One can only dream 😔 I thought the older Tales of remasters were impossible too but they surprised me so here’s hoping this would also happen 👍 JRPGs are slowly turning into mainstream so it might be possible.
About that the 2nd game would need like a 4x EXP cheat for a port/remaster else before you have access to that 1 island that has K sludges it just takes TOO LONG and the only reason I'll never play the 3rd and 4 the games IS because of those REQUIRED and TIMED MINI games that I SUCK at now if those BoF 3 and 4 mini timer based games were NOT required then I could easily beat the game. But they are and not even half way through those 2 games.
You're definitely going to hit 100k before the end of the year. Your upbeat attitude and obvious love for the genre is like beacon of light shining through the miasma in my Crystal Chronicles caravan.
Dragon Quest 11 S is probably my favorite jrpg. There is ZERO stress about missing something, having to play through multiple times for 100%, messing up character builds etc.
One thing I love is that almost all of these are on multiple platforms! I'm so glad these series aren't just locked to only PlayStation or only whichever Nintendo handheld anymore. Now Capcom needs to get on that Breath of Fire Legacy Collection already 👀
Truth be told my first JRPG Experience was Final Fantasy IV Advance For the GBA i was young so I dunno much about JRPGs and here I am now a huge fan :D
I have the same experience. I also play FF4 Advance first, then search for I&II, V, then VI. III was the only one I played on DS. But in 7, Square changed the 2D sprites to 3D models, which I didn't like much so I stopped. Maybe I will give them a try later.
Im just gonna say the cold, hard truth of it, at least for me. The best way to enter any JRPG franchise is to first play Chrono Trigger, and if the game type appeals to you, you can then spend the next few decades with other JRPGs chasing that dragon...
In terms of accessibility I’d argue for something closer to Persona 5. Even if you end up not being too privy to turn based combat that game allows you to be immersed in the social aspects and the style as a distraction so it doesn’t feel as if you wasted money at least imo.
I can't get my wife to play because of the pixels as she can't tell what she's looking at. She did play all the way through DQ11, though. I did convince her to play the Suikoden remaster when it comes out.
David, how could you forget Disgaea!?! For FF I would say the best starting point is 4. The PR makes it accessible in modern platforms and the QoL makes it enjoyable for newbies.
I like to start from the beginning (whenever is possible), so I can appreciate the evolution of a franchise and their game mechanics. I do think the games you presented are great starting point thou!
David, just like you I grew up playing Dragon Quest on the NES and then onwards, and I love that you recommended XI. It's one of my favorite games that I've played in the last several years and it surprised me by quickly jumping into my top 3 DQ games in the entire series.
I started... Final Fantasy from 7 Dragon Quest from 7 Mana from Legend Tales from Xillia Atelier from Ryza Breath of Fire from 3 Persona from 3 Portable Ys from Seven
I started each of these series from the first one, and I feel like it's fine to start wherever since these stories are not iner-connected to a complex degree. You can easily go backwards with Ys and Breath of Fire and go "Oh, so THAT's what that thing was referencing" and pick up the connecting threads easily.
David once again your choices resonate with me nearly 1:1 and I must say this was a wonderful video for even vets of the series you covered. I hope this helps people get a feel for some of our favorite rpg series. Was sorta hoping there would be a Trails mention, but that can of worms probably deserves its own video :)
Since I missed the original trilogy on nes, my Dragon Quest journey actually started with DQ8 Journey of the Cursed King on Ps2. It is still one of the best games ive played, everything from the enviroments to the enemies is so fun and imaginative. I really want them to remaster that game.
@suokkis I don't think I beat a titled dragon quest game it's mostly spin offs. I beat dragon quest monster on GBC than Slime rocket on the DS and Dragon Quest heros? I think it was called. Got far in the 2ed heros but have not beat that one to bad a 3rd one have not come out they are pretty fun muso games other than the Npcs being dumb.
Hi David! I would like to make a suggestion, for you to add the titles You recommended on the vídeo description, I loved the video but when it ended I couldnt remember wich entry to start with. You’re amazing! Keep up the good work :)
I absolutely love the concept of this video, I have to admit that some of these series are daunting just looking at the titles released i.e Trails series Some of my all time favorites are in this video and I have nostalgia for so many I started with! Final Fantasy - The first I played was crystal chronicles on the GC, but I didnt play a mainline until FF15 oddly, then went back for the rest haha. Dragon Quest - 11 was the first I played, cant wait for the remakes of 1,2,3! Mana - Trials remake was the first I played before going to the originals. Visions is a future classic IMO. Fire Emblem - I LIKE IKE, Path of Radiance on GC was my first and favorite, regret selling my copy to gamestop as a kid Three Houses and the warriors spin off Three Hopes are my most played. Tales - Started with Vesperia, my favorite entry is Arise! SMT - I have only played 5 but it was the persona series that got me into it mostly, also played on easy 😅 Persona - P5 I have played through 3 times if you count Royal edition, P3 is my favorite in cast and tone (love the green moonlit city at night and sunny blue/white days). Ys - Monstrum Knox is the only one ive played and regretfully on switch, for sure playing the rest on playstation for the performance
Great list and choices. I may be splitting hairs here.. .so, while Final Fantasy IX is one of my favorite Final Fantasy game, I would lean towards Final Fantasy X if I were suggesting a starting point (HD remake, voice acting...things people are used to). If Tales of Xillia was more available right now, I might be inclined to go with that one.
