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Best RPGs for an RPG noob?
- Thread starter Dilbert
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-Pokemon Leaf Green fits everything other than being a "sword and sorcery" game, and is only $20 at Circuit City, or at least the one near me, and as a bonus you could finally see what all the hype is about. Only downside is that after you play it, you might expect that status conditions, stat-increasing moves, and other strategic things actually matter in other RPGs, which they don't; most non-PC RPGs just stick to a boring formula where enemies have about ten times your HP and MP and you have about ten times their stats everywhere else.
-Star Ocean 2, if you can manage to find it, fits everything other than having a slower pace of gameplay and being portable. Fantastic game, too, even slightly better than Tales of Symphonia, and despite having real-time battles they still feel pretty par for the course as far as RPGs go--meaning that you'll get a better idea from SO2 than Pokemon as to what the majority of RPGs play like.
-Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones is arguably a better entry-level game than Fire Emblem due to being more standardized. It actually meets every criteria you have, also, but then again, it's partially a strategy game--and, furthermore, I'd argue that the overall game still isn't as good as the above two, and deserves to be ranked below them. At least it's far easier to track down than SO2, though.
-Final Fantasy 4 on the GBA is lacking in progress with the in-game abilities, but otherwise it pretty much fills what you're looking for. Still has menu responsiveness issues, though; I couldn't in good conscience recommend it before FE:TSS despite being a far more "traditional" RPG.
-I haven't played Dragon Quest 8, but if Dragon Quest 1-4 are any indication, then it's most likely an extremely solid game--and, seeing as the original was the pioneer of console RPGs, I can't think of any reason that DQ8 wouldn't be as good an entry point as any. I rank it below FF4 only due to length and non-portability.
-Final Fantasy 9 is the only good FF game that's been made since FFVI. I like it better than FE:TSS and FF4, actually, but it's not portable, you can't multitask while playing it, and there's really no sense of progression with items and abilities, so there are possibly too many downsides considering what you're looking for.
-Star Ocean 2, if you can manage to find it, fits everything other than having a slower pace of gameplay and being portable. Fantastic game, too, even slightly better than Tales of Symphonia, and despite having real-time battles they still feel pretty par for the course as far as RPGs go--meaning that you'll get a better idea from SO2 than Pokemon as to what the majority of RPGs play like.
-Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones is arguably a better entry-level game than Fire Emblem due to being more standardized. It actually meets every criteria you have, also, but then again, it's partially a strategy game--and, furthermore, I'd argue that the overall game still isn't as good as the above two, and deserves to be ranked below them. At least it's far easier to track down than SO2, though.
-Final Fantasy 4 on the GBA is lacking in progress with the in-game abilities, but otherwise it pretty much fills what you're looking for. Still has menu responsiveness issues, though; I couldn't in good conscience recommend it before FE:TSS despite being a far more "traditional" RPG.
-I haven't played Dragon Quest 8, but if Dragon Quest 1-4 are any indication, then it's most likely an extremely solid game--and, seeing as the original was the pioneer of console RPGs, I can't think of any reason that DQ8 wouldn't be as good an entry point as any. I rank it below FF4 only due to length and non-portability.
-Final Fantasy 9 is the only good FF game that's been made since FFVI. I like it better than FE:TSS and FF4, actually, but it's not portable, you can't multitask while playing it, and there's really no sense of progression with items and abilities, so there are possibly too many downsides considering what you're looking for.
FF VIII actually was my first RPG (well, after Pokémon) and it really was very confusing to me, there were just so many things that I missed the first time strategy and gameplay wise... I realised this 3/4 into the game or so and just decided to start the game from the beginning again, paying extra attention to the tutorials and even then I didn't get some parts of the gameplay until later in the game (GF boosts being an example that I remember now, but also some bigger things). Partly this could be because English is not my first language of course, but I haven't had that with any other games.Himuro said:
After playing through VIII, the gameplay of VII and IX was easy though, so it may be easier to go from VIII to IX / VII than vice versa, but starting with VIII? I would definitely not recommend that.
IX and VII are also a fair bit shorter than VIII, for me they were at least.
for a noob, get FFX, grandia 2 and skies of arcadia...though for SoA, you'd need either a GC or a Dreamcast.
i hate both FFX and grandia 2, but they look very good, have excellent music and fast battle systems, and are very linear in nature...all noob friendly aspects.
