Skies of Arcadia Legends wins the poll

[pepharytheworm]

I am currently playing Crusader of Centy - gens and am about to beat it so I need help picking my next rpg to tackle. I am looking for a game that doesn't run over 80hrs and has a great story with lots of charm. After looking at my backlog of rpgs I narrowed it down to 10 to choose from. So help me out guys, you can pick two options in this poll, and let me know why I should play the games you selected. Also let me know which one you wouldn't recommend and why.

[Ack]

Hmm...of those presented above, I could pick more than two, but I selected Breath of Fire III and Xenogears. We've expostulated quite a bit on why Xenogears is awesome in these forums more than once, though it does have certain issues...but still worth playing.

As for Breath of Fire III, it's easily one of my favorite PS1 RPGs. I adore the art style, the characters were likable, the storyline charmed me, and the music was great. Though I've beaten the game, there's an unlockable section at the end where you continue on with your characters at the same level, with more new things to do in the world. I would go back and just wander around because I liked the game so much. Seriously, absolutely worth playing, if not next then soon.

As for other choices...Lunar 2 is considered excellent. I also really enjoyed Star Ocean 2, it's my favorite of the series. But there is A LOT to do, so you can easily go over 80 hours.

[chupon]

I assume you've beaten Lunar 1 since it isn't on your list. I'd say take on Lunar 2. It's got great music and really fun characters. I really got sucked into the Lunar world back then they came out on Sega CD.

Xenogears should be played someday. It's a must play.

BOF is a great series, and BOF III is awesome,but in my opinion there is better out there.

Lunar 2
Xenogears
BOF III

[Myollnir]

I'd say BoFIII as well, that's a firm favourite of mine. It's the best of the series for me (the one where they got it really "right"), with some really unique gameplay touches, a pretty absorbing storyline and a different but suitable soundtrack. Plenty of side stuff to do as well, not as much as say FFIX but still has good replay value. I also went for Secret of Evermore, it's pretty good once it gets going. There are better RPGs in that list but that is one that can easily get overlooked. I found the whole alchemy system pretty good and a departure for a game which otherwise sticks to the Secret of Mana blueprint.

[swiftzx]

I'd say Tales of the abyss, since the tales series are under appreciated and ff4 since it was the only portable game.

[lisalover1]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. PLAY. TALES. OF. SYMPHONIA. Hold off on Abyss, and get this Gamecube masterpiece. It's not on the list, but it should be. It's an absolutely fantastic RPG with an addictively engaging battle system, a delightful story, nice, semi-cel-shaded graphics that the Cube is well known for, and voice acting that most RPGs can only dream to achieve. If you rush through the game, it will take you about 40+ hours, but that kind of time doesn't do the game justice. Symphonia is famous for its side-quests that can easily bump the game up to about 80 hours, at least. And don't forget one of the most awesome features of the game: Multiplayer. 4 people can play the game at once, which makes battles infinitely more fun. The special attack system is even cool; your character learns new abilities based on the type of abilities they use most. I could talk about this game for hours; I could talk about the awesome bosses, the neat optional cutscenes, or the seemingly endless side-quests and bonuses, but I'll finish this before I start a huge multi-paragraph ramble-fest. You have to play this game. If you like action RPGs, or even just RPGs, you need to play Tales of Symphonia. You will not regret it. When I first saw the game in a store, I was deciding between Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles, and Tales of Symphonia. Out of curiosity, I asked the store clerk if he preferred either one, and the overwhelming response was Symphonia. I bought the game, and honestly, I wish that clerk was still working there, so I could thank him.

[MrPopo]

Xenogears like everyone else has said. I put in a vote for FFIV as well. I noticed that you'll be playing the GBA version. If you're doing this on an emulator I'd recommend you get the European version instead of the US version. The US version has a bug which essentially makes enemies act half as fast, which trivializes a lot of the fights. If you already have the US cart then I'd switch my vote to Star Ocean.

[pepharytheworm]

How Tales of Symphonia is awesome............................

Although I appreciate your enthusiasm, I have already beaten Tales of Symphonia a while back.

@ Mr Popo
I am not emulating anything, these are all games I actually own and will play on the actual hardware. I own the US FF IV so you can be the first to vote star ocean.

[lisalover1]

How Tales of Symphonia is awesome............................

Although I appreciate your enthusiasm, I have already beaten Tales of Symphonia a while back.

@ Mr Popo
I am not emulating anything, these are all games I actually own and will play on the actual hardware. I own the US FF IV so you can be the first to vote star ocean.

Oh... well, then, Tales of the Abyss is pretty good, too.

[Crystalis]

If you liked Lunar 1....

Prepare to love Lunar 2.