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[Green Shinobi]

You are the first person I have ever seen on GAF with the "Ban me, Immediately" marker next to their name.

Now, I know why.

Try to find the thread "Tabris praises the worst dialogue in the industry!"

It started out making fun of shitty dialogue in some Bioware game before turning into a Xenogears discussion. Great, great posts in that thread.

 

[∀ Narayan]

Try to find the thread "Tabris praises the worst dialogue in the industry!" thread.

It started out making fun of shitty dialogue in some Bioware game before turning into a Xenogears discussion. Great, great posts in that thread.

Haha! Shit! I was right!

:lol

 

[Lionheart1827]

There was something about Skies of Arcadia's atmosphere that just sucked me in. The exploration in that game was great.

When I first played the game, I looked at the map at the beginning of the game, and I was like "wow thats small" but as you get farther into the game the map gets larger and larger. It has the best overworld in any RPG. It still surprised me to this day that not many RPG's take advantage of the ship battle mode in SoA.

I liked Xenogears, but imo I'd much rather spend my time replaying SoA to completion. It's just a lot more fun.

 

[dark steve]

In defense of Xenogears dialogue, it won't actually kill you slowly and painfully, unlike what you would find in a Tales game.

Also, when it's not full of the terrible story, it can actually be pretty clever. For the time it was released. For the place games were in at that point.

I can't hate any game with a Burma-Shave reference.

 

[duffey]

The above character was put in for people who like trash like SoA so they could get them to play the game.

Yeah I'm sure they put a CRUCIFIED TALKING ANIMAL to appeal to people who "like games that have no depth to their stories or characters." Give me a break.

 

[Green Shinobi]

Xenogears is a very deceptive game. Very deceptive.

See, for the first several hours, it has you absolutely convinced that it is going to have a great, great story.

It begins with a pretty good anime intro with a spaceship crashing on a planet. Before it crashes, the words You shall be gods flash repeatedly on this big monitor on the bridge. You see this woman who apparently survived the crash standing on the surface of the planet. Pretty sweet intro, you think. Obviously there is going to be a lot of back story.

Your main character, Fei, is the pretty standard amnesiac, but you get introduced to some excellent side characters, like Citan (probably still my favorite RPG character ever), Elly and Bart. Lots of religious undertones, which are cool. Play for a few hours, and you've already met a lot of the villains. Ramsus and Miang. Grahf (who has some sick music that accompanies his every appearance). Not sure if you've met Id or Krelian by this point, but you come to understand that there are many different factions at play here. Obviously the story must be complicated.

Anyway, at some point past the 20 hour mark, the story just starts getting really ridiculous. It doesn't really deliver on the promise that the first several hours held. The story had a lot of potential, and I mean a lot. Unfortunately, it wasn't really done properly. There are some really great subplots, IMO. For instance, I really loved the character of Elly. Her character arc is pretty amazing until a certain revelation that happens towards the end of the game. But by that point, everything has become utterly ridiculous, so it doesn't really stand out.

The game has some outstanding moments that are probably the pinnacle of jRPG characterization and storytelling. But they all kind of fall apart towards the end.

 

[beef3483]

Xenogears I actually brought myself to finish. Not so with Skies of Arcadia.

 

[KittenMaster]

The game has some outstanding moments that are probably the pinnacle of jRPG characterization and storytelling. But they all kind of fall apart towards the end.

Good ol' Disc 2. Finest example of rushed development, and not just in the story. It's actually apparent when playing the game too.

Though, they do define the difference between Xenogears and Evangelion: An actual happy ending.

 

[thetrin]

Skies of Arcadia has a light, whimsical story, and fucking kick ass gameplay (with a SLIGHTLY mishandled encounter rate).

You might actually be really really surprised by Skies. I have a feeling you already know what you're getting into with Xenogears.

Thus, I say Skies.

 

[Green Shinobi]

As RPG stands for "role playing game," I'll just say this. Skies of Arcadia made me want to be the main character more than any other RPG ever.

