Thanks for mentioning Treasure of the Rudras. I don't know if I'd call it the best obscure JRPG, or even obscure, but I have a lot of fondness for it. It's a shame to see that so few games followed the idea of having several entirely different parties. I understand that it's a huge and complicated undertaking, but it fits so well with the standard JRPG kind of stories that I can't help but lament how underused this plot mechanic is.
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What's the best JRPG that most people don't know about?
- Thread starter RedZaraki
- Start date
Thanks for mentioning Treasure of the Rudras. I don't know if I'd call it the best obscure JRPG, or even obscure, but I have a lot of fondness for it. It's a shame to see that so few games followed the idea of having several entirely different parties. I understand that it's a huge and complicated undertaking, but it fits so well with the standard JRPG kind of stories that I can't help but lament how underused this plot mechanic is.
PassiveObserver
Member
Real talk though, has anyone who clicked on this thread seen any game that you didn't know existed before? Other than a few newer PS3 games, it's been mostly JRPG notables that are being brought up.
It isn't about the JRPGs you didn't know about, it's really more the JRPGs you didn't know were good.
It isn't about the JRPGs you didn't know about, it's really more the JRPGs you didn't know were good.
If you care about JRPGs, you definitely know about Mother/Earthbound and the Ogre series, even if you haven't played them.
combatwaffle
Neo Member
Oh, I'm aware, but so do 75% of all the other games listed in this thread so I was just following suit.
Hardvlade
Member
This reminded me of the existence of another game called Azure Dreams that was REALLY interesting.
Similar boxart kinda.
+1 on Azure Dreams, I still have my copy. Such a fun game, too bad the "sequel" wasn't as good
malboroking
Banned
+1 on Azure Dreams, I still have my copy. Such a fun game, too bad the "sequel" wasn't as good
There was a "sequel"?
Hardvlade
Member
Tao's Adventure on the DS
Kartia: The Word of Fate (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kartia:_The_Word_of_Fate) is a rad PS1 SRPG with Amano artwork and a pretty cool story.
Also had multiplayer. I was a fan of this one.
I'll go with Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom. An action RPG / loot game that never got any love, but I ran through multiple times. Very much reminded me of PSO.
I'm glad to see Terranigma on the first page. It truly is the best.
Lufia 2 is awesome. Great battle theme
This reminded me of the existence of another game called Azure Dreams that was REALLY interesting.
Similar boxart kinda.
I was coming here to post this exact game, one of my favorite games from that gen
In fairness, this whole forum is full of game enthusiasts so we will be quite well versed in these niche titles. I'd agree Earthbound, especially with Ness and Lucas in Smash Bros., is quite well known, but the Ogre series is much less mainstream.
Shalashaska161
Member
The Summon Knight games on GBA were good. Highlights are the fun 2D action side scrolling battle system and a nice crafting system. I think these games are part of a larger series but I've never played any other ones.
Edit: Darn should of read further up the thread, already mentioned.
Edit: Darn should of read further up the thread, already mentioned.
jasminlovesyoux
Banned
Albert Odyssey was one of my favorites on the Saturn. I got a PlayStation a few years later but I grew up on the jrpgs on Sega's machine. Other notables I adored where Shining the Holy Ark, Dragon Force and Shining Force 3. Oh and of course Panzer Dragoon Saga.
Albert odyssey in particular was just a classic epic jrpg. Gryzz 4 lyfe
WickedLaharl
Member
I'm pretty sure that game is horrible.
He what now!? Holy Moley.
Rune Factory 3
RAINBOW!
Rune Factory 4
On a more serious note, this series packs everything I want from multiple genres and blends them very successfully. Farming simulator, life sim, funny dialogue, good characters, my favorite crafting system in a game, a long story line, and a great amount of post game.
RF3 is RF4 but with hilariously bizarre, wacky characters
Edit: Also, I saw Lufia mentioned earlier. It's by the same developer (Neverland)
RAINBOW!
Rune Factory 4
On a more serious note, this series packs everything I want from multiple genres and blends them very successfully. Farming simulator, life sim, funny dialogue, good characters, my favorite crafting system in a game, a long story line, and a great amount of post game.
RF3 is RF4 but with hilariously bizarre, wacky characters
Edit: Also, I saw Lufia mentioned earlier. It's by the same developer (Neverland)
Case Flatline
Member
Came exactly for this. One of my favorite RPG of all time, that is sadly overlooked because of the fanservice. No other game will break the 4th wall like Ar no Surge does.
SuperSaiyanAkuma
Banned
Legend of Legaia 2!!?
Surely I'm not the only one to have played this classic!
Surely I'm not the only one to have played this classic!
Osukaa
Member
I second this. Loved that game.
eyeball_kid
Member
This game was something else... It was perfect, IMO better than any of the FFs.
Maybe I'm just generalizing, but I never see it being commented or discussed on the internet/game forums/etc.
PS. This is a game that DESERVES a remake.
Ha, haven't heard that name in a while. I worked on the advertising for Grandia. I wouldn't exactly call it obscure as it spawned several titles, but the first game came to PS late (it was a Saturn port) in 1999. By then, sprite-based JRPGs were a bit passé for the mainstream audience and it came out a month after FF8, so I think it got passed over. It's a shame they couldn't get it out sooner.
The game systems were a bit unique for the time, like the leveling up of skills based on weapon used. Also if I remember it had a pretty good English localization (though not great VA).
