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[1st Course]

I'm still working on the tallies, but here are the top 10 Final Fantasy titles by points:

1) Final Fantasy 6 - 137
2) Final Fantasy 9 - 75
3) Final Fantasy 7 - 72
4) Final Fantasy Tactics - 68
5) Final Fantasy 12 - 65
6) Final Fantasy 10 - 64
7) Final Fantasy 5 - 33
8) Final Fantasy 4 - 27
9) Final Fantasy 8 - 20
10) Final Fantasy 11 - 6 (tie)
10) Final Fantasy Tactics A2 - 6 (tie)
.

Judging by this, I'm willing to bet that FF6 is the No.1 RPG of this year.

 

[SatelliteOfLove]

I never understood how FF6 gets soooooo much love. I'm not saying its a bad game but it's more like its chosen out of nostalgia. Idk.... Maybe it's just me...

It's on my list and I first played it in 2000. It's just wonderful and well paced, really.

 

[Labadal]

I'm still working on the tallies, but here are the top 10 Final Fantasy titles by points:

1) Final Fantasy 6 - 137
2) Final Fantasy 9 - 75
3) Final Fantasy 7 - 72
4) Final Fantasy Tactics - 68
5) Final Fantasy 12 - 65
6) Final Fantasy 10 - 64
7) Final Fantasy 5 - 33
8) Final Fantasy 4 - 27
9) Final Fantasy 8 - 20
10) Final Fantasy 11 - 6 (tie)
10) Final Fantasy Tactics A2 - 6 (tie)

This is the first time that Final Fantasy 7 wasn't #2 in the series.

Also, as a couple of people have mentioned, this is the first year that Final Fantasy VI was not #2 on the overall list. Persona 4 edged it out by a small margin.

My 5 favourite games in the series. Glad to see them up there.

 

[Xilium]

I never understood how FF6 gets soooooo much love. I'm not saying its a bad game but it's more like its chosen out of nostalgia. Idk.... Maybe it's just me...

FF6 (and by extension FF9) typically get the top spot in FF voting threads where the voters skew higher in age. GAF seems to be mostly in the 20-30 range (with a sizable 30+ group) so maybe that accounts for it (on a place like Gamefaqs FF7 and FF10 would likely be the 2 top performers).

Not sure how true this is but I also remember hearing that FF6 was only ever popular here in the U.S. I know it isn't that big a deal in Japan (typically I hear X > VII > IV) but I was unsure about Europe.

 

[Necrovex]

I'm still working on the tallies, but here are the top 10 Final Fantasy titles by points:

1) Final Fantasy 6 - 137
2) Final Fantasy 9 - 75
3) Final Fantasy 7 - 72
4) Final Fantasy Tactics - 68
5) Final Fantasy 12 - 65
6) Final Fantasy 10 - 64
7) Final Fantasy 5 - 33
8) Final Fantasy 4 - 27
9) Final Fantasy 8 - 20
10) Final Fantasy 11 - 6 (tie)
10) Final Fantasy Tactics A2 - 6 (tie)

This is the first time that Final Fantasy 7 wasn't #2 in the series.

Also, as a couple of people have mentioned, this is the first year that Final Fantasy VI was not #2 on the overall list. Persona 4 edged it out by a small margin.

FF6 will always be the top FF here on GAF. I'm actually surprised it took this long for FF9 to edge out FF7.

My FFIX vote *did* matter. I am happy it is second place, though it deserves the first spot. But, I gotta pick and choose my battles, so I am happy with it as second.

 

[1st Course]

Not sure how true this is but I also remember hearing that FF6 was only ever popular here in the U.S.

The game did not have a PAL release until it was the 2000's (PS1 version), so yeah that just given.

 

[Goldmund]

I never understood how FF6 gets soooooo much love. I'm not saying its a bad game but it's more like its chosen out of nostalgia. Idk.... Maybe it's just me...

It's not just you. Final Fantasy VI is easily my least favorite of the SNES entries. When it comes to set pieces, though, it is infinitely more varied than what came before (and maybe even after).

