Best Place for a New RPG Player to Start

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23 Dec 2002, 10:21 AM
Yoshi

Best Place for a New RPG Player to Start

Mrs. Yoshi has recently shown interest in giving the RPG genre a shot. Up to this point, she has pretty much exclusively played console-style adventure games like Tomb Raider and PC-style adventure games like Gabriel Knight.

I wanted to get the board's opinion on what game is the best place to start. The best choice would be easily accessible for someone unfamiliar with the genre, but it should also have up-to-date graphics, as I don't want her to be turned off by the look alone. Does anyone have any ideas?
23 Dec 2002, 10:33 AM
Timber

Suikdoen

best RPG series, if she can't get into them she won't like RPGs.
23 Dec 2002, 10:37 AM
Frogacuda

Grandia II might be a good starting point. Not overly complicated, but not overly simple, and pretty easy. Or maybe something like Seiken Densetsu 3,
23 Dec 2002, 10:45 AM
Viper

Dark Cloud's worth at least a look. Certainly no classic, but still a fairly easy to get into, mildly Zelda-esque, and unique RPG with its own charm.
23 Dec 2002, 11:17 AM
Kidnemo

Final Fantasy X without a doubt.

Graphics - Check
Sound - Check
Very smooth learning curve - Check

It also does the best out of just about any RPG of really explaining how to play the game, which will be good if you're just getting into the genre.
23 Dec 2002, 11:28 AM
JMET

FF7 on PSX is easy to pick up and my favorite since FF2.....
23 Dec 2002, 11:34 AM
xS

Persona :Eternal Punishment...if she likes Lovecraftish stories.
23 Dec 2002, 11:35 AM
K3V

Come on now - everyone knows that Final Fantasy Mystic Quest is the "Beginner's RPG".

:lol:

-Kevin
23 Dec 2002, 11:37 AM
Despair

Well, Here are few choices for her:

I know that you not big of FF series Yoshi ;), but she could have give a try to FFX, which is very good game.

Suikoden series is also very good, with great storyline, lots of characters and things to do.

Shadow Hearts - If she likes darker stories, give this a try. Mix of horror and rpg, with cool characters, and interesting story.

Valkyrie Profile - Cool rpg based on North Mythology, with awesome 2D graphics, and good story.
23 Dec 2002, 11:38 AM
Kidnemo

Quote:

Originally posted by xS
Persona :Eternal Punishment...if she likes Lovecraftish stories.

Quote:

Originally posted by Yoshi
The best choice would be easily accessible for someone unfamiliar with the genre, but it should also have up-to-date graphics, as I don't want her to be turned off by the look alone.

Even if you loved the theme, I think either of the Persona games released here would be a tough pill to swallow if you're stil coming to terms with the genre.
23 Dec 2002, 11:42 AM
xS

@_@.....ok
I think Skies of Arcadia would be good then.
23 Dec 2002, 11:44 AM
Despair

Yeah, Skies of Arcadia is a good rpg to try, if you just a beginner.
23 Dec 2002, 11:59 AM
JMET

What about Super Mario RPG? :)

I havent tried Paper Mario...
23 Dec 2002, 11:59 AM
NGEFreek

Ys Book I and II
Ys 3: Wanderer's from Ys
Ys 4: The Dawn of Ys

That's all you need.
23 Dec 2002, 12:18 PM
Yoshi

Quote:

Originally posted by Despair
I know that you not big of FF series Yoshi ;), but she could have give a try to FFX, which is very good game.

I am trying to keep my preferences out of this. Otherwise, she would be given either Lunar or Grandia. ;)

Quote:

Originally posted by NGEFreek
Ys 4: The Dawn of Ys

Let me add one more criterion: The game must be in English without pirating it...
23 Dec 2002, 12:22 PM
NGEFreek

Does PSO count in this case?
23 Dec 2002, 12:23 PM
OmegaFlareX

Quote:

Originally posted by Xeno Gigas
Suikdoen

I can't reccomend these games to a RPG newbie. You'll likely cringe at the amount of playable characters (over 100 in the first game). Don't overwhelm yourself. Stick with something simple like Skies of Arcadia (wait for the GameCube release!). Later, if you're looking for an awesome, blow-you-away story, you must indulge in Xenogears (PS1).

