Best RPG you have played to date?

[Koneigg]

What is the best RPG game you have played so far?
My choice is Star Ocean: First Departure and the system it's for is the PSP.

[metreon]

Stalker, shadow of chernobyl.

if you'll not accept that as an rpg... then i guess final fantasy 6 or chrono trigger... final fantasy was great for the first few disks. it's funny, i can't even play those games anymore due to the low level graphics. but i haven't played an rpg worth playing since then. i didn't even much care for the witcher.

[Borg1982]

Final Fantasy IV. The DS one is the best one to play because it was refined.

It has always been my favorite game of all time because everyone is both a unique class and unique character, adding some small element to the emotional storyline.

[Cyrus the virus]

Beginning to replay it again, I have to say Chrono Trigger. Final Fantasy VI may tie it, but CT has this... magic to it. The music is powerful.

[Phakiel]

Objectively, toss between Final Fantasy X and Shadow Hearts Covenant. Leaning towards Covenant since its main character was not a whiny little prick with stupid tan, hair and shorts, and didnt have a dumb bitch named Rikku in the character roster, or a retard, or a mindless mutant.

Subjectively, motherfucking Xenogears.

EDIT: Sorry, but saying retarded jock is a reiteration.

[Viktor]

Ahh Xenogears...that game is out of control. It's hard for me to make a decision on which one would be the "best" game but if I had to pick one it would probably be either Super Mario RPG or the original Final Fantasy 7. Sorry to sound cliche' on that but I personally haven't seen anything top it yet.

[Devil King]

Most definately Final Fantasy IX; I loved every single moment of that game. I've yet to play a FF game much less an RPG that was in league with it (aside from Fable*).

*Honourable Mention

[drunken monk]

God I loved FFIX but most people hated it for some reason. Pisses me off. I guess it had something to do with the fact that those same people never played the classic FF games and started out with FFVII or VIII. I know a lot of people couldnt get over the "weird" character designs and just wrote the game off because of it. Anyway its my second favorite entry in the series. When I get time I would love to replay it again.

[Sen]

I'd cite either Chrono Trigger or Final Fantasy VII as the best RPG I've played thus far. Though The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Final Fantasy VIII, Parasite Eve, and Xenogears all deserve mention as far as I'm concerned.

[Contagion]

I've become quite fond of the Tales series over the past few years. Too many RPGs that I consider great, so I'll just name a bunch...

FFVII, FFIX, FFXII, Tales of Symphonia, Tales of the Abyss, Tales of Vesperia, Xenogears, Suikoden (love the series, but mainly II and V), Chrono Trigger (playing the DS version now), Grandia II, Valkyrie Profile...yeah I've prolly said too many :D

EDIT: I forgot FFT! *slap*

[Sibek]

Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne

[akash]

all time because everyone is both a unique class and unique character, adding some small element to the emotional

[Ges]

Xenosaga Episode III was what I had the most fun playing, but I think FFX would be the best that I've played. With Chrono Trigger as a 1b.

[Void]

I'm going to have to say it's a tie between Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne and Fallout 3. The only reason I can't choose one over the other is that they're very different kinds of RPGs. If anything I'd say SMT3 is the best JRPG, and Fallout 3 is the best WRPG. Yeah, I'm obviously a whore for Oblivion type games. To tell the truth, if it weren't for WRPGs, I would never play an RPG again. Too bad it's an almost untouched genre.

[BAMAJAMA]

FF VII-FF X, with an emphasis on FF VII(it is what got me back into rpg's after being out of gaming for 12 years). Legend of Dragoon, I know it has it's haters but I loved it. Both Chrono Trigger and Cross. The Suikoden games and the Shadow Hearts games. Each of these has their own reasons for me but if forced to name only one, FF VII would have to take it for sentimental value.

[twerp]

I'll never decide between FFVI, FFVII, Chrono Trigger, and Xenogears. They all hold a special place for one reason or another.

[Ges]

I am one of few, but I absolutely loved Xenosaga Ep. 1.

Other games I loved were FFX and CT. I give them all a 3-way tie.

[WOTON]

Xenogears still tops my list and it's been years since I've played it. I'm still awestruck by it. I've played some other really good games since, but haven't stuck to me like XG. I really enjoyed FFIX it's my favorite in the regular series.