 

[Hero]

What on earth could you people have against FF6?

 

[Xilium]

What on earth could you people have against FF6?

I don't dislike FF6, it just never resonated with me like it did with some others despite it being my first FF.

 

[Grief.exe]

Skyrim is gonna take a huge plunge compared to last year.

Skyrim on an rpg list is arguably a joke.

I can see why people enjoy it, but its objectively pretty mediocre and incredibly dumbed down.

It's on my list and I first played it in 2000. It's just wonderful and well paced, really.

I need to play ff6 again. Its on my list though.

 

[Skel1ingt0n]

I'm still working on the tallies, but here are the top 10 Final Fantasy titles by points:

1) Final Fantasy 6 - 137
2) Final Fantasy 9 - 75
3) Final Fantasy 7 - 72
4) Final Fantasy Tactics - 68
5) Final Fantasy 12 - 65
6) Final Fantasy 10 - 64
7) Final Fantasy 5 - 33
8) Final Fantasy 4 - 27
9) Final Fantasy 8 - 20
10) Final Fantasy 11 - 6 (tie)
10) Final Fantasy Tactics A2 - 6 (tie)

This is the first time that Final Fantasy 7 wasn't #2 in the series.

Also, as a couple of people have mentioned, this is the first year that Final Fantasy VI was not #2 on the overall list. Persona 4 edged it out by a small margin.

Yay! My FF9 vote made a difference!

 

[kswiston]

Always a fun series to count:

Fallout Games
1) Fallout 3 - 52 points
2) Fallout New Vegas - 48 points
3) Fallout 2 - 25 points
4) Fallout 1 - 11 points

Tallies are ongoing. There is going to be a decent amount of shakeup in this year's list.

 

[UberTag]

Judging by this, I'm willing to bet that FF6 is the No.1 RPG of this year.

Not quite. Don't overlook this other comment...

Also, as a couple of people have mentioned, this is the first year that Final Fantasy VI was not #2 on the overall list. Persona 4 edged it out by a small margin.

FFVI may be universally beloved... heck, I had it included as an honorable mention until I was confident Persona 4 would pace it... but it is beginning to show some weakness on the nostalgia end of things.

Your Top 3 this year... 1) Chrono Trigger 2) Persona 4 3) Final Fantasy VI.

Your next two titles will be Xenoblade Chronicles and Dark Souls. Xenoblade was at serious risk of slipping two spots into 5th until a late flurry of support this morning kept it out in front. I'm actually surprised Dark Souls failed to overtake it although a jump into the Top 5 from 19th is certainly not a reason to be disappointed. Demon's Souls fell back to where Dark Souls was last year.

There's a HUGE gap from the Top 5 to the rest of the list which is literally a cluster of titles trading spots with rapid frequency.

Always a fun series to count:

Fallout Games
1) Fallout 3 - 52 points
2) Fallout New Vegas - 48 points
3) Fallout 2 - 25 points
4) Fallout 1 - 11 points

Tallies are ongoing. There is going to be a decent amount of shakeup in this year's list.

Fallout New Vegas had roughly 2 1/2 times as many points as Fallout 3 after the first week of ranking submissions. It's like everyone forgot Fallout 3 existed or the Obsidian contingent was just power boosting... probably a little of both. F3 even trailed F2 at that point. Fallout 3 came on strong at the end and I believe Skyrim has wedged itself right into that little Fallout pairing. All of the noteworthy Bethesda RPGs will be in a block close together around the bottom of the Top 25.

I'm actually relieved somewhat by that Fallout 2 score as I had it with a couple more points than 25. Makes me more confident in the prospects of Trails in the Sky locking down Top 50 after I did that recount earlier this afternoon putting it at 29 points. I've often argued that TiTS was an essential title for JRPG enthusiasts to seek out; it will be nice to have that backed up by GAF's Essential RPG rankings as well.

 

[VitalNerve]

I never understood how FF6 gets soooooo much love. I'm not saying its a bad game but it's more like its chosen out of nostalgia. Idk.... Maybe it's just me...

