Console RPG recommendations needed

[Firestarter 0]

Okay, let me specify what I'm looking for over here:

 

1. Random battles - gotta have 'em. I don't like games like Bahamut Lagoon where all the battles are set and you can't just wander around and look for trouble (and gold, and XP).

 

2. Stats allocation - this is a secondary priority, but still pretty important since random battles are fairly standard in console RPGs. Most games have automatic level-ups and automatic stats progression, like Chrono Trigger, but I like to make some decisions in character development beyond just buying the best equipment. The skills system in Star Ocean 2 is a good example. If the stats progression is set, it has to be standardised - I can't stand random stat increases, as in Lufia II.

 

3. Good battle system - the 2D fighting system in Tales of Phantasia is ideal, and the grid layout of Treasure Hunter G/FF Tactics are all right, but I'd settle for the usual Chrono Trigger/Final Fantasy action bars if the rest of the game made up for it.

 

4. Added customisation - anything like the gem-socketing system of Diablo II, or smithing, mixing, or creating items is a definite plus. Phantasy Star IV had it, as did Tales of Phantasia to a lesser degree.

 

If anyone with more console experience than I have could help me out here, I'd appreciate it. And if you could give me an idea of how the title you have in mind stacks up in each category, that'd be great. Thanks.

[Guest TheZsaszHorsemen]

Okay, let me specify what I'm looking for over here:

 

1. Random battles - gotta have 'em. I don't like games like Bahamut Lagoon where all the battles are set and you can't just wander around and look for trouble (and gold, and XP).

 

2. Stats allocation - this is a secondary priority, but still pretty important since random battles are fairly standard in console RPGs. Most games have automatic level-ups and automatic stats progression, like Chrono Trigger, but I like to make some decisions in character development beyond just buying the best equipment. The skills system in Star Ocean 2 is a good example. If the stats progression is set, it has to be standardised - I can't stand random stat increases, as in Lufia II.

 

3. Good battle system - the 2D fighting system in Tales of Phantasia is ideal, and the grid layout of Treasure Hunter G/FF Tactics are all right, but I'd settle for the usual Chrono Trigger/Final Fantasy action bars if the rest of the game made up for it.

 

4. Added customisation - anything like the gem-socketing system of Diablo II, or smithing, mixing, or creating items is a definite plus. Phantasy Star IV had it, as did Tales of Phantasia to a lesser degree.

 

If anyone with more console experience than I have could help me out here, I'd appreciate it. And if you could give me an idea of how the title you have in mind stacks up in each category, that'd be great. Thanks.

Have you tried Halo?

[Firestarter 0]

Have you tried Halo?

Anyone else? Preferably someone who knows what the letters "RPG" stand for?

[Guest TheZsaszHorsemen]

Have you tried Halo?

Anyone else? Preferably someone who knows what the letters "RPG" stand for?

Wow, I was kidding.

 

What a dumbass you are.

[Guest TheZsaszHorsemen]

Why not try searching this folder first? There's a million topics just like this one here.

 

Oh wait... that would be smart.

[Firestarter 0]

Sorry, I just imagined you were as ignorant about games as you are about history, basic logic, morality, politics, common sense, and pretty much everything other than Batman comics. Searching the forum wouldn't make much sense (although I've browsed a bit already) because I'm looking for specific elements in a game rather than general comments about whether one particular game is better than another. So if you aren't going to be helpful, kindly shut up.

 

And if you feel like flaming me, take it to NHB. I'm waiting here for someone else to respond to my original topic.

[Guest TheZsaszHorsemen]

Sorry, I just imagined you were as ignorant about games as you are about history, basic logic, morality, politics, common sense, and pretty much everything other than Batman comics.

 

If you feel like flaming me, take it to NHB. I'm waiting here for someone else to respond to my original topic.

If you think that was flaming, then you're sheltered.

 

You basically walked into this folder and asked a question that's been done a MILLION TIMES BEFORE. Next time, search the damn folder and don't waste people's time.

 

Or maybe you could go into Movies and ask if there are any good DVDs out there.

 

Trust me, that's never been asked.

 

Ever.

