RPG Recommendations?

[rgw825]

It doesn't have to be RPG's but i recently have become addicted and completely obsessed with the 2 Paper Mario games. I have never been a fan of RPG's before, or never gave them a chance. Are there any games, RPG or not that are similar in any way? Like the whole grand scope of things, or a similar battle system? Etc. A game with just as big of an adventure theme, preferably a game set in the past. I'm a complete noob when it comes to RPG's. I love the Paper Mario games so much i may not find a game better.

I "might" consider giving some RPG's a try if i can come up with some money. I'm considering getting Super Mario RPG down the line. I recently bought Zelda: A link to the past but haven't yet played it. To tell you the truth and it may sound funny but i am sort of intimidated by the game.

Well as i'm thinking about it, i have played Shadowrun for the Genesis and i guess that is sort of an RPG. And the original Legend of Zelda.

If it matters the systems i own are, PS2, Gamecube, N64, Snes, Nes, Genesis, and Sega CD.

[Trebuken]

If you get the Gamboy Advance Player for the Gamecube you can play Mario and Luigi Superstar Saga; also games in the series for the DS if you get one.

Not much else compares gameplay-wise.

Try Okami for the PS2. It's odd, but arguably better than either Paper Mario.

There's a third Paper Mario game on the Wii as well...if you ever gt a Wii.

[tom]

DragonStomper (worth getting a VCS for)

[mobiusclimber]

Super Mario RPG is, in fact, the closest game you can get to the Paper Mario titles. And do give Zelda: ALttP a try, it's excellent. Here's some other recommendations:

NES:
- Crystalis
- Dragon Warrior, DW III, DW IV
- Final Fantasy
- Magic of Scheherazade

SNES:
- Shadowrun
- Secret of Mana
- Illusion of Gaia
- Breath of Fire II
- Final Fantasy III (VI)

GENESIS:
- Landstalker
- Phantasy Star IV

SEGA CD:
- Lunar 1 & 2
- Vay

GAMECUBE:
- Tales of Symphonia
- Skies of Arcadia

PS2:
- Ico
- Alundra (PS1)
- Mega Man Legends, MML 2, Tron Bonne (PS1)
- Final Fantasy VII (PS1)
- Rogue Galaxy
- Shadow Hearts, SH: Covenant
- Tales of Destiny (PS1)

[rgw825]

Thank you all for the recommendations.

[j_factor]

I recommend EarthBound. It's similar to Paper Mario in that it's easy, has a fairly simple battle system, a unique "feel" and a lot of charm. I also recommend The Twisted Tales of Spike McFang for the same reasons, although it's an action-RPG.

[kupomogli]

Reading the post, first game I thought of.

Tactics Ogre Let Us Cling Together.

My all time favorite game. Then I read "A game with just as big of an adventure theme, preferably a game set in the past. I'm a complete noob when it comes to RPG's." Might be a bit too difficult.

Anyways. RPG titles that are fairly easy to get into and not too difficult but are very good.

Final Fantasy series. FF3 and FF3 DS suck though.
Breath of Fire series. BoF5/BoF Dragon Quarter is great also, but you might want to stick with the other games in the series first.
Lufia 2
Wild ARMs series
Arc the Lad 2. Might as well play the first game if you want to be able to get everything on the second, other than that, you're only missing a few items.
Grandia series

The only RPG that I can think of that's like Super Mario RPG is actually Legend of Dragoon. I dislike the game, but for some reason tons of people really love the game. Every single attack in the game(non spells) is just like in Mario RPG where you press the button when you hit the enemy, except on LoD, your regular attack is a set of timed button presses that as soon as you hit the opponent a square will line itself together and you have to press the button at that exact moment. The further in the game you get the longer and more difficult the attacks get. You also get to hear the characters yell out stuff like "Blazing Dynamo" after every complete attack.

[mobiusclimber]

... I can't believe I forgot to mention Spike McFang. XD

[rgw825]

Unfortunately i'm completely broke right now. But i did find Spike Mcfang on Ebay for $9 shipped so i bought that. I checked out a few of the games on Youtube. I'll check out more later. The video i found of Spike Mcfang looked really cool.