The game had like 14+ characters to play as if I am not mistaken and the majority of them had a well written backstory. Kefka, at the time was an original villain, a straight up psychopath that made you feel uncomfortable, which was never/rarely seen before. The music was incredible. I could say more but I am lazy, so I will just hope that someone picks up from where I left off, or corrects me...either way.

 

[Seanspeed]

The game had like 14+ characters to play as if I am not mistaken and the majority of them had a well written backstory. Kefka, at the time was an original villain, a straight up psychopath that made you feel uncomfortable, which was never/rarely seen before. The music was incredible. I could say more but I am lazy, so I will just hope that someone picks up from where I left off, or corrects me...either way.

I could write a 10 page thesis on the greatness of the game. Its really that good, and not just purely nostalgia. There's lots of great games from the era. There's a reason FFVI gets singled out over and over.

 

[Phoenixazure]

while the list will strongly lean towards JRPGs, id like to see a color coding between eastern/western to see how the western games have fared, as they've increased their presence over the years.

Glad to see Persona 4 get dat well earned rep. Just listening to the soundtrack gets me all nostalgic for another run.

 

[ubercheez]

FF6 (and by extension FF9) typically get the top spot in FF voting threads where the voters skew higher in age. GAF seems to be mostly in the 20-30 range (with a sizable 30+ group) so maybe that accounts for it (on a place like Gamefaqs FF7 and FF10 would likely be the 2 top performers).

Not sure how true this is but I also remember hearing that FF6 was only ever popular here in the U.S. I know it isn't that big a deal in Japan (typically I hear X > VII > IV) but I was unsure about Europe.

Yup, you nailed it. Here's a top 100 that Famitsu did a few years back.

 

[Xilium]

Yup, you nailed it. Here's a top 100 that Famitsu did a few years back.

Nice. I knew VI wasn't big but I didn't think it would be near the bottom (Ditto for Tactics being the lowest, harsh). Sadly my favorite (this year), XII, would also likely be near the bottom.

 

[kswiston]

Tallying is done for 320 games. The 40 titles remaining are all 1-2 vote games that won't make the final list.

Here is the Top 10 for this year:

1) Chrono Trigger - 165 points
2) Persona 4 - 141
3) Final Fantasy 6 - 137
4) Xenoblade - 111
5) Dark Souls - 101
6) Planescape: Torment - 76
7) Final Fantasy 9 - 75
8) Final Fantasy 7 - 72
9) Baldur's Gate 2 - 69
10) Final Fantasy Tactics - 68


16 wrpgs made the top 50, and 28 made the top 100. Almost the same proportions as last year (although some titles are different).

I will start working on the OP tomorrow, starting with those games.

I'm actually relieved somewhat by that Fallout 2 score as I had it with a couple more points than 25. Makes me more confident in the prospects of Trails in the Sky locking down Top 50 after I did that recount earlier this afternoon putting it at 29 points. I've often argued that TiTS was an essential title for JRPG enthusiasts to seek out; it will be nice to have that backed up by GAF's Essential RPG rankings as well.

Grandia and Trails in the Sky tied for #49

 

[zkylon]

Tallying is done for 320 games. The 40 titles remaining are all 1-2 vote games that won't make the final list.

Here is the Top 10 for this year:

1) Chrono Trigger - 165 points
2) Persona 4 - 141
3) Final Fantasy 6 - 137
4) Xenoblade - 111
5) Dark Souls - 101
6) Planescape: Torment - 76
7) Final Fantasy 9 - 75
8) Final Fantasy 7 - 72
9) Baldur's Gate 2 - 69
10) Final Fantasy Tactics - 68


16 wrpgs made the top 50, and 28 made the top 100. Almost the same proportions as last year (although some titles are different).

I will start working on the OP tomorrow, starting with those games.

It is a joy to see Skyrim the hell out of the top 10.

 

[Lime]

That's a lot of Final Fantasy :/

 

[kswiston]

It is a joy to see Skyrim the hell out of the top 10.

Skyrim ended up in a three way tie for #24.

