As far as old school nostalgic games go, the original Phantasy Star is top of the list for me. It was so far ahead of it's time. I also liked parts 2 and 4. But the omission of the first-person dungeons was a bit of a let down for me. Nothing in the 8-bit era even comes close imho. Hell, even the 16-bit era didn't really give us anything quite as groundbreaking as that SMS masterpiece. I still play it to this day.
Lots of great memories playing FFIV(FFII) back in 1991. I spent hundreds of hours on multiple playthroughs, leveling characters to 99, getting Rydia to learn Meteo, trying to find all the hidden items in the game, like the random call spells that would drop off mobs, the Pink Tail, and even trying to find something that would cure Palom and Porom from being turned to stone. We didn't have internet back then but I spent alot of time talking with fellow players about the game using an online service called Prodigy. We even worked on a strategy guide for the game for a short time and I still have the original spreadsheet files on a 3.5 disk. Good times.
Man this is such a cool post. I really loved this game too, and that's having played it way after it came out, when it eventually released as a remake for the DS
This made me want to get addicted to an rpg again. Don't listen to Tyler, he is upset because he stinks straight out of the shower. He never focuses on soaping his armpits or anus and so the stench lingers. No amount of cologne can fix this. Anyway, glad you enjoyed the game.
i know it’s not for everybody but Bloodborne does is it for me. the gameplay, the subtle but just enough story telling, the victorian setting of that game combined with intricate lore. it was the pinnacle of the souls game imo, an incredible and i’d give it a 10/10. it was the first game that i decided to 100% complete
Im a gamer that doesnt care for trophies or achievements but when it came to Bloodborne, I wanted to do everything possible to 100% the game. Definitely a 10/10 game.
I love Bloodborne, and I've played through the game 2.75 times. There is no story. You slay beasts. Games like Last of Us, Resident Evil, Red Dead, etc, have stories. Bloodborne does not.
I just watch this channel because I like to hear Johnny talk about retro and new games but especially the classics. The name Happy Console Gamer seems very fitting. This channel is relaxing for me to watch.
I just finished trails in the sky 1 in 63 hours ( im slowpoke) and was quite blown away by the world design and characters and especially the combat. Can't wait to complete the story. And i love oliver man! That guys hilarious!
@@sushantheshreztha8777 I recently finished it. I finished it in 70+ hours since I was grinding so much. I liked everything about it. Except for the final boss lol. I mean it wasn't Kingdom Hearts kind of a drag but Falcom come on.
@@RPD91 Theres a lot of restraint with these games, they dont just pit you against the baddest thing right away at the end of the game. Theres always more going on than you think, even when you think youve seen it all
@@sushantheshreztha8777 Lol you havent seen anything yet. Id say the first game is the "worst" of the three. Just fnished Trails in the Sky 3 and yeah, these games are just incredibly ambitious and well executed
@@PantsaBear That's awesome. I always wanted to try out the Cold Steel series but I play Final Fantasy due to my best friend. Is there all in one collection for the first couple through 4?
I haven't played all the RPGs yet, but my 10/10 list for the genre is Chrono Trigger Suikoden II Skies of Arcadia Dragon Quest 8/11 Final Fantasy Tactics Mother 3 Xenogears Paper Mario Thousand-Year Door
@@Joy-boy-joy my silly brain just groups it with other tactical/strategy games, which is a shame because I forget it is an RPG of course. Beautiful list though we share several for top 10
Bro finally someone mentions legend of dragoon. That game has so many memories for me. I still have my original disks from when I first bought it back in the day.
Suikoden II still playing that game since 1999. Was stuck on Luca Blight for many years. Vandal Hearts on PS1. Beat it twice and still enjoy it. Jade Empire on XBOX.
Vagrant Story -- 10/10. Masterpiece! The storytelling, deep & complex gameplay still stands up today. It's an absolutely unique gem from the PS1 era, and one of the best games Square has ever done. And the way the game pushed the technical possibilities of the PS1 at the time are nothing short of amazing.
And, thank you for mentioning "Persona 5"! Believe it or not, not too many gamers know about that series, and given the storyline and its themes, more gamers should be playing it.
@@misty306 100%! One of the greatest if not the greatest rpg of all time. A++ for every aspect of the game: plot, character development, soundtrack, visuals, gameplay
Legend of Dragoon on the PS1 made by Sony Computer Entertainment. It was made to be a Final Fantasy style game that they would own. It was not a massive success in Japan, but it was in the West. It was 4 discs, like Final Fantasy 8 at the time. The story and the lore is so good.
Here are a few RPG'S I'd definitely give a 10/10: Breath of Fire 4 Final Fantasy Tactics Xenogears Wild Arms 5 Shadow Hearts Odin Sphere Divinity Original Sin 2 Bloodborne Nier Automata Ys 8 Trails of Cold Steel series
Loved bof4. I remember as a kid I got stuck late in the game and never finished it. Y8 is an instant classic. I own divinity original sin 2, but I haven’t opened it yet.
Shining the holy ark. Great music, animations, and cast. Even though it's rough around the edges with some things, I still consider it as one of the best, underrated RPG.
Yeah, it used to be my all time favourite RPG for very long, back when I had a Sega Saturn (damn I miss that console...). But nowadays I don't know. The story is very weak and there are so few places to visit... Great visual style though, and the soundtrack is pure Motoi Sakuraba masterpiece.
Hell yes, great choice! I absolutely love the dungeon design in that game. The atmosphere, music, battle system, and just that classic Camelot aesthetic - it’s definitely one of my top 10 RPGs.
Xenogears, Chrono Trigger & Chrono Cross, Final Fantasy VII & IX, Legend Of Dragoon, Breath Of Fire III & IV, Suikoden II, Wild Arms 2, Skies Of Arcadia, Trials Of Mana and Tales Of Xillia.
Austin Healey and it’s not even that well known. Imagine a remake of this amazing JRPG. I mean the story the gameplay it was a really well done especially for its time.
Skies of Arcadia. It’s got a good story, fun characters, and tons of varied gameplay mechanics from the base building to the airship battles to the landmark hunting in the overworld, etc. It’s literally got everything.
My wife and I were talking about Skies of Arcadia yesterday and how we wished to a modern remaster. We playing it together on the GameCube after we had just moved in together. Great memories.
Loved the shit out of SoA back in the day. Played it twice: once on DC, then again on GC. I'd love to see it remade with graphics like Valkyria Chronicles, but would settle for a Switch port of the original version.
I probably say Suikoden 2 is even better, byt yeah the first is great to. But the 2nd have more options with the castle, a little cooler characters and Luca Blight :) Better battle and magic options. And the music in the games is almost symphony of the night class.
I bought II when it came out but after a few hours ended up returning it. It didn't have the magic of the first one to me, and I'd moved onto other games.
Great to see your Suikoden love! I always wondered if you were a fan! Keep up the great job, and glad to see you and the wife look happy and healthy :)
Secret of Evermore! Great combat system (basically Secret of Mana). Also the storyline was quite unique at the time and it didn't take itself seriously. Plus you had a dog companion the whole game! I'd love for a re-release on the Switch!
It's pretty epic in terms of large open world games on snes, and a pretty decent challenge. Interesting to note this was one of Jeremy Soule's first music appearances, who went on to do all that epic music for Elder Scrolls games and tone more.
Suikoden games are definetly some of my favourite games I used to love going around and finding and recruiting all the characters. Xenogears is also a great shout as well as Xenoblade Chronicles!
Hey Johnny! You convinced me to play Phantasy Star 1! I recently finished it and I have to say I am amazed at what they could do in 1988. I had never seen those scrolling dungeons in a game before. I could write a lot more about everything I think about the game, but I'm going to play Phantasy Star 2 now!
Hey Johnny! i missed seeing you going outside and making al those nostalgia videos with all the cool stories of your gaming past! hope you still have some of those planned for the future! greetings and congratulation to you and Kim!
It’s refreshing to see someone so passionate about those games from our childhood as I am. I miss those days but at least we have the memories of that time. Well done my friend!
Hello Kim, welcome back, amazing seeing here! I definitely agree on what you said about Persona 5, it's a masterpiece and it basically raised the bar for modern rpgs and I hope Atlus lives up to the hype for the next games, especially Shin Megami Tensei V.