Grandia 2 was my first grandia game& i love playing it. Need to start my 3rd time playing on my switch. First had it on PC than found it on ps2 now i have the grandia collection so time to play it on switch lol. For LBX little battler Experience i say start with the 2ed game since it will have more little bots to gain parts from plus it have online battles.
Abyss was my first Tales game, and I loved it. I know some people bounce off Luke and Anise and don't like their characters, but I had a ton of fun with that game. Going more retro, my first Final Fantasy game was IV back on the SNES, though I never beat it. First one I beat was VI. And my first Dragon Quest game was the very first one on the NES, back when Nintendo Power had a special that let you order a special collector edition for pretty cheap. I think it was under $20? And it came with maps and posters and a strategy guide. That much stuff was unheard of for a NES game! As to my other starting games on those series... Secret of Mana, Breath of Fire 1, Fire Emblem Awakening, and Persona 3 FES.
I totally resonate with all of your choices here. I understand your choice with Ryza, it's easily the most accessible trilogy of the Atelier series but to anyone who falls in love with the series and loves the synthesis, I urge them to play the Dusk trilogy, which I find is the most "complete" story of the series (just enough tropes, just enough synth possibilities and just enough intrigue). The time limit element is much more forgiving than in the Arland trilogy and the exploration, synthesis and the story are just fantastic.
Ys VIII is for sure one of the best starting points for the series! Though I first played through the series in chronological order and it was a truly magical experience, getting to see where both the series and Adol's adventures started and following them through all the way up to Ys IX. Xeno is my favorite series and I'd say Xenoblade 1 is prolly the best starting point. It's the easiest to get into combat wise, the story isn't quite as mindbending as other Xeno games though it's still great, and overall I think it's a good bridge going from other RPGs into the insane experiences of Xeno.
I would say for Star Ocean I would either start with Star Ocean The Second Story R or Till the End of Time. Both are great and fantastic entries in this long running series. Otherwise, I agree with you on most of the entry points you recommend, just not the ones for series I haven't played like Ys, Fire Emblem, Atelier, or Breath of Fire. With those I may check out your recs.
Possibly the worst thing about all of this is most of us don't have the time or money to spend on all these great RPGs. Good video either way David, keep on trucking to that 100k sub goal man.
I'm already into most of these series, and here's where I started with each: Final Fantasy - IV (except it was called Final Fantasy II in the US at the time) Dragon Quest - VIII Mana - Secret Tales - either Symphonia Dawn of the New World or Graces f, I don't clearly remember which I played first. SMT - I've struggled with Nocturne, and tried some of the spinoff titles like Devil Summoner and Devil Survivor. Atelier - Iris Breath of Fire - I only significantly played the first game on SNES, and I think I rented IV once, now some titles in the series are listed for $200-$300, except for Dragon Quarter, which is suspiciously cheap. Persona - 4, on the PS2. BTW, this series is actually a spinoff of the SMT series. Ys - Seven, I think. BTW, I think you mispronounced Dana's name in VIII's title. There are a few other long rpg series I'm into: Legend of Heroes (aka Trails Series) - Cold Steel (I notice you already did a dedicated video for where to start with this series) Elder Scrolls (western rpg) - Morrowind Fallout (western rpg) - 3
For BoF, I would recommend 4 instead of 3. Overall, I think 3 is a better game, but 4 is probably a better entry point. 1. 4's transformation is incredibly straightforward. Sure, trying to hunt down every dragon related spots can be a bit of a challenge, but 3's also a challenge. Additionally, the gene mechanic of 3 requires either a guide, or a lot of trial and error. 2. 4 allows you to freely switch between all party members in combat; if a party member goes down, you automatically switch to someone who is alive but inactive. This makes more fragile characters more viable than 3. You can also heal inactive / downed members (and multi-target healing spells also target everyone, including inactive members), so it is overall easier, combat wise. 3. 4's master system is also a lot more straightforward without forcing you into nonsensical level ups. 4. Story-wise, I think 4 makes more sense to start with. Also, the Shining series! It might not be as huge as some of the mentioned series, but it has some gems and has way more games than BoF. It is probably most known, classically, for its SRPG, then ARPG, but I would say that the SF1 remake for GBA, Resurrection of the Dark Dragon, it likely the best entry. It makes a lot of quality of life improvement, some rebalancing of characters (I think), and has a NG+ mode so you can do a casual/blind run first without wasting a save slot. I almost wanted to say SF2, but their branching promotions might cause some headaches if used without foreknowledge.
With Star Ocean, I'd say start with the 2nd one (the remake) because it is the highlight of the series and is the most engaging. Then, for the fun of it, you can go back to the Star Ocean remake. After that, go in order with 3, 4, and then 5.
Thanks for this great list! Now… my issue isn’t so much starting these great series, but actually finishing any of these awesome games that I’ve started! (5 of these are in-progress) 😂
My intro to the Ys series was IX, and I loved it. I may be in the minority, but I prefer it to VII (though it could be a situation of “never forgetting your first”). Great video as always
Can't wait to play FFIX finally! So far my fave TH-camrs have not steered me wrong and I'm sure your consistent love for the game will transfer to me. I'm just waiting until I finish VII to play Zidane's FF
See that's how I like my retro games to look like, such as Breath of fire 3. That's as old of graphics and look I personally go. Such lovely sprites and so well done ❤😊 Can you recommend any other RPGs that look like that? I know there's octopath traveler, and unicorn overlord
Hallway simulators aren't a good representation of the FF series unless you are going to push them to FF13 next. Although 4, 6, and 7 are my favorites, I agree that FF9 is a great overall representation of the series.