I might use the number of 3-point votes a game received as a tie breaker for titles in the Top 50. There is still more clumping than I would like.

That's a lot of Final Fantasy :/

Ya, they all floated to the top of the list this year. There are 4 FF games in the top 10 and 6 in the top 15. However, after that we get more diversity. Only one additional game made the top 50 (FF5) and two more made the top 100 (FF4 and FF8).

 

[Error]

Wow P4 second, I was expecting 3rd. All hail our JRPG overlords Atlus :bow

 

[VitalNerve]

Here is the Top 10 for this year:

1) Chrono Trigger - 165 points
2) Persona 4 - 141
3) Final Fantasy 6 - 137
4) Xenoblade - 111
5) Dark Souls - 101
6) Planescape: Torment - 76
7) Final Fantasy 9 - 75
8) Final Fantasy 7 - 72
9) Baldur's Gate 2 - 69
10) Final Fantasy Tactics - 68

I am very satisfied with this list.

 

[Aeana]

Ya, they all floated to the top of the list this year. There are 4 FF games in the top 10 and 6 in the top 15. However, after that we get more diversity. Only one additional game made the top 50 (FF5) and two more made the top 100 (FF4 and FF8).

So FF5 is above 4?
Perhaps the Fiesta is having an effect. It's so sad that it just isn't a very big part of the western gaming consciousness.

 

[kayos90]

I am very satisfied with this list.

I assume P4G being released this year made P4 make #2.

 

[Vulcano's assistant]

I assume P4G being released this year made P4 make #2.

I may have taken a boost because of it, I think it would have made the top 10 nonetheless. Now, more interesting than that is that the top Bioware games (BGII and KOTOR) seem to be in lower positions than last year, maybe part of the growing backlash of ME3.

 

[Heropon]

I love seeing FFV above FFIV in a list for once in my life, but I'm surprised 4 got so few points. I thought there was more love for that game seeing other threads.

 

[Dark Schala]

Suikoden II was pushed out of the Top 10.

Just post them too , it will be interesting to read.

Nah, maybe next year or something if I decide to vote again. It was additional stuff for Anachronox, DQ5, and Baldur's Gate 2, and a few unranked honourable mentions that I couldn't fit in.

I love seeing FFV above FFIV in a list for once in my life, but I'm surprised 4 got so few points. I thought there was more love for that game seeing other threads.

Me too.

 

[Earthpainting]

I assume P4G being released this year made P4 make #2.

Yeah, I assume it, Dark Souls and Xenoblade will drop quite a bit next year when people get off the release-hype train.

Considering there's only one game on that list that I didn't really enjoy, I think it turned out to be a very respectable top 10. Many thanks to kswiston and all the others.

 

[zkylon]

Always a fun series to count:

Fallout Games
1) Fallout 3 - 52 points
2) Fallout New Vegas - 48 points
3) Fallout 2 - 25 points
4) Fallout 1 - 11 points

Tallies are ongoing. There is going to be a decent amount of shakeup in this year's list.

Aw, that's the opposite it should be.

 

[Aeana]

Suikoden II was pushed out of the Top 10.

That just means it's time to finally get it out on PSN.

Vic better not be full of it!

 

[ULTROS!]

I'm glad P4 made it to the top 10.

Kinda sad that FFX and Suikoden II didn't reach the top 10 though.

 

[massoluk]

The King will not be denied his rightful spot. Chrono Trigger laughs at puny competitors.

 

[gilljoy]

My List:

1. Baulders Gate Enhanced edition
2. Skyrim
3. Star wars knights of the old republic 1 + the restored second
4. Dragon Age 1
5. Neverwinter nights 2

 

[Peter Bazooka]

I will never understand why Chrono Trigger is so popular.

 

[Dark Schala]

It's like football (soccer); it's the beautiful(ly designed) game.

 

[archnemesis]

I will never understand why Chrono Trigger is so popular.

It's not the most interesting RPG, but it does almost nothing wrong.