SoA on the other hand is fantastic, though it'd probably be pretty frustrating for noobs.
i hate both FFX and grandia 2, but they look very good, have excellent music and fast battle systems, and are very linear in nature...all noob friendly aspects.
SoA on the other hand is fantastic, though it'd probably be pretty frustrating for noobs.
Ford Prefect
GAAAAAAAAY
Golden Sun 1 & 2 are exactly what you're looking for, methinks. Swords and sorcery, great score + presentation, not too hard, not too long. People give it crap for its rather simplistic story and generic gameplay, but as a newcomer to RPG's, generecy shouldn't irk you too much -- it didn't me.
Lionheart said:
I still find that despite the haters, FFVII is probably one of the most newbie-friendly RPGs I've ever encountered. There are some truly hideous suggestions being made in this thread, by the way. Do people have some vested interest in driving jinx away from the genre?
iapetus said:
I think a lot of people are just saying what their favorite games are rather than suggesting from any sort of knowledge of how non-rpg people have adapted to their favorite games.
I always suggest chrono trigger because I had two friends that stayed away from all rpg's and I kept trying to get them into them.
FF6 was too complex and the battle system was too confusing.
Lufia 2 was too hard
other FF/ff like rpgs had stories that were too oppressive and were way too much introduction such that they would get bored before it ever clicked with them.
skies of arcadia was too simplistic/boring/childish
One of the two enjoyed Baldur's Gate 2 but wanted to be able to play off and on and it just didn't work because when he started it up again he didn't what the hell he was doing anymore.
The Dragon Quest games... christ those games suck early on. For someone new to the genre you need a game that is going to pull someone in immediately.
I never tried FF7 since I have a personal bias against it =P
FF8, did alright but ultimately did not entice them to continue.
Once I tried Chrono Trigger everything just clicked perfectly for the both of them. They both loved it.
That, combined with the sheer amount of msg board posts I"ve seen that basically consist of, 'I hated rpg's until I tried chrono trigger,' makes it the best choice I can possibly suggest in my mind.
jinx needs to play chrono trigger dammit!
Oh also, I hadn't thought of this before but what about the Valkyrie Profile remake for PSP? When is that coming out?
Himuro said:I agree there, it's just that the game hasn't aged well so I wouldn't really suggest it.
It's not aged well graphically, but gameplay wise it still does a pretty good job of being a relatively simple but solid representative of the genre. I can't think of anything that's more graphics whore friendly that would fill the role as neatly, though. DQVIII might be a possibility but there is a certain amount of levelling required from time to time.
How about the Suikoden games? The PSX ones have aged pretty well (not sure if the PSP port is going to make it into translation, though) and the PS2 ones are available and not too bad...
slayn said:
It does really quite well against most of your criticisms of that type of RPG - in particular it jumps into the story from the start better than most Square games since.
slayn said:
I'll drink to that...
i never could stand any RPG style type games till i tried Zelda (OOT)(WW), although i know it's not Technically an RPG it did break the mold enough for me to then try Baulders gate and since quite a few more.
once they become very turned base in fighting i loose almost all interest, except for some reason i dig on Advance wars turn based stuff. no idea why that one breaks the mold for me.
once they become very turned base in fighting i loose almost all interest, except for some reason i dig on Advance wars turn based stuff. no idea why that one breaks the mold for me.
Totally agree with Chrono Trigger, but I was going for the systems he mentioned and he definitely wouldn't want the shitty PSX port. CT is the game I recommend for all the people wanting to introduce them to the genre - it's short, no unweildly systems to master, attractive graphics and music (for the time, arguably they still hold up in my <3 2D mind), and a cool/simple/charming story.
Skies of Arcadia would have been a good choice if he had a GC or DC. Legend of Heroes seems to play pretty decently (the translation is rubbish though) and I know jinx enjoys his PSP, so maybe he'd want to pick that up...
Skies of Arcadia would have been a good choice if he had a GC or DC. Legend of Heroes seems to play pretty decently (the translation is rubbish though) and I know jinx enjoys his PSP, so maybe he'd want to pick that up...
JackFrost2012
Banned
man, you people sure like recommending shitty and/or obscure games
FFI+II or FFIV might be good--they're cheap, they're short, and they have quicksave. Chrono Trigger is okay, though it's story, characters, and translation are a bit juvenile nowadays. As good as the PS2 has been for RPGs, I wouldn't really classify any of them as "entry-level"...FFX might be good to try.