 

[thetrin]

As RPG stands for "role playing game," I'll just say this. Skies of Arcadia made me want to be the main character more than any other RPG ever.

Was it because of Vyse's awesome techno eye patch, or the fact that he's an all around awesome dude?

Skies also has some of my favorite battle dialogue:

"BRRRRIIING IT ON!!" <-- the genius is in the inflection

"Your cheap tricks won't work on us!"

 

[Green Shinobi]

Was it because of Vyse's awesome techno eye patch, or the fact that he's an all around awesome dude?

Skies also has some of my favorite battle dialogue:

"BRRRRIIING IT ON!!" <-- the genius is in the inflection

"Your cheap tricks won't work on us!"

All that, plus the fact that you become the greatest explorer the world has ever known.

I just wish the romance between Vyse and Fina had been more pronounced. I like to know my heroes are getting poon after saving the world.

 

[CharminUltra]

Xenogears no contest.

Xenogears is a stand out title on a system saturated by some of the best RPG ever (Chrono Cross, Vagrant Story, Valkyrie Profile, Suikoden I and II, Dragon Warrior VII, Grandia, Persona 2, Tales of Destiny, Final Fantasy VII, VIII, IX, Tactics, and all the collections, etc.)

SoA (DC) on the other hand, is sort of like Tales of Symphonia (GCN): Some people like it just because it was one of the few (if not the only) decent RPGs in their respective systems... which is not saying much.

Catch my drift?

 

[Big Shirtless Ron]

xenogears.

skies of arcadia is one of the worst rpgs i have ever played.

 

[Lionheart1827]

Xenogears no contest.

Xenogears is a stand out title on a system saturated by some of the best RPG ever (Chrono Cross, Vagrant Story, Valkyrie Profile, Suikoden I and II, Dragon Warrior VII, Grandia, Persona 2, Tales of Destiny, Final Fantasy VII, VIII, IX, Tactics, and all the collections, etc.)

SoA (DC) on the other hand, is sort of like Tales of Symphonia (GCN): Some people like it just because it was one of the few (if not the only) decent RPGs in their respective systems... which is not saying much.

Catch my drift?

No I loved the game because it was a great game. I had a lot more fun with Skies then I had with FF7. And yes, I played each game when they came out.

 

[Green Shinobi]

SoA (DC) on the other hand, is sort of like Tales of Symphonia (GCN): Some people like it just because it was one of the few (if not the only) decent RPGs in their respective systems... which is not saying much.

That must be it! Those fucking Dreamcast fanatics are always overrating everything!

 

[hylian_pirate]

SoA.

SHIP BATTLES!!

 

[vanguardian1]

IMHO, they're both great games (both are in my top 10 personal favs of all time), but for very different reasons. Since there are a FEW of us here (glares around) who enjoyed both, why not tell us a bit more detail on what you're looking for in a jrpg, so we can steer you a bit better in the right direction?

 

[Ravidrath]

Skies. While not perfect, it's much more playable and a lot less pretentious than Xenogears, and the scenario is pretty awesome despite the number of cliches it has - it's just done so well.

Also, its second disc gets better, not worse.

 

[Duderz]

Skip both and play Valkyrie Profile. It fits your criteria quite well.

Spoiler

Xenogears

 

[IcebergSlim3000]

Now this is a thread I can get behind. To solid games. 2 of the best RPG's Ive ever played. Its hard to choose just one but if I had to I would go with Xenogears. The story is more mature and has major plot twists. Im talking KOTOR major. Yea go with that one.

Yea the second CD is pretty much nothing but story but that final fight was more than makes up for it. God that game was good. Do yourself a favor and don't play Xenosaga afterwards though. That game is the ugly stepchild to the brilliance that is Xenogears.

 

[FateBreaker]

Xenogears. Duh. It's my favorite RPG ever, and I've beaten a lot. And, since you want something very RPG heavy, Xenogears should be your cup of tea.

