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Evan_B's Recommended RPGs
Evan_B:
I've been contemplating redoing my blog to pretty much exclusively cover RPGs lately, but I play too many other genres for that to be my sole focus. So I figured, why not share some of the fun with you guys? I'd like to talk about some of my favorite RPGs in recent memory so I don't clog the reviews section with this stuff.
As you may know, I play a lot of 3DS/Wii U, but since one of those things doesn't have jack **** in terms of RPGs I'll also draw upon my PS Classics, VC, and PC stuff. Let's talk about great, underrated, or unknown RPGs!
Recent Favorites:
The Keep:
I gave this title a whole lot of love on my podcast, and I am a huge sucker for First-Person-Western RPGs. Despite it's higher-end price point, the Keep has great presentation values and a surprisingly good combat system for a 3DS real time RPG. Add in multiple difficulty levels, decent puzzling, and growth based- equipment rewarding dedicated player choice, and you have a 3DS eShop title that is well-worth the price.
Phantasy Star:
Yeah, I have been pining for a retro feel after the bitter taste Bravely Default left in my mouth so I started playing Phantasy Star again on VC. It's crazy to think that this game came out before Final Fantasy and features a female protagonist, but it's a pretty traditional dungeon-crawling sci-fi JRPG. However, the music is great and the character builds are interesting and satisfying. Excited to play the rest of the series.
Solatorobo: Red the Hunter:
Proof that JRPGs don't need to beat your head against the wall with difficulty spikes or even really in-depth combat systems, Solatorobo is a totally underrated action RPG with cool customization, repetitive combat, but stellar presentation values and a very engaging and lovable story. I'd be lying if I said I didn't roll my eyes pretty hard when I first started playing but gradually became very immersed in the world and characters of the story. There's also plenty to do and collect in the game so it feels especially full.
Will post more soon!
ejamer:
--- Quote from: Evan_B on July 08, 2015, 02:51:42 AM ---...
Phantasy Star:
Yeah, I have been pining for a retro feel after the bitter taste Bravely Default left in my mouth so I started playing Phantasy Star again on VC. It's crazy to think that this game came out before Final Fantasy and features a female protagonist, but it's a pretty traditional dungeon-crawling sci-fi JRPG. However, the music is great and the character builds are interesting and satisfying. Excited to play the rest of the series.
...
--- End quote ---
Every couple of years I go back to this game. Haven't finished it yet, because the gameplay is so unabashedly old-school that it eventually wears on me, but each time I get a little bit further along before dropping the game in favor of something else.
I really want to play through the full Phantasy Star series eventually, and have access to them on GBA (I through III) and PSP (II through IV). But I need to get through this game first. Maybe this year will be the year?
Dan Laser:
Thanks for the interesting coverage so far - looking forward to seeing what else is on your list! I really regret not picking up Solatorobo when I had the chance (although I'm so bad at finishing RPGs that it would probably still be sitting unplayed in my backlog anyways haha).
Evan_B:
Cthulhu Saves the World:
This is a Steam RPG from the guys who made Breath of Death (3?), and it's delightfully bizarre. The story is mostly there for laughs, but good dialogue and wacky situations and characters sell the very DQ-ish mechanics. Also, it has a great and insightful director's commentary that is accessible in-game! It also has a few neat battle mechanics and decent depth.
Crimson Shroud:
If you own a 3DS and don't have Crimson Shroud... Well, that's okay. It's a very like-it-or-hate-it experience. If you have any sort of love for dice-based tabletop games, though, you should really check this game out. It features a number of clever and forward-thinking mechanics, a solid plot, fantastic music, and has a new game+ that opens new areas, raises the difficulty, and an alternate ending! There's a definite difficulty curve, and the only flaw I can really give the game is an ambiguous localization that forces the player to grind for a certain drop halfway through the game. Even though you'll have to consult a guide just once, that doesn't stop Crimson Shroud from being one of my favorite RPGs in recent memory.
Nox:
Ah, Nox. A strangely comedic RPG that plays on it's strengths. Choose one of three paths- the warrior, wizard, or conjurer, and play through three very unique storylines that have intertwining characters and themes. Nox may feel standard, but once you sink your teeth into each class' unique combat mechanics and weirdly charming stories (there's a guy named Horrendous), you'll enjoy Nox very much. It's also hard as nails, so get ready to abuse that quick save!
Evan_B:
Ys Book I and II:
This game is what made me want to try the rest of the series, which I've been mostly disappointed with upon picking up. I actually believe that these two games are some of the easiest retro RPGs to pick up because of their quick and easy combat system, very polished (and incredible) soundtrack, and shorter playtime. Ys I and II are Action RPGs that prove relentless in pattern memorization and difficulty- even with the best gear in the game and a maxed out character, the final boss is still tough. But if you are looking for a classic to fall in love with, look no further than Ys: Book I and II.
The Last Story:
Some might remember my rave reviews when this game first came out. I proclaimed that this was on par with Xenoblade Chronicles. While I still stand by that statement, I will say that this game is not for everyone. However, if you're looking for a more intimate RPG that takes some liberties with design and mixes up conventions, I strongly recommend this game. The intricacies of its battle system aren't revealed until around the tenth chapter, but the combat mechanics become more and more satisfying as you continue playing. The plot is a bit standard, but definitely has it's twists and turns, and the game delights in putting players into new and rewarding situations with its design. Also, there's a wonderful soundtrack. It's detail is just as impressive as Xenoblade just on a much smaller scale.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time:
Have friends close by? Enjoy co-operative dungeon crawlers? Liked Crystal Chronicles but never enjoyed the Magicite Pot? Is this the game for you! Also, you can still play online thanks to the weird engine Square Enix created to allow this game to play on differen systems. Anyway, Echoes of Time is the most polished and bizarre entry in the series, with a solid magic system, tons of customization (weapon and armor crafting is insane), and a touching and strange single player story. Want to beat the final boss on very hard mode? Good luck, unless you have a team of maxed out mercenaries or three friends! Features decent music, but the co-operative player, or the one that loves crafting, will find the most joy in this title.