RPG's for beginner?

[SpyHunter]

Can anyone suggest some RPG's for a beginner? I'm looking for games that are simple to play and I would prefer to control only one character.

I've played all the Zelda-type games and am looking to move into more traditional RPG's.

Any console would be OK.

[shadowkn55]

Dragon Warrior

[GillianSeed]

Can anyone suggest some RPG's for a beginner? I'm looking for games that are simple to play and I would prefer to control only one character.

I've played all the Zelda-type games and am looking to move into more traditional RPG's.


Well, one of the things that makes a traditional RPG traditional is the fact that you usually control a party. Most single-player RPGs are action-RPGs ala Zelda.

But for a great single-player character RPG, try Fallout (PC).

You could also try ChronoTrigger (SNES), your party is limited to three characters.

[Gapporin]

Final Fantasy Mystic Quest (SNES) is supposedly easier than your normal RPG.

[ShenmueFan]

Final Fantasy Mystic Quest

[studvicious]

I third MQ. Yes, it's really easy but I rather enjoyed it. I also suggest EarthBound. :)

[Trebuken]

Any particular system?

Any game with Ys in the title.

Neutopia I + II for TG-16 are Zelda clones.
Any NES rpg's, maybe excluding Final Fantasy.

[bangtango]

Eternal Eyes for Playstation 1 is perfect for your needs. The gameplay is very linear and you don't do very much wandering around, so the chances of getting lost are nil. You control more than one character but it is turn-based action and the game is very user-friendly for a beginner. Even though it is one of the simpler RPG's for a "newer" system, it is a real favorite of mine. It takes even less time to beat than Dragon Warrior because it is a lot easier to level up your characters.

Dragon Warrior is actually a lot harder than people give it credit for, if someone is in a hurry to get through the game. If you don't take long periods of time to stay in one place and raise your experience levels, you can get your ass handed to you by "stronger" enemies on a regular basis. Outside of that, it is a fairly good adventure for a novice RPG fan. Be forewarned that 60-70% of the game is spent solely on killing enemies to boost your stats (experience and gold) and wandering around caves looking for items that you need to finish the game. As for actual plot development, it is fairly nil. There are only 2-3 big things you are actually "required to do" to finish the game and all of those involve collecting items. There are a couple of towns and caves you don't even need to visit and you could still finish the game ok.

[D_N_G]

crystalis nes
super mario rpg snes
ff mystic quest snes

[Vectorman0]

I think any of the Gameboy/GBC Pokemon games would be a great start. Don't let the kiddy facade fool you, it's a great game underneath, and a good one for beginners too.

[Frica89]

Definitely Super Mario RPG. I got that game when I was real little, I'll say six years old, and I managed to beat it (with a guide) over the course of a few months. It was the first RPG I ever played, and it did an excellent job of easing me into the genre. It stands today as my all-time favorite game.

[exit]

Earthbound is a great game to get into as a beginner. It's very light hearted and doesn't take itself very seriously, so you'll find yourself having a few laughs throughout the game.

[Poofta!]

most of the suggestions here are very crappy games.

earthbound, super mario rpg and fallout are all top notch. (i recommend them too)

the nes rpgs while fit your criteria, are pretty shoddy by todays' standards.

id recommend Fable (pc,xbox), Alundra (first one) (ps1), Diablo II (i know, its a quasi-rpg), The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (i know oblivion is new and omg beautiful, but morrowind is much more of an rpg, with a far far superior story).
anything in the Mana series, while it has 3 characters, there isnt much character leveling to worry about, and it plays in real time.

[Jorpho]

I would suggest Chrono Trigger, but then every RPG you play afterwards will seem inferior. :p

If you're not used to the idea of exploring (which is a nice way to describe backtracking and searching every nook and cranny for goodies), then CT might still be a bit too advanced, but the battle system is easy to get a handle on, the presentation is spectacular, and it isn't overly long.

[DefaultGen]

.....

[Damaramu]

Fucking Fable, man. that's a great game! Get the one with the new stuff added. My wife loves that game and plays it often. Sorry if this post is rough in tone. I'm a bit...uh...drunk off of vodka I was drinking while gaming with friends. Mwahaha!

But yeah, Fable is a great game and I'm looking forward to Fable 2. Sex and a dog? I'm there! Just not at the same time!

[PallarAndersVisa]

Wild Arms (PSX)

[Daria]

RPGs for the most part aren't... complicated. Sure the difficulty level for a boss can be high, but generally leveling up can remedie that problem and has little to do with how well a fledgling RPG gamer would enjoy the game. That said I'd avoid a number cruncher like Disgaea that requires a bible sized strategy guide to explain the "strategies" for power leveling your troops. I'd also steer clear of old school computer to console ports like Buck Rogers or Rings of Power, not that you were planning on playing those anyways.