I’ve not yet tried the Ys or Tales of series just because there were so many options to choose from. I think I’ll use your recommendations. Star Ocean Tides of Time i felt was a good entry point for that series.. it actually had me seek out translated roms of the first 2 on SNES
For Star Ocean, I highly recommend Star Ocean 2. While some Easter eggs to the first game can help give context, like Final Fantasy, you don't really need to play all of 'em to get the full scope of what's going on. With the most recent Star Ocean 2 remake, you'll have the perfect exposure with a simple story, 2 playable characters, and combat that's eases you into the battle mechanics, and fun to play around with, especially with the blindside mechanic introduced in Star Ocean 4: Last Hope.
Which one I find the R version of 2nd Story to be complete CRAP I prefer the PSP/PS1 versions as tthe better one. But Dragon quest 7 is TOO LONG so I don't recommend starting with that one.
Are you talking about the recent remake? Because that is the definitive version with most content and you can play it old school via options to remove the new 99999 damage limit etc.
I am I hate that version of the game it takes even MORE lvs to have all the SP skills at lv 10 IE like 230 OUT of the its 255 levels all the extra QUESTS in game IMHO are BORING as well and Celine Ashton Precis Noel Leon Welch still SUCK. By doing more the 99,999 damage in 1 hit the super bosses and their 1 to 3 million HP can be all gone IN UNDER 60 seconds but I would still NEED Bloody armor users at lv 255 even on earth mode else against even Etheral queen I won't even last for like 10 seconds before she HITS the ENTIRE party for 9999 damage IN 1 hit.
Nice one! Was waiting for you to open THAT can of worms (Trails). Glad you didn't, lol. Agree with most of the list. I always like to recommend FFX due to its graphical jump and voice acting.
Haaah, as long as you don't have a really (I mean REALLY) good memories or you don't plan to play the games back to back, every first game of the arc is a good starting point. Like heck, people can just start from Daybreak with no problem aside from quality of life (more modern more qol).
Great list David! Also thankful you chose BoF3 over 4 for an entry point as the world is more colourful and enjoyable. Characters more likable and soundtrack is on point too. Valkyria Chronicles 1 is probably a good entry point to that franchise. Recently remastered and sometimes bundled with the 4th entry. Also if i remember correctly an anime was also based on the 1st game. However i'm like you David and many others that like their retro classics. Bring back BoF, Grandia and Legend of Legaia anyday!
My issue with 9 is i just feel like the static backgrounds bothers me coming back to it didn't bother me back in the day, but I struggle coming back to those. I'd probably go 4, 6 or 10 for starters for my suggestion. Solid choices for the rest of them though!
For Final Fantasy classic (I to VI), I would recommend to start at IV. Just don't play After Years. The jobs' skills had been polished at that point, and it wasn't too difficult for you to understand their perks and customize your party since the game introduced them one by one. Besides its amazing story revolving repentance and development, the game also has a mountain of secrets to be discovered. Then you could play V, which allowed you to unlock and change jobs freely, and created your own combos to decimate any boss. Last would be VI, which is widely considered as the pinnacle of FF classic. And the final boss theme is a crazy masterpiece, easily rivaling One-winged Angel of FF7 in my opinion.
These are nice recomandations. I just started at random points in series witch are convinient at that point in time. Maybe I should care and overthink it a bit more.
Trails games are not as "accessible" or popular as those games. Only the fans hype the game unlike those on the list where even non JRPG gamers know about it and hype it just from them trailers. Which is not weird because the first exposure for most people that is not playing the game from Sky nor a JRPG gamer would be the Cold Steel. Where the settings is chosen one + harem + school, it's not even a "proper" military academy, just bad combination for first timer.
Now to throw a metaphorical bomb into the crowd... where should one start the Trails series? (I started at the beginning with Sky FC and powered through to Reverie with a 10 game continuous binge in 2023).
Ooo, you recommended BoF3 instead of 4. Glad to see you actually giving 3 some love, as you're usually gushing about 4. But yeah, 3 is way more in line with the rest of the series than 4 is.
2:42 I was thinking about recommending Trials of Mana but that was before the wall boss which I remember was also hard in the original because the AI of the characters are dumb and the envirionmental traps keeps hitting the rest of the party. I wish they made that easier in the ramake or made the AI better to not step in the traps.
I (respectfully) have to disagree on Tales of Arise being too complicated for newcomers. Arise is the only one I've played (although Vesperia, Abyss, Xilia 1/2, and maybe Graces F and Hearts R) are all on my backlog list, but I really enjoyed Arise. I felt it could've been a bit more difficult, but I wouldn't shy anyone away from it to get into the Tales series! As for Atelier, I think that series will be next on my list after I beat Trails Through Daybreak -- my plan is to play through it in order: Arland-Dusk-Mysterious-Ryza. I've read that Ryza is a good starting point, but another thread I was reading talked about going through it and it talked about QoL improving as you play through the games, and I want the full experience! I know I'll be playing a couple out of order of release by following each set, but I'm looking forward to it regardless. Great video, David!
Dude FF9 helped me understand how to learn and play RPGs better, well it was a start then 😅😂 I loved playing Chocobo hot and cold and I still have yet to complete the Mooglet mail system😦
Although I agree with everything you said about the Persona series & recommending P5, an alternate way to start would be Persona 4 Golden. The main reason is just so you don't spoil yourself too early, and that you get a sense of the series improvements after moving on to the next games. You can start at a technically less impressive point, then move on to P3 Reload & P5 Royal without feeling like you're going backwards in tech. But if starting with the more technically impressive games & then moving on to more dated graphics doesn't really bother you, then yeah, P5R is a great place to start!
