Developer of 8-Bit Adventures 2 here - just wanted to say WOW! I am *incredibly* flattered to have our game included in your awards show David, and especially to be up against Sea of Stars for best indie game. Thank you so much for the kind words and shout-out! I seriously didn't expect that, but seeing it absolutely made my day =D I enjoyed your video a lot more than the actual Game Awards haha - great nominees all around!
Really happy to see 8-Bit Adventures 2 being included here, too. It's such an incredible game and I really hope there will be a third entry in this series 😊
@@mypartyisprivate8693 YES! I missed the formal wear as well (and cute pup!), but this will do. Love his look, gaming tastes, humor, and analysis! Great Channel!
Want to know how great SO2 REALLY is? I got a Platinum Trophy, played through both scenarios, and am restarting another Rena scenario (on New Game ++). And you know what? Even after doing pretty much everything, I STILL LOVE IT AND WANT TO PLAY IT!! Yes, even with 70+ other RPGs in my backlog. That's when you know you have a masterpiece on your hands. Easy GOTY.
Octopath Traveler II is be my personal JRPG of the year. I spent the past couple of months devouring it, I only have 3 final chapters left and I've taken a little break because I don't want it to end! It's the kind of game where when I drift off to sleep at night I'm thinking up new builds for my team/skills etc it's just incredibly addictive and I adore all the characters. Now, how am I going to find time to beat all the other JRPGs I didn't get to this year before 2024 gets here and brings with it EVEN MORE?!
Star Ocean 2 was my GoTY as well! Tactics Ogre remake took the cake last year too. So glad the classics have been getting all the love they need. Here's hoping Suikoden 1/2 is a banger as well as the potential Xenogears and FFT remakes!
Tactics Ogre was amazing, must have put over 200 hrs into it and I've only finished one scenario. Excellent game and very easy to pick-up-and-play. If Star Ocean 2 is in the same band then I need to hurry up and finish the FF remake collection (50% through FFV) so I get on to it.
@@radicalbyte TO had an insane amount of endgame. Pretty much 80% of the game is endgame and I loved every second of it! Yeah get on SO2 ASAP! The FF pixel remasters are fantastic too so you have your work cut out for you!😁
I’ve had one of the worst years in awhile and am so exhausted today, but this video has brought me some much needed comfort and joy. Thank you for doing what you do!
Octopath Traveler 2 was so good. Definitely my GotY. The Bravely Default team has consistently knocked it out of the park, being able to make their own unique games that standout and dont heavily rely on franchise recognition.
I’m on the final chapter and am drawing it out since it’s coming to an end. It could overtake TotK as my personal goty. Didn’t get to play BG3 yet but what a yr!!!
So happy to hear you enjoyed your time with BG3. Ignore the haters on twitter. The best part about this is that unlike other 'open' RPGs, you can't completely fuck yourself. No matter what you do, you can finish the main story. In fact, murdering absolutely everything is one of the main ways to play the Dark Urge character. All you can really screw over is making the last fight harder - Never impossible.
The true Game Awards. Loved this. I would like to see in the future other categories for RPG awards like: best Art, best Music, best Male and Female Characters, and/or Person of the year.
THIS is how an awards show should be: to the point, choices are given justification and a little moment to celebrate what they did well, no celebrity best friend rambling on forever about a thing he's thinking about making, and it's not 87% ads. Great content, as always.
I’m glad you at least brought up the game Cassette Beasts (even if it didn’t win). It’s a game I played a bunch and had so much fun with. It feels so unique in a time where so many games can blend together. I felt is was criminally underrated and not talked about this year.
This HD2D fad has probably been the best thing for the RPG genre in decades. Every game that's come out just seems to be excellent and I hope we get more remakes and sequels. Looks like 2023 has been a great year for RPGs and next year potentially just as good.
Absolutely great list of games there, winners and not!! My game of the year is to no one’s surprise, Dragon Quest Monsters but there’s a few on here that I would love to give a try in the new year. ❤
Awesome video. The cherry on the cake would have been adding which platforms all nominees are available on. Now I have to go find out which ones are on the only platform I own (Switch) which takes a ton of time...
Oh man, what a year 2023 has been for RPGs! I still have a lot of catching up to do, but I will say, we have the same Game of the Year! xD Also, I really appreciate how you didn't give any of the games multiple awards, you let a wide selection of games shine!
Definitely Star Ocean Second R for best RPG of the year! It’s amazing. It was actually your videos on it that convinced me to buy it. Thanks so much for the honest and thorough reviews and amazing content! 🎉
Man, literally skimmed through the game awards with just a feeling like... "Yeah, BG3 wins.. no surprise here." But David's RPG game Awards here, soon much better. Even a mention of OT2, unlike the Game Awards did(popularity contest). Happy Holidays to you David. My friend.
I see it now; the Davey Awards! The statue is a bust of David with a big smile doing a double flexed bicep code holding a giant game controller over his head!