I have to take time and say John. First I love your channel and I’m somewhat new within the past few years to your content. There are few I would say are legends on here 5 I know including you John HCG. I always feel I have a connection with you and your stories. You are amazing brother and thank you for your fun relaxing content
Mine #1Final fantasy 8 #2Chrono trigger #3 final fantasy 6 #4 final fantasy 4 #5 final fantasy 7 #6 secret of mana #7 final fantasy 9 #8 final fantasy 1 nes #9 phantasy star 1 #10 phantasy star 4
1. Phantasy Star - Sega Master system. 2. Lunar Silver Star - PS1. 3. Final Fantasy VIII - PS1. 4. Chrono Trigger - Super Nintendo. 5. Grandia - Sega Saturn. 6. Shenmue - Sega Dreamcast. 7. Chrono Cross - PS1. 8. Phantasy Star IV - Sega Genesis. 9. Golvellius Valley of Doom - Sega Master System. 10. Grandia 2 - Sega Dreamcast . That’s my list, All of them are a 10/10 to me. Masterpieces!
The entire Legend of Heroes: Trails... series would be a 10 for me as a series, even though some of them I'd just give a 9. But for me Trails in the Sky the 3rd from that series is an 11, but since it shouldn't really be played as a standalone, I'll just say that the entire Trails in the Sky arc is a 10 then. (I should also say I've only played the Sky arc, Zero and the first Cold Steel games so far, so I might end up liking one more than 3rd.) Grandia used to be a 10 for me but on my last replay I'd drop it down to an 8 or 9. Might come back up eventually. Chrono Trigger is a 10. FFVII is a 10, as are FFVI and FFIX (as much as I remember of it).
Trials for me has become my number 1 jrpg of all time and I’ve been playing games nonstop since my childhood, played hundreds and hundreds of games but for whatever reason the legends of heroes skyrocketed to my number 1 spot.
Nice to hear.. I just started Trails(psp via ppsspp). I never heard of it until last week and I'm 46 ! .. late to the party but I guess better late than never. So far really enjoying, major chillax game so far!
10/10 rpg's: Final Fantasy X Golden Sun Golden Sun: The Lost Age Dark Souls I Dark Souls II (I know you probably dont like it...) Dark Souls III The Witcher III Fire Emblem (GBA)
my 10/10 RPGs Skies Of Arcadia Dark souls Bloodborne Paper Mario Thousand Year Door Suikoden 2 Persona 3 Earthbound Phantasy Star 4 Final Fantasy 6 Dragons Dogma Chrono Trigger
I really enjoyed it on the DS. I wish it had the party chat though, it's a small thing but it really makes you connect with the characters more. The Phone version has it and it's really cool.
The original Grandia makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. If I had to name one that other people don't seem to love as much as I did, it was Radiata Stories. The dialogue is hilarious, kind of watered down Star Ocean combat. Tons of recruitable characters regardless of which side you choose. I kept hoping Tri-Ace would revisit it. No such luck...
you're so right to base your system of giving 10/10s on the context of other games at that time. it's so important to look at these things compared to their contemporaries, not compared to the game they themselves inspired.
I am home really sick and scared that i got covid-19 so this episode Made me feel a little better i Will get the grandia collection on the switsh right now Thanks Johnny 😎
Dark Cloud 2, Demon Souls, Dark Souls 1 and 2, Dragon Age Origins, Final Fantasy 4 remake, 6 7 9, Ni No Kuni, Persona 5 so far I'm playing it, Shadow Hearts Covenant, Legend of Dragoon, Chrono Trigger, Kingdom Hearts 1, 2, Chain of Memories, Dragon Quest 8, Star Ocean 3, Skyrim, Fallout 3 and 4, I'm sure there are some I didn't think about or haven't played yet like Grandia or Suikoden 2 or any Xeno game.
I use to skip battles back in the late 90’s. I’m glad today I *NEVER* skip any battle, it really helps if you don’t really want to grind and be able to finish the story.
Kind of a long story... When i was a young lad I was at a buddies house where he and the "cool kid in the neighborhood" were playing Chrono Trigger. I watched them die multiple times battling Masa and Mune. They were taking turns but wouldn't let me try for whatever reason. Eventually they both gave up due to frustration. I asked them if I could try and they both gave a "yeah, like you could do it" kind of attitude and then they left the room to get something to eat. Took me one try and I took the baddie down. I remember the big ass smirk I had on my face when they came back and the boss was gone! I still play Chrono Trigger once a year to this day.
I think we all have that "once a year" game we ritualistically revisit. Every year I always play Final Fantasy VII to completion plus: Star Ocean 2, Chrono Cross, or Final Fantasy VI.
GREAT list and that’s my favorite gaming couple. You two are lucky to have each other AND your little Kim lol. Blessings to you and your family, Johnny. Rob too lol
@@ForeRunnerODST Yes! I was sure that they would release it on PS4 after releasing SO1. Unfortunately not though. Hopefully they bring it one day. By far the best one!
I think one rpg that’s extremely underrated is Legend of Dragoon. Great story, great gameplay, great cinematics, great sound. To this day I think about it as much as ff7.
The Trails of Cold Steel hype shirt! I'm gonna start Cold Steel 3 soon since I've owned the Collectors Edition for a while now. Just needed to beat Sky and Trails From Zero/Azure first. Been listening to the soundtrack without context for a year though and damn, I don't think any soundtrack gets me more energized and ready to go. Might be my favorite soundtrack ever and I haven't even played the game yet lmfao
I really loved Super Mario RPG, legend of the seven stars. It might has been my first RPG (at least that i can remember) and it blew my mind as a kid. 10/10 game. Also, bring Geno to smash
I had almost forgotten that one! It was a fantastic game, and I actually really liked the artstyle (that most of my friends who has played it at least seem to dislike). I really want Square Enix and Nintendo to collaborate on another Mario RPG, that would be so cool, or a remake of Super Mario RPG, I would take that also =P
Chrono Cross is my 10/10. I don’t remember what prompted me to buy it, but it was my first real RPG experience. To this day, it still has my favorite characters, and the party building remains best-in-class.
I'll just drop names that resonate the most with me when I think of what made me as the gamer I am today, in order of play : - Grandia : I don't think I'll ever find one playthrough not memorable. I try to not play it too much tho. I know one day I'll just have to let it go but for now it's my go to game whenever I feel lost in my life. - FFX: means so damn much to me. I so wanted to become a guardian too and protect the ones I love. I love Tidus to death no matter the criticism over him. He's just a lot like me. A big mouth, touching weirdo that still has A LOT to learn about relationships but that has the biggest heart and gets hurt very easily. Also Yuna, what a caracter...Wandering Flame is probably the best think I've heard in my life. So thank you Mr Hamauzu. - Baten freaking Kaitos (come back to us seriously : same art style, same composer, same mystical and haunting ambience etc). Finished Origins last year...disapointing... - Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories (GBA version ofc. The beginning of it all for me. I played this before 1 and 2. And 2 before 1 xD. Didn't ruin the experience at all for me though, it strangely made it better than if I just followed Sora's adventure from the beginning. It kept me playing these games in parallel alternatively until I understood them all) - Golden Sun 1 : I think it's one of the games I played the most as a kid, over and over again. Fun fact : one ex of mine was and still is a fan of this despite her not playing RPGs anymore since like 10 years ; only MMOs and competitive shooters. That shocked me when I learned it. I don't find the game perfect at all but it just sticks to me. The 2nd one is hard for me to get into. - Final Fantasy Tactics Advance : I've played the other ones and loved them equally or better but this one is just very nostalgic to me. 11/10 game for me certainly. The story is just incredible to follow as a kid. You just can't get enough of it. Also Ritz: we still love your big forehead and white hair ! - MH Unite : can we call Monster Hunter an RPG ? (it really much feels like one for me in the scope and schemes of things). It's the only game that made my mother actually worried (and mad) about my supposed video game addiction. Played it for months and months day and night with my brother : after and during school, under the blanket at night, heck even in the cave so my parents wouldn't spot us when we were prohibited from playing our PSPs x). I still can't believe I did that. No game has even come close from that level of power it had on me, - FFXII: to me the best FF in terms of lore building, world building, dialogues, art, music, and gameplay. Having the chance to wander around the world of Ivalice in areas that big and detailled is a solid enough reason for me to give it a 10. Just a dream came true since I played Tactics Advance. We'll never get games like this again. - DQ8: bought it with FFXII. Loved it equally. I still think to this it has the best old school rpg gameplay to date from my experience. way too much to say about this game. It left me in awe from start to finish. Can't believe this was made for the PS2, especially when you're flying or wandering around that big open world. - Xenoblade Chronicles : vertiginously GOOD. It's the only game I couldn't wait for my parents to go out on week-ends evenings to plug the Wii onto the big TV in the living-room to play it alone in the