 

You'd be the first.

[Guest TheZsaszHorsemen]

Oh and for RPGs why not try Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic?

[MrRant 0]

I would recommend XenoGears.

[Jer 0]

Final Fantasy 10 fits most of those, particularly customizability. It gets rid of the level system for a very Diablo-esque extended grid system that lets you pretty much completely customize your characters. The battle system is pretty typical FF, but with a few changes. It's not ATB anymore, instead you can see the order in which people will go, and the order changes depending on the delay of the action you're taking (kinda like Gunbound, heh). You can also bring characters in and out of battle on the fly, which is nice. If you need a healer or something, you can bring them in right then, instead of only being able to change parties out of battle.

[AndrewTS 0]

Tales of Symphonia coming out on Gamecube looks to have a similar battle system to the previous games, and likely will have the random battles. I'm not sure about the rest of those elements.

 

Which systems you have again?

 

You looking for new games or can they be older?

[AndrewTS 0]

I would recommend XenoGears.

It has random battles, but while the battle system is somewhat different from the norm I didn't really find it a big deal myself. I also don't recall much customization, but my memory is iffy about that.

 

Also, I recommend dropping an e-mail to Alex Lucard at 411Games. He's got an extensive RPG knowledge and could probably steer you to exactly what you're looking for, although if you're not import-enabled some of his choices may be unavailable.

 

The Demikids GBA games he recommended highly, but I don't know if they have all of those elements you're looking for.

[Bruiser Chong 0]

Heh, only a thread about RPGs started by Marney could turn into a flame session this quickly. My hat's off to you. If I had a hat, that is.

[Guest TheZsaszHorsemen]

Heh, only a thread about RPGs started by Marney could turn into a flame session this quickly. My hat's off to you. If I had a hat, that is.

Wasn't really a flame.

 

I simply informed one who was ignorant of proper internet forum procedeure.

[MrRant 0]

I would recommend XenoGears.

It has random battles, but while the battle system is somewhat different from the norm I didn't really find it a big deal myself. I also don't recall much customization, but my memory is iffy about that.

Well there was good customization, although was weighted a little more on the Gear side.

[Firestarter 0]

Jer - FF10 still has save points, I'd imagine? Are there any characters who die suddenly (or become permanently unavailable in some other way for storyline reasons), like Aeris in FF7? That really annoyed me; I'd spent ages building her up and when she died I just quit the game in disgust. The battle system and character development sound great, though. Thanks, I'll check it out.

 

Rant - could you go into a bit more detail on XenoGears? I've heard good things about it and read a couple of reviews, but is there anything in particular that really makes it stand out in any of the aspects I mentioned above? Thanks.

 

Andrew - my wife just picked up an SNES (so older games are probably better, at least for right now) and I'm thinking about buying one of the new systems, though I'm not sure which yet. Is there a particular platform which tends to get more of the kind of RPGs I'm looking for?

 

Bruiser - yeah, tell me about it. Some people just can't handle having their little feelings hurt, it seems, and feel the need to make petty sniping attacks months later if I venture onto what they appear to regard as their "turf." Whatever, I'm just here to talk about games...

[AndrewTS 0]

Heh, only a thread about RPGs started by Marney could turn into a flame session this quickly.  My hat's off to you.  If I had a hat, that is.

Wasn't really a flame.

 

I simply informed one who was ignorant of proper internet forum procedeure.

 

Actually, by doing a forum search she still wouldn't be able to tell if the games praised around here had everything she was looking for, so I think it's a valid topic.

[Lightning Flik 0]

You know, Z, I'd shut up about her asking about RPGs to pick up. Just because someone asks, does not mean you need to go out of your way to shit on them for it, just because it has been done before.

 

If you don't like it, don't bother responding.

 

 

Okay, let me specify what I'm looking for over here:

 

1. Random battles - gotta have 'em. I don't like games like Bahamut Lagoon where all the battles are set and you can't just wander around and look for trouble (and gold, and XP).