I'll give it to you: games like Ultima and Wizardry were basically unplayable for most of us. Hell, I still can't quite understand how modern Bethesda games work. But the first wave of isometric RPGs from the late 90s and early 00s fixed almost every issue that western RPGs had. Real time with pause is not quite as comfortable as turn based combat, but it's perfectly serviceable and anyone who's played an RPG can get the hang of it after a couple of hours. That's why the enhanced editions added little more than HD resolutions and widescreen support, the old games simply aged THAT well. Maybe, just maybe, Baldur's Gate 3 will make you consider checking out the previous entries and all the other fantastic Infinity Engine games from that era. And yes, Planescape: Torment is every bit as amazing as everyone says.
Not to sound like a kiss a**, but Davidvinc’s Game Awards has more importance to me than The Game Awards from the other night! 😂 (Love categories like “Spiritual Succesors”. Also like “FE: Engage” waaaayyyy more than I thought. Loved the character designs a lot!)
Truly the best Game Awards show now. If some indie had a world premiere trailer during this, it would give you the next step in taking over the main game awards lol
My highlight of the year is definitely Star Ocean 2. I never played a Star Ocean game and thus I didn't have the remake on my radar, but after seeing it at your and other channels, I knew it was good and boi I had so much fun with it. I just started a second playthrough with Rena and it's even more fun now where I know the combat system in and out ;D
2:17 I'm surprised David didn't nominate Star Ocean 2 remake/remaster as the best remake/remaster. Edit: I just watched the whole video and do want to say I don't think it's a positive indication indication about the state of gaming that a remaster/remake is THE BEST game of the year.
Star ocean… oh star ocean. Could not agree more. Please y’all if you haven’t bought it, and you’re here, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Go out and buy it. I’ve played the game for the last 25 years and I could not agree more with David. The game is superb. it’s not just arguably the best RPG for the PlayStation, but I would also make the case for Nintendo switch.
David, you have quite the physique and your ability to switch uniforms is unmatched!. You would make an excellent Henchman in my battle against that fool, He-Man. Thanks for another excellent video!
My top 3 rpgs this year: BG3 > Star Ocean 2 remake and thirdly Sea of Stars. Still think BG2 is way better than BG3 and up there with ff7 as among top 10 of all times... dont know why people pretend its the best BG probably never played BG2? it feels weird how ff16 isnt on my list but, I miss the joy of FF, 16 was just too dark all the way through.
You absolutely nailed the game of the year. SO2R is going to be historically significant. There's no going back from the standard this set in remaking games. It's just so completely figured out. SO2 is a REALLY deep game, and for the developers to make all of it so accessible at lightning speed and add as much soluble new stuff as they did is really an achievement.
Great list. My heart did break a little when you used footage from Ultima 7 to illustrate awful western rpgs. Computer Rpgs of the 90s really did assume that you either already had the D&D rules memorised or that you had read the enormous paper manuals front-to-back and could remember everything within :) Ultima 7 was a magically wonderful game but I really struggle to recommend classic computer RPGs to people because none of them are pick up and play and even modern D&D is radically different to the 2nd edition ruleset of the classic computer games.
I woulnd't say that the CRPGs of the era sucked, but they were kinda hard to pick up and play, that's for sure. Unless you were into this genre specifically. For me, it wasn't until 1997 or 1998, when Fallout 1, Baldur's Gate 1, Might & Magic 6 and a couple of other games arrived, that I really started to enjoy Western RPGs. And 1999 saw the release of Planescape: Torment, which has remained my very favourite game of all time - tied with Xenogears - to this day.
This year was amazing year for RPGs (both Japanese and Western). Baldur's Gate 3 was definitely my GOTY. It blew every other game away by a mile. Wasn't even close. One of the best RPGs I have ever played.
Loved this video. I rarely comment on anything, but I had to let you know that after watching this, I played the demo of Silent Hope, beat it, immediately bought the full game. Great recommendation. Keep up the great work, sir. Really enjoy your stuff.
That was a great video with some great choices. What I enjoy most about your content is the fact that I don't keep up to date with games myself all that much anymore and you often show me new stuff I'd probably never see otherwise.
An amazing year in RPG releases with some extremely well deserved highlights here! And the way things are looking for 2024… it’s insane and I’m looking forward to coming here for another great year of releases
I agree with most of what you said, however in my opinion, Cassette Beasts cannot be behind Dragon Quest Monsters The Dark Prince. While I am a fan of both, Cassette Beasts is simply a masterpiece I still play to this day and listen all of its OSTs while The Dark Prince was just a fun 30 hours journey I am happy I took but will never get back to.
Trails into Reverie and Star Ocean 2 R were my games of the year. I literally shed tears when they announced that remake because I probably love Star Ocean 2 as much as you do since it's the first game I played through all on my own as kid. I'm also excited about Falcom thinking about re-releasing the Sky trilogy since I finished Zero earlier this month and started Azure a few days ago.