dark. I was going through a lot of hardships that year back in 2012. Definitely the worst year I've ever lived, period. Was in highschool getting demoralized and discouraged by some teachers, skipping classes regularly because the pain and shame was too intense, my parents were not going along well (and that's an understatement); I started detaching myself from my little brother with whom I spent my whole childhood growing, as he was too childish, intolerant and spoiled for my taste ; and it's the year I understood what it meant to love someone for real and lose it. Never really happened to me since to that level of loss. That game led me through all that sh**. I can't thank the devs enough for creating this piece of art. And that music...special mention to the end credits Epilogue by Yoko Shimomura that definitely put and end to my soul. I cried so much that night I finished it. I didn't wanted it to end. Now I hope the Switch ACTUAL epilogue is worth it. I bought the game, I just don't have the console yet (waiting for the next switch). - Persona 3 Portable : yes, the portable version. It didn't bother me at all. I even liked the fact that it didn't have any load times thanks to my PSP being cracked. I didn't know what Persona was at all back then. I even struggled with the beginning of the game. I really didn't like it at first. The first hours were so freaking weird, filled with uneasiness and way too vague for a "tutorial". I kept restarting my playthrough because I couldn't remember the whole story after a while, until I decided to actually finish that damn game (also this comment should end soon). I finally found a way to progress easily through that game and even got the chance most of the 10 rank S-Links on my first playthrough, which is important cause you want to know how each story ends. It's just a matter of paying attention to the game's schedule a lot and read every thing with care. Anyway, that game blew me away. It was a bresh of fresh air from FF and KH and co. That ending destroyed me too. It stuck to me for weeks after that. I still remember how hollow I felt when...that thing happened, for those who know. - FFXV: yes another FF. What can I do about it, I didn't play much of them but this one my god. The good overcomes the bad for me and that ending is to me, the whole purpose of what the devs made us do in the game. I just played the base game because I couldn't bare going back to the thick of it and do the DLCs. I wanted to do them but they marketed these so badly...I was disgusted and still am. I might give it a fair try again someday but for me, the base game is an emotional masterpiece and a hallow world (even though it makes sense lorewise). - Persona 5 OG : still have to finish Royal. Not uncommon to see it on people's top list but it really deserves its place due to the lackluster generation of JRPGs we got last gen. I won't enumerate the strenghts of that game, every one knows about it. One thing I'll say is that, despite the story having pacing and credibility issues, you'll probably won't notice it as you progress through the game for the first time. It's so well executed that you'll just believe every thing the game throws at you. And boy that scene and that Persona God (won't say which one) during the last battle...I remember the feeling of my chest actually cowering, bending over to the rythm of that epic as hell music, as it pulled the trigger and restored world order. I felt I was part of history and for that alone, Persona 5 takes the JRPG crown of this gen for me. I would've played LoH Trais of Cold Steels trilogy (now quadrilogy) if I did finish Trails in the Sky 1st to 3rd chapter back then on PSP. I just didn't have the time to I felt but for the little I played, it was addictive. Definitely will get back to it someday. Now since then, there hasn't been one RPG that stuck to me that much. The games I prefer nowadays are still narrative driven but not RPGs necessarily. I'll admit I still have a lot to play from the old era of RPGs. I missed out on way too many of them.
Suikoden was and is one of the best JRPGs ever made...still have the Gregminister music in my head. My favorite is Skies of Arcadia closely followed by FF7.
Great video! I really like that you're always so excited and happy. You seem to be a very nice guy. My favorite RPGs ever would be: Eye of the Beholder II: The Legend of Darkmoon, Lands of Lore: The Throne of Chaos, Diablo I, Alien Logic, Ravenloft: Stone Prophet, Might and Magic VI and VII, Baldur's Gate II, Final Fantasy VII, Fallout New Vegas, Skyrim, Dragon Age I, The Witcher 3 and Bloodborne.
YS VIII (I fell in love to this game), Fire Emblem Three Houses, Final Fantasy Tactics ( I don't know why we don't have a new game), Final Fantasy 8 (my first RPG), Persona 5 and Dragon Quest 11
Three Houses I didn't like the Harry Potter school stuff, prefer Awakening's straight up map. Ys 8 is awesome, although I have not played an Ys game I haven't loved. Dragon Quest 11 is pretty good, but kind of played it safe, but does everything one could want in a traditional RPG, it just nails it.
My 10/10 overlooked/underrated RPGs: The Shadow Hearts Trilogy The Wild Arms series Parasite Eve 1&2 Brave Fencer Musashi Rogue Galaxy Radiata Stories Magna Carta: Tears of Blood
Secret of Evermore, the one rpg that stump me so bad I had to call the squaresoft hot line for a glitch that ruin my main save file. Luckily I had other saves then I also got the strategy guide for it back in 97'. Still one of my all time favorites.
Final Fantasy Tactics. i played that game so much in high school. For me, that's a 10/10. That is in my top 5 for games that need a sequel! a new FF Tactics game would be so amazing on the switch. pre-ordered my grandia hd copy from limitedrun.
Ok I'm done. Didn't hear about Grandia being released as a physical version and of course it had to be by Limited Run so no change of getting it now. I hope I don't have to pay over 300 for it.
Is tactics really an RPG though? I'd consider it squad based strategy, in the vein of Fire Emblem or XCOM. Don't get me wrong, I love it, but it doesn't have the traditional heavy story or character building of RPGs.
Recently played Ultima IV (free on GOG) and was VERY surprised. At first I was like "ew wth is this" but after turning off sound and digging into the manuals and struggling a bit to understand just what was the point, it turned out to be very rewarding and maybe the most unique RPG I've ever come across.
Awesome video Johnny! I bought the Grandia HD collection last year, your video reminded me to play it! Played Grandia 2 but never the first one, glad I am experiencing it now :) keep up the great videos!
Dark Rose Valkyrie is one that I really enjoyed recently..fairy fencer F was well! As for 10/10 lunar series on the SEGA CD, Silver star is fav of all time, eternal blue was another masterpiece!
Souls Series, Persona 5, Nier: Automata, Super Mario RPG, Divinity 2: Original Sin, Undertale, Xenoblade Chronicles X, Pokemon Fire Red... all the good stuff
You nailed it with Suikoden. I remember flying through that game because of the pacing, which had a lot to do with the engaging combat and intricate story.
Good list. Skyrim was groundbreaking. Fable 1 was such a fun and comical adventure. FF7 was gamechanging and epic. Octopath Traveler was had a distinctly artistic aesthetic and amazing soundtrack
I'm sad Xenogears didn't make your list but I'm happy you put a short snippet of the intro video for it in the beginning of the video. Xenogears is my fav JRPG of all time, I'd kill for a remaster but let's be frank that will never ever happen.
I must be in the minority bc I wasn't too impressed with the game. It was good but felt kinda bland to me. I played on ps4 and didn't play post game if that means anything
@@Pooter2323 It was my first Dragon Quest game and made me a fan. After it I started playing the older ones. Now I’ve played them all except for 7, 9, and 10.
I'm not the biggest RPG fan, but Phantasy Star 4 is my 10/10 RPG. I love nearly everything about it. Great presentation and music. I love its quick pace as well which I think is a big part of why I like it so much. Great game.
I'm late here but I couldn't miss the opportunity to say, how good you are making reviews. Every time there I watch one those videos like this one, I immediately wish play all games mentioned even if I played before. And please, keep talking about Phantasy Star aways. ♥️
@@mathieudeforge9787 oh for sure playing Birth By Sleep remastered especially if you play it before KH1 is so much better, i recommend everyone play through kingdom hearts series in chronological order at least once, gives you such an appreciation for the lore and characters. With the collections it's never been easier.
I think Kingdom Hearts has gone completely downhill starting with Dream Drop Distance, followed by 0.2 and topped off with a glorious shitshow in KH3. Horrendous writing (story overall, but also general dialogue) and lackluster worlds that didn’t get the same love and attention as KH2. I could go on but I’m realizing it’s ruining my mood just thinking back on it. Also, recently replayed KH2, and that game is not as good as I remembered. It’s 2 minutes of gameplay followed by cutscenes CONSTANTLY. Nostalgia really made me think that game was incredible, but it’s just fine. It doesn’t have the charm of the original, just a better gameplay and story/lore expansion, which you don’t get to do a lot since the game keeps interrupting you with cutscenes. I’d say Birth by Sleep has aged the best when it comes to blending story and gameplay well. Might just be the best one, don’t know, but KH has really commit seppuku. What a waste of a franchise, a great concept with a horrible execution.