Sorry to be so Square-heavy in recommendations, but hey, there's a reason their games sell the most, and it has as much to do with accessibility and simplicity as it does with "quality." ;P
FFI+II or FFIV might be good--they're cheap, they're short, and they have quicksave. Chrono Trigger is okay, though it's story, characters, and translation are a bit juvenile nowadays. As good as the PS2 has been for RPGs, I wouldn't really classify any of them as "entry-level"...FFX might be good to try.
Sorry to be so Square-heavy in recommendations, but hey, there's a reason their games sell the most, and it has as much to do with accessibility and simplicity as it does with "quality." ;P
holliberry
Member
I never really liked RPGs that much (especially anything turn-based -- yuck!!) but for some reason I was tempted to try Mario&Luigi Superstar Saga and I think its the first game to hold my attention in a very long time. I'm about 16 hrs into the game and I still don't want to put it down. (I lose interest in most games very quickly so this is some sort of miracle. I think the only other games I've spent this muct time on are the first Devil May Cry because I replayed it like 5 times and Need for Speed Underground that I got to like the 4th to last race )
)Jinx, steal a GC or DC or something so you can play Skies of Arcadia*. It's the best, most charming Japanese RPG this gen.
Otherwise, pick up Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic*. You don't have to be a Star Wars fanboy to realize it's FUCKING AWESOME. It's cheap. Do it.
*may not contain elves or sorcery.
Otherwise, pick up Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic*. You don't have to be a Star Wars fanboy to realize it's FUCKING AWESOME. It's cheap. Do it.
*may not contain elves or sorcery.
Thanks for the recommendations...didn't mean to touch off such a debate.
A couple of follow-up things:
1) Do you have to play the Final Fantasy games in order to make sense of the plot, or is each one fairly standalone?
2) Chrono Trigger sounds great -- it got a lot of recommendations -- but my PSP is not emulation-friendly. I'll just have to cross my fingers and hope that it comes out in some non-broken way for one of my systems in the future.
3) How difficult are the strategy aspects of games like Fire Emblem? Although I'd like to get into strategy games more, I'm CRAP at them. (Don't even ask how far I've gotten in Advance Wars 2...) Is the learning curve fairly straightforward, or should I stick with an RPG without the strategy aspects?
A couple of follow-up things:
1) Do you have to play the Final Fantasy games in order to make sense of the plot, or is each one fairly standalone?
2) Chrono Trigger sounds great -- it got a lot of recommendations -- but my PSP is not emulation-friendly. I'll just have to cross my fingers and hope that it comes out in some non-broken way for one of my systems in the future.
3) How difficult are the strategy aspects of games like Fire Emblem? Although I'd like to get into strategy games more, I'm CRAP at them. (Don't even ask how far I've gotten in Advance Wars 2...) Is the learning curve fairly straightforward, or should I stick with an RPG without the strategy aspects?
I can't believe the number of people recommending tedious dungeon crawls, 80 hour games like ToS and games needing extensive levelling up, one person even saying, "if you like powerlevelling", after the OP CLEARLY states he doesn't want to spend time levelling or play games that are too long. Oh, and one guy recommends Harvest Moon for christ's sake. You want to start the man out playing RPGs by picking up a rather complicated farm-life/dating sim? Man!
That said, RPGs are invariably long. Not 80 hours, but 40-50 is very normal. You're not going to get around that if you want to play all the good ones.
My suggestions are FFVII and FFIX. FF is, as you likely know, ridiculously popular, and for good reason. I'd list FFVIII, but if you are sensitive to tedious affairs there are aspects of the system that could quickly wear you down. Older ones like FFIV and VI would also be good if you don't mind the 16bit graphics and the rather simplistic story of FFIV. Shadow Hearts would also be a great place to start if you want more current gen graphics.
That said, RPGs are invariably long. Not 80 hours, but 40-50 is very normal. You're not going to get around that if you want to play all the good ones.
My suggestions are FFVII and FFIX. FF is, as you likely know, ridiculously popular, and for good reason. I'd list FFVIII, but if you are sensitive to tedious affairs there are aspects of the system that could quickly wear you down. Older ones like FFIV and VI would also be good if you don't mind the 16bit graphics and the rather simplistic story of FFIV. Shadow Hearts would also be a great place to start if you want more current gen graphics.