Edit: Don't listen to others, either. Play Xenosaga if you loved Xenogears. Fair warning: Ep 1 is a bit worse, Ep 2 is a lot worse, but Ep 3 is excellent.

 

[Tailzo]

Skies of Arkadia wins with ease, but Xenogears is still a great game. Skies has such an enjoajable story that doesn't take itself too seriousely, with some of the most memorable characters ever and the greatest sense of exploration ever seen in a videogame.

 

[SouthernDragon]

Skies.

Well, if you are below 15, like someone said, Xeno will rock your world.

If not, and you've actually read some books in your life time, well then, SoA can't be beat.

And the random encounter rate is overrated. The 1st mate on your crew (I forgot her name, but she's the one with the orange hair) has an ability that's easy to use and will take care of the random battles in one to two turns rather early in the game.

 

[Night_Trekker]

And the random encounter rate is overrated. The 1st mate on your crew (I forgot her name, but she's the one with the orange hair) has an ability that's easy to use and will take care of the random battles in one to two turns rather early in the game.

Not to mention the GCN port had it's encounter rate lowered compared to the DC original.

 

[Green Shinobi]

I think it's possible to appreciate Xenogears' without being an angsty teen.

It's really only disc 2 that gets ridiculous. Disc 1 has a lot of great moments. It was a good story that needed a rewrite, that's it. Even if you've read a lot of books (I have a degree in English Literature, so yes, I've read a lot), you have to love characters like Citan, and to a lesser degree, Bart and Elly.

The 1st mate on your crew (I forgot her name, but she's the one with the orange hair) has an ability that's easy to use and will take care of the random battles in one to two turns rather early in the game.

Aika. And you're referring to Delta Storm and Lambda Burst.

 

[beef3483]

I think it's possible to appreciate Xenogears' without being an angsty teen.

It's really only disc 2 that gets ridiculous. Disc 1 has a lot of great moments. It was a good story that needed a rewrite, that's it. Even if you've read a lot of books (I have a degree in English Literature, so yes, I've read a lot), you have to love characters like Citan, and to a lesser degree, Bart and Elly.

And the "identity of Id" revelation was one of the greatest twists ever written.

 

[Green Shinobi]

And the "identity of Id" revelation was one of the greatest twists ever written.

It was pretty well telegraphed. I guessed that twist during Id's first appearance. I think you're exaggerating with that statement.

 

[Tayo]

I suggest Xenogears, the story is awesome.

 

[Fady K]

no, I think you got that mixed up. the trash is where Xenogears belongs too.

Xenogears? Trash? Ok.

Xenogears. Duh. It's my favorite RPG ever, and I've beaten a lot. And, since you want something very RPG heavy, Xenogears should be your cup of tea.

Edit: Don't listen to others, either. Play Xenosaga if you loved Xenogears. Fair warning: Ep 1 is a bit worse, Ep 2 is a lot worse, but Ep 3 is excellent.

This mans got it right. Xenogears all the way, it is by far one of the greatest games ever created, even if pretentious and even if it drags on a bit on the 2nd disc.

Skies of Arcadia is great, but when your other choice is Xenogears? Xenogears it is.

Besides the plot [which absolutely rapes SoA's plot and characterization IMO] it has superior music [one of Mitsuda's best], its lengthier, and a better battle system.

 

[Green Shinobi]

Skies of Arcadia demolishes Xenogears in dungeon design though. Absolutely curb-stomps it. Like Tommy Lee vs. Paris Hilton in a distance pissing contest.

 

[HAOHMARU]

SoA without a doubt. Get SoA: Legends if you can. I've played both, but the GC version is more enjoyable. The only problem I had with it was that I thought the ship to ship combat was too easy.

Maybe there is hope for SoA 2!

 

[Prime crotch]

Arcadia, Xeno's a nice JRPG and all but Skies has a better story, better characters and better gameplay. The battle system also doesn't fucking freezes in the middle of a fight like Xeno.