Point being the traditonal Japanese RPG doesn't require any sort of dumbing down to be easily understood or even enjoyed by gamers of all experience levels. The menu systems are generally very straight forward, and the storylines progress in a very limited linear fashion. So step away from that copy of Mystic Quest and pick up virtually any popular SNES or PSX title. Reccomendations as follows:

SNES:
Chrono Trigger
Lufia II
Breath of Fire II
Super Mario RPG
Final Fantasy III
Secret of Mana

PSX:
Breath of Fire III
Alundra
Final Fantasy IX
Grandia
Lunar
Lunar 2
Star Ocean: The Second Story
Suikoden
Suikoden II
Tales of Destiny II
Valkyrie Profile
Vandal Hearts
Wild Arms
Xenogears

Genesis:
Crusader of Centy
Landstalker
Phantasy Star II
Phantasy Star IV
Shining Force
Shining Force II

[Cambot]

Young Merlin for SNES.

[ubersaurus]

I wouldn't have gotten into RPGs had it not been for Earthbound, Mario RPG, and Chrono Trigger. Definitely all three of those are good choices.

In fact any of the Mario RPGs are really good choices.

[PSXferrari]

RPGs for the most part aren't... complicated. Sure the difficulty level for a boss can be high, but generally leveling up can remedie that problem and has little to do with how well a fledgling RPG gamer would enjoy the game.


Yeah, I was thinking the exact same thing. Rather than playing a mediocre RPG just because it's easy, play a great RPG and just spend more time leveling up your characters. You don't want a bad first impresion, do you? RPGs require a HUGE investment of time, so don't play one unless it's a classic (and there's plenty from the SNES and PS1 eras that fall into that category). In other words, rather than playing an average RPG like Final Fantasy Mysitc Quest, play a classic RPG like Final Fantasy VI or VII. I personally have NEVER been challenged by an RPG because I'm the type who takes my time on those games, getting all the best items and keeping my levels way ahead of enemies. Anyone who is challenged by any RPG is probably rushing through the game and not getting the full experience anyways. So trust me here, pick a CLASSIC over an EASY game, you will not be disappointed.

[Snapple]

The problem with Mario RPG is the timed button presses, which not everyone likes or gets used to. Most RPGs don't require any kind of timing.

Mystic Quest might be made to be an RPG for beginners, but you know what? It sucks. I would only tell someone to play that as their first RPG if they want their first impression of the genre to be that it's a little boring.

I would recommend Chrono Trigger or Final Fantasy IV (ie Final Fantasy II for the SNES).

FF4 was my first RPG, and it's simple enough that I understood exactly what I was supposed to do without help from any friends or a strategy guide or anything like that.

[ShenmueFan]

FF:MQ isn't that bad. The storyline is very simple and there's not a whole lot to the gameplay. It's also good because it won't take you dozens of hours to beat like some of the rpgs people are mentioning.

I suggest tracking down Mystic Quest, beating that and then moving on to Final Fantasy II (SNES), then Secret of Mana, then FFIII, then Chrono Trigger - in that order, in the order they were released.

If you jump into FFVII or some newer RPG you're gonna have a really hard time going back to oldschool RPGs.

[PSXferrari]

most of the suggestions here are very crappy games.

earthbound, super mario rpg and fallout are all top notch. (i recommend them too)

the nes rpgs while fit your criteria, are pretty shoddy by todays' standards.

id recommend Fable (pc,xbox), Alundra (first one) (ps1), Diablo II (i know, its a quasi-rpg), The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (i know oblivion is new and omg beautiful, but morrowind is much more of an rpg, with a far far superior story).
anything in the Mana series, while it has 3 characters, there isnt much character leveling to worry about, and it plays in real time.


I like how you bash the suggestions of crappy games and then decide to do the same thing anyways. Fable is more like Zelda than a real RPG. And Diablo and the Elder Scrolls series are not very good starting points for something looking for their first RPG experience.

However, I do agree with you about avoiding NES games. Yeah, Dragon Warrior was a great game 20 years ago and is a "classic" because of its influence on the genre, but the reality is that its gameplay does not hold up well against modern classics (SNES and later). Just stick to RPGs from the 90's and you'll be all set (yeah, nothing great has come this decade either, so you might need to search eBay rather than GameStop if you want something good). Then after you've caught up on a bunch of good RPGs, you can go back to the NES days and see where it all started. Just don't do it for your first game.