Mario RPG is one of the greatest games I ever played. I remember being blown away by the isometric/pseudo 3d platforming. I would be so happy for anything similar Mario RPG to come out, and the thought of a sequel makes me positively swoon. Also I love your new merch. I like the baseball shirt especially, but shirts like that really make my forearms look ripped. I thought the same for you, but then I saw you in the t-shirt.
as soon as i started the video i knew he was going to pick star ocean 2 for the winner. not a bad choice at all tho. great game. i would love to see a final fantasy 6(3 for SNES) get the same treatment star ocean 2 or ff7 did. ff6 is the best one
This was a great list, appreciate the work you put into it. I started thinking about the games I'd put on the list, and while I have games I played this year I could put on your list, they're all games from 2018-2022 as I'm usually pretty slow to pick up new games. Having a list like this to come back to to look at what I want to play once I'm done with Diofield or Lost Eidolons is greatly appreciated.
Thank you for always delivering well-thought out content. I know we all appreciate your love and dedication into the art of JRPGs/RPGs. We appreciate you sharing your thoughts and thank you for all the recommendations. You are one of the reasons why I have been able to dive deep into JRPGs; most notably the Dragonquest series!!! Have a great day David!
if the new game plus of star ocean 2 would let you choose what to pick, it would be flawless for me, beginning at level 255 its not enjoyable for me, but i would still want all of my items and skills
Very thorough and careful judgment! I loved how you thoughtfully divided everything into those categories. I was a little surprised that you thought that highly of Fire Emblem Engage because I got the feeling from some fans that it was subpar for whatever reason. I almost thought you wouldn't even include Final Fantasy 16 in the running for Action RPG because you said it wasn't even an RPG. I didn't expect that you would have given Baldur's Gate 3 any attention--and even enjoyed it! All in all, there is hope for RPGs yet! Thanks for doing this awards video! Who knows, maybe you and other RPG creators online could create your own panel and collectively vote on these categories.
Hey David first time really writing a comment but wanted to say I found your channel this year and love all the content. Really loved this awards show presentation and looking forward to seeing more in the new year. Hope you have a great holiday and a restful few weeks into the new year!
Agree with everything except Monster Taming Rpg. Although the new DQMonsters is incredible, Cassette Beasts is still by far the best monster taming rpg for me. Great soundtrack, good story, good voice acting, great characters, great monsters and the fusions are insanely good.
I really enjoyed the way you did this by category instead of just a flat top 10 list. And I'm looking forward to sinking my teeth into Star Ocean over my Christmas work break. :)
Hi David! Love this video. We have very similar tastes when it comes to JRPGs. I grew up with the old school RPGs, beginning way back in the NES era. Really cool watching all these older games and hd2d remakes getting some love. Have a blessed day!
I hope this Nintendo / Square movement is a full 180 direction and results in a fully collaborative relationship. Maybe then my pipe dream of a Xenogears remake or remaster would be possible
you got the best voice david. I always loved how passionate you are about RPGs. I mean RPGs are great. These anime style ones are looking better and better. It's gonna be a good 2024.
Just finished Star Ocean 2 and it was such a gem of a game. It was my first time playing it, and I haven’t been enthralled by a game like that in a while. SO much better than First Departure R. The graphics and music were terrific and the story very well done. The only thing I was a little let down on was the ending; felt a bit lacklustre for how good the game was. Going to wait a bit and play the new game + with Rena to get the other experience and try to get the other characters.
Mario RPG didn't cause the rift between Squaresoft and Nintendo, Nintendo's insistence on cartridges did that. Squaresoft had even developed a tech demo for the N64. Also Consider that Square had come to Nintendo when they wanted to publish GBA games before the Merger with Square Enix.
2023 has definitely been a very solid year for RPGs for sure. There’s still some games on this list that I need to add to my ever growing backlog and thensome. Most definitely top favorites this year were Star Ocean 2 Remake and FF16 and it has been a full renaissance of classic IPs coming back which make you feel that it’s the 90s again in a good way for gaming. A solid list all around. ☺️🎉🎄🎄
Bang on with most everything here! Such a great year for JRPGs, maybe the best since the PS1 golden era? Octopath, SO2, the indie games, etc… so good, and not enough time in the year to play them all!
11:14 Yeah, those people are so annoying. In fact, that argument is completely wrong because Action RPGs existed since the NES era, even the first Ys came out before the first Dragon Quest.
Being a huge Star Ocean 2 fan, I recently picked up the remake for PS5 and I'm blown away with how they've improved on it, it's a marvel to look at and it's been a blast to play so far. My favorite squeenix remake so far has been Trials of Mana but I think SO2 might overtake that. Either way, its an amazing time to be a fan of rpgs, although I'm buried in a backlog of games I'll never be able to catch up with unless I clone myself.
Great video David! Star Ocean The Second Story R is also my personal RPG of the year! I was hooked on that game for a good while and I'm likely going to do my second playthrough soon!
Fantastic list, and I fully agree with it (at least for the ones I've played) - also, "When Square don't, FuRyu do" is awesome, and they should adopt that officially. 😄
I never heard of the rogue like winner but as soon as you explained it I knew it was a game I would love to play, can’t wait to buy it after work! You’re the best David!