@@turanx0 very well expressed, although KH1 was my personal favorite by far. KH2 had too many cutscenes and the combat was too assisted. Every KH since has abysmal writing, it's a disgrace. It was such a great concept that was executed perfectly in KH1, but has been really disappointing since
Ezequiel Hernandez // Yes, KH1 has probably the most magical opening in all of gaming. That theme song, that dark tutorial, contrasting to the “light” Destiny Islands, kids talking about visiting other worlds. There is a constant magical and mysterious vibe going on and it’s beautiful. Then the hooded figure appears and warns Sora. The island gets nearly destroyed and on the other side, we see the mysterious King Mickey disappear. Weird, dark and outright magical stuff is happening through excellent blend of Square-Enix and Disney. A lot of love and care has been put into that game and it shows. I have a bigger appreciation for the first game after revisiting KH2. Birth by Sleep and KH1 stand the test of time easily. Also, KH1 has one of the best box covers of all time. Possibly best one.
Sonys playstation was a massive hit in Japan and was marketed like crazy in the west. We all knew it was going to be The console, even before it hit stores. Good times.
Living in the US, I had PSN magazine. A subscription ad came INSIDE the original PlayStation box! I signed up and got issue 1 soon after with details on FFVII inside.
Has to be Secret of Mana, we are of similar age Johnny & I can remember using the multi-tap on the SNES with some buddies when it came out, it was a game changer 😍
This has to be my #1 RPG ever made for the exact same reason you mentioned it. Multiplayer was insanely unique in an RPG at the time, and it really created some special memories.
Good to see Kim back. Fun way to introduce her. Congratulations on your new baby. Never get tired of you talking about the great Phantasy Star. Great Video.
Im with you, i started with xc2 though, played the first with the definitive edition, but the blades in xc2 makes me like it way more, and i thought the combat is more about strategy with the 2nd
Same! I prefer to exclude Torna from the discussion, because 1 didn't get a paid expansion like 2. But yeah both of them are absolutely wonderful experiences, that everyone who likes JRPGS should play. (Ending of 2 absolutely wrecked me as well ;-;)
I thought the XC2 ending was kind of a cop out in the handling of Pyra/Mythra. Also much of the grinding was tedious, and the boss battles were all like humanoid characters with blades, no diversity or surprises in boss battles. Can't throw a giant brute of a monster like a dragon, spider, etc. So when leveling arts, anything specialized in monsters, I felt like wasted my time.
Good to see you making these fun videos again Mr. Millennium. Lol Some 10/10 RPG games that stick out in my mind that weren't on your list are Borderlands 2 (FIRST PERSON SHOOTER, RPG GENRE) OCTOPATH TRAVELER FF 10 & ZELDA- A LINK TO THE PAST
I will never get tired of listening to Johnny talk about Phantasy Star
I totally agree.
Never was a sega person thus never played them. Should I start at the beginning or can I hope to 4?
@@grahf9436 4
As far as old school nostalgic games go, the original Phantasy Star is top of the list for me. It was so far ahead of it's time. I also liked parts 2 and 4. But the omission of the first-person dungeons was a bit of a let down for me. Nothing in the 8-bit era even comes close imho. Hell, even the 16-bit era didn't really give us anything quite as groundbreaking as that SMS masterpiece. I still play it to this day.
@@grahf9436 4 is great. But the original is the only one with the first-person dungeons. It's definitely worth a play.
You can just tell that this guy genuinely LOVES what he talks about. One of the most positive channels out there.
he just snorts a huge line of coke before the shoot. off camera he's a total downer...
just kidding, I've no idea and love his vibe too :P
dragon quest 11 I think deserves 10/10. Hands down my favorite rpg in a very long time
Bro you ain’t lying
Game was sooo generic not even close to a 10
Couldn't agree more amazing game
@@fuhkauf I know, thats why its call DQ 11 xD better than a 10
Fernando or whatever his name is was so annoying though.
Lunar Silver Star Story Complete. Blown away by that game, characters, art, music, I was blown away by that game.
Lots of great memories playing FFIV(FFII) back in 1991. I spent hundreds of hours on multiple playthroughs, leveling characters to 99, getting Rydia to learn Meteo, trying to find all the hidden items in the game, like the random call spells that would drop off mobs, the Pink Tail, and even trying to find something that would cure Palom and Porom from being turned to stone. We didn't have internet back then but I spent alot of time talking with fellow players about the game using an online service called Prodigy. We even worked on a strategy guide for the game for a short time and I still have the original spreadsheet files on a 3.5 disk. Good times.
Man this is such a cool post. I really loved this game too, and that's having played it way after it came out, when it eventually released as a remake for the DS
Stfu
@@tylersegelstrom7459 why
iiiiiinstant message! Great memories on Prodigy. Great memories with FF4, too!
This made me want to get addicted to an rpg again. Don't listen to Tyler, he is upset because he stinks straight out of the shower. He never focuses on soaping his armpits or anus and so the stench lingers. No amount of cologne can fix this. Anyway, glad you enjoyed the game.
I really am loving the 10/10 series. Also great way to bring in a surprise guest an explosion. lol
i know it’s not for everybody but Bloodborne does is it for me.
the gameplay, the subtle but just enough story telling, the victorian setting of that game combined with intricate lore. it was the pinnacle of the souls game imo, an incredible and i’d give it a 10/10. it was the first game that i decided to 100% complete
Dark souls and bloodborne ruined RPGs for me. They were too good.
Im a gamer that doesnt care for trophies or achievements but when it came to Bloodborne, I wanted to do everything possible to 100% the game. Definitely a 10/10 game.
A Pure Masterpiece.
Same here, my favourite soulsborne, and it ruined arps for years for me too, i kept comparing other games to this one and was always disappointed.
I love Bloodborne, and I've played through the game 2.75 times. There is no story. You slay beasts.
Games like Last of Us, Resident Evil, Red Dead, etc, have stories. Bloodborne does not.
I just watch this channel because I like to hear Johnny talk about retro and new games but especially the classics. The name Happy Console Gamer seems very fitting. This channel is relaxing for me to watch.
Legend of Heroes: Trails- series is one of the most underrated (in the west) JRPG series of all time.
I just finished trails in the sky 1 in 63 hours ( im slowpoke) and was quite blown away by the world design and characters and especially the combat. Can't wait to complete the story.
And i love oliver man! That guys hilarious!
@@sushantheshreztha8777 I recently finished it. I finished it in 70+ hours since I was grinding so much. I liked everything about it. Except for the final boss lol. I mean it wasn't Kingdom Hearts kind of a drag but Falcom come on.
@@RPD91 Theres a lot of restraint with these games, they dont just pit you against the baddest thing right away at the end of the game. Theres always more going on than you think, even when you think youve seen it all
@@sushantheshreztha8777 Lol you havent seen anything yet. Id say the first game is the "worst" of the three. Just fnished Trails in the Sky 3 and yeah, these games are just incredibly ambitious and well executed
@@PantsaBear That's awesome. I always wanted to try out the Cold Steel series but I play Final Fantasy due to my best friend. Is there all in one collection for the first couple through 4?
I haven't played all the RPGs yet, but my 10/10 list for the genre is
Chrono Trigger
Suikoden II
Skies of Arcadia
Dragon Quest 8/11
Final Fantasy Tactics
Mother 3
Xenogears
Paper Mario Thousand-Year Door
I would've included FF Tactics too but didn't consider it an RPG... I loved it though, one of my favorites on Playstation.
@@blahuhm6782 how is Tactics not an RPG?
Solid list. Dragon Quest 8 was underrated I think.
No shin megami tensei/persona :o
@@Joy-boy-joy my silly brain just groups it with other tactical/strategy games, which is a shame because I forget it is an RPG of course. Beautiful list though we share several for top 10
Personally, Legend of Dragoon has a special place in my heart. It was the first turn based rpg I ever played and I still go back to it and enjoy it.
Damn man. Same feeling
Bro finally someone mentions legend of dragoon. That game has so many memories for me. I still have my original disks from when I first bought it back in the day.
My first aswell , love it.
Suikoden II still playing that game since 1999. Was stuck on Luca Blight for many years.
Vandal Hearts on PS1. Beat it twice and still enjoy it.
Jade Empire on XBOX.
SMT 4 is a 10/10 for me. New to the Smt series & fell in love with this game!! Highly recommend
SAME!!!
Vagrant Story -- 10/10. Masterpiece! The storytelling, deep & complex gameplay still stands up today. It's an absolutely unique gem from the PS1 era, and one of the best games Square has ever done. And the way the game pushed the technical possibilities of the PS1 at the time are nothing short of amazing.
It was a pretty solid game. I loved the art direction. And for playstation it has amazing visuals.
Kim is looking good! Congratulations again on the birth of your daughter!!!
And, thank you for mentioning "Persona 5"! Believe it or not, not too many gamers know about that series, and given the storyline and its themes, more gamers should be playing it.