[Nate Nanjo]

Star Ocean: The Second Story


You know, I really couldn't suggest this one for a beginner. I mean it is not the easiest, nor hardest of games. I dunno, just one I wouldn't suggest (Great game though). Also, I always found my self switching characters a lot (especially to Rena)

Everything else, is good.

[PSXferrari]

If you jump into FFVII or some newer RPG you're gonna have a really hard time going back to oldschool RPGs.

We disagree on the recommendation of FF:MQ. With soooo many great RPGs, I think you just have to pass on this one; the only way I would ever recommend an RPG based on its ease of play rather than its quality was if it was for a younger gamer (i.e. some kids in the 10-12 range, and definitely anyone younger) who I didn't think would be able to handle the concepts involved in RPGs. However, if someone can handle a Zelda game than they can grasp those concepts (despite all the misconceptions, most RPGs at their core are extremely simplistic). So unless the person starting the topic falls into that age range, I don't think it's necessary to be babied into the genre. I think most of us here got our first experience on a traditional RPG, so why does this person need anything different?? He's not retarded-- he can play a great game, rather than be eased into it like a 4 year old.

However, I do agree with your point that he should start out with a 2D RPG rather than Final Fantasy VII (despite the fact that I recommended it before). Playing FF7 first won't necessarily make someone have trouble going back to old school games (especially if he has no problem playing Zelda: Link to the Past), BUT it's not worth the risk. Definitely start out with an SNES RPG, if you can, and then if you want something more modern to try afterwards you can pick up a Playstation RPG.


And also, to SpyHunter (who started this topic), don't worry much about "controlling a single character." Almost all traditional console RPGs are composed of a party of about 3 or 4 people at a time-- however, most of the time the party is controlled as if it were a single person. The only time that changes is in battle, but for most older RPGs each character takes turns using attacks.... so it's always like your controlling just one character.

I think another important question that would definitely be helpful is: what systems do you own? I mean, a lot of us, myself included, are suggesting games without even knowing if you have the system to play it on (although you are posting this in the Classic Games forum so I'm assuming you have something).

[c0ldb33r]

Paper Mario (n64) or its sequel for the cube.

It's a fantastic game, not too difficult, and you only ever control 2 characters (typically just one since the non-Mario character is usually just a second thought)

[Jorpho]

If you jump into FFVII or some newer RPG you're gonna have a really hard time going back to oldschool RPGs.

FFVII is as oldschool as they come, I say. So the graphics are in 3D! The gameplay amounts to the same.

But I once handed FFVII to someone really new to RPGs and she gave up fairly quickly. Like I said before, a game like that requires a certain mindset that drives you to talk to everyone and wander around everywhere and poke at everything. Actually, in that respect I suppose FFVII is a little worse, because it often isn't clear what you can interact with (even if you turn on the helpful arrows).

[Steven]

We had a topic like this not too long ago. A lot of people vouched for Mystic Quest then, and still now. That will be the 1st RPG I play myself, as I think it's important to start "low, basic and early." I liked what 1 poster said -- start with MQ, then II, III, Chrono.

[Steve W]

Phantasy Star Online for the Dreamcast, GameCube, or Xbox. Years back I picked up the DC version along with some other games at a Wal-Mart on clearance for $7, but I didn't have any interest in playing it. I just don't like RPGs, most of them to me are just too boring. One day, I decided to pop it in and try it out. An hour later, I was totally hooked. It's like an action game with an RPG underpinning. None of that turn-based crap, it's lots of weapons combat and gunplay, cool monsters, and mean bosses (especially De Rol Le). And don't let the "Online" bit put you off, you don't have to be online to play it. I never have.

[SpyHunter]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I guess I will start with FFMQ and go from there. The Eternal Eyes looks interesting as well. Some I would like to try, like Earthbound and Chrono Trigger, but its hard to spend $40 or more on a game if I am not sure I am going to like it.

A lot of the Zelda clones I have already played and liked (Alundra, Crystalis, Neutopia, Illusion of Gaia, Soul Blazer, etc)

[calthaer]

I'm going to second the Pokemon games. The difficulty level on those things ranges considerably - you can play and complete the main quest quite easily and without too much difficulty, and then, if you want to delve deeper into the strategy so that you can really smite your opponents (mostly other people playing the game), there is a lot of complexity there under the surface, if you want to get more into it.