Guys in case anyone is interested in the Atelier series they're on sale on the Nintendo shop. I just got the Ryza first part. Thanks for sharing Dave this series
As ever - great choices. Got to agree with BG3 and Trinity Trigger. That said I did get really annoyed with the final story boss of Trinity Trigger which was very clearly designed for co-op. And thats one of the great things about BG3 - even if you mess up and murder the odd Druid Grove, you can still finish the game. It really is play your way, and its fantastic.
Let's hope next year might be a Golden Era of JRPGs, cuz it's seems like next year would have a lot of big titles on the way 2023 may have the best ones including the indie scenes like Sea of Stars , I can't wait for next year, I'm more looking forward to Dragons Dogma 2 and Infinite Wealth (Then Visions of Mana cuz I didn't know there's going to be a new Mana game at the time of making my list before Goty)
I did agree with a lot of the games included in the categories and a lot of the winners that were picked. But i have to give Octopath Traveller 2 the Game of The Year nod. It improved upon the first and was a game that helped pushed the retro style into the forefront and not just as an afterthought. While Star Ocean showed what an upgrade to modern consoles done right should be, Octopath took the checkered flag for me this year.
Wow you really caught me off guard with trinity trigger. I got a copy very cheap but have kept it sealed due to reviews. Looks like I may break the seal and actually give it a taste.
What a fantastic run. Nothing to do with the middling actual TGA. I found myself in each of your categories and I knew 99% of the games (thank you for Moebius!). As you said, I hope devs realize we're out there. I think they have, considering Visions of Mana. Man I hope they don't halfa** this. If they make it anywhere as good as the Trials remake, I'm going to be a very happy RPG fan.
Thank you for the great list, it was fun to watch :). I like the categories for your awards and appreciate your recommendations. Thank you for your content :)
Some of the best RPGs (or games in general) have style and substance both. Sometimes a lovingly-pixeled retro aesthetic will be the charm, or it could be vibrant cel-shading, something besides today's favorite "generic anime" and "best attempt at photorealism yet" (though those can absolutely work, see Baldur's Gate 3).
Hell yeah so glad you picked Nayuta Boundless Trails over the other 2 for action rpg of the year. I haven't played the Dragon Quest game, but I did beat FF16 and was pretty disappointed with it. I feel like Boundless Trails is being slept on by way too many people
Also gotta say this was my first time watching one of your videos (even though you pop up in my recommendations all the time) and you're a really cool dude. Definitely looking forward to digging through the Davidvinc archives
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Developer of 8-Bit Adventures 2 here - just wanted to say WOW! I am *incredibly* flattered to have our game included in your awards show David, and especially to be up against Sea of Stars for best indie game. Thank you so much for the kind words and shout-out! I seriously didn't expect that, but seeing it absolutely made my day =D I enjoyed your video a lot more than the actual Game Awards haha - great nominees all around!
Awesome, I'm so happy that you enjoyed it! And thank you so much for creating such a great game!
Really happy to see 8-Bit Adventures 2 being included here, too. It's such an incredible game and I really hope there will be a third entry in this series 😊
@criticalgamesdev amazing game! Great job to you and the team :)
Haven't tried #2 but I definitely will now.
@@blueeyeadonishawke2020 Thank you very much! That sincerely means a lot blueeyeadonhishawke2020 - I'm so glad you enjoyed it =)
Literally miles better than the actual Game Awards. Plus, some eye candy 💪😍
I’m a straight man, but damn is he pretty!
@@CHONK-Music Same. I admire his physique. Also, I miss his formalwear from last time! Very cute.
I’m straighter than a ruler but he’s a stud👌🏾
@@mypartyisprivate8693 YES! I missed the formal wear as well (and cute pup!), but this will do. Love his look, gaming tastes, humor, and analysis! Great Channel!
Trinity Trigger Octopath Traveler 2 Sea of Stars and Star Ocean 2 amazing games I also enjoyed Chained Echoes and Triangle Strategy
For me, the RPG of the year is Octopath Traveller 2. It literally made me buy a separate TV just for my Nintendo Switch. All hail King Hikari!
King Hikari and his fair maiden, Agnea ;)
She says his name differently and accompanied him across the world.
Want to know how great SO2 REALLY is? I got a Platinum Trophy, played through both scenarios, and am restarting another Rena scenario (on New Game ++). And you know what? Even after doing pretty much everything, I STILL LOVE IT AND WANT TO PLAY IT!! Yes, even with 70+ other RPGs in my backlog. That's when you know you have a masterpiece on your hands. Easy GOTY.
Octopath Traveler II is be my personal JRPG of the year. I spent the past couple of months devouring it, I only have 3 final chapters left and I've taken a little break because I don't want it to end! It's the kind of game where when I drift off to sleep at night I'm thinking up new builds for my team/skills etc it's just incredibly addictive and I adore all the characters.
Now, how am I going to find time to beat all the other JRPGs I didn't get to this year before 2024 gets here and brings with it EVEN MORE?!