[Genopuff]

fallout and eye of the beholder series for console... Pokemon for the hand helds...and Wizardry for ps2

[TheSilentSeed]

For me its Chrono Trigger, but its hard to not want to put Final fantasy 8 or 9 right next to it. >_<

[freeflow^]

For me it's close between Suikoden III and Final Fantasy: Tactics. I'm a sucker for the games that focus on the drama that accompanies class struggle and family lineage. Suikoden 3 displayed these elements so uniquely, and in such an intricate way that the game has grown on me over time. It started out as being ranked below one and two, when it first game out, but now it's my favorite of all the games.

However, Tactics was a beautifully written game, and ridiculous deep as far as gameplay goes. I've talked endlessly about how much I loved Delita (more than Jowy) as a character. The game really does have an epic and grandoise feel fighting giant Zodiacs with only Ramza to use would be one good example and the battle/class system that accompanies it has yet to be beaten in strategy RPGs, IMO. I do really wish the newer additions of the series were more series and deep in regards to their stories. I couldn't get into Tactics Advance because of that, and I hear the newer installment is similar in fashion.

Anyways, both games give me such great memories, but I think if I absolutely had to choose between them, it would be Tactics that gets my vote.

[Raidou]

FFIV

FFIV forever love! Just completed it AGAIN two weeks ago.

Tellah: I spend my life to kill you bastard! METEO! {zeh zeh zeh zeh ~ sound effect ~}

Objectively, toss between Final Fantasy X and Shadow Hearts Covenant. Leaning towards Covenant since its main character was not a whiny little prick with stupid tan, hair and shorts, and didnt have a dumb bitch named Rikku in the character roster, or a retard, or a mindless mutant.

Subjectively, motherfucking Xenogears.



Seriously, Rikku sux!!! Joachim on the other hand, the best funny RPG character ever! His conversation with Yuri is so darn funny. And the dance, hahaha.

Ok Xenogears. I agree wholeheartedly.

What is the best RPG game you have played so far?
My choice is Star Ocean: First Departure and the system it's for is the PSP.

Really? Need to start playing it after I'm done with Rezel Cross.

[TheBlatantKatana]

Yay Xenogears! ^_^
It makes me happy that so many others have mentioned it. I was dissapointed by the Xenosaga series. If I hadn't played Xenogears, then I would probably have liked them better, but they had far too much to live up to.

Xenogears is only one of my favorites; I have far too many.

Fave Old School: Earthbound (The spiteful crow pecked at your eyes!)

Fave FF: IX. It deserved much more credit than it got. It blew VII out of the water, but I still think VII had the better ending. IX's got a little stupid with the crystal, and the unessecary final boss.

Fave "RPG element" games: Castlevania: SotN (holy crap! things! stuff! double jump!), Otogi 1&2, Zelda: Ocarina of Time (No, Zelda is NOT a trure RPG, there's no exp damnit!), Okami (it's just so damn pretty ^_^ and seeped in Shinto folklore), and Shadow of the Colossus.

Fave Strat/J-RPGs: Disgaea, any of the Personas but especially 3, Digital Devil Saga 1&2, Fire Emblem (any of them. Addicting as hell), Saiyuki, The World Ends With You, Kingdom Hearts 1&2(but 2 was better), Star Ocean 2, Dragon Quest VII and VIII, Valkyrie Profile (the original PS1 version), and I'm drawing a blank. I'm sure there's other's I'm forgetting from this catagory.

Fave "Western" RPG: KotOR (god I wish it had been an action RPG and not turn based! I want one for the Wii! What the hell else was the Wii controller created for if not for lightsaber purposes?!?), Fable, Morrowind (What other game can you steal an entire matching silverware and pottery set?), and Jade Empire.

[Raph]

A toss-up between FFVII and Xenogears. Both games have amazing characters, music, and atmosphere.

[Bob14]

IT's so hard to pick one... Obviously ffVII, Xenogears, and CT are all up there but some that weren't mentioned:

Zelda Ocarina of time: Such a fun game. I remember having friends over as a kid and playing it together.

Grandia: Just a great game

If I had to pick one though I think I would have to go with Star Ocean the second story. Only because it was the first RPG I ever played... it's what got me hooked.