[Poofta!]

i really dont recommend you play FFMQ, its jsut not a good game. im a huuuuge rpg and ff fan, but this game is just bad. you will most likely find that playing this game is more of a chore than enjoyment, since it really doesnt capture a mature gamer with any kind of story or development to speak of. squaresoft ported it over here to introduce the american public to JRPGs in the early 90s, i guess it worked for some, but the demographic was much younger. try ff7, the concepts and gameplay are pretty much the same, but the game does a great job of keeping you glued to the controller wanting to find out what happens next.

i think the most important thing in hooking someone onto RPGs is the story since the gameplay is usually teh same and a bit slow (Action RPGs not including). definately stay away from Strategy RPGs for now, unless you know you love it, now those get complex.

[Daria]

definately stay away from Strategy RPGs for now, unless you know you love it, now those get complex.

Exceptions being Shining Force or Vandal Hearts 1, they are much simplier examples of the genre. And a lot of fun.

I liked Mystic Quest but I know I'm a minority in that respect.

See my thread on the matter: http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=43472&highlight=mystic+quest

[PSXferrari]

Phantasy Star Online for the Dreamcast, GameCube, or Xbox. Years back I picked up the DC version along with some other games at a Wal-Mart on clearance for $7, but I didn't have any interest in playing it. I just don't like RPGs, most of them to me are just too boring. One day, I decided to pop it in and try it out. An hour later, I was totally hooked. It's like an action game with an RPG underpinning. None of that turn-based crap, it's lots of weapons combat and gunplay, cool monsters, and mean bosses (especially De Rol Le). And don't let the "Online" bit put you off, you don't have to be online to play it. I never have.

Ummmm.... these are fairly worthless games offline (i've only played the Dreamcast version, but that was enough). You, sir, must be a glutten for punishment. The only reason to buy these are for the online elements, so the Dreamcast and Gamecube versions probably aren't of much use. Regardless, I wouldn't recommend a MMORPG for a new gamer, but if I was, I would at least recommend the best one out there: World of Warcraft for PC.

[PSXferrari]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I guess I will start with FFMQ and go from there. The Eternal Eyes looks interesting as well. Some I would like to try, like Earthbound and Chrono Trigger, but its hard to spend $40 or more on a game if I am not sure I am going to like it.

A lot of the Zelda clones I have already played and liked (Alundra, Crystalis, Neutopia, Illusion of Gaia, Soul Blazer, etc)


Oh MAN, please stop listening to these crazy people trying to baby you into gaming. They are all retarded-- you are not. If you've played all those games you've listed there (Zelda, Alundra, Gaia, etc) than you are BY FAR experienced enough to play a traditional RPG. Really, do not be scared by the stereotypes of RPGs-- they are no more complex than the games you've listed there. If you stick to something simple, like anything from the traditional Final Fantasy series, than there's nothing to worry about. Those games are designed to meet a wide audience of varying skills.

FFMQ, on the other hand, is dumbed-down to make you feel like you're 5 years old. Just skip it and start off with a classic that will make you forever fall in love with RPGs!!! DO NOT get hooked by all these dumb posters who instantly see "beginner RPG" and think "FFMQ" without putting any real thought into your actual INTELLIGENCE as a human being. However, if you decide to waste your time and money on MQ than good luck with the game and the genre-- I just hope it doesn't scare you away from trying games that are actually worth playing.


As a further note on the quality of the game: EGM reviewers gave Mystic Quest the scores of 7, 8, 7, and 7. FF3 (aka FF6) got 9, 9, 9, 9. FF7 got 9.5, 9.5, 9.5, 9.5. Noticing a tread here? In addition, the popular RPG review site RPGFan.com gave FFMQ a score of 75% and said, "It might have attracted a new audience, but in some aspects, it's not the best example of a beginner's RPG." Go here for more: http://rpgfan.com/reviews/finalfantasymysticquest/index3.html

So while it is a slightly above-average game, it is not the best game to get started on RPGs with. For that purpose you want a great game; a classic. None of us other RPG gamers were babied in with games like FFMQ. My first was Final Fantasy III, and I turned out just fine. With all the gaming experience behind you, I'm confused as to why you lack the confidence in your gaming abilities to play a simple RPG like FF3 or FF7? That's what instruction manuals and tutorials at the beginning of games are for.

Alright, well I'm done with my pointless rant.....

[Three-P]

The problem with Mario RPG is the timed button presses, which not everyone likes or gets used to. Most RPGs don't require any kind of timing.

The only part where that was really a problem for me was the race against Boshi. In the battles, it wasn't that big a deal.

Anyway, I agree that Dragon Warrior and Mystic Quest are good places to get your feet wet. Another decent one would be the previously mentioned Secret of Mana. (Technically, your party has 3 characters, but you control only one at a time. The other two fight on their own quite well.)