@@misty306 100%! One of the greatest if not the greatest rpg of all time. A++ for every aspect of the game: plot, character development, soundtrack, visuals, gameplay
Ezequiel Hernandez and there pretty much is no time during the 100 hour story that I felt bored.
Legend of Dragoon on the PS1 made by Sony Computer Entertainment.
It was made to be a Final Fantasy style game that they would own.
It was not a massive success in Japan, but it was in the West.
It was 4 discs, like Final Fantasy 8 at the time. The story and the lore is so good.
Here are a few RPG'S I'd definitely give a 10/10:
Breath of Fire 4
Final Fantasy Tactics
Xenogears
Wild Arms 5
Shadow Hearts
Odin Sphere
Divinity Original Sin 2
Bloodborne
Nier Automata
Ys 8
Trails of Cold Steel series
Loved bof4. I remember as a kid I got stuck late in the game and never finished it. Y8 is an instant classic. I own divinity original sin 2, but I haven’t opened it yet.
I also give Nier Automata a 10/10. But, I wouldn't consider it an RPG.
yea yea I wouldn't consider all of these RPGs, but anyone with FF Tactics and Odin Sphere on their list is a cool person in my book
Awesome video as usual, great to see Kim again, You guys Rock, best wishes from Buenos Aires.
Shining the holy ark. Great music, animations, and cast. Even though it's rough around the edges with some things, I still consider it as one of the best, underrated RPG.
Omg yes! It's my favorite game of all time
Yeah, it used to be my all time favourite RPG for very long, back when I had a Sega Saturn (damn I miss that console...). But nowadays I don't know. The story is very weak and there are so few places to visit... Great visual style though, and the soundtrack is pure Motoi Sakuraba masterpiece.
Hell yes, great choice! I absolutely love the dungeon design in that game. The atmosphere, music, battle system, and just that classic Camelot aesthetic - it’s definitely one of my top 10 RPGs.
Xenogears, Chrono Trigger & Chrono Cross, Final Fantasy VII & IX, Legend Of Dragoon, Breath Of Fire III & IV, Suikoden II, Wild Arms 2, Skies Of Arcadia, Trials Of Mana and Tales Of Xillia.
My 10/10 games would be: Phantasy Star 4, Persona 4, Final Fantasy 6, Chrono Trigger
Andrew Chua chrono trigger was the game that got me interested in RPGs it cost me like $70-$80 when it came out did it cost that much or am I confused
@@ravenXcozmo yeah actually close to that or a little higher. That game was expensive when it came out.
Chrono Trigger is beyond 10
Chronotrigger cost me $87 used at Funcoland back when it came out(it was hardly used)
Got it with all my Xmas money
6 and chrono trigger were amazing
LEGEND OF DRAGOON 10/10 ONE OF MY FAVORITS AS A KID AND STILL TO THIS DAY @HAPPYCONSOLEGAMER
Andrew Temertzoglou DOUBLE SLASH
I totally agree. The Legend Of Dragoon is an amazing game. It's one of my all time favorite games.
Austin Healey and it’s not even that well known. Imagine a remake of this amazing JRPG. I mean the story the gameplay it was a really well done especially for its time.
I been playin that one again!!! Love it!!!
Skies of Arcadia. It’s got a good story, fun characters, and tons of varied gameplay mechanics from the base building to the airship battles to the landmark hunting in the overworld, etc. It’s literally got everything.
My wife and I were talking about Skies of Arcadia yesterday and how we wished to a modern remaster. We playing it together on the GameCube after we had just moved in together. Great memories.
this right here! Probably my personal favorite RPG next to Persona 5.
That was my only RPG on the Dreamcast I loved it!
Best game ever for me
Loved the shit out of SoA back in the day. Played it twice: once on DC, then again on GC. I'd love to see it remade with graphics like Valkyria Chronicles, but would settle for a Switch port of the original version.
Johnny: Suikoden ... is it the best RPG ever?
Me: Yes
I probably say Suikoden 2 is even better, byt yeah the first is great to. But the 2nd have more options with the castle, a little cooler characters and Luca Blight :) Better battle and magic options. And the music in the games is almost symphony of the night class.
It was the first good RPG for the PS1. I think I bought it the day it came out.
I bought II when it came out but after a few hours ended up returning it. It didn't have the magic of the first one to me, and I'd moved onto other games.
Suikoden II may be the better game, but S1 has the best Unite: Master Pupil Attack! Once I get Kai, he never leaves my party. 😎
Suikoden II it the one bro! Have you seen that indi/crowd funded spiritual successor that might come next year?
Great to see your Suikoden love! I always wondered if you were a fan! Keep up the great job, and glad to see you and the wife look happy and healthy :)
Secret of Evermore! Great combat system (basically Secret of Mana). Also the storyline was quite unique at the time and it didn't take itself seriously. Plus you had a dog companion the whole game! I'd love for a re-release on the Switch!
So good. My brother got me a copy as a gift recently from a retro store. Nice to have it again.
It's pretty epic in terms of large open world games on snes, and a pretty decent challenge. Interesting to note this was one of Jeremy Soule's first music appearances, who went on to do all that epic music for Elder Scrolls games and tone more.
Suikoden games are definetly some of my favourite games I used to love going around and finding and recruiting all the characters.
Xenogears is also a great shout as well as Xenoblade Chronicles!
Hey Johnny! You convinced me to play Phantasy Star 1! I recently finished it and I have to say I am amazed at what they could do in 1988. I had never seen those scrolling dungeons in a game before. I could write a lot more about everything I think about the game, but I'm going to play Phantasy Star 2 now!
Technically it was made in 1987. We got in the west in 1988.
Hey Johnny! i missed seeing you going outside and making al those nostalgia videos with all the cool stories of your gaming past! hope you still have some of those planned for the future! greetings and congratulation to you and Kim!
It’s refreshing to see someone so passionate about those games from our childhood as I am. I miss those days but at least we have the memories of that time. Well done my friend!
Hello Kim, welcome back, amazing seeing here! I definitely agree on what you said about Persona 5, it's a masterpiece and it basically raised the bar for modern rpgs and I hope Atlus lives up to the hype for the next games, especially Shin Megami Tensei V.
Yes!!!!
I’ve had an absolutely terrible day today & your videos Johnny always manage to cheer me up tremendously. You’re the best.
Johnny you gotta play the Trails series (starting with Trails in the Sky). Absolute 10/10 RPG that does not get enough mainstream attention
I have to take time and say John. First I love your channel and I’m somewhat new within the past few years to your content. There are few I would say are legends on here 5 I know including you John HCG. I always feel I have a connection with you and your stories. You are amazing brother and thank you for your fun relaxing content
Here are mine:
Grandia,
Tales of Symphonia,
Final Fantasy IX,
Lost Odyssey,
Trails in the Sky 1+2,
Lufia 2,
Terranigma
Yes! Symphonia blew my mind when I first played it. I need to replay that game, still never have.
Mine
#1Final fantasy 8
#2Chrono trigger
#3 final fantasy 6
#4 final fantasy 4
#5 final fantasy 7
#6 secret of mana
#7 final fantasy 9
#8 final fantasy 1 nes
#9 phantasy star 1
#10 phantasy star 4
Terranigma!
You’re forgetting final fantasy 6, story alone
Tales of Symphonia is 6/10
Chrono Trigger, Legend of Dragoon, Xenogears, Dragon Quest VIII, and Final Fantasy IX are all favorites of mine.
Persona 5 - Never ever did I wanna be in a game as much as this one! Love the phantom thieves!
Best game 👍
Joker is my ultimate anime boyfriend
1. Phantasy Star - Sega Master system.
2. Lunar Silver Star - PS1.
3. Final Fantasy VIII - PS1.
4. Chrono Trigger - Super Nintendo.
5. Grandia - Sega Saturn.
6. Shenmue - Sega Dreamcast.
7. Chrono Cross - PS1.
8. Phantasy Star IV - Sega Genesis.
9. Golvellius Valley of Doom - Sega Master System.
10. Grandia 2 - Sega Dreamcast .
That’s my list, All of them are a 10/10 to me. Masterpieces!
The entire Legend of Heroes: Trails... series would be a 10 for me as a series, even though some of them I'd just give a 9. But for me Trails in the Sky the 3rd from that series is an 11, but since it shouldn't really be played as a standalone, I'll just say that the entire Trails in the Sky arc is a 10 then. (I should also say I've only played the Sky arc, Zero and the first Cold Steel games so far, so I might end up liking one more than 3rd.)