Honestly, some of the best RPGs are in the pre-PS1 era. If it turns out you like RPGs, you'll do yourself some good by looking into those someday.

Also, give the Dragon Quest/Warrior series a try. I know that 99% of the members here hate it, but you never know. Just start with the first game (Dragon Warrior, NES, not the SFC or GBC remake) and work your way up from there. The games' charm might grow on you like it did me.

EDIT: How could I forget the Lunar remakes? Amazing, charming, full-of-personality games. Definitely try both.
23 Dec 2002, 12:23 PM
Blaze

Paper Mario: There's fewer 'things' to worry about.

And the game still looks great, IMHO.
23 Dec 2002, 01:02 PM
Tsubaki

Quote:

Originally posted by Yoshi
I am trying to keep my preferences out of this. Otherwise, she would be given either Lunar or Grandia. ;)

Lunar might actually be a good starting point. It's basic enough, has a lot of the stock RPG elements, and although it has a cool position based battle system which makes it better than 90% of the genre, it's not heavily complicated or anything. Good pick.

Grandia, OTOH, is more of a "hardcore" rpg, so I don't know if it would fly.
23 Dec 2002, 02:17 PM
Victrix

Rhapsody or Paper Mario. *shrug* My gf played through them both, but it sounds like she enjoyed more mature pc games, and most console rpgs are decidely immature in plot and characters, so I dunno.
23 Dec 2002, 02:21 PM
Dyne

Quote:

Originally posted by Yoshi
I am trying to keep my preferences out of this. Otherwise, she would be given either Lunar or Grandia. ;)

Let me add one more criterion: The game must be in English without pirating it...

yeah lunar can also be a damned hard game tho if your not patient enough to get those 3 extra levels to cast a certain spell one more time. id say wild arms. i never played the 2nd/3rd but the 1st was pretty easy to get into. i think the sphere grid might get in the way of FF10. im not calling the mrs's stoopid but if shes just beginning it might be a bit overwhelmming.
23 Dec 2002, 02:26 PM
sleeve

As deeply as I adore Valkyrie Profile, I would not recommend it to a first-time console RPGer. It's far too abstract and experimental for a novice to enjoy.

Honestly, I don't see how she can go wrong with one of the Grandias. And no matter what her preferences eventually turn out to be, eventually she'll want to try FFVII so you might as well recommend that one.
23 Dec 2002, 02:55 PM
Doug Branches

I'm glad to see Final Fantasy X not getting completely bashed for once. I too love that game

I would suggest Super Mario RPG, very fun game and easy as hell to get into. It was one of the first RPGs I ever played and I had no problems getting right into it. One of the best games on SNES IMO
23 Dec 2002, 02:59 PM
Will

Skies of Arcadia is a perfect start, then go into Grandia 2 or vice versa.
23 Dec 2002, 03:00 PM
Frogacuda

Quote:

Originally posted by sleeveboy
As deeply as I adore Valkyrie Profile, I would not recommend it to a first-time console RPGer. It's far too abstract and experimental for a novice to enjoy.

Agreed. It's an awesome game, but probably one ofthe least accessible for beginners, and even veterans.
23 Dec 2002, 04:14 PM
sggg

Add another vote to the Skies of Arcadia and Grandia piles. :)
23 Dec 2002, 04:19 PM
Tain

Panzer Dragoon Saga was the first RPG that I could stand enough to play through, and it was far from difficult.

*shrug*
23 Dec 2002, 04:47 PM
Six

Quote:

Originally posted by Kidnemo
Even if you loved the theme, I think either of the Persona games released here would be a tough pill to swallow if you're stil coming to terms with the genre.

I found Persona on the PSX a rather tough pill and consider myself at least learned in the ways of the RPG. Not saying I didn't throughly enjoy them, just found them rather difficult and confusing.

