that is a childhood favorite. It's the fourth in the Mana series and the first one for the PlayStation console. Although I've never gotten around to finishing the whole game, (being one of the only very few games on this list that I haven't) it still made quite the impression for the time I did spend playing it. From the vibrant colors and very fitting soundtrack to the gameplay itself almost everything was top notch for me. The only drawback being the plot is pretty much non-linear, a lot of the quests can be done in various orders which is nice to some, but clearly not all. If you don't mind that then this game is a definite recommendation for anyone looking to play a throwback. With it's ability to choose from a male or female protagonist at the beginning, to it's option to choose where on the world map you place each unlocked game area this game has lots of choice for the player. Not to mention the various different partners you can pick from to bring to battle albeit one at a time, also a choice of a pet to join the party as well. A one of a kind game with a well deserved claim to fame.

3. Mass Effect 2

 Developed by: Bioware

Released: 2010 for Xbox 360 and Windows, 2011 for Ps3.

Platform(s): Xbox 360, Ps3 and Windows

The second in the Mass Effect franchise and my favorite as well as many fans of the series. ME2 improved on the problems that many had with the first in order to build a true great sequel that is better than the former. The combat system and inventory system being the main two problems that kept it from being great. This is another one that I just couldn't find many negatives about. It was such an enjoyable experience for me that I wound up beating the game back to back within 3-4 days. The storyline is compelling, you find yourself wondering what's going to happen next, the choices you make being a big part of that. Also the choices you make in the first game carry over so you really feel like you've made a difference in the development of the characters and their relationships. The variety of characters and their strengths gives you good choice of which one to take into combat with you and how to use their skills to make it through the fight. It might be a third person shooter at first glance, but it truly is a good mixture, with things such as the different classes, skill trees, decisions making, intricate plot and more this game surely deserves it's spot among the more typical rpgs.

4. Kingdom Hearts

Developed by: Square

Released: 2002

Platform: PlayStation 2

Up next a game you would find on a lot of people's favorite RPGs list. This game started the Kingdom Hearts series, which went on to be quite successful commercially and has garnered quite the fanbase. Probably the first action RPG for the Ps2 that I've played, and easily worth a spot on the list. It's groundbreaking crossover of Disney and Square characters made it a mash up of epic proportions to many. A title with at least one character that anyone would remember, kids and parents have the Disney side and gamers have the Square side, a great blend. It was the first time ever seeing a character from one video game world join forces with another, and playing it as a kid was one great experience. Having the main character be an original character but having the rest of your party be well known characters was a good decision in order to better immerse yourself into his shoes. You get the feeling that you're the strange new teen saving the world with characters from your childhood like Donald and Goofy. Not to mention the combat system is not exactly the first of it's kind but it's a good one none the less. You get your standard attacks, magic, item usage, and ability to summon some well known Disney characters to fight alongside you. The boss fights are a big draw, from the human sized ones to the ones the size of a house you'll have your hands full finding a good strategy for each and feeling fulfilled once you've done it. There's a reason this game spawned a great sequel in the main series and a few handheld titles as well. One word, innovation.

5. Persona 4 Golden

 Developed by: Atlus

Released: 2012

Platform: PlayStation Vita

The first and only ported game on this list, Persona 4 Golden. Being an enhanced remake of Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 for the ps2 it has the same plot and everything else is pretty similar or the same it just includes additional content for the most part. I haven't played any Persona or Shin Megami games before this one so this was my introduction to the series and it impressed me enough to make me want to play the next one in the series as well as earn it a spot on my top RPG list and one of my favorite ps vita games in general. It might appear to be just another typical turn based RPG but it's pretty lengthy playtime, unique characters, mysterious plot twists, and combination of RPG, and social simulation(think final fantasy meets the sims) make it a pretty great game overall. The combat is nothing too different, but why change something that isn't broken? The focus is on the plot and getting to know more about all the characters, which doing so for the characters in your party brings helpful effects during battle. Also has a few different endings based on how you play through and decisions you make, and who doesn't like to make decisions in their games and have them actually count for something am I right? Whether you've played the original Persona 4 for ps2 or not, if you're into RPGs you'll find yourself liking this one and for people who have played it there's more of the same with the added content and changes.

6. Kingdom Hearts 2

Developed by: Square Enix

Released: 2005

Platform: PlayStation 2

The sequel to an earlier game on the list, Kingdom Hearts, KH 2 manages to be an even greater game than it's predecessor. As far as gameplay goes, it's really the same but the developers seem to have took the problems from the first one and made them better. Aspects such as the combat and gummi ship parts were improved upon slightly which is really all that was needed for me. Changes such as the drive forms really make the combat stand out now, but it's not much different and considering how much the first one was liked that's a good thing as there was not much needed change. As the saying goes, don't fix what's broken. Storywise it takes place a bit of time after the first and continues the mission Sora has to be reunited with his friends. New villains stand in his way though, and he gains some new allies(more from Disney games and square games) to combat them. Needless to say between this game, the previous one in the series and all the handheld titles it's lead to KH 3 being one of the most highly anticipated games I've seen yet and not without good reason. Everything you liked about KH is back in KH2, not much more really needs to be said. Definitely recommended, probably my favorite RPG for the Ps2.