 

2. Stats allocation - this is a secondary priority, but still pretty important since random battles are fairly standard in console RPGs. Most games have automatic level-ups and automatic stats progression, like Chrono Trigger, but I like to make some decisions in character development beyond just buying the best equipment. The skills system in Star Ocean 2 is a good example. If the stats progression is set, it has to be standardised - I can't stand random stat increases, as in Lufia II.

 

3. Good battle system - the 2D fighting system in Tales of Phantasia is ideal, and the grid layout of Treasure Hunter G/FF Tactics are all right, but I'd settle for the usual Chrono Trigger/Final Fantasy action bars if the rest of the game made up for it.

 

4. Added customisation - anything like the gem-socketing system of Diablo II, or smithing, mixing, or creating items is a definite plus. Phantasy Star IV had it, as did Tales of Phantasia to a lesser degree.

 

If anyone with more console experience than I have could help me out here, I'd appreciate it. And if you could give me an idea of how the title you have in mind stacks up in each category, that'd be great. Thanks.

My personal recommendation is KOTOR off the bat. Doesn't nearly hit all the things you want, but most of them. Lots to do, and your game is never the same twice, so always a bonus.

 

Another one would be Arc The Lad: Twilights of Spirits for the PS2. Quite a solid game. The battles and the graphics are pretty good, but the downfall to the game is if you played the rest of the Arc The Lad Series, as the story doesn't really hold up to the rest of it. Still quite good overall.

 

If you like customisation a lot, I'd recommend Shining Soul 2 as it lets you build your character how you like. Battles aren't really random as it plays out more along the lines of Secret of Mana, not much for weapon creating (which is a pain to get right), however, it is on the GBA so a good quick grab and go game.

 

Skies of Arcadia: Legends for the Gamecube is another one I'd say pick up. Has a pretty good battle system, is a little different, and random battles a plenty (so many battles of randomness).

 

Other Recommendations:

Grandia II - PS2 (might be a little hard to find nowadays, I might be able to hook you up with one, if I check with my local Microplay, but only if you don't find it. While the customization isn't there, it is a pretty good one overall. I liked it.

 

Disgaea - PS2: fun game, customization, and horse wieners of dangerous porportions. How can you go wrong with this?

 

Tales Of Symphonia - Gamecube: From everything I heard, this game will be a great pick up for any RPGer.

 

Final Fantasy: Crystal Cronicles - Gamecube: If you can get 3 other people together, this game is just great all around fun. And shit, do you need to actually communicate so well. While you do need a GBA (SP) to play it, it is definitely worth while giving it a chance.

 

Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter - PS2: Quite an interesting twist on this game, as it isn't your standard fair for RPGs. And not only that, I think this game is highly underrated (elsewhere than this board).

 

Games I'd Suggest, But Not Writing Up Stuff Unless You Ask:

Wild Arms (Series) - PS1/2

Suikoden (Series) - PS1/2

Tales of Eternia (Known here as Tales of Destiny 2) - PS2

Fire Emblem - GBA

Arc The Lad: The Collection - PS1

CIMA: The Enemy - GBA

Lunar (Series) - PS1

Kingdom Hearts - PS2

Kartia: The Word of Fate - PS1

Vagrant Story

Valkyrie Profile

[AndrewTS 0]

"Andrew - my wife just picked up an SNES (so older games are probably better, at least for right now) and I'm thinking about buying one of the new systems, though I'm not sure which yet. Is there a particular platform which tends to get more of the kind of RPGs I'm looking for?"

 

Well, the SNES is good for plenty of old school RPGs, although except for the most well-known ones, some of the gems are Japan-only. Final Fantasy II, III, Chrono Trigger--those are all goodies, for example. Although they don't have everything you're looking for.

 

PS2 is probably the best way to go for sheer quantity, because you have the full PS2 RPG library as well as the PS1 library. Tales of Destiny (PS1) I know had the random battles, good battle system, and I believe had stat allocation and customization. The only problem is that one is rather rare. FFX maybe would be a good bet. Chrono Cross (PS1), despite the bad rap it gets for the story, has a complicated but good battle system (it just isn't to my liking), random battles, and customizable magic learning and stat upgrades. It may be just what you're looking for.