I agree with FFX (so far, just playing though it myself) and if she can stomach some "vintage" graphics check out my personal favorite FF4 US. I think it's a good introduction to some basic principles of the genre. Those and Grandia II.

Yeah.

#6
23 Dec 2002, 04:51 PM
Omni

*suprised that FF9 hasn't been mentioned*

FF9 seems like a good place to start. Not overly complex and good enough to hold her attention.

Then she can play FF7 and go on and on about how much better it is. ;)
23 Dec 2002, 04:58 PM
piku

I would go for either Super Mario RPG or Final Fantasy 7. Both are relatively simple and absolutely fantastic.
23 Dec 2002, 05:35 PM
MrKasualUltra2000

Quote:

Originally posted by xS
Persona :Eternal Punishment...

HELL NO!!!!

Go for Skies of Arcadia.
23 Dec 2002, 05:38 PM
Jeremy

Legaia 2 is a fantastic RPG for someone new to the genre. The graphics aren't anything special, but the gameplay is easy to learn and the story is easy to follow.
23 Dec 2002, 05:40 PM
Tracer

Valkyrie Profile, Morrowind, Neverwinter Nights, Star Ocean 2 and a 'traditional' FF3 on SNES. I would also say Ultima 4 and 7 (both amazing). The whole series is great, but you want to start those 2 are the best I can conjure.

ºTracer
23 Dec 2002, 05:46 PM
Shinji

I agree about FFX. I'm sure she'll dig the love story, and like Tidus(I know I did), plus the ending will bring a tear to her eye(I cried......so what?!) Also, let her try Suikoden III; I'm playing through it now. Great game, and easily has some of the best character designs in an RPG. Wild Arms 3, although good, is kinda flawed. Graphics are neat-looking, and the story is pretty good, so I guess you could try that one.
23 Dec 2002, 06:29 PM
FuryFox

Yeah, FFX was my ex-girlfriend's favorite RPG, and I was in the same position you were (in fact, I made a thread about this very thing) a while ago, trying to find stuff to get here into gaming without turning her off of it.

The story has some genuine sad/romantic/touching moments, the graphics are phenomenal, and it's not that tough to play.

ps: Despair, stop hawking that Shadow Hearts game. It is awful. I had my girlfriend try that, since I hear it talked up so much on this board (mostly just from you, I think), and it was in all ways regrettable. The time she spent on that game almost killed her interest in the genre, and I can see why.
23 Dec 2002, 07:10 PM
Satsuki

A good basic RPG that doesnt seem boring whatsoever?

Tales of Destiny. That is one great game, and if you are an RPG fan and havent played, go play now! rawr! But it's also good for a begginer I'd say, the storyline is great, the characters are fantastic. The battle system is way more interesting than turn based, too!
23 Dec 2002, 07:15 PM
MechDeus

Yoshi: What sort of stories and style does she like? Would she be more towards an interesting story that is perhaps off the beaten path or something completely bland and typical?

A perfect one is Okage: Shadow King. It's cheap (probably $15 new at Best Buy), funny as hell, fairly easy, and nice and goofy. Good stuff.

Going by what I've encountered of the general female populace, I'd say FFX. The horribly crap-ass writing is just cheesy and sappy enough that many females would probably enjoy the pathetically contrived main characters and setup thanks to it being a love story. It's also gaudier then a drunk French fashion show gone horribly, horribly wrong, so she might be entranced by the bright colors as well (even if they all look like they still need their parents to dress them).

I would Skies of Arcadia, but she might get annoyed at the large amount of random battles. FFIX is great, great stuff is you enjoy the traditional look of console RPGs, but I'm not sure how she'd take to the battle system.
23 Dec 2002, 07:25 PM
Freeter

Quote:

Originally posted by xS
I think Skies of Arcadia would be good then.

She'd be torn to shreds at the beginning.

Go with Lunar. And Star Ocean 2.
23 Dec 2002, 07:29 PM
Despair

You know Apokryphos? Whatever.