 

[Dascu]

Skies of Arcadia should be a mandatory game for every fan of (J)RPGs. It is a fantastic experience.

 

[Lionheart1827]

Man all this talk of SoA makes me want to start a new save right now.

 

[firex]

xenogears was a game that I really hated the first time through, then I gave it another try months later and somehow got into it and beat it, and actually enjoyed it despite noticing all the god-awful dungeons, not that great combat, and really fucking bad balance with a lot of mini-points of no return where you can get completely fucked over if you choose the wrong person to take with you. Then when I decided to replay it... I didn't just notice all that stuff, I also noticed how poorly the characters are written at points, and how many times the game forces you to suspend your disbelief at some of the plot twists (not at the fantastical nature of the game's setting, but at why someone will go from your enemy to your friend or why they're revealing plot details to you). And it does a shitload of telling you what's happening/going to happen instead of showing you. Maybe some of this would be cleared up/made better if the game were localized today, since it has a translation that was considered mediocre even by PS1 standards, but I have a hard time believing it'd fix all the thematic content of the game.

On the upside, the game has fucking awesome music.

Generally I wouldn't recommend this game to anyone but delusional weeaboos (hi Tabris) but it's a pretty unique experience, even if I'd say it's honestly very little fun from a gameplay standpoint. So if you want something different, that probably won't be attempted in jrpgs again (for good reason), try it.

SoA, on the other hand, is a game that knows what it's about (a fun adventure through a big world) and doesn't try to do anything beyond that. That's probably a large part of its charm... it's by no means a perfect jrpg, but whenever I've felt the desire to play it, I've always managed to finish up the game.

Oh, also, for all the complaining about SoA's randoms... at least they play faster than most of Xenogears' (until maybe halfway through the game, anyway, when you can use 7AP combos) which I would honestly say are just as frequent. And you can pretty easily end those randoms not just with Aika's moves, but also by teaching Fina some of the fire magic (which is very easy to do in the GC version, since everyone's weapon element will stack for the magic xp) or the spell that hits all enemies and tries to poison them.

 

[Paracelsus]

Skies has a better story

In your opinion.

OP, go and play Xenogears. After that, play what the heck you want.

 

[beef3483]

It was pretty well telegraphed. I guessed that twist during Id's first appearance. I think you're exaggerating with that statement.

Excuse me, I meant for a videogame.

Anyways, it took me by suprise. I was like fifteen at the time, however. Now, it probably would have been much more obvious, but the fact that it wasn't made it incredibly awesome for me.

 

[SouthernDragon]

The man doesn't really care about gameplay or visuals, you all seem to forget that.

Skies, as a Role playing game, shines. Vyse is just an excellent character to play as, and the story has a smooth, natural progression. It doesn't shove in your face the grand adventure, or the fun, fantastic nature of the world; it shows you. Just the overworld alone is fantastic, with what the amazing islands, stormwalls, portals, and cities strewn about.

Not to mention the magnificent Discoveries, which are unique things in the world that all you have to do is witness. Once you witness them, aboard your ship, you get gold for them. Not to mention that the discoveries themselves are awesome and flesh out the world a little more, and give you this great sense of wonder.

It's an adventuring RPG that does adventuring right, and if you get the GC version, the encounter rate + Aika's Lambda/Delta abilities will take care of that right quick.

Great game. Highly enjoyable. I've never wanted to pilot a giant flying warship with a group of airborne friends so much. <3

 

[hteng]

play both, Xenogear is pretty difficult first time around, the gear fights are not exactly player friendly, achieving new move sets takes a hella practice but the 2D sprites are awesome to look at. The Music is above anything from the PS1 era and the story is quite mature/complex/religious, lots of character development, i think you get to experience every playable character gets his/her past/story, lots of sad moments, good twists.