Great video. Just curious, did you ever go back and play Astlibra? I picked it up for the Steam Deck, and I haven’t plugged so many hours into a game so fast in my life :)
First video of yours I've watched thanks to @jrpglife and I'm very pleased! Great video, to the point and informative and bonus-something I was looking for! Sub'd and Like'd! Awesome stuff.
The oldest you can tolerate and available to you. You can also start from the latest Daybreak. Just make sure to play from the start of the arc, Sky FC, Zero, Cold Steel.
I'd say DQ8 is a better starting point than 11 except its not available on any modern consoles... Come On Square Enix!! We NEED a remaster!!!!! It'd be a day 1 purchase for me!!!
Top 3 RPG’s: #1 FFVII - named my daughter Aeris. (Mistranslation I know) I like Aeris, more than Aerith. #2 BOF3 - gene/master system, childhood to adulthood…enough said. (Desert sucked the first time though) #3 dragon warrior 4, I am almost 40 and have spent more time in the dw4 casino, than a real life casino, haha. Also, multiple stories, that come together!
For the Phantasy Star series, I would say Phantasy Star IV because its the smoothest, fast-paced and easiest of the Phantasy Star series and also has the best soundtrack.
I have much simpler solution 99,1% of the time : the release order, no matter if the recent one who interest me is the 16th entry Only exception being if the entries are not localized even by fan translation (oh hi yakuza kenzan !) and somewhat final fantasy since since each entry is a completely different game, even direct sequel don't have the same battle system (like in mind the only exception of a direct sequel having ALMOST the same battle system as the original was FF13-2... without couting the monster catching part)
Hi Dave, I know this has nothing to do with this vid but I wonder if, in dragon quest 1 remake, they will put the original but thou must from the nes. I hope they do
You mean the one called simply "Fire Emblem" on NSW Online (expansion subscription). Remember that the FE series numbers, however well established among "in the know" afficionados, are unofficial and never appeared on the box covers the way that FF or DQ numbers did. I've heard many series fans want Sacred Stones (the final GBA one) to be added to the service, and would make it their recommendation should that happen.
Breath of Fire 3 is in desperate need of a remake or remaster. The fact that it doesn’t have analog controls drives me bonkers. Like trying to kick a rock shouldn’t be that difficult. I wouldn’t complain if they tweaked the encounter rate either.
Ive been asking capcom for a breath of fire collection for almost 20 years 3 and 4 are the fan favs The games are mostly only connected with Easter eggs 3 is the best to start with!! I own two. Copies love it
Wondering where to start in the Trails series? I’ve got you covered!
th-cam.com/video/osMEqd_xfb4/w-d-xo.html
would love a breath of fire collection from capcom
One can only dream 😔 I thought the older Tales of remasters were impossible too but they surprised me so here’s hoping this would also happen 👍 JRPGs are slowly turning into mainstream so it might be possible.
I'm crazy to replay bof 3 and 4 man. I dont know why the hell they haven't released it yet. Ita free money.
About that the 2nd game would need like a 4x EXP cheat for a port/remaster else before you have access to that 1 island that has K sludges it just takes TOO LONG and the only reason I'll never play the 3rd and 4 the games IS because of those REQUIRED and TIMED MINI games that I SUCK at now if those BoF 3 and 4 mini timer based games were NOT required then I could easily beat the game.
But they are and not even half way through those 2 games.
Instant purchase. Just let me buy 3&4 bundle and I'd pay $50
I’m literally right now playing through Breath of Fire 3 thanks to retroarch on ios
You're definitely going to hit 100k before the end of the year. Your upbeat attitude and obvious love for the genre is like beacon of light shining through the miasma in my Crystal Chronicles caravan.
Dragon Quest 11 S is probably my favorite jrpg. There is ZERO stress about missing something, having to play through multiple times for 100%, messing up character builds etc.
One thing I love is that almost all of these are on multiple platforms! I'm so glad these series aren't just locked to only PlayStation or only whichever Nintendo handheld anymore.
Now Capcom needs to get on that Breath of Fire Legacy Collection already 👀
Hell yeah if it had all the games id definitely buy it
Capcom please
Truth be told my first JRPG Experience was Final Fantasy IV Advance
For the GBA i was young so I dunno much about JRPGs and here I am now a huge fan :D
I have the same experience. I also play FF4 Advance first, then search for I&II, V, then VI. III was the only one I played on DS. But in 7, Square changed the 2D sprites to 3D models, which I didn't like much so I stopped. Maybe I will give them a try later.
Im just gonna say the cold, hard truth of it, at least for me. The best way to enter any JRPG franchise is to first play Chrono Trigger, and if the game type appeals to you, you can then spend the next few decades with other JRPGs chasing that dragon...
😅😅😅😅😅😅
Chrono trigger is overrated
100% agreed.
In terms of accessibility I’d argue for something closer to Persona 5. Even if you end up not being too privy to turn based combat that game allows you to be immersed in the social aspects and the style as a distraction so it doesn’t feel as if you wasted money at least imo.
I can't get my wife to play because of the pixels as she can't tell what she's looking at. She did play all the way through DQ11, though. I did convince her to play the Suikoden remaster when it comes out.
David, how could you forget Disgaea!?!
For FF I would say the best starting point is 4. The PR makes it accessible in modern platforms and the QoL makes it enjoyable for newbies.