Man, that was an awesome award show. And no 10 minute speeches!! 😂
Star Ocean 2 was my GoTY as well! Tactics Ogre remake took the cake last year too. So glad the classics have been getting all the love they need. Here's hoping Suikoden 1/2 is a banger as well as the potential Xenogears and FFT remakes!
Tactics Ogre was amazing, must have put over 200 hrs into it and I've only finished one scenario. Excellent game and very easy to pick-up-and-play. If Star Ocean 2 is in the same band then I need to hurry up and finish the FF remake collection (50% through FFV) so I get on to it.
@@radicalbyte TO had an insane amount of endgame. Pretty much 80% of the game is endgame and I loved every second of it! Yeah get on SO2 ASAP! The FF pixel remasters are fantastic too so you have your work cut out for you!😁
Hell yeah brother! The best game of each year should be a game from 20-30 years ago with a few touch ups.
I’ve had one of the worst years in awhile and am so exhausted today, but this video has brought me some much needed comfort and joy. Thank you for doing what you do!
Octopath Traveler 2 was so good. Definitely my GotY. The Bravely Default team has consistently knocked it out of the park, being able to make their own unique games that standout and dont heavily rely on franchise recognition.
I’m on the final chapter and am drawing it out since it’s coming to an end. It could overtake TotK as my personal goty. Didn’t get to play BG3 yet but what a yr!!!
Now this is one Game Awards worth watching! Gonna get cozy for this
So happy to hear you enjoyed your time with BG3. Ignore the haters on twitter. The best part about this is that unlike other 'open' RPGs, you can't completely fuck yourself. No matter what you do, you can finish the main story. In fact, murdering absolutely everything is one of the main ways to play the Dark Urge character. All you can really screw over is making the last fight harder - Never impossible.
The true Game Awards. Loved this. I would like to see in the future other categories for RPG awards like: best Art, best Music, best Male and Female Characters, and/or Person of the year.
THIS is how an awards show should be: to the point, choices are given justification and a little moment to celebrate what they did well, no celebrity best friend rambling on forever about a thing he's thinking about making, and it's not 87% ads. Great content, as always.
I’m glad you at least brought up the game Cassette Beasts (even if it didn’t win). It’s a game I played a bunch and had so much fun with. It feels so unique in a time where so many games can blend together. I felt is was criminally underrated and not talked about this year.
i agree. i put over two hundred hours into it.
Binge played it, 20+ hours in 2 days
Cassette Beasts and 8bit Adventure 2 are my top fav this year. So glad they made it to David's list
This HD2D fad has probably been the best thing for the RPG genre in decades. Every game that's come out just seems to be excellent and I hope we get more remakes and sequels. Looks like 2023 has been a great year for RPGs and next year potentially just as good.
I loved this ceremony more than the actual game awards... ❤❤❤ You're the best
Such a good year for RPGs, love how this format highlighted the great variety we had.
Star Ocean 2 remake did everything right, it was fantastic.
Absolutely great list of games there, winners and not!! My game of the year is to no one’s surprise, Dragon Quest Monsters but there’s a few on here that I would love to give a try in the new year. ❤
Awesome video. The cherry on the cake would have been adding which platforms all nominees are available on. Now I have to go find out which ones are on the only platform I own (Switch) which takes a ton of time...
Oh man, what a year 2023 has been for RPGs! I still have a lot of catching up to do, but I will say, we have the same Game of the Year! xD
Also, I really appreciate how you didn't give any of the games multiple awards, you let a wide selection of games shine!
Definitely Star Ocean Second R for best RPG of the year! It’s amazing. It was actually your videos on it that convinced me to buy it. Thanks so much for the honest and thorough reviews and amazing content! 🎉
Man, literally skimmed through the game awards with just a feeling like... "Yeah, BG3 wins.. no surprise here." But David's RPG game Awards here, soon much better. Even a mention of OT2, unlike the Game Awards did(popularity contest). Happy Holidays to you David. My friend.
To be completely fair, BG3 absolutely DESERVES all the rewards and accolades. 100%
I see it now; the Davey Awards! The statue is a bust of David with a big smile doing a double flexed bicep code holding a giant game controller over his head!
I'll give it to you: games like Ultima and Wizardry were basically unplayable for most of us. Hell, I still can't quite understand how modern Bethesda games work. But the first wave of isometric RPGs from the late 90s and early 00s fixed almost every issue that western RPGs had. Real time with pause is not quite as comfortable as turn based combat, but it's perfectly serviceable and anyone who's played an RPG can get the hang of it after a couple of hours. That's why the enhanced editions added little more than HD resolutions and widescreen support, the old games simply aged THAT well.
Maybe, just maybe, Baldur's Gate 3 will make you consider checking out the previous entries and all the other fantastic Infinity Engine games from that era. And yes, Planescape: Torment is every bit as amazing as everyone says.
2023 definitely had some bangin' JRPG's! Awesome awards video man, doing justice for the games that actually deserve the recognition!