I loved it, and think it pretty decent game. Its not my problem that your gf didnt like it, especially since its not your regular rpg. Some of the people here do like it, so I'm not alone.
23 Dec 2002, 07:30 PM
Sqoon

Screw up-to-date graphics. Give her Earthbound and make her day.
23 Dec 2002, 08:00 PM
kabuki

http://www.ebgames.com/ebx_assets/pr...ges/231114.jpg

January 28th in the US !!
23 Dec 2002, 08:20 PM
FuryFox

Quote:

Originally posted by Despair
You know Apokryphos? Whatever.

I loved it, and think it pretty decent game. Its not my problem that your gf didnt like it, especially since its not your regular rpg. Some of the people here do like it, so I'm not alone.

Hey, I tried it too, and I hated it. But, I have no problem with you liking it...I just think it's amusing that you advocate it any time rpgs come up, since love it or hate it, it's definitely not a rpg for all tastes.
23 Dec 2002, 08:22 PM
Omni

Quote:

Originally posted by kabuki
http://www.ebgames.com/ebx_assets/pr...ges/231114.jpg

January 28th in the US !!

Yet another game that you can all buy for me. :D
23 Dec 2002, 10:26 PM
taloony

Quote:

Originally posted by Apokryphos
Hey, I tried it too, and I hated it. But, I have no problem with you liking it...I just think it's amusing that you advocate it any time rpgs come up, since love it or hate it, it's definitely not a rpg for all tastes.

I agree here. Not the game for one just starting out. I wanted to like this game sooo much. It's design just oozed style. However, it did not play the way that it looked, at least in my mind. :cool:

As a starter, Skies is definitely a good one, though I don't much care for it otherwise. I'd also go with Lunar: SS, and perhaps one of the FFs, maybe IX.
24 Dec 2002, 03:22 AM
Prometheus

Super Mario RPG for SNES

It has Yoshi in it so Mrs. Yoshi will love it. My favorite RPG of all time. And will also be hers!
24 Dec 2002, 04:11 PM
japtor

(coming from someone that doesnt play rpgs much)
any clue if she minds random battles? personally i cant stand them at all anymore. RANDOM BATTLES = SPAWN OF SATAN.

so ill agree w/super mario rpg (and paper mario i guess, never played it but heard many good things about it). did anyone mention chrono trigger yet? another one of the few rpgs i got into.
24 Dec 2002, 04:19 PM
Tsubaki

Quote:

Originally posted by japtor
(coming from someone that doesnt play rpgs much)
any clue if she minds random battles? personally i cant stand them at all anymore. RANDOM BATTLES = SPAWN OF SATAN.

Which is why my vote goes to Lunar: SSS.

Quote:

so ill agree w/super mario rpg (and paper mario i guess, never played it but heard many good things about it). did anyone mention chrono trigger yet? another one of the few rpgs i got into.

For CT, the ATB and combined attacks and all that stuff might be a little overwhelming.

I totally agree with you on random battles. They were fine a long time ago. Or maybe they weren't. But ever since Chrono Trigger showed us RPGs didn't -have- to be that way, I've been pretty disappointed that very few RPGs followed its trend.

If you're looking for some great RPGs where you can see the enemy, try out Earthbound, Lunar 32 bit remakes, Grandia 1 + 2, and the first Growlanser.
24 Dec 2002, 05:12 PM
Shinji

I second the notion for FF9. It's light-hearted storyline would be perfect for a girl that's just beginning. Also try Grandia(the first one), and Lunar:SSSC. Or maybe you should try the RPG that got many,many people into RPG's in the first place:FF7.
24 Dec 2002, 07:34 PM
mid-Ship

Secret of Mana
Chrono Trigger
Final Fantasy 7
24 Dec 2002, 11:50 PM
Yoshi

I am thinking Skies of Arcadia Legends is a great choice. I never played the DC version, so I could play it at the same time she does so that if she gets stuck, It will be fresh in my mind. Thanks for all of the help, guys.

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