Is any RPG truly Bad?

[o.pwuaioc]

^ I totally understand. There are a lot of games that I played as a kid because it was what I had, and even if those games aren't great, nostalgia still makes them awesome.

That was smrpg for me, and then ff7. I would not argue that ff7 is the best, or even 2nd best ff game, but purely from nostalgia, its my favorite.

Not to totally derail the topic, but I have a special place in my heart for FF9. I don't even like JRPGs very much, but, I had it as a kid and I still like it despite the genre didn't really grow on me.

That would be the ff I would argue to be the best, and for me personally, one of the best games ever made. The music is soooo good, and fits the environment perfectly. ok, I have to stop. I could go on about that game for hours

I'd place it right under FFIV, although it sure gives it a run for its money. Love me some FFIX.

[dunpeal2064]

You make me want to play iv again. Only played it once like 10 years ago

[o.pwuaioc]

You make me want to play iv again. Only played it once like 10 years ago

Do it. NOW!

Seriously, awesome game! I try to play it about once a year.

[nightrnr]

You make me want to play iv again. Only played it once like 10 years ago

10 years? You're definitely due for a replay.
My next play of that will have to be the DS version, but the SNES version will always be king to me.

Dylan mentioned earlier about the time investment being the reason sub-par RPGs are dropped. I totally get that, but I think FAQs and maps can alleviate some of that for certain games.
Take the NES version (and maybe PC version) of Ultima: Exodus. I consider a guide for that game a must. If you played that like any other RPG, enemies would become so tough, you'd be screwed.

[brunoafh]

I've been meaning to give FF IX another go like... since High School. Gotta get on that sometime.

[dunpeal2064]

Hmm, was it 10 years ago? It was right when the GBA version came out, because that was the one I played. Pretty sweet that they allowed you to form your own party at the end, and the bonus dungeon was nice.

So, I guess I have played it twice, because I played it on the psx as well. I remember that version being nice and tough, so I'll probably make that the one I play through.

I actually don't think that I could pick a favorite FF. They changed it up so often in their hayday that I find something I really love about a lot of them (4-10)

I am actually in the same boat as the OP and brunoath in that I will more than likely enjoy something. I may still end up comparing it to my favorites in the genre, but even if it doesn't hold up, I most likely still enjoyed it.

Oddly, I could not get into Chrono Cross no matter how much I played it (finished it with what had to have been one of the worst endings, since literally no ending appeared)

I think it was that each character didn't feel unique enough. I really love an rpg where each character has fixed skills, or where there are job classes. Probably my biggest gripe with 7 and 8 (only the limit breaks and weapons set the characters apart), and probably why I love both 6 and 9 to death. I think 6 did it best. Espers to equip that will customize each character both in abilities and stats, yet character abilities that only that character could learn, most of them being really cool abilities.

Gah, I feel like I am derailing. Apologies

I've been meaning to give FF IX another go like... since High School. Gotta get on that sometime.

Do it! NOW!

[dsheinem]

the OP makes me dizzy...

Yes, some RPGs are "truly bad" if we are using the labels "bad" or "good" to have any significance. They are terms we use to rate and compare, and so if you strip them of their meaning and power you may as well stop comparing altogether.

At this point you may as well just ask "is any video game bad?" or "is any movie bad?" "is any album bad?", etc. Once you start giving something allowances as "good" simply because it might entertain someone for some portion of time, you aren't really being critical at all...

[o.pwuaioc]

I've been meaning to give FF IX another go like... since High School. Gotta get on that sometime.

What dunpeal said. You know how FFIV is our fav, right? FFIX really entertains.

[dunpeal2064]

Ive never seen a soundtrack match so well with a game as ffix. When I think of Treno, so much comes to mind that its like I have been there!

[nightrnr]

the OP makes me dizzy...

Yes, some RPGs are "truly bad" if we are using the labels "bad" or "good" to have any significance. They are terms we use to rate and compare, and so if you strip them of their meaning and power you may as well stop comparing altogether.

At this point you may as well just ask "is any video game bad?" or "is any movie bad?" "is any album bad?", etc. Once you start giving something allowances as "good" simply because it might entertain someone for some portion of time, you aren't really being critical at all...

I knew I was going to run into this.
But look at the reviews on RPGFAN, for instance. I rarely see an RPG rated at under 50% (which really should be a luke-warm/room temperature standard), and even under 70% is uncommon. I think RPG players look at games a little different that the average gamer.

I understand and even agree with what you're saying though. I really shouldn't say "Bad" or "Good" anyways. It's way too subjective and impossible to prove. But I usually like to judge things (especially older games) on their own merits.
Then again, I love comparison/contrast reviews.

...you're right, I am dizzying...

Finally, I think I might even be attracted to games that are considered "bad". I think to myself, "Really, how interesting; how awful can it possibly be?" And I usually end up liking it for what it is.

Conclusion:
I'm Nightrnr, and I like games. Be skeptical of my reviews.