 

Dark Cloud 2 and Kingdom Hearts are also good games, but a bit different than what you're looking for. You might enjoy them as well, though.

[MrRant 0]

Rant - could you go into a bit more detail on XenoGears? I've heard good things about it and read a couple of reviews, but is there anything in particular that really makes it stand out in any of the aspects I mentioned above? Thanks.

The story is very heavy into religion (destroying God and some other things about creation, cloning, so on and so forth... 3 disks worth) which made me interested in it.

 

2 different battle systems being outside of the Gear (robot) and inside which are pretty similar but different. You customize both the individuals and the Gears. Fighting is 2Dish but no grid. Select who you want to attack with whom etc.

 

As far as stats... thinking back its pretty much leveling up and buying/obtaining weapons and learning new attacks.

 

It's on the original Playstation but you can pick up a Playstation and XenoGears from Gamestop (online or at the store) for around $35~ total.

 

I enjoyed it a lot since it's pretty solid gameplay wise and the story was involving... too me.

[AndrewTS 0]

Oh, if you don't mind loading times, you can get Final Fantasy Chronicles (Chrono Trigger and FFVI) and Final Fantasy Anthology (FFIV and V) for 20 bucks each, or less, as they're Greatest Hits titles. That'll be cheaper than tracking down the carts for CT, FFII, and FFIII, and you can't even get an American SNES version of FFV unless you emulate.

 

Xenogears is also a GH title, too, BTW. I can't give it my recommendation, however.

[Lightning Flik 0]

The only problem you might have Marney with XenoGears is that Disk 2 drags really badly, due to cost cutting as the game had taken a year and a half to develop at that point, so they cut and condensed at the end.

[MrRant 0]

I didn't find that to be too big of an issue at all.

[Lightning Flik 0]

For a lot of people though, Rant it was.

 

Even to me, it felt like it dragged. And there was some stuff I didn't really pay attention to in the beginning that I should've, so I had to turn around and restart when I finally got back into it.

 

That second disk really didn't do many favors for that game. Didn't hurt it badly, but kinda dragged me down.

[MrRant 0]

Well that's what you get for not paying attention bitch.

 

[Lightning Flik 0]

Actually, the only thing I didn't pay attention to was the Sophia backgorund on the first time through. That and I had finals to worry about at the time, XG went on the backbunner for at least a month.

 

I needed a refresher course.

Edited April 29, 2004 by Lightning Flik

[chaosrage 0]

Xenogears disc 2 is the greatest 10 hours in gaming.

 

Closest to heaven you can get without being shot in the head

[Lightning Flik 0]

Um... Ok. If you say so. I don't think it is, but to his his own.

[Anya 0]

FF10 still has save points, I'd imagine?

 

 

Yes.

 

 

Are there any characters who die suddenly (or become permanently unavailable in some other way for storyline reasons)

 

 

No.

[Kahran Ramsus 0]

Suikoden I-III (especially III) really sounds like what you are looking for.

 

Others you should try, include Chrono Cross, Final Fantasy Origins (I & II), Final Fantasy Anthology (V & VI), Xenosaga & Xenogears. Those tend to be the most customizable of the Final Fantasy-type turn-based RPGs.

 

Chrono Cross is not really random battles in that you do see your enemies on screen ala Chrono Trigger, but it is a definite turn-based RPG. It gives you a lot more freedom and the battle system is much better than that of CT.

 

The Suikoden series are traditional RPGs, with the big difference being 6 guys in your party and a large cast of playable characters (108+ in each game). II is my favourite, but III sounds exactly like the game you are describing.

 

The Xenogears/Xenosaga series is worth looking into too, but I would check Suikoden out first.

 

Of the Final Fantasy games, the ones that are most like you describe are I, II, V, VI, IX & X. I & II are included in Final Fantasy Origins for the PS1, and V & VI are in Final Fantasy Anthology. You can also get IV & Chrono Trigger in Final Fantasy Chronicles.

 

Although it isn't a true RPG, I would check out Final Fantasy Tactics as well. It is a mesh of RPG/Strategy, but it will run pretty cheap and it might be worth checking out.