Star Ocean 2 was my game of the year. Sooooo goooooooood
Not to sound like a kiss a**, but Davidvinc’s Game Awards has more importance to me than The Game Awards from the other night! 😂 (Love categories like “Spiritual Succesors”. Also like “FE: Engage” waaaayyyy more than I thought. Loved the character designs a lot!)
Loved the on screen monsters in SO2. It allows you to grind so much easier especially later in the game.
Truly the best Game Awards show now. If some indie had a world premiere trailer during this, it would give you the next step in taking over the main game awards lol
Hahaha! In my best “the Brain” voice: “I’m trying to take over the world!!”
My highlight of the year is definitely Star Ocean 2. I never played a Star Ocean game and thus I didn't have the remake on my radar, but after seeing it at your and other channels, I knew it was good and boi I had so much fun with it. I just started a second playthrough with Rena and it's even more fun now where I know the combat system in and out ;D
Octopath traveler 2 was my GOTY for sure but Star Ocean 2 came very close for me. And I loved fire emblem engage as well.
I enjoy old school JRPGs more than any other genre but even I can see BG3 is head and shoulders above any other game made this year
2:17 I'm surprised David didn't nominate Star Ocean 2 remake/remaster as the best remake/remaster. Edit: I just watched the whole video and do want to say I don't think it's a positive indication indication about the state of gaming that a remaster/remake is THE BEST game of the year.
Star ocean… oh star ocean. Could not agree more. Please y’all if you haven’t bought it, and you’re here, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Go out and buy it. I’ve played the game for the last 25 years and I could not agree more with David. The game is superb. it’s not just arguably the best RPG for the PlayStation, but I would also make the case for Nintendo switch.
Facts it's so good that it was sold out on multiple stores I was at so I had to get it on Amazon
David, you have quite the physique and your ability to switch uniforms is unmatched!. You would make an excellent Henchman in my battle against that fool, He-Man.
Thanks for another excellent video!
My top 3 rpgs this year: BG3 > Star Ocean 2 remake and thirdly Sea of Stars. Still think BG2 is way better than BG3 and up there with ff7 as among top 10 of all times... dont know why people pretend its the best BG probably never played BG2? it feels weird how ff16 isnt on my list but, I miss the joy of FF, 16 was just too dark all the way through.
Agree on your Baldur's Gate point. The first 2 Baldur's Gate games (especially 2) absolutely blow 3 out of the water.
@@steviedee9826 the writing was on another level. also having a party of 6 over 4 made for more intresting party banters.
You absolutely nailed the game of the year. SO2R is going to be historically significant. There's no going back from the standard this set in remaking games. It's just so completely figured out. SO2 is a REALLY deep game, and for the developers to make all of it so accessible at lightning speed and add as much soluble new stuff as they did is really an achievement.
Great list. My heart did break a little when you used footage from Ultima 7 to illustrate awful western rpgs. Computer Rpgs of the 90s really did assume that you either already had the D&D rules memorised or that you had read the enormous paper manuals front-to-back and could remember everything within :)
Ultima 7 was a magically wonderful game but I really struggle to recommend classic computer RPGs to people because none of them are pick up and play and even modern D&D is radically different to the 2nd edition ruleset of the classic computer games.
I woulnd't say that the CRPGs of the era sucked, but they were kinda hard to pick up and play, that's for sure. Unless you were into this genre specifically. For me, it wasn't until 1997 or 1998, when Fallout 1, Baldur's Gate 1, Might & Magic 6 and a couple of other games arrived, that I really started to enjoy Western RPGs. And 1999 saw the release of Planescape: Torment, which has remained my very favourite game of all time - tied with Xenogears - to this day.
This year was amazing year for RPGs (both Japanese and Western). Baldur's Gate 3 was definitely my GOTY. It blew every other game away by a mile. Wasn't even close. One of the best RPGs I have ever played.
Loved this video. I rarely comment on anything, but I had to let you know that after watching this, I played the demo of Silent Hope, beat it, immediately bought the full game. Great recommendation. Keep up the great work, sir. Really enjoy your stuff.
Glad you enjoyed it!
That was a great video with some great choices. What I enjoy most about your content is the fact that I don't keep up to date with games myself all that much anymore and you often show me new stuff I'd probably never see otherwise.
I appreciate that!
I’m so glad you’re going stronger than ever David!! I look forward to your takes so much more than bigger channels. Happy holidays man, cheers 🍻
An amazing year in RPG releases with some extremely well deserved highlights here! And the way things are looking for 2024… it’s insane and I’m looking forward to coming here for another great year of releases
Now these are the awards that matter!
I agree with most of what you said, however in my opinion, Cassette Beasts cannot be behind Dragon Quest Monsters The Dark Prince. While I am a fan of both, Cassette Beasts is simply a masterpiece I still play to this day and listen all of its OSTs while The Dark Prince was just a fun 30 hours journey I am happy I took but will never get back to.