Red Scarlet
Member
slayn said:
Yeah, but they aren't really 'non random' the way most people take the term I think. Lufia 2 has random overworld battles and visible monsters in the dungeons right? It's been a looooooooong time since I played a Lufia (might fix that in a while).
Parallax Scroll
Banned
Yes, I seriously think Mystic Quest would be a good place to start.Ristamar said:
Red Scarlet
Member
Just look at the box: Entry-level Role-Playing adventure.
I got stuck near the end though for awhile though.
I got stuck near the end though for awhile though.
Parallax Scroll said:
Red Scarlet said:
Interesting. Honestly, if I recommended MQ to someone who wanted to see if RPGs were to his liking, unless the person was rather young, I'd be afraid I'd turn him/her off to the genre.
I'd probably be more inclined to suggest something like FF IV Advance. The story has more depth (though it's hardly complicated), the combat system is more robust, there are multiple characters (yet virtually no party management), and those that hate slogging through equipment management can simplify through the "Optimal" menu choice.
The fact that you can see the monsters in the "linear" overworld in MQ may be a plus, I'd imagine, especially for those intimidated or annoyed by random encounters. Unfortunately, you still have to fight the bulk of them in order to be strong enough to beat the bosses.
BudokaiMR2
Member
I would not suggest the fire emblem games even though they are portable. Pretty hard for entry level. I love them, the basics may be simple but that game is unforgiving.
I would say FFVII is a good entry level RPG, nothing too complicated and a great story. I would put FFIX right after it also. Love Vivi. It is also great old school FF combat.
I would definitely suggest Skies of Arcadia. I loved that game, and there is nothing too difficult about it.
But over them all. I would definitely say Chrono Trigger. There is no one who can downplay how great that game is. And the length is also perfect for what you want.
Star Ocean 2 is another great game, but too long.
I would say FFVII is a good entry level RPG, nothing too complicated and a great story. I would put FFIX right after it also. Love Vivi. It is also great old school FF combat.
I would definitely suggest Skies of Arcadia. I loved that game, and there is nothing too difficult about it.
But over them all. I would definitely say Chrono Trigger. There is no one who can downplay how great that game is. And the length is also perfect for what you want.
Star Ocean 2 is another great game, but too long.
JackFrost2012
Banned
I just have to restate: DON'T PLAY TALES OF SYMPHONIA FOR GAMECUBE.
It's a decent RPG, in its way, but its for hardcore fans of the genre. It's not newbie friendly and would you crazy people PLEASE STOP RECOMMENDING IT
It's a decent RPG, in its way, but its for hardcore fans of the genre. It's not newbie friendly and would you crazy people PLEASE STOP RECOMMENDING IT
the first rpg i really played was earthbound. it's really fun and still a great game imo.
but if you want something more traditional i'd recommend ffvii, it was the first ff i played and i loved it, then went to ffvi which i also thought was great.
if you want an srpg fire emblem is the best place to start and the best srpg series imo.
but if you want something more traditional i'd recommend ffvii, it was the first ff i played and i loved it, then went to ffvi which i also thought was great.
if you want an srpg fire emblem is the best place to start and the best srpg series imo.
if you can't get very far in advance wars I doubt you would do much better in FE.
Its basically the same fighting system.
All the FF games have absolutely nothing to do with each other. They just have the FF name to make people buy then =P So you can just start with 7.
Its basically the same fighting system.
All the FF games have absolutely nothing to do with each other. They just have the FF name to make people buy then =P So you can just start with 7.
Dr. Kitty Muffins
Member
Knights of the Old Republic 1 and 2
Tales of Symphonia
Skies of Arcadia
Shadow Hearts 1 and 2
Dragon Quest 8
Tales of Symphonia
Skies of Arcadia
Shadow Hearts 1 and 2
Dragon Quest 8
Musashi Wins!