Best intro music right off the bat. I like these recommendations overall
I like to start from the beginning (whenever is possible), so I can appreciate the evolution of a franchise and their game mechanics.
I do think the games you presented are great starting point thou!
David, just like you I grew up playing Dragon Quest on the NES and then onwards, and I love that you recommended XI. It's one of my favorite games that I've played in the last several years and it surprised me by quickly jumping into my top 3 DQ games in the entire series.
David, this was so good! I’m about 10-15 years behind in the gaming world and I found this so helpful. Love all your stuff!
Glad it was helpful!
I started...
Final Fantasy from 7
Dragon Quest from 7
Mana from Legend
Tales from Xillia
Atelier from Ryza
Breath of Fire from 3
Persona from 3 Portable
Ys from Seven
This is a really great video! I love the concept. I'd love to see a part two that includes the Trails series or the Disgaea series!
I started each of these series from the first one, and I feel like it's fine to start wherever since these stories are not iner-connected to a complex degree. You can easily go backwards with Ys and Breath of Fire and go "Oh, so THAT's what that thing was referencing" and pick up the connecting threads easily.
Love watching these vids even though I’ve played them all lol
David once again your choices resonate with me nearly 1:1 and I must say this was a wonderful video for even vets of the series you covered. I hope this helps people get a feel for some of our favorite rpg series. Was sorta hoping there would be a Trails mention, but that can of worms probably deserves its own video :)
I actually made a video on that very subject not that long ago
@@davidvinc Well now im going to find it and watch it.
Since I missed the original trilogy on nes, my Dragon Quest journey actually started with DQ8 Journey of the Cursed King on Ps2. It is still one of the best games ive played, everything from the enviroments to the enemies is so fun and imaginative. I really want them to remaster that game.
@suokkis I don't think I beat a titled dragon quest game it's mostly spin offs. I beat dragon quest monster on GBC than Slime rocket on the DS and Dragon Quest heros? I think it was called. Got far in the 2ed heros but have not beat that one to bad a 3rd one have not come out they are pretty fun muso games other than the Npcs being dumb.
Hi David! I would like to make a suggestion, for you to add the titles You recommended on the vídeo description, I loved the video but when it ended I couldnt remember wich entry to start with. You’re amazing! Keep up the good work :)
I absolutely love the concept of this video, I have to admit that some of these series are daunting just looking at the titles released i.e Trails series
Some of my all time favorites are in this video and I have nostalgia for so many I started with!
Final Fantasy - The first I played was crystal chronicles on the GC, but I didnt play a mainline until FF15 oddly, then went back for the rest haha.
Dragon Quest - 11 was the first I played, cant wait for the remakes of 1,2,3!
Mana - Trials remake was the first I played before going to the originals. Visions is a future classic IMO.
Fire Emblem - I LIKE IKE, Path of Radiance on GC was my first and favorite, regret selling my copy to gamestop as a kid Three Houses and the warriors spin off Three Hopes are my most played.
Tales - Started with Vesperia, my favorite entry is Arise!
SMT - I have only played 5 but it was the persona series that got me into it mostly, also played on easy 😅
Persona - P5 I have played through 3 times if you count Royal edition, P3 is my favorite in cast and tone (love the green moonlit city at night and sunny blue/white days).
Ys - Monstrum Knox is the only one ive played and regretfully on switch, for sure playing the rest on playstation for the performance
Great list and choices. I may be splitting hairs here.. .so, while Final Fantasy IX is one of my favorite Final Fantasy game, I would lean towards Final Fantasy X if I were suggesting a starting point (HD remake, voice acting...things people are used to). If Tales of Xillia was more available right now, I might be inclined to go with that one.
Grandia 2 was my first grandia game& i love playing it. Need to start my 3rd time playing on my switch. First had it on PC than found it on ps2 now i have the grandia collection so time to play it on switch lol. For LBX little battler Experience i say start with the 2ed game since it will have more little bots to gain parts from plus it have online battles.
Abyss was my first Tales game, and I loved it. I know some people bounce off Luke and Anise and don't like their characters, but I had a ton of fun with that game.
Going more retro, my first Final Fantasy game was IV back on the SNES, though I never beat it. First one I beat was VI. And my first Dragon Quest game was the very first one on the NES, back when Nintendo Power had a special that let you order a special collector edition for pretty cheap. I think it was under $20? And it came with maps and posters and a strategy guide. That much stuff was unheard of for a NES game!
As to my other starting games on those series... Secret of Mana, Breath of Fire 1, Fire Emblem Awakening, and Persona 3 FES.
What a wonderful idea for a list!!! I wish I manage to play most of these to the end one day 💖
You can do it!
Nice choice of the soundtrack 🤌🏻
FFIX was my first one
I totally resonate with all of your choices here. I understand your choice with Ryza, it's easily the most accessible trilogy of the Atelier series but to anyone who falls in love with the series and loves the synthesis, I urge them to play the Dusk trilogy, which I find is the most "complete" story of the series (just enough tropes, just enough synth possibilities and just enough intrigue). The time limit element is much more forgiving than in the Arland trilogy and the exploration, synthesis and the story are just fantastic.
Ys VIII is for sure one of the best starting points for the series! Though I first played through the series in chronological order and it was a truly magical experience, getting to see where both the series and Adol's adventures started and following them through all the way up to Ys IX.
Xeno is my favorite series and I'd say Xenoblade 1 is prolly the best starting point. It's the easiest to get into combat wise, the story isn't quite as mindbending as other Xeno games though it's still great, and overall I think it's a good bridge going from other RPGs into the insane experiences of Xeno.