Skies has a much lighter tone to it, it has the basic JRPG story (mysterious girl that holds the key to saving the world..etc), an extremely fun battle system, lovable characters, lots of exploration elements and obviously superior graphics than Xenogears.

that said, i think Xenogear takes abit longer to finish, you should try Skies first.

 

[Darkman M]

Xenogears still one of my favorite jrpg's to date i cant speak to much on skies because i only put about a good 3 hours in it. Xenogears has a very deep story imo.

 

[jiggle]

Xenogears

 

[Anobyl]

Xenogears is my favorite RPG to this day. incredible story and characters.

 

[Stocka]

Skies of Arcadia is the greatest RPG ever made.

 

[Haunted]

Both are great, but I'd slightly favour Skies of Arcadia for the awesome airship battles.

YAY! I'm a 1 dimensional sky pirate! Who am I? Every single character in the game of Skies or Arcadia.

That actually made me laugh, though. :lol

 

[PROOP]

Xenogears by a whisker. I can't remember an rpg gripping me like it did. Best battle system ever imo. Lots of side quests and other things to do to lighten the dense and heavy story. There was some cheesy mecha robot mini-game that had me hooked for hours too, kind of like snowboarding in FFVII.

Skies had a mediocre battle system, which is it's only real fault. The exploration/army building was sooooo good.

 

[Teasel]

xenogear without a doubt,sometimes you feel there are too much cutscenes going around (especialy in disc 2) but it has lots of cool moments

Spoiler

THE CITY IS A ROBOT AND THE SHIP IS A GIANT LASER BAZOOKA!

has pretty good music, and i always digged those 2D sprites on 3D enviroment

skies of arcadia isn't a bad game but it has a really slow pacing (i was going to hang myself during the last airship battle) and generaly it just feel a bit generic (evil empire,elemental crystals,timid chick who's important to the plot) beside the air pirates set

 

[Kyoufu]

Are you thirteen to sixteen years of age?

Because if so, Xenogears will blow your fucking mind.

Do you want to play a game that won't rot your soul?

Well, that's Skies of Arcadia.

My soul began to rot and decay when I was being forced to put up with the random battles.

 

[Dabanton]

Skies of Arcadia is the modern RPG that shows exactly how silly all the angst and convoluted plot twist bullshit that got going with FFVII and persists to this day really is.

It's sort of a revelation. You don't need all that. You just need a cast of charming characters in a well-told story.

In a nutshell SoA is probably one of the only Rpg's from my youth that i could play again and not cringe. A story told straight and with a sense of joy in it's heart it's moments of greatness are too much.

SoA.

SHIP BATTLES!!

YES,YES,YES does anyone know if any other other JPRG's ever used that ship battle system?

The man doesn't really care about gameplay or visuals, you all seem to forget that.

Skies, as a Role playing game, shines. Vyse is just an excellent character to play as, and the story has a smooth, natural progression. It doesn't shove in your face the grand adventure, or the fun, fantastic nature of the world; it shows you. Just the overworld alone is fantastic, with what the amazing islands, stormwalls, portals, and cities strewn about.

Not to mention the magnificent Discoveries, which are unique things in the world that all you have to do is witness. Once you witness them, aboard your ship, you get gold for them. Not to mention that the discoveries themselves are awesome and flesh out the world a little more, and give you this great sense of wonder.

It's an adventuring RPG that does adventuring right, and if you get the GC version, the encounter rate + Aika's Lambda/Delta abilities will take care of that right quick.

Great game. Highly enjoyable. I've never wanted to pilot a giant flying warship with a group of airborne friends so much. <3

Yep the discoveries are the cherry on the pie does anyone remember that one discovery

Spoiler

where you had to fly your ship along in a straight line into that dark cloudy area and suddenly your compass goes mad?

Right all this talk of SoA has got me all nostalgic am off to go and unpack the DC. It's time for me to have another playthrough it's been a while...

 

[6.8]

Skies of Arcadia.