[j1e]

Wow. $9 for Spike McFang is a great deal. I believe I paid around $20+ for my cart only copy a while back and was very pleased with it. It's a great game.

[mobiusclimber]

Unfortunately i'm completely broke right now. But i did find Spike Mcfang on Ebay for $9 shipped so i bought that. I checked out a few of the games on Youtube. I'll check out more later. The video i found of Spike Mcfang looked really cool.

Nice pick up but please do give Zelda a shot. It's literally the best adventure title on the SNES. or of all time.

[rgw825]

I'll give Zelda a try. To tell the truth i was not all the way through with the first Paper Mario yet. I'm over 3/4 done. I would of finished it today but i was at work all day. Once October is over i will have way too much time on my hands.
I probably would of already bought Super Mario RPG if i had the cash. It's kind of pricey for a budget gamer as my self lol.

[rgw825]

So what RPG's can i fight Dragons in far away lands? :king:

[vivaeljason]

While this isn't about dragons in faraway lands, I have to recommend Super Mario RPG. Probably my favorite RPG ever. I'm not a hardcore RPG guy, mind you, but it's just incredibly well done.

I'm also an Earthbound fan, so try and pick it up.

[NCN]

The SNES is an RPG titan.

Secret of Evermore (my all time favorite game)
Super Mario RPG (one of the most entertaining RPGs I've played)
Illusion of Gaia
Breath of Fire
Breath of Fire 2
Secret of Mana
Zelda LTTP (I saw you mentioned this one. It's a great game, my fave of the series.)
The 7th Saga (Pretty tough game, but a load of fun with GREAT music)
Both of the Lufia games


...it just keeps going. If I had to suggest only one game, though, it's Secret of Evermore.

[j_factor]

So what RPG's can i fight Dragons in far away lands? :king:

Well, there's Breath of Fire, but I found it to be pretty "meh". I only played the first one though; I hear the sequels are better.

[cyberfluxor]

Well, there's Breath of Fire, but I found it to be pretty "meh". I only played the first one though; I hear the sequels are better.

I actually find BoF III & IV to be some very nice titles for the Playstation. Expect to pay $12-20 for them, but worth it.

Another shout out for the Wild Arms series.

If you have a Saturn check out Albert Odyssey, Dragon Force, or The Legend of Oasis.

[jb143]

Just currious, but what's intimidating about A Link to the Past? Since you already have it then you have to give it a go. Though it's not quite an RPG it's still a must play game.

Also, I'm surprised no one's said Chrono Trigger yet. I generally don't like RPG's but I love that game. I do like Zelda style adventures and Chrono Trigger comes close to that type of game while still being an RPG.

[InsaneDavid]

As has been mentioned, check out Illusion of Gaia on the Super Nintendo. It is an amazing game that is still somewhat unpraised for how great it is. It's a lot like the SNES Zelda game in terms of overhead action but it has a lot more of those eerie RPG moments. I also think it'll fit right into your taste for adventure as it sort of takes place in an alternate reality at the time when people were just beginning to go and explore the world's ancient ruins. It's my all time favorite game, hands down.

For a good bread and butter RPG with a very unique battle system, the first Grandia on the original PlayStation. That'd be my favorite RPG. Grandia II on the Dreamcast looked really nice but the story was slow and boring as was the game world. Grandia III on the PS2 brought back more of the feel of the original technology wise and for the most part the story was a lot more interesting than Grandia II (crappy main villain though). Nothing was as good as the original however.

[vivaeljason]

Just currious, but what's intimidating about A Link to the Past? Since you already have it then you have to give it a go. Though it's not quite an RPG it's still a must play game.

Also, I'm surprised no one's said Chrono Trigger yet. I generally don't like RPG's but I love that game. I do like Zelda style adventures and Chrono Trigger comes close to that type of game while still being an RPG.

