Which PS2 RPG?

[Xeogred]

Let us know what you think, I've definitely wanted to get those above others sometime soon.

[mobiusclimber]

As others have said, Suikoden 3 & 5 and Shadow Hearts are the best of the bunch. I liked the story of the first SH game better, and the gameplay of the second better.

I wouldn't recommend playing SMT: DDS 2 without playing the first one first. It was one long continuous story and while it's possible to follow along, it's not really recommended. (And if playing that long of an RPG doesn't sound appealing right now, set it aside and wait until it does.) Speaking of the SMT series, I'd recommend Devil Summoner. Very fun action-y game with a lighter story than most SMT titles.

I would avoid Xenosaga like the plague unless you enjoy spending more time watching a movie than playing a game. The gameplay isn't even terribly compelling.

I'd also suggest (just as good PS2 RPGs, for when you beat SH): Ar Tonelico 1 & 2, Sakura Wars, Wizardry: Tale of Forsaken Lands... and some good action-RPGs like Bard's Tale and Baldur's Gate Dark Alliance.

[Xeogred]

I'd like to argue MGS4's movie segments are longer than anything in any of the Xenosaga's.

I've never seen long cutscenes to be much of an excuse to hate stuff, but if you're not liking the other aspects of the game then yeah, I guess it doesn't help.

[kgcarini]

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[Xtincthed]

Breath of Fire for me.. i have all the SMT games, but never really got into them
I love jrpg's in gameplay style but the settings of these just don't do it for me