7. Pokemon Red/Blue

Developed by: Game Freak
Released: 1996 Japan, 1998 NA.
Platform: Game Boy
The day that Pokemon hit the video game scene is the day that changed the video game industry for years to come. What is there to really say about a game who's success has lead to numerous sequels, copycats, and remakes. Playing the series as a kid is one of my fondest memories of video gaming,  in particular this game as it was the start of it all. It was a bonding agent for children everywhere, trading pokemon, conversations about which ones to catch and train and everyone's personal favorite pokemon.  It took the rock paper scissor element to the next level by having multiple elements, 15 in these games(increasing as the series continued.) Exploring the different weaknesses and strengths of each element type was just part of the fun of the game, roaming the region of Kanto(named after the real world Kanto in Japan) was the other. Every different town had various npcs to talk to and areas to catch different pokemon a which made you want to talk to everyone and explore every inch of the gameworld trying to learn as much as the game had to offer. Truly a game that started a childhood of video gaming for many and inspired people everywhere with the slogan "Gotta catch 'em all."

8. Brave Fencer Musashi

Developed by: Square

Released: 1998

Platform: PlayStation

Out of all the games on this list, this one will most likely be the one that is the least known, at least from what I've seen. I have yet to meet anyone who has also had the joy of playing this game unfortunately. Brave Fencher Musashi is yet another Square game on the PlayStation, made in a time when RPGs were the pretty much the main selling point for PS. This one is no exception, follow the story of Musashi a warrior summoned to the Allucaneet(All U Can Eat) Kingdom(there's a few more naming pun like that throughout the game) in order to save them from the Thirstquencer Empire(see?). Part of it's appeal is it's humorous approach, as well as it's graphics style which at that time was great and still looks good to me now. Musashi is a dual wielding sword fighter with a short stature and an impatient but kind nature and extraordinary strength. Another nice feature is the unique nature of the two swords, they aren't your ordinary blades. One of them lets you temporarily assume the form of an enemy and use it's abilities, which is an interesting function used at times for puzzle solving. The other one, you'll see for yourself if you give the game a chance. It wasn't a huge selling game that lead to numerous sequels and spin offs like some games on the list but it did lead to one sequel for the Ps2 and that one also is worth a playthrough.

Bonus: I just happen to have a video I uploaded years ago with a bit of gameplay. The audio quality is not good but you'll get better idea of the game itself.

9. YS: Memories of Celceta

Developed by: Nihon Falcom

Released: 2012 Japan, 2013 NA, 2014 China

 Platform(s): PlayStation Vita, Windows

Apparently the YS series is pretty popular, at least in Japan it seems, I've never played one until I first got my Vita and was looking for games to get for it. This one was rated pretty highly and I decided to check it out, easily it made it's way to one of my favorite games for the handheld. An Action-RPG(alos known as ARPG) like a few others on the list YS: Memories of Celceta takes place somewhere on the big timeline of YS games dating back to 1987.  Everything you could want in an rpg, multiple playable characters with different fighting styles, a wide map to explorer, quests to complete, and a twisting story line. Not to mention that the main character starts off with amnesia, which is a bit of an overused plot device but it wasn't done poorly in this game so I won't fault it for that. The graphics are good, although you find yourself roaming places that don't look vastly different, it tends to be a variety of this cave or that cave, and this part of the forest or that part of the forest but the other features more than make up for it to me. The soundtrack is fitting and the monsters and characters are diverse and trying to discover 100% of the map is a nice way to spend some time on it, especially for anyone who likes roaming pretty large maps. Overall it's a game that is an enjoyable experience worth playing and leaves me hoping that a sequel comes out soon.

10. Final Fantasy X

Developed by: Square

Released: 2001

Platform: PlayStation 2

An RPG list without a Final Fantasy game just doesn't seem right now does it? Well one of my favorites is FFX, the first of the series for the Ps2. This one took things up a notch with various changes, first and most noticeable is the graphical improvement thanks to the upgrade of consoles. Also it's the first of the series with voice acting, and the facial expressions of the characters can add an extra sense of relatability to them. Then of course there's just the beauty of the game scenery, it really is stunning for a game of that time. There's also an enhanced port for the Ps3/Ps Vita also with the graphics improved even more which is nice for those that don't missed out on the game for Ps2. The combat system is among the list of changes in the series, you get three characters to bring into a battle at once but are able to switch them out during each individual's turn for someone else. That adds on a whole level of strategy for fighting enemies and bosses alike. The Active Time Battle sytem(ATB) was replaced by the Conditional Turn-Based Battle system which pauses the battle and gives you time to make your selections. The game did so well that it was the first of the series to have a direct sequel, Final Fantasy X-2 which takes place some time after X and brings some of the characters back for a second appearance.  These facts along with the deep storyline and developing of the love between two of the main characters really puts it ahead of the rest of the FF franchise for me.

That wraps up my top 10 rpgs, besides Saga Frontier 2 being first, the rest of them are not in order of enjoyment or anything else really besides how they just happened to be typed out.

The game box art pictures came from google images.