I can't recommend it since I don't have it and never played it (waaaaaaaaay too expensive nowadays for me to consider adding it right now). Plus, if this guy doesn't have a ton of cash to spend, Chrono Trigger's not really an option.

[mobiusclimber]

I'll give Zelda a try. To tell the truth i was not all the way through with the first Paper Mario yet. I'm over 3/4 done. I would of finished it today but i was at work all day. Once October is over i will have way too much time on my hands.
I probably would of already bought Super Mario RPG if i had the cash. It's kind of pricey for a budget gamer as my self lol.

Super Mario RPG has dropped in price fairly drastically lately. I've seen it for as low as $25. If you don't have a lot of money, definitely stay away from Earthbound and Chrono Trigger, they're seriously expensive (of course if you find em cheap, snatch em up).

I'll say that CT is probably a good early RPG to play (early meaning one of the first games you play, not as in, it was released a million years ago). The reason I say that is that the beginning is HIGHLY cliched. The game only picks up slowly after a long time, if you're already familiar with the things in the beginning. (How many RPGs have the silent protagonist be woken up in bed and told he's late to go somewhere, particularly go meet his friends? How many have a carnival? How many have evil... ok, that would be a spoiler for me to say that, but really, they hint that they're evil from the start with their jokes about wanting to eat you, so I can't say it's any surprise when they turn out to be evil.)

[pseudonym]

Speaking of Chrono Trigger, I've never completed the game before, I made it as far as Zeal.

Super Mario RPG is a good RPG for beginners IMO, it's easy but difficult enough to make it interesting.

[Nikademus1969]

The NES Wizardry games if you can find 'em...good dungeon crawling hack-n-slash fun!

I don't know if there were any US Wizardry games for the SNES, but if they exist, those would probably also be a good bet.

[JSoup]

Plus, if this guy doesn't have a ton of cash to spend, Chrono Trigger's not really an option.

Chrono Trigger is included in Final Fantasy Chronicles, which goes for around $20.

[j_factor]

Chrono Trigger is included in Final Fantasy Chronicles, which goes for around $20.

Not to mention the DS version is now $20 at Amazon and some other places. Although, I don't really like playing an involved RPG on a handheld.

[InsaneDavid]

Chrono Trigger is included in Final Fantasy Chronicles, which goes for around $20.

Don't you mean Final Fantasy: Load Times?

[Vlcice]

Barkley: Shut Up and Jam, Gaiden, Chapter 1 of the Hoopz Barkley SaGa (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F1cOvZ3nS8)

[JSoup]

Don't you mean Final Fantasy: Load Times?

True, true, but at the time of release, it was better than blowing $200.

[motley6]

The NES Wizardry games if you can find 'em...good dungeon crawling hack-n-slash fun!

I don't know if there were any US Wizardry games for the SNES, but if they exist, those would probably also be a good bet.

If he subjects himself to NES Wizardry he'll never even want to see the letters "r", "p", or "g" again.

[j1e]

Don't waste your money on PS1 or handheld covers. Get SMRPG and Chrono Trigger (SNES), and you got Twisted Tales of Spike McFang coming. You'll be set for a while with some great games.

[rgw825]

Thanks again. I have plenty of games to check out now.




Just currious, but what's intimidating about A Link to the Past? Since you already have it then you have to give it a go.


I'm definitely gonna give it a try, that's why i bought it. But why am i intimidated? It's kind of hard to explain. I have seen game play footage of it. I just remember the first Legend of Zelda and if it's twice as big as that it's gonna be huge. There's just something to it, the size, style, name, that intimidates me. I was intimidated when i first put in Paper Mario TTYD too.

[vivaeljason]

While it also might be intimidating due to size, scope, and story, since you've got an N64, pick up Ocarina of Time. While you're at it, get Majora's Mask, too. Both are phenomenal games.

[mobiusclimber]

Not to mention the DS version is now $20 at Amazon and some other places. Although, I don't really like playing an involved RPG on a handheld.