[Luisfe]

Planescape Torment is tied in my book with Fallout 1.

[freeflow^]

Fallout 3 ftw... though I haven't played the earlier installments

[tehjeff]

Xenogears, hands down.

The battle system was refreshing, the music was amazing, and the plot was just insane. Definitely the most memorable. Neon Genesis Evangelion + Fight Club + Soylent Green = Xenogears.

Also: Earthbound and Final Fantasy VI. But Xenogears, guh...I ranted on about that game on every message board and through every chat channel during the winter of '98.

[Blackdragon]

Disgaea 2, followed by (in this order) Tales Of Symphonia, Tales Of Vesperia, Chrono Trigger, and Fallout 3.

[Atlas]

Chrono Cross.

[Ges]

Xenosaga Ep. III

[Void]

I am one of few, but I absolutely loved Xenosaga Ep. 1.

You do realize it's a greatest hits game, right?

Anyhow, I've recently become addicted to Borderlands. Since it's too early to tell, though, I'd like to mention a newer game.

Mass Effect 2. I like that exploration is more rewarding in this game than in the first (with little missions and what not). My major gripe though is that the game is more linear than the first. They took out most of the free roam aspects of the original (which were small in number anyway) and and replaced them with little side quests, then told everyone that there would be so much more to do.

Well, granted, it's a lot more enjoyable than riding around the Mako, but it's over so fast.

[Evil]

Definitely Shadow Hearts: Covenant.

[Ges]

I meant I am one of the few who would categorize it as their "best played to date".

Also, I meant Ep. III. I think. Oh well. They're both dastardly good.

[Void]

I meant I am one of the few who would categorize it as their "best played to date".

Also, I meant Ep. III. I think. Oh well. They're both dastardly good.

Haha. Either way, my bad.

[Karsh]

Chrono Cross.

If you said that about....6 years or so ago you would have been nailed on a cross

[Karsh]

I'll never decide between FFVI, FFVII, Chrono Trigger, and Xenogears. They all hold a special place for one reason or another.

Add Secret of Mana in there, along with Star Ocean 2 and you have a fantastic lineup right there.


(maybe Earthbound for good measure)

[freeflow^]

If you said that about....6 years or so ago you would have been nailed on a cross

I'm still planning on doing it

[Elon]

Earthbound! Nothing like being mushroomized or diamondized. I loved that.

[Phakiel]

Xenogears is my favourite game of all time and I judge all experiences based on this game because it was just a huge gem.

However, when faced with this question I try to look at it from an objective point of view and that makes me think of three contenders:

Final Fantasy X: The only thing really bringing this one down is the main character. Normally you want a relatable, smart, likeable and strong main character, something Final Fantasy rarely if ever gives you. Judging in the franchise, only two main characters have ever been close to this, Cecil(FF4) and Ramza (FFt). Cecil was held down because rpgs had not been pumped with as much wowza in the story and character department as it is today or as it was in the PSX era. Ramza however, didnt get much growth because the focus of the game was in the overdeveloped and tricky story-line and the battles. Hell you could even make that first couple squires and chemists into your most valued party members, and they didnt even have lines. The we have Squall (being too emo before emo existed, probably changing subcultures as early as 1999), Cloud (Not much of a personality right?), that fucking Zidane, Locke/Terra/Celes, Vaan (Jesus what a douche), and of course that fucking little piece of shit called Tidus (ugh). However FFX was really he first time you could see what could be done in those times for rpgs, it was just being wowed by FFMVs, technology had finally achieved an incredible point and Square knew, as they usually do, how to really take everything they got and throw it there. FFX had a decent story, a balanced battle system with a very lax learning curve and overall fantastic presentation. The only bad thing they did was characters. Yuna might just be the character I least hated, and Lulu just because of the tits, but Tidus was horrible, Rikku is the worst offender of the perky young whore archetype Yuffie and Selphie were part of, Wakka was just this obnoxious dumb jock, Auron was sort of ok, Khimari doesnt count. So, maybe FFX failed a bit.

Persona 3: Damn. This game was addicting. I would have finished it if mother hadnt completely obliterated my ps2. Persona had the story, the characters, ok graphics, a fantastic albeit a bit stiff battle system. However, as its common in SMT games, the main character had no personality because it was just an avatar of you as a player. Now this is fun of course, since you pick choices and kind of make up this idea of who the character could be, but thats it, its up to you, instead of showing you a character thats a bit more developed. Persona 3 was close.