Trails into Reverie and Star Ocean 2 R were my games of the year. I literally shed tears when they announced that remake because I probably love Star Ocean 2 as much as you do since it's the first game I played through all on my own as kid. I'm also excited about Falcom thinking about re-releasing the Sky trilogy since I finished Zero earlier this month and started Azure a few days ago.
Mario RPG is one of the greatest games I ever played. I remember being blown away by the isometric/pseudo 3d platforming. I would be so happy for anything similar Mario RPG to come out, and the thought of a sequel makes me positively swoon. Also I love your new merch. I like the baseball shirt especially, but shirts like that really make my forearms look ripped. I thought the same for you, but then I saw you in the t-shirt.
as soon as i started the video i knew he was going to pick star ocean 2 for the winner. not a bad choice at all tho. great game. i would love to see a final fantasy 6(3 for SNES) get the same treatment star ocean 2 or ff7 did. ff6 is the best one
This was a great list, appreciate the work you put into it. I started thinking about the games I'd put on the list, and while I have games I played this year I could put on your list, they're all games from 2018-2022 as I'm usually pretty slow to pick up new games. Having a list like this to come back to to look at what I want to play once I'm done with Diofield or Lost Eidolons is greatly appreciated.
Thank you for always delivering well-thought out content. I know we all appreciate your love and dedication into the art of JRPGs/RPGs. We appreciate you sharing your thoughts and thank you for all the recommendations. You are one of the reasons why I have been able to dive deep into JRPGs; most notably the Dragonquest series!!! Have a great day David!
if the new game plus of star ocean 2 would let you choose what to pick, it would be flawless for me, beginning at level 255 its not enjoyable for me, but i would still want all of my items and skills
Very thorough and careful judgment! I loved how you thoughtfully divided everything into those categories. I was a little surprised that you thought that highly of Fire Emblem Engage because I got the feeling from some fans that it was subpar for whatever reason. I almost thought you wouldn't even include Final Fantasy 16 in the running for Action RPG because you said it wasn't even an RPG. I didn't expect that you would have given Baldur's Gate 3 any attention--and even enjoyed it! All in all, there is hope for RPGs yet! Thanks for doing this awards video! Who knows, maybe you and other RPG creators online could create your own panel and collectively vote on these categories.
Hey David first time really writing a comment but wanted to say I found your channel this year and love all the content. Really loved this awards show presentation and looking forward to seeing more in the new year. Hope you have a great holiday and a restful few weeks into the new year!
I appreciate that!
Agree with everything except Monster Taming Rpg. Although the new DQMonsters is incredible, Cassette Beasts is still by far the best monster taming rpg for me. Great soundtrack, good story, good voice acting, great characters, great monsters and the fusions are insanely good.
I really enjoyed the way you did this by category instead of just a flat top 10 list. And I'm looking forward to sinking my teeth into Star Ocean over my Christmas work break. :)
Hi David! Love this video. We have very similar tastes when it comes to JRPGs. I grew up with the old school RPGs, beginning way back in the NES era. Really cool watching all these older games and hd2d remakes getting some love. Have a blessed day!
Glad you enjoyed it! We have the same RPG history!
@@davidvinc We really do. (Though I am a bit older.)
I hope this Nintendo / Square movement is a full 180 direction and results in a fully collaborative relationship. Maybe then my pipe dream of a Xenogears remake or remaster would be possible
you got the best voice david. I always loved how passionate you are about RPGs. I mean RPGs are great.
These anime style ones are looking better and better. It's gonna be a good 2024.
Just finished Star Ocean 2 and it was such a gem of a game. It was my first time playing it, and I haven’t been enthralled by a game like that in a while. SO much better than First Departure R. The graphics and music were terrific and the story very well done. The only thing I was a little let down on was the ending; felt a bit lacklustre for how good the game was. Going to wait a bit and play the new game + with Rena to get the other experience and try to get the other characters.
Mario RPG didn't cause the rift between Squaresoft and Nintendo, Nintendo's insistence on cartridges did that. Squaresoft had even developed a tech demo for the N64. Also Consider that Square had come to Nintendo when they wanted to publish GBA games before the Merger with Square Enix.
SO2 really hits hard for me, it even made me go back and watch SO EX... Even though the anime didn't really do it justice.
2023 has definitely been a very solid year for RPGs for sure. There’s still some games on this list that I need to add to my ever growing backlog and thensome. Most definitely top favorites this year were Star Ocean 2 Remake and FF16 and it has been a full renaissance of classic IPs coming back which make you feel that it’s the 90s again in a good way for gaming. A solid list all around. ☺️🎉🎄🎄
Bang on with most everything here! Such a great year for JRPGs, maybe the best since the PS1 golden era? Octopath, SO2, the indie games, etc… so good, and not enough time in the year to play them all!
11:14 Yeah, those people are so annoying. In fact, that argument is completely wrong because Action RPGs existed since the NES era, even the first Ys came out before the first Dragon Quest.
STAR OCEAN!! Freakin’ A!!! Thank you so much! This is my favorite and glad to see it getting it so much love this year!
Yeah, I'm glad you talked so highly of Trinity Trigger. I bought it on Black Friday because of your recommendation. Im excited it to play it!