Augemitbutter
Member
Shining Force CD
yea, it's a shining game, but nobody seems to have played it since it was on the mega cd. it's one of my favorites. i try to mention the soundtrack whenever i can.
Suikoden Tactics/Rhapsodia
similar fate. sequel to the most hated mainline title (IV) gameplay is very good. character models have a real low budget look, which hurt the perception of the game. kinda iffy VA, but great soundtrack.
Oreshika is a recent one on Vita. seems everyone ignored it for no reason. top tier.
yea, it's a shining game, but nobody seems to have played it since it was on the mega cd. it's one of my favorites. i try to mention the soundtrack whenever i can.
Suikoden Tactics/Rhapsodia
similar fate. sequel to the most hated mainline title (IV) gameplay is very good. character models have a real low budget look, which hurt the perception of the game. kinda iffy VA, but great soundtrack.
Oreshika is a recent one on Vita. seems everyone ignored it for no reason. top tier.
TwiztidElf
Member
Stella Glow. I have no doubt that had it have come out during the SNES era, it would be a revered classic.
Morrigan Stark
Arrogant Smirk
Panzer Dragoon Saga. Literally only a few people played it.
As for the music, you say it's good but it's not Michiko Naruke right?
LOL
Wow, that sounds like a total fuck up from IGN there.
As for the music, you say it's good but it's not Michiko Naruke right?
Wow, that sounds like a total fuck up from IGN there.
As for the music, you say it's good but it's not Michiko Naruke right?
It's even better than Naruke.
<3 Elements Garden <3
Robert at Zeboyd Games
Banned
As for the music, you say it's good but it's not Michiko Naruke right?
No, it's not Michiko. Wild Arms XF has the same composers as Wild Arms 5 (one of which also worked on 4) plus a few extra (Elements Garden). It's still a really good soundtrack even if it doesn't have the main WA composer though.
NipplesAndToes23
Member
I mentioned that I've played it in my post. I only played it once though, so I can't say if I can call it a classic.
HammerOfThor
Member
Holy shit 2010 was 7 years ago? It really doesn't feel that long :0
I make sure to rep my bro Terranigma any chance I get.
Mystaria: The Realms of Lore aka Blazing Heroes (or the Riglord Saga in Japan). Playing this on Saturn blew not only my mind but also my friend, who promptly went and bought a Saturn for the sole purpose of being able to play this game.
I don't believe we ever got the sequels, but this game was like Shining Force (which also blew my mind) on steroids. Little did I know there was a Shining Force for Saturn at the time...
I don't believe we ever got the sequels, but this game was like Shining Force (which also blew my mind) on steroids. Little did I know there was a Shining Force for Saturn at the time...
SatelliteOfLove
Member
Xanadu Next, apparently...
At least I saw Brigandine and Gungnir (two of SatelliteOfLove's Must-Play 6/10 Games if there ever was any).
At least I saw Brigandine and Gungnir (two of SatelliteOfLove's Must-Play 6/10 Games if there ever was any).
ChosenPredator
Banned
cj_iwakura
Member
You're right.
Albert Odyssey was one of my favorites on the Saturn. I got a PlayStation a few years later but I grew up on the jrpgs on Sega's machine. Other notables I adored where Shining the Holy Ark, Dragon Force and Shining Force 3. Oh and of course Panzer Dragoon Saga.
Albert odyssey in particular was just a classic epic jrpg. Gryzz 4 lyfe
You are too.
ChiefofCitadelSecurity
Member
Suikoden V
Low key best of that generation.
Low key best of that generation.
Dancing Queen
Banned
Brawly Likes to Brawl
Member
Radiant Historia on NDS is excellent!
Borrows a lot of elements from Chrono Trigger!
+1
Those are the examples you use? Seriously? Anyone who played JRPGs other than just FF in the PS1 era know of these games. Can't believe some of the responses in this thread in regards to obscure. Grandia and Skies of Arcadia are not obscure.
I see that Opoona was already mentioned. Good. That would probably be my top pick.
Saiyuki: Journey West for PS1 was pretty good and pretty obscure, but I think my copy was bugged. One of the flags you need to get the best summon never, ever worked on my copy (tried it at least 2-3 playthroughs). I never beat the game because of it, because if you don't have the summon, you have to grind a lot to be able to face the endgame. I searched and searched the internet and found only one other person who mentioned it, but that was all. I think I just got fucked somehow.
Koudelka is also a favorite but let's be honest, the battle system is total shit.
OP implied good games, not games that are simply obscure.
Kartia: The Word of Fate (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kartia:_The_Word_of_Fate) is a rad PS1 SRPG with Amano artwork and a pretty cool story.
Total agree on this one. The story is excellent, the localization is solid, the music are fantastic (similar to FFT sometimes and othrr times unique), the world and lore are completely original, fresh and intriguing, and last but not least, the character development is through the roof.
The battle system is so-so though lol
Which one is the Best version in English? Is thr snes one the only one fan-translated?
Coriolanus
Banned
+1 for this bad boi
it never is ;(
best thing platinum was ever involved with.
that'd be because every time KuF is mentioned, people hope that it'll be something similar to The Crusaders/Heroes.
it never is ;(
What the hell is it? For those of us that can't read Japanese.
Edit: oh, it's Infinite Space lol. Teeny tiny english text.
cj_iwakura
Member
Infinite Space.
thestopsign
Member
Lufia 2. It is in the top 10 best games ever made. In my mind that isn't even a hyperbole.