Shadow Hearts Covenant: Now here we go. Graphics, yes, battle system, hell yeah, characters, totally fucking yeah. Covenant was really one of the best games for the ps2 and after thinking about this, I think I can honestly say its the best rpg I have played.

Disclaimer: I think that a console that was priced over 300 bucks is too damn much so I dont own a ps3 and wont until probably my bday this year now that is finally at a decent price. The 360, I cant stand that in 2010 we would get a console that could get broken randomly and form just playing it, not accidents or something unusual, just randomly it decides to get ring of death, I find this ridiculous and offensive that Microsoft would choose to keep that thing in the market being a faulty device. So, I havent played any games of this generation so they didnt enter the contest.

[Cyrus the virus]

Persona 4 is even better, if you can believe it.

[Phakiel]

Than Covenant?

Dammit, I hate mother for destroying my ps2!

[Cyrus the virus]

3 I meant, I haven't played Covenant.. probably should. I thought 3 was incredible but 4 was somehow even better.

[freeflow^]

When I think about all the great RPGs I've played: the Final Fantasy's, Suikodens, Grandia's, Breath of Fire's, Fallout's, Zelda's, Mass Effect's, etc... I wonder if any of them was more awe-inspiring and more perfect than Chrono Trigger was, and still is today. Every single thing about this game is brilliant and I can't honestly choose any other game now that I think about. I have yet to play Xenogears or the Personas, but I'm skeptical that they could actually top this game. It's just too ingenious.

*realizes he said Suikoden 3 and Tactics were the best a couple months ago*

[Cloud]

I would have to say Fallout 3

Reasons

Great story, love the freedom to go where I want when I want and do what I want.(except blast kids) I like most of the characters.

They had beautiful visuals and memorable scenery such as bombed out DC with all the monuments and such.

The combat system in the game was great wheter you just like the first person shooter format or using the VATS which to me felt like a Matrix style slow motion system.

The leveling system was cool in the fact that you could pick what type of character you wanted, "guns blazing", " stealth ninja", "Computer Hacker", "Melee Brawler", or the "Jack of all trades" they also added the perk bonuses which were pretty cool and rewarding.

I can't wait for the next chapter of this series.

[Blackdragon]

Forgot to add Skies of Arcadia to my list. The Gamecube version of course, due to less frequent encounters. It was still kind of bad though.

[King Zeal]

In no particular order:

1. Chrono Trigger (fuck Cross)

2. Tales of the Abyss

3. Final Fantasy X (and yes, I am a Tidus fan)

4. Skies of Arcadia

5. Mass Effect 2



I refuse to choose between them.

[LunarGriever]

Hmm I guess I'll show up late to this party. I'm only going to list JRPGs since I'm a lot more familiar with them than WRPGs. Anyway mine are as follows (in no real order):

Final Fantasy 7
Xenogears
Chrono Trigger
Valkyrie Profile (why was 2 so bad??)
Grandia (the original only)
Lunar (Both are great... Original is probably better)
Valkyria Chronicles (not just the ONLY good JRPGs of this gen., but one of the best ever)


Hopefully I didn't forget any.

[Cyrus the virus]

You didn't like Grandia 2? Have we been over this before... ?

[LunarGriever]

I think so.... It's not that I didn't like the 2nd one. I just found the original to be much much better in terms of story and characters. Grandia 3 I liked better too, even though it was clear they cut development on that after about 75%.

[Jarrid]

I would have to go along and say Chrono Trigger and Vagrant Story (can I count that?).

For the most addicting game, I would have to say FFTA2. I mean, there was nothing special about the story, and honestly, I do not remember there being one, but holy hell, I do not know why I put in over three hundred hours. I guess I needed something to do in between jobs when it first came out. Haha.

[LunarGriever]

You know for some god damn reason I sold my copy of Vagrant Story way back when... I wish I had not done that... Hopefully they'll put it, and Parasite Eve 1&2 both of which I never played, on PSN sooner or later... Bonus if it's been given the HD treatment.

[Jarrid]

I really would like to get Parasite Eve One and Two. I, for some odd reason, never reminded myself of purchasing it.