Grandia used to be a 10 for me but on my last replay I'd drop it down to an 8 or 9. Might come back up eventually.
Chrono Trigger is a 10. FFVII is a 10, as are FFVI and FFIX (as much as I remember of it).
Trails is pure cancer
@@GitGudLT yeah it is a long game. Not your cup of tea I assume?
@@sushantheshreztha8777 the games are 90% filler
Trials for me has become my number 1 jrpg of all time and I’ve been playing games nonstop since my childhood, played hundreds and hundreds of games but for whatever reason the legends of heroes skyrocketed to my number 1 spot.
Nice to hear.. I just started Trails(psp via ppsspp). I never heard of it until last week and I'm 46 ! .. late to the party but I guess better late than never. So far really enjoying, major chillax game so far!
10/10 rpg's:
Final Fantasy X
Golden Sun
Golden Sun: The Lost Age
Dark Souls I
Dark Souls II (I know you probably dont like it...)
Dark Souls III
The Witcher III
Fire Emblem (GBA)
Golden Sun 👍
Golden F* Sun!
Dark Souls 2 gets a lot of criticism, but i also loved that game. Great game the whole way
(See's Golden Sun) Ahh, I see you're a man of culture as well.
my 10/10 RPGs
Skies Of Arcadia
Dark souls
Bloodborne
Paper Mario Thousand Year Door
Suikoden 2
Persona 3
Earthbound
Phantasy Star 4
Final Fantasy 6
Dragons Dogma
Chrono Trigger
I'm so happy you mentioned Grandia. I love that game so much! Left a huge impression.
I’m playing Dragon Quest IV for the first time on DS right now and it’s wonderful!
thats really good , finished it a few years ago. An now playing the Nes version which is much harder
Sherif Salama Awesome! I’ll have to check out that version too.
I really enjoyed it on the DS. I wish it had the party chat though, it's a small thing but it really makes you connect with the characters more. The Phone version has it and it's really cool.
@@travisstumbo9837 If you like IV definitely try V and VI, I think that all 3 remakes are some of the greatest ever.
Nono I haven’t tried VI yet, but I finished V and thought it was amazing. Such a great story. Looking forward to VI. Thanks!
The original Grandia makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. If I had to name one that other people don't seem to love as much as I did, it was Radiata Stories. The dialogue is hilarious, kind of watered down Star Ocean combat. Tons of recruitable characters regardless of which side you choose. I kept hoping Tri-Ace would revisit it. No such luck...
Chrono Cross will always be my most nostalgic 10/10 games it open my eyes to RPGS.
you're so right to base your system of giving 10/10s on the context of other games at that time. it's so important to look at these things compared to their contemporaries, not compared to the game they themselves inspired.
I am home really sick and scared that i got covid-19 so this episode Made me feel a little better i Will get the grandia collection on the switsh right now
Thanks Johnny 😎
Get better
Fear is a hell of a drug.
Hope you feel better soon.
Thanks guys i am Much better now 🤗
Dark Cloud 2, Demon Souls, Dark Souls 1 and 2, Dragon Age Origins, Final Fantasy 4 remake, 6 7 9, Ni No Kuni, Persona 5 so far I'm playing it, Shadow Hearts Covenant, Legend of Dragoon, Chrono Trigger, Kingdom Hearts 1, 2, Chain of Memories, Dragon Quest 8, Star Ocean 3, Skyrim, Fallout 3 and 4, I'm sure there are some I didn't think about or haven't played yet like Grandia or Suikoden 2 or any Xeno game.
"MR. PILGRIM."
"IT IS I, 'Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game - Complete Edition'!"
I use to skip battles back in the late 90’s. I’m glad today I *NEVER* skip any battle, it really helps if you don’t really want to grind and be able to finish the story.
Kind of a long story...
When i was a young lad I was at a buddies house where he and the "cool kid in the neighborhood" were playing Chrono Trigger. I watched them die multiple times battling Masa and Mune. They were taking turns but wouldn't let me try for whatever reason. Eventually they both gave up due to frustration. I asked them if I could try and they both gave a "yeah, like you could do it" kind of attitude and then they left the room to get something to eat. Took me one try and I took the baddie down. I remember the big ass smirk I had on my face when they came back and the boss was gone!
I still play Chrono Trigger once a year to this day.
I think we all have that "once a year" game we ritualistically revisit.
Every year I always play Final Fantasy VII to completion plus: Star Ocean 2, Chrono Cross, or Final Fantasy VI.
@@WolfCyphr i think I'll give FFVI (III) a go around this year. Been a loooong time!
GREAT list and that’s my favorite gaming couple. You two are lucky to have each other AND your little Kim lol. Blessings to you and your family, Johnny. Rob too lol
For me, my easiest 10/10 has to be Star Ocean: Second Story. Hoping they bring it to PS5! (seeing as though they brought SO1 to PS4
I'm so let down that SO2 isn't on PS4. They'd have the entire Star Ocean series on PS4 if they just released that one.
@@ForeRunnerODST Yes! I was sure that they would release it on PS4 after releasing SO1. Unfortunately not though. Hopefully they bring it one day. By far the best one!
Traitor To Heaven not the entire series, star ocean from the gbc which was only in japan
Star Ocean is 10/10 for sure. Great pic.
It's such a shame the only Star Ocean we can't play on PS4 is the best one! I too am hoping it become available on any current gen console soon
Oh man. I came to this video after watching your review of dragon quest iv from 12years ago!! Crazy you vid have so much more energy now! Love it😄
I am SuperDerek and I approve of this list. Well done, John! :D
I think one rpg that’s extremely underrated is Legend of Dragoon. Great story, great gameplay, great cinematics, great sound. To this day I think about it as much as ff7.
The Trails of Cold Steel hype shirt! I'm gonna start Cold Steel 3 soon since I've owned the Collectors Edition for a while now. Just needed to beat Sky and Trails From Zero/Azure first.
Been listening to the soundtrack without context for a year though and damn, I don't think any soundtrack gets me more energized and ready to go. Might be my favorite soundtrack ever and I haven't even played the game yet lmfao
I really loved Super Mario RPG, legend of the seven stars. It might has been my first RPG (at least that i can remember) and it blew my mind as a kid. 10/10 game.
Also, bring Geno to smash
Super Mario RPG is so underrated. It was really great. I think it's overlooked because it doesn't fit with the standard Mario narrative of the time.
He is in Smash, kinda.
@@fernandozavaletabustos205 I know! He wasn't there yet when i wrote my message :P
Was my first RPG too, never played anything like it before that time renting it. It blew me away.
I had almost forgotten that one! It was a fantastic game, and I actually really liked the artstyle (that most of my friends who has played it at least seem to dislike). I really want Square Enix and Nintendo to collaborate on another Mario RPG, that would be so cool, or a remake of Super Mario RPG, I would take that also =P
Chrono Cross is my 10/10. I don’t remember what prompted me to buy it, but it was my first real RPG experience. To this day, it still has my favorite characters, and the party building remains best-in-class.
I preferred the first chrono trigger ! For the art design and story was a lot better
Cross wasnt bad, it wasnt good, certainly didnt deserve the Chrono in the title. Only thing that let me down more than Chrono Cross is diablo 3.
Grundy Haha I like Diablo 3 as it’s my first Diablo game. What I don’t like though is how much it looks like WoW.
@@busterspark4410 yup. They removed the gothic aesthetic and made it colorful and boring.
Diablo 2 still holds up.
Grundy at least the next Diablo game going more so returning to the Diablo 2 style.
I'll just drop names that resonate the most with me when I think of what made me as the gamer I am today, in order of play :
- Grandia : I don't think I'll ever find one playthrough not memorable. I try to not play it too much tho. I know one day I'll just have to let it go but for now it's my go to game whenever I feel lost in my life.
- FFX: means so damn much to me. I so wanted to become a guardian too and protect the ones I love. I love Tidus to death no matter the criticism over him. He's just a lot like me. A big mouth, touching weirdo that still has A LOT to learn about relationships but that has the biggest heart and gets hurt very easily. Also Yuna, what a caracter...Wandering Flame is probably the best think I've heard in my life. So thank you Mr Hamauzu.
- Baten freaking Kaitos (come back to us seriously : same art style, same composer, same mystical and haunting ambience etc). Finished Origins last year...disapointing...
- Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories (GBA version ofc. The beginning of it all for me. I played this before 1 and 2. And 2 before 1 xD. Didn't ruin the experience at all for me though, it strangely made it better than if I just followed Sora's adventure from the beginning. It kept me playing these games in parallel alternatively until I understood them all)
- Golden Sun 1 : I think it's one of the games I played the most as a kid, over and over again. Fun fact : one ex of mine was and still is a fan of this despite her not playing RPGs anymore since like 10 years ; only MMOs and competitive shooters. That shocked me when I learned it. I don't find the game perfect at all but it just sticks to me. The 2nd one is hard for me to get into.