TC doesn't mention owning a DS and I wouldn't recommend the PSX version of the game. At any rate, if we were going to throw DS games into the mix I'd suggest the Dragon Quest titles over CT.

[j1e]

^ Ahhh, Dragon Quest. I finished the repro of 5 (SNES) a few months ago and LOVED IT. Maybe a little to slow for the TC, though. It's definitely not in the same class as the Paper Mario's.

ps. Still wonderin where that translated repro of DQ VI is.

[Coleman]

WOW Im really surprised that the gold box games never came up... you know the old SSI stuff? Pool of radiance is pretty good for the NES but it is way better on the C64. You could probably emulate it without much trouble or loss of game play ;)

I would recommends games like Faxanadu and Simons quest for the NES - sounds like you may be looking more for an adventure game with RPG like qualities rather than the other way around...

For me Dragon Warrior is a pretty good example of the "STANDARD" RPG that you will find on all consoles up through the PS1 however I always like the more unusual stuff - Ultima games are a lot of fun but VERY hard and not very forgiving to someone who is trying to learn the genre...

I would recommend picking up an X-box and diving into some stuff like Morrowind or Jade Empire as those do a pretty good job of crossing the genres... and there are a ton of similar titles available for the system most of which can be had for 3-5$ at your local non GameStop used store...


Also there is a lot of good stuff for the genny... Its futuristic but I would try Buck Rodgers - not much on the console market that compares to that type of game play! The D&D games are pretty good on there to - I also recommend messing around with kings bounty that’s a lot of fun and will get your feet wet in the turn based strategy world!

[rgw825]

One of my Ebay Auctions sold so now i have a few dollars so i got lucky with some auctions myself and got a Game Boy Player for my Gamecube for $15 and Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga for $7.50. That should keep me satisfied for a while. I also started Zelda LTTP. Got to get my gaming skill up. I keep dying. lol

[Archangel]

Earthbound is a great RPG that takes you just about everywhere and it feels so worthwhile to play. Sadly, if you are going to try and find a cart of the game they are pretty expensive...

[ubersaurus]

Barkley: Shut Up and Jam, Gaiden, Chapter 1 of the Hoopz Barkley SaGa (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F1cOvZ3nS8)

Seriously, this is one of the best recommendations in this thread. The game plays pretty well, but it is absolutely HILARIOUS how it plays such a ridiculous storyline so straight. Definitely worth checking out if someone is a fan of 16-bit RPGs.

[NerdXCrewWill]

Don't you mean Final Fantasy: Load Times?

This is a little misleading. The Final Fantasy Chronicles version of Final Fantasy IV's load times are certainly reasonable. In my opinion, they are barely noticeable, unlike the absolutely unplayable Chrono Trigger and the annoying PSX port of Final Fantasy VI found in Final Fantasy Anthologies. In fact, that version of Final Fantasy IV is the definitive English version. It features the original difficulty of the Japanese version and a more accurate translation than the SNES version, while still keeping the beloved spoony bard line.

Final Fantasy IV is my favorite RPG (and all around game) of all time. I'll recommend it to the topic creator as a simple, easy entry into an amazing fantasy world with one of the most epic (yet simple) stories ever told in any medium.

[Valkrazhor]

Since I'm assuming you have not played any RPG's at all besides the Paper Mario series I highly recommend you start off with the across the board classics that everyone can agree on.

Like others stated, if you like Paper Mario then definitely pick up Super Mario RPG. Earthbound is another quirky title that will fit your taste well but unfortunately over the past year or so it has been price gouged to high heaven on Ebay. Since when is Earthbound "rare"? LOL

As for dragons and far off lands, definitely pick up Final Fantasy 2 and Final Fantasy 3 before all else... Or still better yet, Chrono Trigger.