TOTALLY agree about SO2R!!!
It is one of the best games I've played in the past few years, let alone this one.
Being a huge Star Ocean 2 fan, I recently picked up the remake for PS5 and I'm blown away with how they've improved on it, it's a marvel to look at and it's been a blast to play so far. My favorite squeenix remake so far has been Trials of Mana but I think SO2 might overtake that. Either way, its an amazing time to be a fan of rpgs, although I'm buried in a backlog of games I'll never be able to catch up with unless I clone myself.
This is the real 2023 Game Awards thank you David
Great awards show, David! Merry Christmas!!!
Thank you! Merry Christmas to you as well!
David I gotta let you know I was so upset you didn't include Star Ocean 2nd Story R initially but you def delivered at the end!
Great video David! Star Ocean The Second Story R is also my personal RPG of the year! I was hooked on that game for a good while and I'm likely going to do my second playthrough soon!
Great list man. Been an RPG fan for years, and you are reigniting my passions for the genre.
Fantastic list, and I fully agree with it (at least for the ones I've played) - also, "When Square don't, FuRyu do" is awesome, and they should adopt that officially. 😄
Great Video here David!
I love Octopath 2, definitely my personal RPG of 2023 for me. I’m happy it won something here in your list! 🙌
I never heard of the rogue like winner but as soon as you explained it I knew it was a game I would love to play, can’t wait to buy it after work! You’re the best David!
Guys in case anyone is interested in the Atelier series they're on sale on the Nintendo shop. I just got the Ryza first part. Thanks for sharing Dave this series
As ever - great choices.
Got to agree with BG3 and Trinity Trigger.
That said I did get really annoyed with the final story boss of Trinity Trigger which was very clearly designed for co-op.
And thats one of the great things about BG3 - even if you mess up and murder the odd Druid Grove, you can still finish the game. It really is play your way, and its fantastic.
Such an awesome year for RPGs and I can’t wait to try these out some of them you’ve enlightened me on. Better than the game awards! 🎉
Great awards show! 🎉
Congrats to the winners it was some wonderful games and choices!
David, this is your best video to date! Keep up the great work, and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Let's hope next year might be a Golden Era of JRPGs, cuz it's seems like next year would have a lot of big titles on the way 2023 may have the best ones including the indie scenes like Sea of Stars , I can't wait for next year, I'm more looking forward to Dragons Dogma 2 and Infinite Wealth (Then Visions of Mana cuz I didn't know there's going to be a new Mana game at the time of making my list before Goty)
The real award was the RPGs we were lucky to have this year
I did agree with a lot of the games included in the categories and a lot of the winners that were picked. But i have to give Octopath Traveller 2 the Game of The Year nod. It improved upon the first and was a game that helped pushed the retro style into the forefront and not just as an afterthought. While Star Ocean showed what an upgrade to modern consoles done right should be, Octopath took the checkered flag for me this year.
I got a nice laugh when I pictured FE tapping you on the head saying “Don’t worry little David” lol
Wow you really caught me off guard with trinity trigger. I got a copy very cheap but have kept it sealed due to reviews. Looks like I may break the seal and actually give it a taste.
What a fantastic run. Nothing to do with the middling actual TGA. I found myself in each of your categories and I knew 99% of the games (thank you for Moebius!). As you said, I hope devs realize we're out there. I think they have, considering Visions of Mana. Man I hope they don't halfa** this. If they make it anywhere as good as the Trials remake, I'm going to be a very happy RPG fan.
This is a great list of games! 8 Bit Adventures 2 looks so cool!!! I really need to check that out! What a year, hey? :)
No kidding!! This has been a standout year for RPGs!
Thank you for the great list, it was fun to watch :). I like the categories for your awards and appreciate your recommendations. Thank you for your content :)
I'm so happy you loved Fire Emblem: Engage ❤. This game and Like A Dragon:Gaiden are my Goty ❤
Another great video! Keep up the good work man
Thanks! Will do!
I’m super late to the game, but I definitely need to get a switch, so many great RPGs out there on it. Great round up!
Love from Belgium 🇧🇪 ❤ thanks for all your great videos ❤
You are so welcome!
Some of the best RPGs (or games in general) have style and substance both. Sometimes a lovingly-pixeled retro aesthetic will be the charm, or it could be vibrant cel-shading, something besides today's favorite "generic anime" and "best attempt at photorealism yet" (though those can absolutely work, see Baldur's Gate 3).
Hell yeah so glad you picked Nayuta Boundless Trails over the other 2 for action rpg of the year. I haven't played the Dragon Quest game, but I did beat FF16 and was pretty disappointed with it. I feel like Boundless Trails is being slept on by way too many people
Also gotta say this was my first time watching one of your videos (even though you pop up in my recommendations all the time) and you're a really cool dude. Definitely looking forward to digging through the Davidvinc archives
Well thank you for that!
Amazing video David! Really hope this becomes a yearly thing!
I’m so happy to hear your RPG of the year and wholeheartedly agree!