FLAWLESS VICTOLY!
jinx seems reasonably intelligent and could easily handle the appealing challenge of a handheld fire emblem, imo. it's not hard to understand how to play, it's just challenging to play.
also, you're a writer and the retardation of a lot of series like Tales and such would offend you. tread carefully in this genre.
i'm tempted to say that if you must go console (with what you own) get DQ8 even though it's a lifetime long. it's really, really charming and though it gets a fair share of damning for being archaic, it's just basic enough to be easy to pick up and play while still being interesting making stylistic choices. and it's beautiful. it's great.
also, you're a writer and the retardation of a lot of series like Tales and such would offend you. tread carefully in this genre.
i'm tempted to say that if you must go console (with what you own) get DQ8 even though it's a lifetime long. it's really, really charming and though it gets a fair share of damning for being archaic, it's just basic enough to be easy to pick up and play while still being interesting making stylistic choices. and it's beautiful. it's great.
I don't think DQ8 would be a good choice for a noob. Its extremely long, it also may be a bit too difficult for a noob. But its a MUST after he has a few RPGs under his belt.
I'll say Fable is a good choice not hard at all pretty straight forward. Dark Cloud 2, Final Fantasy VII or IX or maybe even Skies of Arcadia. I personally hated Skies of Arcadia but if it was my 1st RPG its simplistic gameplay and uber-straight forward concepts would have been appealing. Nice way to get your feet wet.
I'll say Fable is a good choice not hard at all pretty straight forward. Dark Cloud 2, Final Fantasy VII or IX or maybe even Skies of Arcadia. I personally hated Skies of Arcadia but if it was my 1st RPG its simplistic gameplay and uber-straight forward concepts would have been appealing. Nice way to get your feet wet.
I suggest FFIV Advance. It's a traditional sword and sorcery RPG. It's simple (no junctioning/drawing/materia systems to worry about), a classic, portable, and short. Total game time is about 15 hours. Leveling is only really needed for one or two areas (
). No mapping required. You can save at any time, so good for pick up and play. If you like it, you can move on to FFVI -> VII -> etc. to appreciate the progression. It's also the second best FF and has great music too.
before fighting the Dark Elf for sure
Goddamn, you guys need to stop recommending 8-bit/16-bit 2d rpgs. It's not 1995 anymore. Just because we were introduced to rpgs with them and grew up with them doesn't mean newcomers to the genre should as well. Whenever someone tells a person that they should start rpgs with FF1 it's like telling someone new to FPS that they should start with Wolf3d.
It's nice that they have these re-releases of classic games so that people who already enjoy rpgs can go back and re-experience some of the classic greats, but for someone new to the genre it'd be nice if they got something a little deeper than "go to the 6 elemental dungeons and then fight the final boss all while tapping A non-stop for 20 hours of battles".
I would recommend FFX but I hear the english version makes people very mad, so I dunno, Shadow Hearts 2 is probably a good start. It has a good battle system but it also explains everything along the way so it should be newbie friendly. It also has good graphics, music, story, and I hear the dub is alright. Plus its very fast-paced and keeps you hooked until the end. It's also pretty easy to moderate so it won't be daunting.
It's nice that they have these re-releases of classic games so that people who already enjoy rpgs can go back and re-experience some of the classic greats, but for someone new to the genre it'd be nice if they got something a little deeper than "go to the 6 elemental dungeons and then fight the final boss all while tapping A non-stop for 20 hours of battles".
I would recommend FFX but I hear the english version makes people very mad, so I dunno, Shadow Hearts 2 is probably a good start. It has a good battle system but it also explains everything along the way so it should be newbie friendly. It also has good graphics, music, story, and I hear the dub is alright. Plus its very fast-paced and keeps you hooked until the end. It's also pretty easy to moderate so it won't be daunting.
Red Scarlet
Member
..it's something simple and easy to get into as well as find and doesn't cost a lot (FF1+2), bebpo. That's why I suggested it. Plus it gives him another game for free. A lot of the current gen RPG's may be a little complex for someone that's never really played an RPG. That's why some people are suggesting older titles. Surely your overlordness realizes and acknowledges this?
Why would you need to level up for the Dark Elf in FF4?
Why would you need to level up for the Dark Elf in FF4?
Bebpo said:
I hope you're referring to the stuff not yet ported to GBA (if they will), because he did mention GBA and I'm just saying is all because GBA has some hot classic RPGs, and classic is good, because Final Fantasy IV is the best game ever and you are wrong once again.
You mean they changed that?
Red Scarlet
Member
Start simpler, then graduate to more complicated stuff. That's how one should be introduced to a genre, not thrust right into the usual. You don't put someone that got a B in pre-algebra the last school year into Calc 2 do you? No.