- Final Fantasy Tactics Advance : I've played the other ones and loved them equally or better but this one is just very nostalgic to me. 11/10 game for me certainly. The story is just incredible to follow as a kid. You just can't get enough of it. Also Ritz: we still love your big forehead and white hair !
- MH Unite : can we call Monster Hunter an RPG ? (it really much feels like one for me in the scope and schemes of things). It's the only game that made my mother actually worried (and mad) about my supposed video game addiction. Played it for months and months day and night with my brother : after and during school, under the blanket at night, heck even in the cave so my parents wouldn't spot us when we were prohibited from playing our PSPs x). I still can't believe I did that. No game has even come close from that level of power it had on me,
- FFXII: to me the best FF in terms of lore building, world building, dialogues, art, music, and gameplay. Having the chance to wander around the world of Ivalice in areas that big and detailled is a solid enough reason for me to give it a 10. Just a dream came true since I played Tactics Advance. We'll never get games like this again.
- DQ8: bought it with FFXII. Loved it equally. I still think to this it has the best old school rpg gameplay to date from my experience. way too much to say about this game. It left me in awe from start to finish. Can't believe this was made for the PS2, especially when you're flying or wandering around that big open world.
- Xenoblade Chronicles : vertiginously GOOD. It's the only game I couldn't wait for my parents to go out on week-ends evenings to plug the Wii onto the big TV in the living-room to play it alone in the dark. I was going through a lot of hardships that year back in 2012. Definitely the worst year I've ever lived, period. Was in highschool getting demoralized and discouraged by some teachers, skipping classes regularly because the pain and shame was too intense, my parents were not going along well (and that's an understatement); I started detaching myself from my little brother with whom I spent my whole childhood growing, as he was too childish, intolerant and spoiled for my taste ; and it's the year I understood what it meant to love someone for real and lose it. Never really happened to me since to that level of loss. That game led me through all that sh**. I can't thank the devs enough for creating this piece of art. And that music...special mention to the end credits Epilogue by Yoko Shimomura that definitely put and end to my soul. I cried so much that night I finished it. I didn't wanted it to end. Now I hope the Switch ACTUAL epilogue is worth it. I bought the game, I just don't have the console yet (waiting for the next switch).
- Persona 3 Portable : yes, the portable version. It didn't bother me at all. I even liked the fact that it didn't have any load times thanks to my PSP being cracked. I didn't know what Persona was at all back then. I even struggled with the beginning of the game. I really didn't like it at first. The first hours were so freaking weird, filled with uneasiness and way too vague for a "tutorial". I kept restarting my playthrough because I couldn't remember the whole story after a while, until I decided to actually finish that damn game (also this comment should end soon). I finally found a way to progress easily through that game and even got the chance most of the 10 rank S-Links on my first playthrough, which is important cause you want to know how each story ends. It's just a matter of paying attention to the game's schedule a lot and read every thing with care. Anyway, that game blew me away. It was a bresh of fresh air from FF and KH and co. That ending destroyed me too. It stuck to me for weeks after that. I still remember how hollow I felt when...that thing happened, for those who know.
- FFXV: yes another FF. What can I do about it, I didn't play much of them but this one my god. The good overcomes the bad for me and that ending is to me, the whole purpose of what the devs made us do in the game. I just played the base game because I couldn't bare going back to the thick of it and do the DLCs. I wanted to do them but they marketed these so badly...I was disgusted and still am. I might give it a fair try again someday but for me, the base game is an emotional masterpiece and a hallow world (even though it makes sense lorewise).
- Persona 5 OG : still have to finish Royal. Not uncommon to see it on people's top list but it really deserves its place due to the lackluster generation of JRPGs we got last gen. I won't enumerate the strenghts of that game, every one knows about it. One thing I'll say is that, despite the story having pacing and credibility issues, you'll probably won't notice it as you progress through the game for the first time. It's so well executed that you'll just believe every thing the game throws at you. And boy that scene and that Persona God (won't say which one) during the last battle...I remember the feeling of my chest actually cowering, bending over to the rythm of that epic as hell music, as it pulled the trigger and restored world order. I felt I was part of history and for that alone, Persona 5 takes the JRPG crown of this gen for me.
I would've played LoH Trais of Cold Steels trilogy (now quadrilogy) if I did finish Trails in the Sky 1st to 3rd chapter back then on PSP. I just didn't have the time to I felt but for the little I played, it was addictive. Definitely will get back to it someday.
Now since then, there hasn't been one RPG that stuck to me that much.
The games I prefer nowadays are still narrative driven but not RPGs necessarily.
I'll admit I still have a lot to play from the old era of RPGs. I missed out on way too many of them.
I love seeing Johnny’s passion for Phantasy Star
Can't blame the guy, the game really is a masterpiece.
Great video. For new games I’m gonna have to say Witcher 3 and BOTW are my favorite and for old games it’s KOTOR on my original Xbox
Suikoden was and is one of the best JRPGs ever made...still have the Gregminister music in my head. My favorite is Skies of Arcadia closely followed by FF7.
Skies of Arcadia is my all time favourite to
Great video! I really like that you're always so excited and happy. You seem to be a very nice guy. My favorite RPGs ever would be: Eye of the Beholder II: The Legend of Darkmoon, Lands of Lore: The Throne of Chaos, Diablo I, Alien Logic, Ravenloft: Stone Prophet, Might and Magic VI and VII, Baldur's Gate II, Final Fantasy VII, Fallout New Vegas, Skyrim, Dragon Age I, The Witcher 3 and Bloodborne.
YS VIII (I fell in love to this game), Fire Emblem Three Houses, Final Fantasy Tactics ( I don't know why we don't have a new game), Final Fantasy 8 (my first RPG), Persona 5 and Dragon Quest 11
Three Houses I didn't like the Harry Potter school stuff, prefer Awakening's straight up map. Ys 8 is awesome, although I have not played an Ys game I haven't loved. Dragon Quest 11 is pretty good, but kind of played it safe, but does everything one could want in a traditional RPG, it just nails it.
Persona 5 huh...is that the only one you played? I noticed that's a trend with persona
There is a Final Fantasy Tactics War Of The VIsion game on mobile and I like it alot, but prepare to spend on Microtransactions with that game lol
Ys is soooo underrated, loved FE3H as well!
@@bioboost12 yes was the first I play
Mario rpg and chrono trigger are definitely worthy of a 10. Legend of dragoon and ff12 will always hold a special place in my heart.
My 10/10 overlooked/underrated RPGs:
The Shadow Hearts Trilogy
The Wild Arms series
Parasite Eve 1&2
Brave Fencer Musashi
Rogue Galaxy
Radiata Stories
Magna Carta: Tears of Blood
Wild ARMS, Legend of Legaia, Legend of Dragoon...basically alll of the PSX RPG's
Chrono trigger
Lufia 2
Star ocean 2
Suikoden 1 - 3
Earthbound
FF6/7
Skies of Arcadia
All must plays.
Suikoden 3 is a no from me
Xenogears, Xenosaga, and Chrono Cross
@@enjirube1 that's too bad. It's a great game if you can over look the super annoying travel.
@@cagnazzo82 "I'll take what are the 3 most overrated ps1 games for 200$ Alex".
Glad you enjoyed em tho! Lol
@@mattgrundy27 I own it and I played all chapters when it released. I just don't think it is a 10/10 personally.
Secret of Evermore, the one rpg that stump me so bad I had to call the squaresoft hot line for a glitch that ruin my main save file. Luckily I had other saves then I also got the strategy guide for it back in 97'. Still one of my all time favorites.
Final Fantasy Tactics. i played that game so much in high school. For me, that's a 10/10. That is in my top 5 for games that need a sequel! a new FF Tactics game would be so amazing on the switch. pre-ordered my grandia hd copy from limitedrun.
They made several FFT games but none that I would say is a proper sequel to the first one.
I agree though. So many great memories with the original!
Ok I'm done. Didn't hear about Grandia being released as a physical version and of course it had to be by Limited Run so no change of getting it now. I hope I don't have to pay over 300 for it.
Is tactics really an RPG though? I'd consider it squad based strategy, in the vein of Fire Emblem or XCOM. Don't get me wrong, I love it, but it doesn't have the traditional heavy story or character building of RPGs.
Final Fantasy Tactics is my favorite game of all time.