Secret of Mana is a great game as well but for a starter RPG not so much. The battle system is a bit unique and unforgiving, especially when considering that you haven't played many RPG's. Plus the locations and characters just weren't as memorable to me when compared to some other classic SNES RPG's. Keep in mind though this bar is set high because the SNES has such ungodly good RPG's on it. Chrono Trigger has the power to make a grown man cry at parts for gosh sakes! This isn't to say that Secret of Mana is not a memorable game though by any means. It's just that it would be a absolute travesty if you didn't give the Final Fantasy 2-3 or Chrono Trigger a shot before all else if you've never touched any of them before. They rock on all levels. If you like those, definitely delve into Secret of Mana too though.

To sum it all up, I think Chrono Trigger is your best choice. Arguably the best RPG on the SNES and the best RPG of all time for that matter.

Happy gaming, regardless of whatever you choose. I envy you. Getting to experience all of these awesome games for the first time. You can't really go wrong with any of them.

PS: Since you have so many games to choose from and a tight budget, I recommend you to get an SNES Powerpack. It's a cart which allows you to play roms of SNES games on the actual hardware. It costs $135.00 but it's a small price to pay considering that owning the actual carts of most SNES RPG's can get quite pricey. The real carts are more fun to own for me though, even though the Powerpack plays them the same. Still I think for you it's the best choice since it will allow you to try out all of these RPG's we're recommending on the actual hardware then later if you're crazy about one in particular and care about owning the real deal, you can do so.

[DuckTalesNES]

Follow up question,

I've played through a few RPG's, but not many. I've played through both Paper Mario games, Final Fantasy 7, Knights of the Old Republic, and Secret of Mana. Currently I'm playing Final Fantasy 1.

I was looking for suggestions for good RPG's that have good stories and are as visually impressive/epic as final fantasy 7, but have less confusing menu screens and weapon/magic combinations. I always find these kind of complicated menu elements extremely confusing and annoying in these types of games so I'd like to avoid them a bit if possible. Any suggestions?

[Zoltor]

This is bound to be a very big list, so I'll try to stick to only the "greats"

NES

Crystalis(I would like to 2nd this game, but be warned, It's not for Novice RPG players, you will get your *** handed to you, and then mocked).

Dragon Warrior 3(NES version only, the remake sucks to no end)

Final Fantasy

There are a ton more if you include Dungeon Crawler RPG greats, as well as just the very good RPGs.

SNES

Lufia 2

Final Fantasy 3(6)

Might & Magic 3(It's kind've a dungeon cralers, but It's not your standard dungeon crawler RPG, so you may like it)

Crono Trigger

Breath of Fire 2

A Link to the Past

Secret of Mana

Secret of Evermore(It's a great game, but It's very short)

Destiny of an Emperor

There's a million, and one very good RPGs on the SNES, so needless to say I can't post them all. Howver if you liked Paper Mario, maybe you would like Mario RPG: Secret of the Seven Stars(I think that was the subtitle).

PS1

FF 5(aka Final Fantasy Anthology)

Final Fantasy 7

Dragon Warrior 7

Legend of Dragoon(It's kind've short, but It's still a rather great game)

PS2

The PS2 is rather starved for traditional RPGs, howver there are a bunch of very good RPGs, but even the best ones are super nich, and I wouldn't suggest someone new to RPGs, to start with them, so I'll skip the PS2.

GB

Final Fantasy Legend 2

Wii

Final Fantasy 4: The After Years on wiiware. However you may want to pick up FF 2(4) for the SNES first, as the after years is a true sequal to the SNES game.

Ofcourse my list only lists true RPGs, and Action/RPG games, not Strategy/RPG, Dungeon Crawler/RPG or Roguelike(aka the Japane take on a Dungeon Crawler RPG), but these should be enough to hold you down for awile.

[PresidentLeever]

I was looking for suggestions for good RPG's that have good stories and are as visually impressive/epic as final fantasy 7, but have less confusing menu screens and weapon/magic combinations. I always find these kind of complicated menu elements extremely confusing and annoying in these types of games so I'd like to avoid them a bit if possible. Any suggestions?