I would say for Star Ocean I would either start with Star Ocean The Second Story R or Till the End of Time. Both are great and fantastic entries in this long running series. Otherwise, I agree with you on most of the entry points you recommend, just not the ones for series I haven't played like Ys, Fire Emblem, Atelier, or Breath of Fire. With those I may check out your recs.
Possibly the worst thing about all of this is most of us don't have the time or money to spend on all these great RPGs. Good video either way David, keep on trucking to that 100k sub goal man.
Much appreciated!
IX literally was my first FF game back in the day 😁 so many great franchises that shouldn't be missed this video will help a lot.
I'm already into most of these series, and here's where I started with each:
Final Fantasy - IV (except it was called Final Fantasy II in the US at the time)
Dragon Quest - VIII
Mana - Secret
Tales - either Symphonia Dawn of the New World or Graces f, I don't clearly remember which I played first.
SMT - I've struggled with Nocturne, and tried some of the spinoff titles like Devil Summoner and Devil Survivor.
Atelier - Iris
Breath of Fire - I only significantly played the first game on SNES, and I think I rented IV once, now some titles in the series are listed for $200-$300, except for Dragon Quarter, which is suspiciously cheap.
Persona - 4, on the PS2. BTW, this series is actually a spinoff of the SMT series.
Ys - Seven, I think. BTW, I think you mispronounced Dana's name in VIII's title.
There are a few other long rpg series I'm into:
Legend of Heroes (aka Trails Series) - Cold Steel (I notice you already did a dedicated video for where to start with this series)
Elder Scrolls (western rpg) - Morrowind
Fallout (western rpg) - 3
For BoF, I would recommend 4 instead of 3. Overall, I think 3 is a better game, but 4 is probably a better entry point.
1. 4's transformation is incredibly straightforward. Sure, trying to hunt down every dragon related spots can be a bit of a challenge, but 3's also a challenge. Additionally, the gene mechanic of 3 requires either a guide, or a lot of trial and error.
2. 4 allows you to freely switch between all party members in combat; if a party member goes down, you automatically switch to someone who is alive but inactive. This makes more fragile characters more viable than 3. You can also heal inactive / downed members (and multi-target healing spells also target everyone, including inactive members), so it is overall easier, combat wise.
3. 4's master system is also a lot more straightforward without forcing you into nonsensical level ups.
4. Story-wise, I think 4 makes more sense to start with.
Also, the Shining series! It might not be as huge as some of the mentioned series, but it has some gems and has way more games than BoF. It is probably most known, classically, for its SRPG, then ARPG, but I would say that the SF1 remake for GBA, Resurrection of the Dark Dragon, it likely the best entry. It makes a lot of quality of life improvement, some rebalancing of characters (I think), and has a NG+ mode so you can do a casual/blind run first without wasting a save slot. I almost wanted to say SF2, but their branching promotions might cause some headaches if used without foreknowledge.
I am starting the Mana series...from the absolute beginning. Final Fantasy Adventure honestly holds up REALLY well compared to most other GB games.
perfect timing! i was wondering what Final Fantasy and Fire Emblem game to start with! good video as always :>
Glad you enjoyed!
With Star Ocean, I'd say start with the 2nd one (the remake) because it is the highlight of the series and is the most engaging. Then, for the fun of it, you can go back to the Star Ocean remake. After that, go in order with 3, 4, and then 5.
Thanks for this great list! Now… my issue isn’t so much starting these great series, but actually finishing any of these awesome games that I’ve started! (5 of these are in-progress) 😂
My intro to the Ys series was IX, and I loved it. I may be in the minority, but I prefer it to VII (though it could be a situation of “never forgetting your first”). Great video as always
Can't wait to play FFIX finally! So far my fave TH-camrs have not steered me wrong and I'm sure your consistent love for the game will transfer to me. I'm just waiting until I finish VII to play Zidane's FF
Hope you enjoy!
The first RPG I ever played was Mario RPG for the SNES. I was hooked after that.
See that's how I like my retro games to look like, such as Breath of fire 3. That's as old of graphics and look I personally go. Such lovely sprites and so well done ❤😊 Can you recommend any other RPGs that look like that? I know there's octopath traveler, and unicorn overlord
I’d have to say FFX is the best entry point. Good way to gauge if you’re fine with playing a game that’s older or if you rather something newer
I usually recommend 10 for the people who prefer the newer titles but 9 for the retro lovers
Hallway simulators aren't a good representation of the FF series unless you are going to push them to FF13 next. Although 4, 6, and 7 are my favorites, I agree that FF9 is a great overall representation of the series.
I’ve not yet tried the Ys or Tales of series just because there were so many options to choose from. I think I’ll use your recommendations. Star Ocean Tides of Time i felt was a good entry point for that series.. it actually had me seek out translated roms of the first 2 on SNES
For Star Ocean, I highly recommend Star Ocean 2. While some Easter eggs to the first game can help give context, like Final Fantasy, you don't really need to play all of 'em to get the full scope of what's going on. With the most recent Star Ocean 2 remake, you'll have the perfect exposure with a simple story, 2 playable characters, and combat that's eases you into the battle mechanics, and fun to play around with, especially with the blindside mechanic introduced in Star Ocean 4: Last Hope.
Which one I find the R version of 2nd Story to be complete CRAP I prefer the PSP/PS1 versions as tthe better one.
But Dragon quest 7 is TOO LONG so I don't recommend starting with that one.