Legend of Dragoon, Lunar 1 and 2, Chrono Trigger, Dragon Warrior 3, Dragon Quest 11
You're channel is such a breath of fresh air compared to all of the disingenuous and depressing content on TH-cam. Thank you!
Heck yeah, Johnny. Your videos are always rocking. Keep up the good work, my man.
Kiseki hype with that T-shirt. Just finished Cold Steel 3 myself a couple days ago.
When I saw the Juna shirt I know we were in for a good one
That ending though 👀
What were some of your biggest takeaways/questions/moments from the ending
Wow I really like your Top 10/10 RPGs List!! Thanks for bringing in the memories. Im so glad you mentioned Suikoden.
No western RPG's? Baldurs gate 1/2, Elderscrolls, Divinity series, etc? There are some great games out there.
Recently played Ultima IV (free on GOG) and was VERY surprised. At first I was like "ew wth is this" but after turning off sound and digging into the manuals and struggling a bit to understand just what was the point, it turned out to be very rewarding and maybe the most unique RPG I've ever come across.
@Silent Word one of my favourites.
Awesome video Johnny! I bought the Grandia HD collection last year, your video reminded me to play it! Played Grandia 2 but never the first one, glad I am experiencing it now :) keep up the great videos!
Mine :
- final fantasy 3 (snes)
- secret of mana
- final fantasy 7
- dragon quest 8
- persona 5
- chrono trigger
- ys 8
Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy VI, Dragon Quest VIII, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Legend of Dragoon, Persona 5 are 10/10 RPG's for me.
Dark Rose Valkyrie is one that I really enjoyed recently..fairy fencer F was well!
As for 10/10 lunar series on the SEGA CD, Silver star is fav of all time, eternal blue was another masterpiece!
Good list and good too see Kim !
It’s cute too see you two geek out over Persona with matching jackets love you guys
Souls Series, Persona 5, Nier: Automata, Super Mario RPG, Divinity 2: Original Sin, Undertale, Xenoblade Chronicles X, Pokemon Fire Red... all the good stuff
I agree with everything but xenoblade chronicles x. That games more like a 8/10 for me
If you like Xenoblade, checkout Xenogears for the PS1, but good luck finding an Original copy!
No smt?
You nailed it with Suikoden. I remember flying through that game because of the pacing, which had a lot to do with the engaging combat and intricate story.
So many great titles to choose from, my personal best are:
Skyrim
FF 7
Octopath Traveller
Fable 1
Good list. Skyrim was groundbreaking. Fable 1 was such a fun and comical adventure. FF7 was gamechanging and epic. Octopath Traveler was had a distinctly artistic aesthetic and amazing soundtrack
Glad to see some love for Octopath... excelent game
I'm sad Xenogears didn't make your list but I'm happy you put a short snippet of the intro video for it in the beginning of the video. Xenogears is my fav JRPG of all time, I'd kill for a remaster but let's be frank that will never ever happen.
I’d sat Dragon Quest XI S is a 10/10 and I’m a little surprised you didn’t mention it.
@@dedecoVGMDJ 1) It looks fine. 2) It will be on PS4 and XBO soon, so relax. 3) It IS the best way to play the game.
the pc port is great as well, i was surprised at how well made it was.
I must be in the minority bc I wasn't too impressed with the game. It was good but felt kinda bland to me. I played on ps4 and didn't play post game if that means anything
@@Pooter2323 It was my first Dragon Quest game and made me a fan. After it I started playing the older ones. Now I’ve played them all except for 7, 9, and 10.
@@EPS5000 it was a good game but imo it's not anywhere close to the level of games like Persona 5 and Final Fantasy 7. I'd rate it a 7/10.
I'm not the biggest RPG fan, but Phantasy Star 4 is my 10/10 RPG. I love nearly everything about it. Great presentation and music. I love its quick pace as well which I think is a big part of why I like it so much. Great game.
skies of arcadia is probably the most unrated 10/10 rpg people havent heard of. it's got flying pirate ship battles and air pirates
I'm late here but I couldn't miss the opportunity to say, how good you are making reviews. Every time there I watch one those videos like this one, I immediately wish play all games mentioned even if I played before.
And please, keep talking about Phantasy Star aways. ♥️
To me Ni No Kuni 1 and 2 are 10 out of 10’s.
Also the entire Kingdom Hearts series just so much love for that series especially KH2
@@mathieudeforge9787 oh for sure playing Birth By Sleep remastered especially if you play it before KH1 is so much better, i recommend everyone play through kingdom hearts series in chronological order at least once, gives you such an appreciation for the lore and characters. With the collections it's never been easier.
Tell yahtzee that 😂
I think Kingdom Hearts has gone completely downhill starting with Dream Drop Distance, followed by 0.2 and topped off with a glorious shitshow in KH3. Horrendous writing (story overall, but also general dialogue) and lackluster worlds that didn’t get the same love and attention as KH2. I could go on but I’m realizing it’s ruining my mood just thinking back on it.
Also, recently replayed KH2, and that game is not as good as I remembered. It’s 2 minutes of gameplay followed by cutscenes CONSTANTLY. Nostalgia really made me think that game was incredible, but it’s just fine. It doesn’t have the charm of the original, just a better gameplay and story/lore expansion, which you don’t get to do a lot since the game keeps interrupting you with cutscenes. I’d say Birth by Sleep has aged the best when it comes to blending story and gameplay well. Might just be the best one, don’t know, but KH has really commit seppuku. What a waste of a franchise, a great concept with a horrible execution.
@@turanx0 very well expressed, although KH1 was my personal favorite by far. KH2 had too many cutscenes and the combat was too assisted. Every KH since has abysmal writing, it's a disgrace. It was such a great concept that was executed perfectly in KH1, but has been really disappointing since
Ezequiel Hernandez // Yes, KH1 has probably the most magical opening in all of gaming. That theme song, that dark tutorial, contrasting to the “light” Destiny Islands, kids talking about visiting other worlds. There is a constant magical and mysterious vibe going on and it’s beautiful. Then the hooded figure appears and warns Sora. The island gets nearly destroyed and on the other side, we see the mysterious King Mickey disappear. Weird, dark and outright magical stuff is happening through excellent blend of Square-Enix and Disney. A lot of love and care has been put into that game and it shows. I have a bigger appreciation for the first game after revisiting KH2. Birth by Sleep and KH1 stand the test of time easily.
Also, KH1 has one of the best box covers of all time. Possibly best one.
Sonys playstation was a massive hit in Japan and was marketed like crazy in the west.
We all knew it was going to be The console, even before it hit stores. Good times.
Panzer Dragoon Saga and Shining Force III all scenarios are 10/10 for me.
Living in the US, I had PSN magazine.
A subscription ad came INSIDE the original PlayStation box! I signed up and got issue 1 soon after with details on FFVII inside.
Has to be Secret of Mana, we are of similar age Johnny & I can remember using the multi-tap on the SNES with some buddies when it came out, it was a game changer 😍
This has to be my #1 RPG ever made for the exact same reason you mentioned it. Multiplayer was insanely unique in an RPG at the time, and it really created some special memories.
I dunno why but I always felt it was more of an Action RPG like Zelda, so I never think of this game when thinking of RPGs
Just found out your channel and had to subbed. Love you style of review and really chill man !
Xenogears, EarthBound, Ys Books I & II
Good to see Kim back. Fun way to introduce her. Congratulations on your new baby. Never get tired of you talking about the great Phantasy Star. Great Video.
Personally i liked Xenoblade Chronicles 2 more than the first one...(even more if you put Torna) Both of them are fantastic Jrpgs though.....
agree 👍
Im with you, i started with xc2 though, played the first with the definitive edition, but the blades in xc2 makes me like it way more, and i thought the combat is more about strategy with the 2nd
Same! I prefer to exclude Torna from the discussion, because 1 didn't get a paid expansion like 2.
But yeah both of them are absolutely wonderful experiences, that everyone who likes JRPGS should play.
(Ending of 2 absolutely wrecked me as well ;-;)
I thought the XC2 ending was kind of a cop out in the handling of Pyra/Mythra. Also much of the grinding was tedious, and the boss battles were all like humanoid characters with blades, no diversity or surprises in boss battles. Can't throw a giant brute of a monster like a dragon, spider, etc. So when leveling arts, anything specialized in monsters, I felt like wasted my time.
1 had better characters and story, 2 had too much fan service and boobs
Good to see you making these fun videos again Mr. Millennium. Lol
Some 10/10 RPG games that stick out in my mind that weren't on your list are
Borderlands 2 (FIRST PERSON SHOOTER, RPG GENRE)
OCTOPATH TRAVELER
FF 10
&
ZELDA- A LINK TO THE PAST