FF9 has simpler mechanics than FF7 and looks quite a bit better with more detailed and better animated character models that don't clash as much with the prerendered backgrounds. Each character fits into the usual mage/warrior/healer class mold so you don't need to do much messing around in menus if you don't want to. The story is pretty standard fare but it's easily the best told one out of the PS1 games with great dialogue, vivid animation and an interesting new feature that let's you check what characters currently outside your party are doing.
On a side note the game is full of references to earlier parts in the series so you may want to play one or two of the SNES games before it.

[Zoltor]

If he subjects himself to NES Wizardry he'll never even want to see the letters "r", "p", or "g" again.

Lol, I love the Wizardry games myself, but yea I completely agree with you, there's a reason I didn't list such greats.

PS. Hell I was wiery about recommending Crystalis to him, as that is a very hard game, and especially so to someone new to RPGs(Lol, but then again I could've been a ***, and listed DW 2 instead, which is so brokenly hard, it puts even the Wizardry games to shame).

[Thrashdance]

Like others have already said, Earthbound has the same fun and quirky feel like the paper mario titles....I also loved the first paper mario when it first came out. Definately try super mario RPG its basically the same thing as the two paper mario games except better. I would also recomend another series called Harvest moon, its a farm simulation game but has RPG elements without getting way serious.

My favorate role playing game is Xenogears, but considering your just getting into the genre that game would probably flip your lid majorly man.

[vivaeljason]

Like others have already said, Earthbound has the same fun and quirky feel like the paper mario titles....I also loved the first paper mario when it first came out. Definately try super mario RPG its basically the same thing as the two paper mario games except better. I would also recomend another series called Harvest moon, its a farm simulation game but has RPG elements without getting way serious.

My favorate role playing game is Xenogears, but considering your just getting into the genre that game would probably flip your lid majorly man.

EDIT: I'm going crazy since I've basically already posted my comments on EarthBound.

FWIW, I've picked up Chrono Trigger but haven't played it yet. When I do, I'll post thoughts.

[Jisho23]

WOW Im really surprised that the gold box games never came up... you know the old SSI stuff? Pool of radiance is pretty good for the NES but it is way better on the C64. You could probably emulate it without much trouble or loss of game play ;)

I would recommends games like Faxanadu and Simons quest for the NES - sounds like you may be looking more for an adventure game with RPG like qualities rather than the other way around...

For me Dragon Warrior is a pretty good example of the "STANDARD" RPG that you will find on all consoles up through the PS1 however I always like the more unusual stuff - Ultima games are a lot of fun but VERY hard and not very forgiving to someone who is trying to learn the genre...

I would recommend picking up an X-box and diving into some stuff like Morrowind or Jade Empire as those do a pretty good job of crossing the genres... and there are a ton of similar titles available for the system most of which can be had for 3-5$ at your local non GameStop used store...


Also there is a lot of good stuff for the genny... Its futuristic but I would try Buck Rodgers - not much on the console market that compares to that type of game play! The D&D games are pretty good on there to - I also recommend messing around with kings bounty that’s a lot of fun and will get your feet wet in the turn based strategy world!


Holy cow, someone recommending "Buck Rogers (Countdown to Doomsday?)"? And it is beyond me why the Gold Box games never come up. If you (rgw825) wants a taste of that series check "Pool of Radiance" on the NES. Its probably the easiest way (aside from jumping through hoops for emulation) to get started.

The best start to (classic) rpg gaming (and the most accessible) are really the SNES squaresoft games. They've all aged pretty well, very pick up and play, and are relatively simple. From there, most stuff by Enix is a pretty safe bet (minus 7th Saga). After that, just pick a sub genre of rpg and go with it.

And forget everything that I said if you are interested in PC rpgs... the canon is completely different (I recommend "Planescape Torment").

[kupomogli]

Don't you mean Final Fantasy: Load Times?

The best version of FF4 that came out in the US was on FF Chronicles. Chrono Trigger does have some load times but FF4 has the same amount of load times than if you tried the SNES version.

[Nonplus]

I'm going to have to agree with Wizardry. It got me into RPGs like nothing else.
Also, try out Arc the Lad. I felt it was one of the few Tactical RPGs that got the genre right.