Are you talking about the recent remake? Because that is the definitive version with most content and you can play it old school via options to remove the new 99999 damage limit etc.
I am I hate that version of the game it takes even MORE lvs to have all the SP skills at lv 10 IE like 230 OUT of the its 255 levels all the extra QUESTS in game IMHO are BORING as well and Celine Ashton Precis Noel Leon Welch still SUCK.
By doing more the 99,999 damage in 1 hit the super bosses and their 1 to 3 million HP can be all gone IN UNDER 60 seconds but I would still NEED Bloody armor users at lv 255 even on earth mode else against even Etheral queen I won't even last for like 10 seconds before she HITS the ENTIRE party for 9999 damage IN 1 hit.
Love from Belgium 🇧🇪 ❤ Grandia and Lunar Silverstar Story ❤
I just left Brussels, beautiful country!
@@davidvinc I’m living in Brussels. Come say hello, next time ♥️
Start Suikoden at Suikoden 2, easily the best of the series and still a fan favourite to this day.
Nice one! Was waiting for you to open THAT can of worms (Trails). Glad you didn't, lol.
Agree with most of the list. I always like to recommend FFX due to its graphical jump and voice acting.
I have heard that trails from zero is a good starting point, considering the sky series isn't currently available on modern consoles.
Haaah, as long as you don't have a really (I mean REALLY) good memories or you don't plan to play the games back to back, every first game of the arc is a good starting point. Like heck, people can just start from Daybreak with no problem aside from quality of life (more modern more qol).
@@calendar6526 good to know actually. I've been wanting to start the series for a while, but haven't gotten around to it yet.
Great recommendations here 👍 Love three houses
Great list David! Also thankful you chose BoF3 over 4 for an entry point as the world is more colourful and enjoyable. Characters more likable and soundtrack is on point too.
Valkyria Chronicles 1 is probably a good entry point to that franchise. Recently remastered and sometimes bundled with the 4th entry. Also if i remember correctly an anime was also based on the 1st game.
However i'm like you David and many others that like their retro classics. Bring back BoF, Grandia and Legend of Legaia anyday!
My issue with 9 is i just feel like the static backgrounds bothers me coming back to it didn't bother me back in the day, but I struggle coming back to those. I'd probably go 4, 6 or 10 for starters for my suggestion. Solid choices for the rest of them though!
Hi David! FFIX is my favorite. Vivi is love. ❤Have a blessed day!
Ya I really enjoyed the learning skills from equipment. All the characters are fun.
For Final Fantasy classic (I to VI), I would recommend to start at IV. Just don't play After Years. The jobs' skills had been polished at that point, and it wasn't too difficult for you to understand their perks and customize your party since the game introduced them one by one. Besides its amazing story revolving repentance and development, the game also has a mountain of secrets to be discovered. Then you could play V, which allowed you to unlock and change jobs freely, and created your own combos to decimate any boss. Last would be VI, which is widely considered as the pinnacle of FF classic. And the final boss theme is a crazy masterpiece, easily rivaling One-winged Angel of FF7 in my opinion.
The FF9 sound in the background was great detail for this video
BOF3 is a great game one of my top 3 on the PS1
These are nice recomandations. I just started at random points in series witch are convinient at that point in time. Maybe I should care and overthink it a bit more.
I will also add that I’m a ff guy it’s my favorite series I even have tattoos yet breathe of fire 3 is still my all time fav rpg it’s that good
No Trails!?
That’s because you need to start the series with the first one 😄 Cold Steel can be a nice entry point too but playing the previous 5 helps a lot.
It’s gonna be sky FC remake once it’s out
Trails games are not as "accessible" or popular as those games. Only the fans hype the game unlike those on the list where even non JRPG gamers know about it and hype it just from them trailers.
Which is not weird because the first exposure for most people that is not playing the game from Sky nor a JRPG gamer would be the Cold Steel. Where the settings is chosen one + harem + school, it's not even a "proper" military academy, just bad combination for first timer.
You could easily do a part 2 (Pokémon, Souls, Trails, Star Ocean, KH, etc. etc.) Please do
I wonder if we may get lucky in a remastered or port of Final Fantasy Mystic Quest
Now to throw a metaphorical bomb into the crowd... where should one start the Trails series? (I started at the beginning with Sky FC and powered through to Reverie with a 10 game continuous binge in 2023).
Great list! Have a whole bunch of them. Now I just need the time to play em! 😂
I just recently started playing jrpgs. Tales of arise was my first one
Trails of cold steel 1 seems to be the perfect starting point into an amazing series.
Ooo, you recommended BoF3 instead of 4. Glad to see you actually giving 3 some love, as you're usually gushing about 4. But yeah, 3 is way more in line with the rest of the series than 4 is.
2:42 I was thinking about recommending Trials of Mana but that was before the wall boss which I remember was also hard in the original because the AI of the characters are dumb and the envirionmental traps keeps hitting the rest of the party. I wish they made that easier in the ramake or made the AI better to not step in the traps.
I agree with your list, though if you had made the list next year, my starting Ys recommendation would be easily be YS Memoire: Oath in Felghana.
Agreed. Felghana is my favourite
Yo David! Cosmic Fantasy Collection 2 going on sale in LRG website on December 6th!
Thanks for letting me know!