 

[RagingAvatar]

My list:

1) Final Fantasy XI
2) Dragon Quest X
3) World of Warcraft
4) Skyrim
5) Dragon Quest IX
6) Fire Emblem
7) Final Fantasy XII
8) Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
9) Final Fantasy X
10) Pokemon
11) Dragon Age 1+2
12) Lost Odyssey

I'm sure there are games I've forgotten but this does scream "Why the heck haven't you played Dragon Quest VIII!?"

 

[Hero]

I will never understand why Chrono Trigger is so popular.

Have you played it?

 

[demidar]

I will never understand why Chrono Trigger is so popular.

It's consistently amazing and interesting, has almost no flaws and ends just when it runs out of tricks. The reason why I didn't put FF6 on my list is because it's too darn long, CT doesn't suffer from that. We're talking about quality density not length.

 

[vall03]

man, I feel bad for myself. I think I should replay Chrono Trigger. Played it once and for the first time on the DS and I really dont know what to say. Though I have to agree, its not too long and not too short.

 

[UberTag]

I believe the following is accurate based on what we know now...

NEW TO THE TOP 50

Dragon Age: Origins - making a return appearance for the first time since the inaugural Essential RPGs poll in February 2010
Final Fantasy V - first time in the Top 50
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky - first time in the top 50
Secret of Mana - returning after a 1-year absence
Tales of Vesperia - making a return appearance for the first time since the inaugural Essential RPGs poll in February 2010

OUT OF THE TOP 50

Fallout 2 - fails to make the Top 50 for the first time ever
Final Fantasy VIII - fails to make the Top 50 for the first time ever
Phantasy Star Online - made its only appearance in last year's Top 50 thread
Pokémon Red/Blue/Yellow/FireRed/LeafGreen - fails to make the Top 50 for the first time ever
The Witcher - fails to make the Top 50 for the first time ever

 

[Peter Bazooka]

Have you played it?

I've beaten it lots of times. It's a good game, I just don't get it's overwhelming popularity.

 

[zkylon]

Fallout 2 - fails to make the Top 50 for the first time ever
The Witcher - fails to make the Top 50 for the first time ever

T_T

 

[saveweyard]

I wish I could go back and change my 3 point vote to Persona 4. I'm playing Golden right now and my god is it good...

 

[UberTag]

I wish I could go back and change my 3 point vote to Persona 4. I'm playing Golden right now and my god is it good...

It would take close to another 30 people to turn their P4 2-point votes into 3-point votes to dethrone the behemoth that is Chrono Trigger.

CT actually doesn't command too many 1st place votes or 3-point votes itself. Lots of games outdo it there... including "no longer in the Top 10" Suikoden II.
It's not that there is a huge onrush of people clamoring that CT is their best/favorite/most essential RPG of all-time.
It's the huge volume of list inclusions and honorable mentions that dwarf any other title that paces it to such a lead each and every year.

 

[saveweyard]

It would take close to another 30 people to turn their P4 2-point votes into 3-point votes to dethrone the behemoth that is Chrono Trigger.

Well, at least it is already in front of the one I voted for, FF VII, which is still my favorite FF games. But that's mostly due to it being linked with my childhood and returning to play it every couple of years. I recognize that there are better JRPGs (and FFs) out there.

 

[massoluk]

It's the huge volume of list inclusions and honorable mentions that dwarf any other title that paces it to such a lead each and every year.

The system works
It means the game is never out of people mind despite the torrents of newer games.

 

[R_thanatos]

It would take close to another 30 people to turn their P4 2-point votes into 3-point votes to dethrone the behemoth that is Chrono Trigger.

CT actually doesn't command too many 1st place votes or 3-point votes itself. Lots of games outdo it there... including "no longer in the Top 10" Suikoden II.
It's not that there is a huge onrush of people clamoring that CT is their best/favorite/most essential RPG of all-time.
It's the huge volume of list inclusions and honorable mentions that dwarf any other title that paces it to such a lead each and every year.

Well chrono trigger deserves it as a rpg fan it's hard to argue against the numerous qualities of that game.the fact that it has aged quite well is also a big plus