I (respectfully) have to disagree on Tales of Arise being too complicated for newcomers. Arise is the only one I've played (although Vesperia, Abyss, Xilia 1/2, and maybe Graces F and Hearts R) are all on my backlog list, but I really enjoyed Arise. I felt it could've been a bit more difficult, but I wouldn't shy anyone away from it to get into the Tales series! As for Atelier, I think that series will be next on my list after I beat Trails Through Daybreak -- my plan is to play through it in order: Arland-Dusk-Mysterious-Ryza. I've read that Ryza is a good starting point, but another thread I was reading talked about going through it and it talked about QoL improving as you play through the games, and I want the full experience! I know I'll be playing a couple out of order of release by following each set, but I'm looking forward to it regardless. Great video, David!
Dude FF9 helped me understand how to learn and play RPGs better, well it was a start then 😅😂 I loved playing Chocobo hot and cold and I still have yet to complete the Mooglet mail system😦
Although I agree with everything you said about the Persona series & recommending P5, an alternate way to start would be Persona 4 Golden.
The main reason is just so you don't spoil yourself too early, and that you get a sense of the series improvements after moving on to the next games. You can start at a technically less impressive point, then move on to P3 Reload & P5 Royal without feeling like you're going backwards in tech.
But if starting with the more technically impressive games & then moving on to more dated graphics doesn't really bother you, then yeah, P5R is a great place to start!
Best to start with imo
Final Fantasy 12
Dragon Quest 8
Trials of Mana
Tales of Zestiria
SMT 3
Atelier Ryza
Persona 3
Ys 7
No Legend of Heroes?
Fully expected to see that here. Maybe holding off bc of the Sky remaster and waiting to see how it is?
Great video. Just curious, did you ever go back and play Astlibra? I picked it up for the Steam Deck, and I haven’t plugged so many hours into a game so fast in my life :)
First video of yours I've watched thanks to @jrpglife and I'm very pleased! Great video, to the point and informative and bonus-something I was looking for! Sub'd and Like'd! Awesome stuff.
Thanks so much my friend!
How about the Trails series? I want to try it.
I recommend starting with the first trilogy (Trails in the Sky)
The oldest you can tolerate and available to you. You can also start from the latest Daybreak. Just make sure to play from the start of the arc, Sky FC, Zero, Cold Steel.
Ive tried Breath of Fire multiple times but have issues getting thru it.
Can I skip 1/2 for now and not miss alot of story?
I'd say DQ8 is a better starting point than 11 except its not available on any modern consoles... Come On Square Enix!! We NEED a remaster!!!!! It'd be a day 1 purchase for me!!!
I can’t believe they haven’t released the older games (4-9) on Switch. Seems so obvious
Personally I found Atelier Iris 1-3 and Mana Khemia 1-2 to be more fun then modern Atelier games.
Top 3 RPG’s:
#1 FFVII - named my daughter Aeris. (Mistranslation I know) I like Aeris, more than Aerith.
#2 BOF3 - gene/master system, childhood to adulthood…enough said. (Desert sucked the first time though)
#3 dragon warrior 4, I am almost 40 and have spent more time in the dw4 casino, than a real life casino, haha. Also, multiple stories, that come together!
Have you played any of the Legend of Heroes games and where would be a good starting point for them?
I have an entire video dedicated to just that subject
@@davidvinc I'll have to check it out!
For the Phantasy Star series, I would say Phantasy Star IV because its the smoothest, fast-paced and easiest of the Phantasy Star series and also has the best soundtrack.
For the Shin Megami series, I recommend Digital Devil Saga 1, then 2.
I have much simpler solution 99,1% of the time : the release order, no matter if the recent one who interest me is the 16th entry
Only exception being if the entries are not localized even by fan translation (oh hi yakuza kenzan !) and somewhat final fantasy since since each entry is a completely different game, even direct sequel don't have the same battle system (like in mind the only exception of a direct sequel having ALMOST the same battle system as the original was FF13-2... without couting the monster catching part)
Hi Dave, I know this has nothing to do with this vid but I wonder if, in dragon quest 1 remake, they will put the original but thou must from the nes. I hope they do
Whether I see Ys 8, all that comes to my mind is how bad it initially was XD
"Big Hole" will forever live in my head
great video topic!!!
Thank you!!
Honestly for Fire Emblem I think permadeath should be part of the experience. FE7 is my pick.
You mean the one called simply "Fire Emblem" on NSW Online (expansion subscription). Remember that the FE series numbers, however well established among "in the know" afficionados, are unofficial and never appeared on the box covers the way that FF or DQ numbers did.
I've heard many series fans want Sacred Stones (the final GBA one) to be added to the service, and would make it their recommendation should that happen.
What about the Trails games? Wanted to try them but have no clue where to start
If you look at the pinned comment, I have an entire video going over the trails series :)
@@davidvinc thanks for the response 💪
Great video idea
This is a very important video. Saved.
great choices
Also I would pick Fire Emblem for gba with Hector and Lin
Breath of Fire 3 is in desperate need of a remake or remaster. The fact that it doesn’t have analog controls drives me bonkers. Like trying to kick a rock shouldn’t be that difficult. I wouldn’t complain if they tweaked the encounter rate either.
Ive been asking capcom for a breath of fire collection for almost 20 years 3 and 4 are the fan favs
The games are mostly only connected with Easter eggs 3 is the best to start with!! I own two. Copies love it
You didn’t mention Xeno gears.
just start somewere that was powerful thank you i starting atleier with the new game
Where to start to get traps like that?
The gym
RPG time with David too many great franchises that you can’t start at anywhere
Lol I guessed the first one right off the bat 😁
FFIV is the best starting point for FF and I will die on that hill
And secret of mana = best mana